Here we are...a new quarter started off with a BANG!!!! Congratulations to our new mommies-to-be...Angela, Kim, and Andrea!! Best wishes for a healthy 9 months to all of you! http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/liebe/love-smiley-073.gif


Suzi: On BCP, ER tentative for May 4th!
Carla: ER tentative for May 4th!
Kerri (Kaybee711): On BCP, retreival in May!!
Vyonne Rousel: Starting next donor cycle, check on 4/10 for go ahead on next cycle!
Dana: New donor, cycling late May/early June
Kristen: Cycle dropped, waiting for post-cycle consult on 4/21
Judy: :angel: :angel: 12/08/05; FET - ET on 4/12
Dawnie2: donor cycling in May!!

Sarah: :bfp: beta 11/21 :pteddy:
Angela (angCTRealtor)::bfp: beta 2/28 TWINS!! :yippee: :yippee:
Kimberly (Goo): :bfp: beta 3/29! Waiting first u/s.
Andrea (ykmama2bemaybe): :bfp: HPT 4/3 :woo: (Now you need to change your user name! :nod: )

Howdy! Finally my group! IVF next month! Eek! I am already on BCP in preparation.

Just subscribing...Hoping and praying for the last time (for all of us)

Me (briefly): One son, Owen concieved through IVF. He'll be three in August. DX: Poor Egg quality (high FSH). We had a failed donor egg cycle in December. We've found a new donor and will be cycling again late may/early June. :ura1:

Okay...I think I got everyone. If I missed someone (sorry in advance!) please post and I will update!

Here we go ladies...let's keep the good ju-ju going! :lol: :rotflmao:

It's nice to see a new group start with such happy news!

Amanda

:bullhorn:May the chain of luck :crossfing continue for all of us cycling next :awink: ... and happy/healthy 9 months :thumbsup: to all the mommies on their "sweet wait" :knitting:

One for all, all for one... :grouphugg

Vyonne

PS I just love our family :hb:

Andrea- I missed your fabulous news! Congratulations!

Congratulations to all the mommies to be! I have been reading your posts for the last month or so and have found you all to be so inspirational.
My husband and I are just beginning the process and needless to say, I am extremely scared. We are going to try IUI before moving on to IVF but have heard many negative things about it. Mainly, that it is a waste of time.Have any of you had any experience with IUI? Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Meg

Welcome Meg! :welcome:

I do not have any experience with IUI (we went straight to IVF) but I can unequivocally say that IVF is NOT a waste of time. I'm sorry that you have heard so many negative things - it is certainly a roller coaster and you have to be prepared for it...but if you have such a FINE group of ladies such as these for support ( :biggrin: ) it all goes a WHOLE lot easier!! :nod:

There are several around here with IUI experience...I'm sure they can hook you up with info! Best of luck with your IUIs...stick around and let us know how it goes, will you?

Meg- :welcome:! I don't have any experience with IUI, but I know that IVF has been quite successful for many women, especially on this board. I recently had a setback in my IVF cycle and without the knowledge and support of Suzi,Vyonne and the rest of my friends on this board, it would be a lot harder to get through!! So, welcome! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that IUI works for you!

Meg, Hello and :welcome: I´ve had experience with several IUI attempts at the very beginning of my search for a baby, but unfortunate with unsuccessful results. What my RE told us (me and DH), was that it was a less invasive procedure and by far less costly. Therefore, he suggested it would be good to give it a few tries and see. It did not work for us, and due to my age, became very impatient, so we decided switching to IVF. Also, I have a lot of other IF friends that decided not to "waste time" (in the sense of much lower success rates) with IUI and go straight for IVF, mainly because it gives you a much higher % of success. If your age is not an issue, and you think you have a little time to spare... why not, give IUI a few tries, but if that bio clock is ticking :eek: , I´d move to IVF quickly! No matter what your choice of treatment, I wish you all the success and know that you can always count on us :nod:

Vyonne

Hey Ladies :wavey:

I have been doing quick "check ins", but I haven't had time to post. :tearhair: I don't want to go back to the old thread so. . .

Andrea~Yee Haw!!! :ura1: CONGRATULATIONS:pteddy::bteddy: I wish you 9 months of health and happiness and then an eternity of that afterwards. :bighug:

Thanks for updating the thread Suzi and I hope I can hang with you guys for a while. :shuffle: I was nearly in tears these past few days having convinced myself that I wasn't pregnant anymore. I felt absolutely normal and had wished that I at least felt tired, or hungry, or nauseous. Just this morning, I felt the tiniest bout of nausea hit me. . .or was it just my imagination? :scratch: Anyway, it made me feel a bit better. :crossfing I'm so glad that I asked for the additional bloodtest. I'm confident that very soon, I'll be able to enjoy this experience. . .it's what I've dreamt about for the last 6 years afterall. My fears and memories of the past are simply getting the best of me right now. Once I'm feeling more confident about everything, I'm going to be speading so much baby dust around that you'll all be choking. :lol:

And yes, MAY THIS THREAD CONTINUE THE TREND OF :bfp: :pray:

Kimberly

Meg, I have several friends IRL who have done IUI and IVF and they prefer IVF to IUI. They feel that IUI is a much bigger "crap-shoot" since you never know if the egg is fertilizing. WIth IVF however, the egg is fertilized and placed in the uterus...can't get much more sure than that! :lol:

In our news...today Chris is completing the 4th of 4 SAs. Our RE decided that it might be a good idea to have frozen sperm just in case we end up with a sample like we did last IVF. Now instead of use the best they can find, they can opt to thaw the samples and see if they get anything better to work with. Sounds logical to me so I'm all for it. :aok:

I am still taking BCP...Lupron starts in 6 days. :eek: This is really coming up fast!

Kim, hang in there...it'll pass, I PROMISE!! I never had a single PG symptom...no sore BBs, no million trips to the bathroom, no nausea, no NOTHING. THere were days I would've KILLED to have a symptom just so I could quit checking the TP for blood every time I peed ( :secret: I know you are checking! :lol: ). But I promise that after several weeks the journey to your PGY will seem like it was a lifetime ago.

Kim, hang in there...it'll pass, I PROMISE!! I never had a single PG symptom...no sore BBs, no million trips to the bathroom, no nausea, no NOTHING. THere were days I would've KILLED to have a symptom just so I could quit checking the TP for blood every time I peed ( :secret: I know you are checking! :lol: ). But I promise that after several weeks the journey to your PGY will seem like it was a lifetime ago.


Suzi~Whew. That's so good to know. :bighug:

Meg~I've had both IUIs and IVFs. When I had first my IUI, it was about 9 months after my miscarriage and the Dr. suggested it as a "boost" to help me along. Of course, I still didn't get pregnant. I agree that if your biological clock is ticking, you might as well (if you can) jump to the IVFs. I have had a few friends get pregnant via IUI but they had similiar pluses on their side, they were young and had very low FSH levels.

Kim

Meg --

Welcome!

You are probably asking a rather biased crowd because most of us are in some phase of the IVF process, often because we did IUI & it didn't work. I did do a couple of IUI cycles, but with no success. I agree with what everyone else has said. If you have the time, it doesn't hurt to try (since it is much cheaper & less invasive.) However, if the clock is ticking, you might want to skip it & go straight to IVF. You really just have to do what feels right for you!

-- Carla

:wavey: everyone!!

Thank you Suzi for keeping us all going and keeping track of everyone!! And wow lupron in a few days - everything will start flying soon!

Kerri - its your group!!! :ura1:

Kim - I know its hard to relax definitely - I felt great and was a wreck the first tri because I thought I should feel awful! Glad that 3rd beta was scheduled to give you the touchpoint - I think its especially hard after a cycling and all the constant touchpoints then bam. Keep enjoying as much as you can!!

Welcome Meg - I had 6 IUI's all unsucessful - though I very much agree with Carla's point that we're all a little biased.

I go tomorrow for a lining check so my fingers are crossed. I feel pretty calm about this cycle (I say that now - wait for the TWW) and I am optomistic! Love having all the BFP's before me!!

Meg- All of my IUIs (countless) were unsuccessful. I have no idea why anyone would tell you that IVF was a waste of time. Obviously it was the IUIs that was a waste of my time!

Judy- :crossfing I won't give you the countdown again! :lol:

Thank you so much for all your advice and such a nice welcome. I apologize for not being clearer in my first post. I had heard that IUI was a waste of time, not IVF. I have had many friends that have been successful with IVF. One just gave birth to a little girl in Feb. I live in Texas, so of course IVF is not covered by ins. So I am trying to figure out what is the best way to go. I have an app. next week, so hopefully I can get the ball rolling in one direction or another. Again, thank you so much for your welcome. You all are just a wonderful bunch of ladies!
Meg

Judy, It is sooooo weird... yesterday I posted a message to you, I swear I saw it on my screen:woa: and today its gone!!! Oh well, anyway, I was saying that I would have EVERY finger crossed :crossfing for your lining check today :nod:. I now exactly what you mean about the 2ww wait... I think that is the most nerve wrecking of all the steps :pullhair:. My thoughts and prayers are with you for this FET cycle, sweetie :hug99:

Suzi, Wow! time is flying... best luck with everything :bighug:

Kim, I hope as the days go by, you are more at ease with your NEW and wonderful stage in life :nod:. I want you to start spreading so much baby dust... so I get some... even if it chokes me :lol:

Well, on my end, my RE moved my appointment to Wednesday the 12th, ´cause from AF I still have some spotting :complain:... in a few more days I´ll now for sure if I can start my next cycle :pray:

Vyonne

Welcome Meg to our group.

Kim- Hang in there that beta is coming soon.

Suzi - how is everything coming along.

Vyonne - Sorry that they had to change your appointment.

As for me I am only going to delay about two weeks, to let DH get use to the idea of being home. It also helps that he is home since his job always give him a hard time about taking days off - and he only takes three through out the whole thing.

1st for SA
2nd for retrieval
3rd for transfer.

I hope to be sending out the paper work in two weeks and hope to start by the end of the month.
Baby dust all.

Dawnie-Hopefully you get to start at the end of the month, I'll keep my prayers up for you and your DH. Kinda bites that his employer gives him a hard time on the days off, its not like he's taking a year off!

Vyonne-Crossing everything that your check goes great and you get to start soon!

Suzi-Your wonderful to keep our thread going! Time sure is flying by for you! Before you know it wil be retreival time! Glad to hear Chris is Going to have 2 SS for them to choose the strongest swimmers for your upcoming cycle. I know I was freaked that Mikes wouldnt come out ot the thaw well and He would have to do the TESA again! It must really be a relief for you.

Kim-Did you get your 3rd BETA results yet? I went today so I cant wait to get our first results! Dont worry about the symptoms or lack thereof, mine (sore boobs, peeing and all that) started to go away to, and I was worried so I called and they said its normal for some people to get over the drug induced symptoms and that everything is probally fine.

Judy-Fingers crossed that your lining is in great shape and your totsicle is Sticky Sticky! Big Hug Luv!

Kerri-Not long now Luv and you'll be cycling! I know that it cant come soon enough! Praying time flys by for you and you get to share your good news soon!

Welcome Meg! Sorry we have to meet under these circumstances but you came to the right place for support and info. We were never IUI candidates so I cant give you any advise on that, but we did just have our first IVF and even though it was expensive it was well worth it! One thing to check if you havent already is how much of your drugs are covered, it can make a big difference in the total cost. Hope your appointment with your RE gives you some answers and you can get rolling soon!

Well its been a stressful couple of days as my DH is now officially on strike. THis couldnt have happened at a worse time as we just spent all our savings on our cycle, but we are still happy to be pregnant (BETA results expected this afternoon). No symptoms of being pregnant yet, but I'm told that its really early yet and the symptoms I had before are probally from the drugs. According to a IVF calculator we are 4w1d pregnant! I'm having a hard time believing that we are finally pregnant, I keep thinking I'll wake up and it'll just be a dream! Well gotta go back to work, I'm have to walk past the picketers and it makes me want to puke!

Take care and Baby Dust wishes!
Andrea

I just wanted to post my 3rd beta test numbers. . . .5,796! :banana: I feel a million times better now.

I'll get back to you all later today. . .gotta run to an acu appointment.

Kim

:woo: Kim!

Andrea I hope your DH gets back to work soon.

I just wanted to post my 3rd beta test numbers. . . .5,796! :banana: I feel a million times better now.

AWESOME!! I'm so glad you did the third beta - now you can start to rest a little easier!!

Thanks for the lining wishes everyone! It was 9.7 today but didn't have the tripplestripe - am I wrong to be freaked about that? I guess I still have 4 days (I said I was calm about this didn't I :crazy: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)) maybe I should be happy its over 8? Anyway we are on for Wed and I will be spending some quality time with my moxa stick in the mean time to see if I can improve anything.

Kerri I think you need a count down to your cycle!! btw I can't access your journal anymore as my sub ran out and I miss you!!


Kim - Wonderful third beta!! That should help until you go to find out how many bubs you have brewing!

Vyonne - :pray: that everything is back on track for you and for future sucess with your cycle!!

Andrea - So sorry about the strike hon - I hope it ends soon and you can both fully enjoy the pregnancy.

Kristen - what a bummer they give him a time about the days. Its so hard balancing everything. DH works with family and he had to tell them what was up even though we didn't really want to just to explain the absences.

Hope everyone is doing really well!!!

Dawn-I hope that you'll be able to start your cycle in a couple of weeks, I know that waiting is tough!!
Kim- Those numbers are GREAT!:ura1:Hopefully now you'll be able to enjoy the experience without all the worrying!!! Take good care of yourself!

Vyonne- I'm sorry that they had to move your doctor's appt. The wait is very frustrating! But soon you'll find out that you're good to go and you'll be cycling again! Maybe we'll be cycling together?!

Andrea- I'm sorry that your husband is on strike!! Hopefully they'll be able to work things out QUICKLY!

Suzi- You're almost there! I'm so excited for you!

Kerri-I'm glad that it's finally your group!

Nothing new here, I'm just waiting for my appt with my RE.

Judy- We just crossed posts, so I didn't not congratulate you on your lining. 9.7 is great! I'm not sure about the triple layer, as I didn't get that far in my cycle, but I'm sure someone here will have some insight on it!! Have a great weekend!

I feel a bit lighter on my feet. :heee: It kind of makes me chuckle now how I had truly gotten myself so worked up. I was convinced that it was over. :disbelief

Meg~I meant to welcome you before. . .:wavey: I wish you much success and that your stay here is short but sweet.

Vyonne~Waiting, waiting, and more waiting. :tearhair: Does it ever end? I wish you all the best on the 12th. :crossfing

Dawnie~Here's hoping that April will go by quickly for you and you'll be on your way soon.

Andrea~Did you get your beta results yet? I'm so happy for you. :ura1: That's a bummer about DH. Hopefully, the strike won't last too long and the employees will get their needs met in the end. . .I'm so happy you have some good things happening to balance out the bad news of the strike!

Judy~I'm not familiar with that term. . .what is tripplestripe? Also, in addition to estrogen, what would you use to increase tripplestripe?

Kim

Kim I may be scrambling the term but I am talking about the triple layer quality of the endometrial lining. From what I understand if the lining shows 3 separate layers it is considered optimal. I think that estrogen is the only thing that would help and I will still be taking so I think it could stil develop.

Its official we are pregnant:ura1: :ura1: !!!! Our BETA results are in and we are at 125!!!! Even though we did the HPT this makes it real! Thanks for the sticky vibes, prayers and well wishes it worked! Plus DH got a job with one of his old employers today for the time being, so at least he'll have a wage coming in. I to am wishing this wont carry on for long, if it does there are jobs all over the world in our areas so we will be ok.

Kim-Awesome ######s! So glad everything is going great for you!

Judy-Good Lining numbers but I'm in the same boat on "What is tripplestripe?"

Kristen-Hoping when you meet with your RE things go great for you!

Dawn, Hope you get started by the end of the month as you wish. my thoughts & :pray:s are with you, hon :bighug:

Andrea, Thanks sweetie, I sure hope so :crossfing
So happy to hear :bullhorn: it is official :rahrah: It is wonderful that your DH got a gig... that´ll make things a bit easier. Hope very soon he gets :pray: a great new job :hug1:

Kim, I want to soon follow in your footsteps, so the :angry2:waiting STOPS!!! Thrilled with the news of your 3rd excellent beta... Okay, I´m gonna say it: I don´t know why... but I have (again - and was right before) a funny feeling you´ve got two in the oven :lol:!!! Oh hon, I am so incredibly happy with your happiness!!! Start enjoying the blessing of your pregnancy at full charge :hug99: and start spreading all that baby dust you threatened us with before:lol2:

Kristen, I know... the waiting is so frustrating :pullhair: I take this as a test to my patience and I just hope to have some hairs left on my head, by the end of it :lol: Hopefully next Wednesday, I´ll get the "green light" :pray:. Thanks for your good wishes :nod:. I hope that for you things start to move quickly too, and we can be cycling buddies :hug1: Lots of :crossfings for us both!

Judy, Great to hear you had a 9.7, that is awesome :aok:. I know exactly what you mean about the triplestripe, cause my RE used to always look for that on mine u/s. However, he said it was optimum, but not necessarily indispensable... so relax and lets hope for the best. Also, you may get your triplestripes in the next few days! My thoughts, :hb: & :pray:s are with you, for a great transfer on Wednesday :hug99: STICKY THOUGHTS DOLL :crossfing

Suzi, And the count down continues :woo:

Vyonne

Hi everyone, finally decided to post after reading all of your conversations for a few days now. I just wanted to let you all know that even though I haven't spoken to any of you that you have helped me through one of the longest 4 days of my life. A little on my story, I am at the end of my 2nd IVF cycle. I get my HCG on Wednesday so of course I am as nervous as can be. I was very fortunate on my first IVF attempt by becoming pregnant but then in the 6th week I miscarried. This is our final try, I am 35 this year and hubby is 40 and not only that but 30K is a lot to spend in a years time on trying to conceive.
It is weird b/c i feel kinda preggo with the boobs and all, but in my mind I feel that I am not preggo at all. I think that I am just trying to prepare myself for the worst.
Anyways, I wanted to say hi and to wish everyone luck in whatever it is that theya re trying to achieve.

Welcom Chrystal!!

Positive thoughts for you!!!

Chrystal - I'm sorry for your loss. Any loss is heartbreaking, but one after infertility seems even more so.

I'm happy you decided to out yourself. The two week wait is hell. I know every symptom I have from achy boobs to a broken nail convinces me I must be pregnant. The next second, the exact same symptom makes me sure that I am not.

I wish you the best of luck with your upcomming beta. :crossfing: Keep us posted.

Chrystal, :welcome: and happy you decided to join us... and so glad we could be of help in disguise :aok: I am so sorry about your previous loss... its never easy :blue:. Have faith and try to keep the symptoms away from your mind (I know its very, very hard, but it can drive you :silly:)... the 2 ww is always the worst :rolleyes: Sure hope you get a BFP on Wednesday :crossfing

Vyonne

Welcome Chrystal!! You really have joined an amazing group of women!! Positive sticky vibes your way - Hang in there.

Judy - good news on the lining!!

ANDREA!!! So happy for you:ura1: :ura1: I hope your DH strike ends soon!!
Kim that is an awesome third beta - so so happy that your long wait is finally over!

Suzi - Your almost there!

Thanks everyone for being here it has been a really trying time all around. Things are finally starting to slow down.

Lots of baby dust to everyone!!

Dawn

Judy~O.K. I understand. My clinic would refer to it as something like the "spongy layers" they like to see. . .yes, very technical they are. :awink: I hope that the estrogen does the trick. :crossfing:

Chrystal~Welcome. I am so very sorry for your lost :sadhug: and I wish you all the best for your upcoming results. :crossfing. This is a great group of women. I don't know what I would have done if I didn't have this community as a resource. :grouphugg

Okay, I´m gonna say it: I don´t know why... but I have (again - and was right before) a funny feeling you´ve got two in the oven :locolaugh . . . .and I mean that in a good way.


Kim

Sad day :cry: Looks as though my levels started to rise but fell again. I will see the Dr. on Thurs. and we will look into other alternatives. Thank you all for the warm welcome though, I felt a warm feeling when I read everyone's messages to me. Thank you for caring.

I am trying to be ok with this but no matter how much I told myself that I wasn't pregnant, I still was hoping that they would say that I was. I honestly don't think that I can do this again. It stinks to have to go through all of this to have a child when some people can accomplish it so easily.

Chrystal, I am so sorry. I hope you can find a way to build your family. :hug99:

Crystal-I am so sorry your levels dropped. Take care of yourself and know that we are here for you. :hug99:

Chrystal, So sorry to have to undergo yet another disappointment. I know the road of IF is a tough one, but know that you can count on all of us for support. Sometimes, when we think our last door has closed... another one opens! I wish you all the best in achieving your dream :sadhug:

Kim, Oh, you are so cute! :kiss:

Vyonne

Chrystal :hug99: thinking of you.

Chrystal, I am so sorry :hug99:

Chrystal -- I am so sorry to hear your news.

Chrystal~I'm so sorry. :sadhug:

Kim

Morning everyone - just a quick stop by to ask for your positive thoughts today. I can't believe its today!! Seems so soon!! I will get a call from the lab around 8:30 to 9 telling me if we are defrosting ok. I tend to think we'll be fine as we are looking for one but I have my fingers crossed! I'll go to accu at 9 and from there to the clinic check in at 11 and FET at 12.

I also told the nurse I was obsessing about the stripe :shuffle: She is a saint and looked back through my previous cycles she noted that the last 3 IUI and 2 IVF the triplestripe for me appeared the day of trigger but wasnt there before so apparently I am a late bloomer :lol:

I'm sorry Chrystal.

Judy - Sending the stickiest vibes for you!

Amanda

Judy :crossfing

Ooops!! Almost forgot that Lupron starts today...Chris already left for work so I guess I'll have to start the fun without him! Here I go!!

Judy~I'm sending you all my best and postive thoughts for a good thaw. .:crossfing :pray:

Suzi~Yay Suzi. :rahrah: :banana:

Vyonne~Thinking of you today. . .:sunny:

Kim

Chrystal-I'm so sorry about your loss. :sadhug:

Judy-I'm sending sticky thoughts your way!!

Suzi- Yay for starting your Lupron!!!!

Vyonne-Hoping your appt. today goes as planned!!

Andrea- CONGRATS on your official BFP!!! I'm so glad your husband found work. I'm sure that's a load off your mind. Now you can savor every second of being pregnant!! I love your ticker, BTW!

It's been a little over a week since my cycle was cancelled and I'm feeling much more optimistic about trying again. I really hope my RE has some insight about my lack of response to the stimulating drugs! I turn 38 in June and I think that since 38-40 year olds are usually lumped together in the IVF stats, its really stressing me. I would much rather fall into the 35-37 range because the numbers look so much better. I know that I'm not a number, but for some reason I've always been a big fan of statistics!

It's been a little over a week since my cycle was cancelled and I'm feeling much more optimistic about trying again. I really hope my RE has some insight about my lack of response to the stimulating drugs! I turn 38 in June and I think that since 38-40 year olds are usually lumped together in the IVF stats, its really stressing me. I would much rather fall into the 35-37 range because the numbers look so much better. I know that I'm not a number, but for some reason I've always been a big fan of statistics!

I'm glad that you're feeling optimistic again. :hug99: I know it sometimes take a while, but when it comes back, it's Oh so nice. My clinic was a bit different regarding the age clumping. Pre-40, everything was AOK and it was "just a matter of time" before I became pregnant. It was simply a "numbers game" and they were willing to keep trying the IVFs. I was glad about that. At 39 1/2, I was still told that according to paperwork, etc. I still had a good chance of concieving. I kid you not, it must have been 2 weeks after my 40th birthday, I was told that my journey with IVFs had come to an end and that I should adopt. :disbelief

Kim

Good luck Judy! I already read back that you did well but lots of wishes for a fast and easy almost 2WW!

Suzi- Good luck with the lupron. I found out today that I will be starting my Lupron in about 3 weeks or so. We won't be that far apart!

Kristen-Glad to hear your looking forward to your next cycle. Dont stress being a stat, it's only a number. Praying the next cycle they have all the kinks worked out and you get your BFP! Thanks for the well wishes as well, I hope to be congratulating you soon.

Suzi-:ura1: The count down to ER is here! Hoping you get lots of Excellant quality mature eggs, and a BFP in May! Saying a new Novena for you and the group!

Judy-Sticky, Sticky Sticky Tot Prayers coming your way Luv!!!!! Praying for your upcoming BFP!

Kim-How did your U/S go?

Well the only new news is they want us to do our U/S between the 24th and 28th, I think I'll go in on the 27th cause apparently we may be able to hear a heartbeat around then....Man I hope so!!! Its so exciting. DH is ecstatic and cant wait for me to get home so we can go to the doctors office to p/u the order form. Sometimes I think he's more excited than I am. I had to tell my supervisor today that I refuse to operate equipment (struck work) because I'm PG and he was fine with it. It was not a conversation that I wanted to do for another couple of months but this strike has kinda forced us to out our condition early. I dont mind but I kind of felt that I wanted to keep this close to us for a while longer.

Baby Dust Wishes

Andrea - I admire your willpower for waiting! I absolutely agree with a later u/s you have a better chance of seeing more but I think I would cave :blush1: Can't wait to hear- glad your supervisor took the news well.

Suzi - lupron already!! very exciting!!

Kerri thanks for checking on me wow I can't believe you start lupron in 3 weeks - yes I do need count downs to keep up :lol:

Kristen I am glad you are feeling more positive again. I understand your attachments to stats I am the same way but there are so many other things they don't take into account. Still I know that doesn't help when you are studying them!! :secret: I'm doing the same thing now with FET stats for 1 embie

Kimberly I can not believe they treated you like that!! :catfight: I hope you are feeling well and enjoying the pregnancy!!

Thanks Amanda and everyone for the stickly vibes. I'm doing all I can, resting, relaxing, accu. Our little frostie was 4 cells which has me a little worried as I am more comfortable in the 6-8 range but honestly I have no idea what is normal after a freeze. Frostie was rated B 5-25% frag Fair symetry so BF which my English RE calls Bloody Fabulous :lol: I actually think one of the boys had the same rating so the grading I am happy with as he stuck. Now I just need those 4 to keep going!!!! Trying to stay very positive.

Good luck Judy! :) (That's your name right Bloom?? :blush1: ) Hopefully your BF (Frostie) will turn into a BFP. :crossfing

Kristen - Glad you're feeling better about things!
Suzi - I can't believe your cycle is starting. Very exciting!!!
Andrea - That's great that you scheduled a sono!
Judy - Fingers crossed, sticky vibes!

Amanda

Judy- I I love that your Dr. said that your embie was "Bloody Fabulous" that sounds like a good sign to me!! I really hope your 2ww goes by quickly and that you're giving us the news of your BFP very soon!!!



I'm having a bit of a rough morning. My little sister told me on the way to work that her test came back positive. She's been having some medical tests run, so my heart lurched, thinking that maybe she had something really wrong with her. When I asked what the results meant, she said "that I'm pregnant, silly". I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. I am really close to my sister, but I'm so horribly jealous and devastated, I haven't been able to stop crying. If my cycle hadn't been cancelled I might be the one telling my parents they were FINALLY going to be grandparents. I've rehearsed it in my mind a million times. I really don't want to feel this way because I love my sister and I'll love my niece or nephew, but this is her FIRST month trying. We've been trying for over 6 years. How does that happen and how am I going to be able to get over this horrible feeling of jealousy and anger?

I'm so sorry to dump on all of you, but I really don't want to show this side of myself to anyone in my family (and they're my usual support system). I just needed to get it out.

Thanks so much for listening.

:hug99: Kristen. I'm sorry. :blue: You are absolutely entitled to your feelings and if your sister doesn't understand then too bad for her.

I told DH I would be pissed beyond recognition if his sister got pregnant before we did and he thought I was crazy. Well I did get pregnant and a month later she announced that she was. He didn't think I was so crazy then, because he said he was glad we got pregnant first and just knowing we might not have made him realize how important it was to him.

Thank you all, for your prayers and good wishes... it worked :ura1: my endo has improved tremendously, so I am scheduled to start Lupron or Zoladex (remember my horrible experience with it :owow: ???) on Monday April 24th :yippee: :clap: :rahrah: . I know it was not fully recovered, but I am blessed to know that at least we can work with it!!! I was petrified when I got to my RE´s office and he said: "Well, lets see if we call it quits or if we can get another chance at this". Thank God and thank you all for you good thoughts and prayers... I feel truly blessed, simply knowing that once again, God allows me to do another IVF/ICSI. I was so excited after I left the office, that I called a friend a we went out for a drink :toast: (That´s the reason I didn´t post last evening :lol: And the beat goes on...

Judy, So happy everything went well with the little Frostie! My thoughts and prayers are with you, sweetie :kiss: May those cells continue growing and growing and growing to give you a BFP :crossfing :pray: :nod:

Suzi, Oh boy! you are almost there hon! I´ll only be a couple of weeks behind you :hi5: My best wishes for all to continue coming along great :pray: and that you grow lots of good follies :hug99:

Kim, Is it time for your u/s yet? Can´t wait to hear the news :bighug: Thanks for your thoughts yesterday :sunny: Please start spreading all the baby dust you can... even if you choke me :lol2:

Kerri, Glad to hear you have a target date to start too!

Andrea, Can´t wait to hear your news on the 27th!!! I am sure that listening to that lil´:hb: will be beyond words... :hug99: All my best!!!

Amanda, Hugs and kisses for baby Jessica :suck: and Nathaniel

Kristen, I am so sorry that you are feeling so bad with your sister´s announcement... but that is a normal and very "human" reaction :sadhug:! don´t feel badly about your feelings :noqueno:, sweetie, we all go thru them at one point or another, while fighting so hard for a BFP. We all know how unfair things can be sometimes, but don´t let that discourage you... you know that in no time you´ll be cycling again and I pray that you´ll achieve that BFP we all chase after :nod:. And we are always here to give you a shoulder and to hold you on :hug99:

Baby dust to all... wow there are so many pregnant or about to be :ura1:

Vyonne

Kristen, I SO know how you feel!! It is not my sister but my SIL and it has put a rift in the family that will never be healed. Unlike your sister, my BIL/SIL did it for very ugly and selfish reasons and they did it BECAUSE we were doing our IVF cycle. They lost that baby (they knew keeping a PGY would be a longshot without her OBs support and he told her to wait 3 months, they decided to ignore him so they could have the first grandbaby of the family) but it was 4-5 months before I could even be around them without seething in anger that they risked hurting us so badly. Fast-forward 18 months later - when she had a 6 month old baby - and they did it to us again! Unfortunately we were not so lucky - actually, it was worse than that, I did get PG on the first try for our 2nd baby but I ended up having emergency surgery to remove my baby because it was ectopic. Now I have an 18-month old neice who is a constant reminder of the pain I suffered with losing my ectopic baby because she is exactly the age my baby should be.

I know ALL about the pain you suffer with that one... :hug99: to you - and feel FREE to PM me and vent if you like! ANYTIME! :hug99:

Kristen - yes your reaction was a very human one and I've been there too, not with a sister or family member but I know the feeling you are speaking of. Give yourself the space you may need and don't feel guilty about it. Its so hard to explain to someone that you are happy for them yet sad for yourself.

Suzi - I had no idea SIL and BIL had done that - I am so sorry.

Vyonne - Horray!!! So glad to hear your news!!!

Beverly thank you!! I didn't even make the connection that BF was most of the way to a BFP!! - and yes my name is Judy

:justahug: Oh, Kristen I can totally sympathize with how you must be feeling right now. I remember about 2 1/2 years ago at my best friend's wedding, where I spent the weekend dealing with med & shots in preparation for an upcoming cycle. :rolleyes: I also remember being quite anxious because I had already been struggling for a few years with IF and here she was getting married now and I was so fearful of her getting pregnant before me. About a month after her marriage, I was so happy to hear that she and her husband would be traveling for a while (he was doing a visiting nurse program) and so I knew she wouldn't be trying to get pregnant. This gave me some extra time and I even told my husband that I had to get pregnant before her because I'd probably have to jump off a cliff if she gets pregnant before me. Jump to last summer, soon after they settle for good in Vermont. Lo' and behold, after their first and only try, they got pregnant. I was devastated. She told me right away (like the same day she found out) and I got off the phone and fell apart. I couldn't even speak, I couldn't think, and the whole world clouded up around me. My husband was trying to talk to me and I just got in the car and started driving. . .to nowhere. I cried and cried and cried. I eventually came home with a pack of smokes (believe it or not) and I opened a bottle of wine and spent the rest of the night drowning my sorrows. I hadn't been that distraught since "my boyfriend break-up 20's".

I think the most difficult part is that you know in your heart that you are so happy for your friend/sister but yet you feel such immense sadness. Those feelings are so hard to shake and it's so difficult knowing that they're there.

Kim

Vyonne~Congratulations on the good news. :bighug: :woo: :banana: This is getting exciting. :yippee:


My U/S is this Tuesday, April 18th. I'm still hanging in there, taking it day by day. I think I would call my current behavior something like "reserved elation". :awink:

Kim

Kristen-I think we have all delt with the same feelings you are. It's really difficult to see others achieving easily what you want so badly to have and work so hard to achieve. I used to cry every time I heard someone was pregnant and it would cause a fight with DH because he wanted me to always be happy someone else was pregnant. He couldnt understand my anguish either, that it wasnt us. Thats what bothered me the most, it wasnt us and it sucked to feel as though it was never going to happen for us. All I can say is stay strong it will be you soon, dont let anyone say that your feelings are irrational your entitled to any feelings with regard to your IF issues. We are here for you always when you need a shoulder. :hug99:

Suzi-What asses your BIL&SIL are....:hug99:

Vyonne-:ura1: Excellant News!!!! Cant wait for your BFP news, the count down is on, hopefully you wont have a bad time with the meds!

Andrea

Andrea, Kim & Judy, Thank you for sharing my happiness... I still can´t belive in just a couple of weeks I´ll be on the wagon again:woa:! Andrea, I´m hoping I´ll get Lupron and not Zoladex (yikes!) :disbelief . However, just knowing God has granted me another chance... I´ll take ANYTHING and withstand ANY PAIN all over again, as long as I get a BFP :nod: . Thank you girls :bighug:

Vyonne

Vyonne- What FABULOUS news!!!:ura1:I'm so happy and relieved to hear that you'll be able to try again!!

Kim- Can't wait until the 18th! I want to know if we have one or two little beans!!

Thanks everyone for validating my feelings regarding my sister's pregnancy. I can't tell you how much you all have helped me through these very trying times.

Can't wait until the 18th! I want to know if we have one or two little beans!!

Well golly, by golly, me too!!! :heee:

Kim

Well golly, by golly, me too!!! :heee:

Kim

Count me in on that 2 bean hope!

Got a firm date for our ultrasound from my GP's office, the 27th it is! So I dont have to worry about caving and going early! They have me sched. for two tests but the girl I talked to sounded like she had her mouth full so I didn't understand what she was saying for the second test, and the sound of spit in her mouth was making me want to puke so I didn't press her for details...I'm hoping this isnt the start of MS or I'll have to increase my ginger tea consumption!

Love and Hugs, and Baby dust Wishes!
Andrea

Kristen, Thanks hon, it is indeed FABULOUS news :ura1: and I am still in denial it will be happening so fast! You´ll see how very soon, you too will be trying again :hug99:

Andrea, :pray: For a 2 bean hope for you too :hug99:

Vyonne

16 East 40th Street, 2nd Floor
New York NY 10016
212-685-0985
www.berkleycenter.com (http://www.berkleycenter.com/)


FREE CHAT

What: Elevated FSH & The Poor Responder: What does it really mean and what are your treatment options?
When: Wednesday, May 17th, 8:30-9:30pm EST
Where: From the comfort of your living room.
Who: Daniel Levine, M.D.

Dr. Daniel Levine is the Medical Director of SIRM-Westchester. A native of New York, Dr. Levine graduated from the State University of New York at Albany, followed by Medical School at the Sackler Medical School/New York Program of Tel Aviv University.

After Medical School, Dr. Levine completed a Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Montefiore Medical Center of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, followed by Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Cincinnati.

After his fellowship, Dr. Levine joined the OB/GYN faculty of SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, where he attained the rank of Associate Professor. During his tenure at Upstate Medical Center, Dr. Levine founded and served as the Medical Director for the Upstate University IVF Center.

Dr. Levine is Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

Dr. Levine's research and clinical interests include infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss and endometriosis. In addition, Dr. Levine has extensive experience and proficiency in advanced endoscopic and laser surgery. He is the author of numerous scientific papers and has lectured extensively at national meetings and conferences. Dr. Levine is also a proponent of the importance of adjunctive treatments and stress reduction in the treatment of infertility, and the importance of complete patient treatment.

As the father of two daughters conceived through In Vitro Fertilization, Dr. Levine brings a personal understanding of the physical and emotional difficulties encountered by patients suffering from infertility. It is his personal goal to empower his patients to make treatment decisions that will facilitate their dream of having a child.

How: Simply go to www.berkleycenter.com (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/www.berkleycenter.com), click on the link (12th up from the bottom) which reads, 'Ask the Doctors Now', register and go to the 'Live Chat' section seen at the upper right side of the page.

Suzi, I am so happy that you started your Lupron.

Vyonne - most excellent news.

Kristen, I had just found out that I could not conceive and both of my sisters annouced that they were pregnant within a month of each other. It was like they were in a club I couldn't join. I was so jealous. But I have 2 gorgeous neices, who both turned 3 this year, Brianna and Gianna if you could get any cuter. I also have 4 nephews. Chin up your turn will come.

Judy - Sticky vibes.

Baby dust to all

Dawn

Kristen, I had just found out that I could not conceive and both of my sisters annouced that they were pregnant within a month of each other. It was like they were in a club I couldn't join. I was so jealous. But I have 2 gorgeous neices, who both turned 3 this year, Brianna and Gianna if you could get any cuter. I also have 4 nephews. Chin up your turn will come.
Dawn
Dawn, I am so sorry to hear about the news on your two sisters, as I know you were counting on them to help you on your DE :sadhug: However, your courage on handling the situation is most admirable :nod: I will hope and pray that in spite of your sister´s pg, you will still find a great donnor, so that soon you can start a new cycle too. You have a big :hb: and a noble soul... and God will see that, I am sure! :kiss:
PS Thanks for sharing the happiness on my latest news :awink:

Vyonne

Vyonne,

Thank you so much - but my sister's are not pregnant now. You must have misunderstood this was about 4 yrs ago - both of my nieces are 3 yrs old now.

Dawn, Oops! I am sorry I misunderstood... now that I re-read your previous post... I see what you meant:woa: Brianna & Gianna are the result of those pregnancies :duh: In any event, your way to look at the whole situation and the fact you have such lovely relationship with your sisters, is still admirable! I am relieved and happy to know they still can help you on your Baby Quest :hug1:

Vyonne

Hi, My name is Emily and i am going to have IVF/ICSI. I am on BCP till this Sunday(4/16). Starting medicines next week. Probable ER is on 5/2 and ET on 5/5 5th. Right now along with BCP i am taking baby aspirin. From tomorrow i will be on Doxycycline too. Is there anyone out there with same schedule? Thanks.

Hi Emily! :wavey: Your schedule is nearly identical to mine! I also finished BCP today, I go for my down-reg u/s on Friday (21st), I start stims on the 22nd and retreival will be on the 4th (barring any differences from my last cycles). :yippee: So glad you are here...hang out with us and we can keep each other company! I wish you the best of luck!! :nod:

HELLO LADIES,

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!!! MAY WE GET TONS OF EGGIES :easteregg IN THE WEEKS TO COME :nod:...

WISHING YOU A LOVELY HOLIDAY :ebunny: !!!

XO,

VYONNE

Emily, welcome. I am also almost identical. I am on BC now, start stims on Saturday (22nd), with ER probably May 4th & ET May 7. Does that make 3 of us for cycle buddies? That's a lucky number!

Happy Easter! Ditto to Vyonne's wish for tons of eggs in the weeks to come!

Carla

Emily, :welcome:, you´ve come to join a great family here!!! I am also a May buddy... but my ET is more towards the end of the month. Its good you are taking your baby aspirin. Sorry to ask, but what is Doxycycline for :scratch:??? Best of luck in your cycle :crossfing

To anyone that was on PIO´s before... how many mcgs was the daily taken prescription? My previous cycle I was on 50 mcg per day, but I´ve heard of others taking 100 mcg. Wondering if that makes any difference :dunno: as I rather continue with the shots this coming cycle.
Vyonne

Carla, suzi - Hi cycle buddies:ura1: ... Thank you for your warm welcome !!! :)

Vyonne - Thank you for your warm welcome !!! :) Doxycycline is an antibiotic tablet. Myself and my DH will be taking 100mg, 2/day for 10 days.

Is anyone out there taking this tablet? Any side effects?
~Emily

Emily-Hi and Welcome! Praying May is your Month Ladies! I took Doxycycline for Mock transfer and ER to prevent infection, the day of your transfer you will be told to stop taking it (after your last evening dose, I think because like some other antibiotics they can cause damage to the developing fetus). Good luck and fingers crossed for you! Like Suzi said stick around the support you'll find here is just awesome!

Hope everyone had a great Easter! and that May brings lots of Fertilized grade A eggs for you all!!!!

Baby Dust wishes, love and hugs!
Andrea

Emily, DH and I also take doxy...take it with food or it can/will make you sick as a D-O-G. Other than that, we've had no s/e.

Vyonne: my PIO injections are 1cc, 50 mg/ml...so same as yours. I have heard of others who've done 2cc but that's not very common. Unless you were having chemical PGYs that's probably not a big concern...

Finished up the BCP yesterday and AF should arrive Thursday. I go Friday for my down-reg and Chris leaves for Mexico. I start stims Saturday and it's all a blur from there! :lol:

Emily- Welcome!! I took Doxycycline during my cycle and as Suzi said, DEFINITELY take it with food. Another reaction I had was sensitivity to the sun. I live in Florida so the weather is beautiful, I went out by my pool for a few hours and came in looking like a leopard!! I had splotches all over!

Suzi- Thanks so much for the link. I'll definitely be participating in that chat!!


I'm so excited for everyone that is cycling now, you can count on me to cheer you guys along the whole way!! Hopefully this round is as successful as the last!!!

Andrea, Suzi, KristenW - Thank you for sharing your experience about Doxy.

Suzi, i also finished BCP yesterday. AF should arrive Wednesday. I start injections from Friday.

Hi everyone. Remember me? I have been lurking around b/c I wanted to follow through on everyone's news. Congrats to everyone on their :bfp: (gosh, so many...) or on the go-aheads for cycles (yea, Vyonne!!!) or Good Luck :crossfing to everyone else, no matter where you are in all this. To those of you facing some setbacks, I really do believe your day will come. I do. :justahug:

As for me, last months negative IVF was a big blow but as planned, we got right onto old-fashioned baby-making. And what a shocker this evening when, after purchasing a HPT b/c I am a day late, I saw the big Two Lines! :woo: :bfp: Can't believe it. I think there is a run of GOOD LUCK here, so I really wanted to share my news, even though it happened without IVF.

Thanks to everyone for all the support in February/March. I wish you all the very, very best . I think of you often. I really hope and pray that this month continues to be a successful one for all!

Love, Rho

Rho -- Congratulations!!!!!!!! What a wonderful surprise! I hope that our run of good luck continues!

RHO....AWESOME NEWS!!!!
:bteddy: CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU!! :pteddy:

Congratulations Rho! :ura1:

RHO-CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU!! :ura1: :ura1:

You must be positively in heaven right now!

HH9M2U! Love and Hugs

Andrea

What wonderful, happy news!!! CONGRATS RHO!!!!!

Amanda

Rho- WOW!!! What wonderful news! Congratulations! Thank you so much for sharing it with us!!! :ura1:

Woooooooooooooooo Congrats Rho!!!! What a wonderful surprise!!!!!!!!!!



Um.... Kim.. ultrasound today???????????

Um.... Kim.. ultrasound today???????????

Yes...and I'm already stalking this thread! :lol:

I forgot to mention...last night it struck me that I am going to have to do my own IM shots while Chris is gone. I've done it before but I was laughing hysterically while I was doing it because I was on the phone with my best friend! This could be interesting... :rotflmao:

Also...the headaches have kicked in...OY!

Hi Everyone, Congrats to all of the :bfp: 's and to everyone who is well on their way. Hope no one minds me popping in from time to time. I've been checking out this site for almost 6 month's now and have only posted a handful of times. Just a quick update, my January IVF cycle was cancelled due to lack of response to the med's. Very unusual for me given how well I've always responded to the med's used for IUI. I go into for a sono this afternoon so that we can move forward with IVF again, hopefully this cycle. RE suggested that we try the flare protocol this time. Just wondering if any of you ladies are familiar with this and if you've been through it. He had originally said at the cancelling of my last cycle that we would skip bcp's altogether the next time since I became overly suppressed. Now with this protocol, he said that I'd be on them for 2 weeks. Just a little confused and concerned:confused: , not even sure if I should be.

A quick bio, I just turned 36 last month, DH will be 43 in July, DD is 2 1/2. We've been TTC the second time around since Oct '02 (naturally), then stims/IUI since Feb '05. We fall into the "Unexplained Fertility" group.

Any input on the micro-dose flare protocol would be greatly appreciated.

Okie, you can post as much or as little as you like! We are all here for you, whatever supoprt we can offer. :bighug:

I did a microdose flare and out of 6 cycles, it is the only cycle I had to drop for lack of response. Flare protocol is the BIGGEST protocol possible (meaning used for the worst responders) but for some reason, SOME women do not respond as expected - I happen to be one of them. I backed up to a long stim protocol (what most women use) and I repond on it every time, I just don't make many follicles (between 3-9 follicles is all I get).

There is (significant) research to suggest that being on BCP for at least one cycle prior to an IVF cycle yields better results so if I were you, I'd do the BCP. :nod: As for not responding last cycle, I've seen it happen more often than I care to think about - sometimes you just hit a rotten cycle for follicles. I have known women to be cancelled for lack of response and then the next or following cycle they go again only to have a normal response.

Doing the flare protocol is your choice - along with your RE's input - but I would need a compelling reasons to change something you KNOW has worked in the past. JMO...

Good luck at your appointment!

Thanks Suzi. It's really a tough call. When we got pg with DD, I did one cycle of injectables (Pergonal) and it worked. After about 4 cycles of Follistim and IUI with no luck, we decided to try IVF. It scares me to think that I'm already at a point of doing the microdose flare which is just a step away from donor eggs. I'm truly hoping that during today's sono, I will have several visible black dots/follies on the screen to show that I have plenty there waiting to grow. Hope that just made sense. Anyway, I'm just very sensitive to the bcp's and would hate to become overly suppressed again. I'll have to ask if we can move forward with a normal ivf cycle in such a way as a super stimulated cycle to grow as many follies as possible...almost like converting an injectable/iui cycle to an ivf cycle. Have you ever heard of anyone doing this?

Hello friends,

I need some advice. For past 2 days i am suffering from cold and sneezing a lot because of :rain: Should i inform this to my IVF doctor? Will this affect my IVF cycle? If i come up with fever will my cycle get cancel?

Please respond .. i am going crazy here.

Thanks,
~Emily

My ultrasound did not go well today. :cry: :disbelief Basically, there is a gestational sac, but the yolk sac is not clear and visible enough for them to offically "call it". There is something there, but evidently, it's not looking like it should at this point. :pullhair: I'm a day away from being at 7 weeks and typically, although it's still quite early to be doing U/S (as opposed to the trillion woman who have normal pregnancies and don't have their first until several weeks later), I was told that they have to be honest with me and there is a chance that this will not work out. I will have another U/S on Monday 4/24 and that's when they will be able to give me a definitive answer.

My Dr. was not there this morning, but the Dr. who spoke to me was wonderful. She explained that it's difficult because it's sometimes simply a matter of a day or two when they will be able to read something loud and clear and there have been many cases that it's just too early to tell. She said that perhaps it's just "hiding" or for an unknown reason, just difficult to see in the ultrasound. She, in so many words, cursed the ultrasound machine and said that if we find out that things are fine on Monday, we call all take part in kicking the equipment. She told me that Monday is going to feel like forever to me.. . .(don't I know it), but unfortunately, all I can do is wait. She also acknowledged my very large file and that my husband and I have been through hell with all this. She explained that when a woman has so many failed cycles and then goes on to have a successful donor egg cycle, that it reassures them that the IF issues were all due to egg quality. But when a donor egg cycle fails, then they must look at other reasons for my difficulties. She explained in a sense, because we're talking about a failed pregnancy in a situation where everything was as perfect as can be, that the Drs often go back to a clean slate so to speak--because if it wasn't egg quality, then what is it? She said that surely, even in a younger woman like my donor, miscarraiges happen and so even with embroyos that looked great, there could have been chromosonal issues. I still have 3 frozen embryos and she said that in the case of this donor, it would be rare if the remaining 3 also had problems. She started talking about the possibility (if this ends in a m/c) of having additional testing on my uterus. It struck me and sort of awakened my anger over all of this craziness because I let her know that when I had my ectopics, etc and they didn't find anything wrong with my uterus via hsg and sono, I kept asking my former Dr. if it could be anything else problematic with my uterus that's causing problems with implantation. NO, NO, NO over and over again I was told. I was told that it was most likely due to my age. :fado: The Dr. I spoke to today, said that there are issues that won't be discovered with an hsg or sono and that we may have to do some testing on my endrometrial tissue. . . .or do PGD. Which infuriates me to no end because I had also asked about PGD quite a while back and was basically told it would be a waste of money because my responses to the IVF drugs during any given cycle let them know that this is most likely a case of poor quality, common with women MY FRIGGIN AGE. I could SCREAM right now. I'm just so fed up and confused right now. It's just not going to ever just be simple for me is it???? :help:

Kim

Yes...and I'm already stalking this thread! :lol:

I forgot to mention...last night it struck me that I am going to have to do my own IM shots while Chris is gone. I've done it before but I was laughing hysterically while I was doing it because I was on the phone with my best friend! This could be interesting... :rotflmao:

Also...the headaches have kicked in...OY!

man I do NOT miss those headaches...

Kim, please try to stay calm until nest week. At 7 weeks, all mt doc could see was two sacs... it wasn't until 8w that that saw the heartbeats or yolk sacs. I'm keeping you in my thoughts.

Oh Kim! I'm sorry that your u/s didn't go better. Sending lots of prayers for a sticky baby!

Amanda

Hello friends,

I need some advice. For past 2 days i am suffering from cold and sneezing a lot because of :rain: Should i inform this to my IVF doctor? Will this affect my IVF cycle? If i come up with fever will my cycle get cancel?

Please respond .. i am going crazy here.

Thanks,
~Emily

Emily, there's likely nothing to worry about. I had a successful cycle during which I had the flu - TWICE. According to me RE, colds are quite common during IVF cycles. Your body is stressed and you end up more susceptible to germs. Hope you are feeling better soon!

Kim, hang in there. :bighug: I know, easier said than done. So here's some extra hugs :hug99: and you gotta know you are so early yet. It's QUITE possible that there's no heartbeat yet and that's not abnormal! PLEASE hang in there...

Kim-I am so sorry they have made your US a bad expereince. I'm praying hard that come Mon. you'll be kicking their equipment for not seeing anything and causing you to worry, cause everything is fine. :hug99:

Welcome Back Okie! Hope your cycle goes off without a hitch this time!

Emily-Suzi is right, we are so worn out for our cycles that colds are common, just make sure you watch for fever and if you get one call and make sure its ok to take tylenol. Thats the only thing they recommended when I was feeling ill.

TAke care and Baby Dust Wishes, Love and Hugs
Andrea

Suzi, Andrea - Thank you for your replies. :ura1: I am feeling better now.
I think next few weeks will be really busy for us(for who are all starting stims in next 3 or 4 days).

I pray for each and everyone in this thread for BF++++++++++:grouphugg

I am still waiting for AF to show up.

-Emily

Kim - :hug99: I'm so sorry you are going through this and all of my thoughts are with you that Monday brings a positive update and you can breathe again. I had hoped you were off the fricken rollercoaster. :hug99: Now I am hoping this one last dip will trend up for you. I guess it is good that they are talking now about biopsy etc. but it sounds like your baby implanted no problem so I tend to suspect you are fine with your lining. :secret: Though of course not a doctor, just sometimes I think I know more than them. I can absolutely understand your anger at having asked these questions before.


Suzi - sorry about the lupron headaches - I know mine went away when I started stims I hope yours do too!!

Rho - CONGRATULATIONS!!! :ura1:

Emily - best of luck to you with your cycle!! If it helps, the cycle I was sucessful, I was on antibiotics just before transfer for a sinus thing.

Welcome back Okie - hoping for your sucess!!

Kerri - an update please?? *cough*

Andrea - hope you are feeling well - or feeling ill if that makes you feel better!

Hello to everyone!!

I'm just laying low waiting for beta on monday. I alternate between feeling like OMG I FEEL pregnant!! and OMG I feel normal :locolaugh just a few more days. I am resisting the POAS at DH's request. Last time I did it too early and was horribly depressed - and pregnant.

Judy, a VERY good idea to stay away from POAS...I have known TOO MANY women who POAS and are devastated only to have a BFP beta. Nothing but misery, I tell ya! :nod: Hang in there...you are still in my thoughts every day!

Kim, I hope on Monday you get to kick the crap out of that machine. :hug99:

Judy, good luck. :)

bloom - Thank you for your wishes !!! Best of luck for your beta on Monday.

Suzi - How is your headache now? When are you starting with your stims?

Carla - How are you doing? When are you starting with your stims ?

Everyone else - How are you all doing?

AF showed up today morning for me. Called the clinic and my Dr. shifted my schedules one day in advance. That is, i will be starting my stims from tomorrow(20th). So, my ER and ET also shifts one day prior. My cold is still there but feeling better today.

-Emily

Emily -- I am definitely counting the days. I go in for my down-reg US tomorrow & should start stims on Saturday. It's already getting hard for me to focus on other things! I had a cold for my first IVF with my son. Bed rest wasn't much fun when my head was stuffed up. I agree with what everyone else has said -- with all the stress of a cycle, it is hard not to get run down.

Kim -- I'm sorry that you had a bad US. I hope that you will be kicking the machine on Monday!

Suzi -- Hope the headaches are better.

-- Carla

Still have the lingering ache in the head but it's not really bad enough to call it a headache, really. Still waiting on AF... Stims will start on Saturday! :yippee:

Kim, I hope on Monday you get to kick the crap out of that machine. :hug99:

Kim, I totally agree :nod: and will gladly help with the kicking! I am so sorry to hear that you had to experience that anguish on your first u/s, My thoughts and prayers for that little one to hold on tight and give you big :hb: on Monday! Hang in their sweetie :hug99:

Rho, CONGRATULATIONS!!! :pteddy: :bteddy: Wonderful news :bighug:

Suzi, Thanks for your info on PIO dosage... I guess I will continue with the 50 mcg. Hope soon your headaches will be all gone :hug1:

Judy, Tons of prayers your way for a BFP on Monday :bighug: and lots of Sticky thoughs :crossfing

Okie, Great to have you back!!! Best of luck on your up coming cycle :hug99:

Carla, Good luck on your u/s tomorrow and your stims too :bighug:

As far as my cycle goes, went to see my doc on Monday and figured out my ET for May 24. So happy to know I am not dreaming... I am actually going to have another chance :faint: Thank you God :pray:

Baby dust to you all...

Vyonne

RE suggested that we try the flare protocol this time. Just wondering if any of you ladies are familiar with this and if you've been through it. He had originally said at the cancelling of my last cycle that we would skip bcp's altogether the next time since I became overly suppressed. Now with this protocol, he said that I'd be on them for 2 weeks. Just a little confused and concerned:confused: , not even sure if I should be....
Any input on the micro-dose flare protocol would be greatly appreciated.
My first IVF (in 2002!) was flare protocol and I was cancelled due to poor response. We regrouped and the next cycle was the microdose flare protocol. That resulted in my darling son, Owen who will be 3 in August. I was on birth control pills for over a month with that one, but it may have been because of timing. My clinic cycles in groups.

I did 10 units of microdose lupron and 8 vials of follistim a day. I produced 8 follicles. 4 fertilized - of those 3 made it to 8 cell and were transferred. One made it to 6 cell and was discarded.

Kim - I'm sorry. Hugs and prayers being sent your way.

Suzi - :woo: I can't believe its finally time :woo:

Vyonne - a :woo: for you too! Is this a donor cycle or are you using your eggs this time?

Emily~I just wanted to finally give you a proper welcome. :welcome: This is such a wonderful place for support. I'm glad you're feeling better and on your way. :thumbsup:

Suzi~Wow! It's so funny because May seemed so far away and now. . .you're on girl! :yippee: :crossfing

Rho~ :ura1: CONGRATULATIONS :ura1: What awesome news! All the best to you for the next 9 months!

I'll have to ask if we can move forward with a normal ivf cycle in such a way as a super stimulated cycle to grow as many follies as possible...almost like converting an injectable/iui cycle to an ivf cycle. Have you ever heard of anyone doing this?

Okie~I'm not sure that I understand what you're asking. . . being that don't you want to grow as many follies as possible for an IVF cycle? :scratch: Anyway, I wish you all the best in this upcoming cycle. :crossfing

Judy~I'm sending all sorts of happy thoughts and positive wishes for a positive Beta on Monday. Looks like Monday is going to be a big day for both of us. :crossfing

Thank you all for your words of advice. They did help me calm down. I had to ask DH last night if it was just my imagination that it sounded really bad. . .or did it truly sound bad. I have to say that DH is just as confused as I am. :scratch: We both literally walked out of there feeling like it was over. It's one thing to remind us that it may just be too early to read the results of a U/S and it's another thing to expound on all the scenerios about what will happen next if this doesn't work out. So the question still remains. . .Is there a good chance of this simply being a case that the U/S was done a bit too early and DH and I were just being forewarned about
m/c just in case? Or was this Dr. truly concerned about something that she detected in the U/S that she wasn't letting us in on and so was preparing us for what to expect on Monday. :dunno: I just don't know what to think.
:pullhair: Unfortunately the way that I clearly remember our conversation, is that her emphasis was not on the U/S being too early (although it was definitely mentioned), the emphasis was on the fact that even donor cycles result in chromsonally challenged eggs and we may be showing signs of an early m/c. :disbelief Why? Why? Why?

So at this point, the only thing that's holding me together are all your stories of incorrect U/S results. :grouphugg The honest truth is that I have no other choice than to stay positive and hope for the best. I can do nothing about this until Monday. And I just want to say. . ."DAMNIT"

Kim

Hi everyone, I have just discovered this wonderful site. I had my own buddy going through most of this process, but she recently found out that her uterus is too scarred from prior miscarriages to allow her to carry any baby to term :cry:, so she is going the adoption route. I on the other hand have unknown reason for infertility. I am 31 now (DH is 30) and have been TTC for about 3 years. I tried 2 cycles of IUI which were unsuccessful, and resulted in mild hyperstimulation. I am on my first trial of IVF now. I was on BCP before starting this stim cycle because of an ugly looking cyst on my ovary that wouldn't go away after my last cycle. I used Lupron and Menopur and Follistim to stim my ovaries, and yesterday I had 18 eggs retrieved. They said that was a lot. I am now taking steroid and antibiotic pills, as well as vaginal progesterone and morning Progesterone shots (by far the worst of them all).
I basically have nothing to do with myself except think about my little ones in some dish in a lab and wondering how they are all doing.:screwy:

Good luck to everyone!

Kim, I am wondering...have you done a beta blood draw recently? If I were you, I'd ask/INSIST for a blood draw tomorrow or Friday and then you can do another on Monday - at least that will quantitatively confirm what is going on (if results are unclear on Monday they will do it anyway and that will draw it out for yet another two days).

Sorry I didn't think to suggest it earlier or you would have been able to confirm on Friday instead of waiting until Monday.

:hug99:

Christine, WELCOME! :wavey: So glad you are here with us to share your wait! It's a long two weeks but we're happy to help you pass the time... :nod: Do you get a fertilization report with your center? Let us know if/when you get it! Lots of good vibes for dividing embryos!

Dana-thanks for the input. I'll be doing the microdose flare protocol. Started bcp's yesterday and will continue through next Tuesday. Wednesday will be a baseline sono and bw, then start lupron on Friday, and stims on Sunday.

Kim-Sorry for the confusion. Guess I was really thinking out loud but not making much sense. Anyway, I understand things a little better know than before.

Judy - Sending the stickiest vibes to you!
Kim - Hoping and praying for good news on Monday.
Emily, Suzi, and Carla - So exciting that you will all be starting stims together!!!
Vyonne - I'm so happy that you're getting ready for a transfer!!!
Christine - Welcome and good luck!!!
Okie - Welcome back!

I think I got everyone...

Amanda

Christine - welcome - thinking positively about your little ones in the dish can do great things for them!!


This is just a driveby ladies, I saw this and wanted to drop it off. Made me tear up but wow I might just send it to some family members!!

http://www.vocalicious.com/empty_arms/empty_arms_mod.html

Hello to all and Welcome to Emily and Christine.


Kim - Sorry that you had to go through that and really hope you get to beat that machine to pieces.

Rho - great news!!

Sending out my paper work on Monday!!!

Baby dust to all!!

Dawn

Kim, hoping and praying for you that all goes well on Monday. :crossfing :pray:

Thanks ladies for sending your positive thoughts towards my U/S on Monday.

But I also have to thank Suzi. . .:bowdown: :bighug: I just never even thought of asking for another blood test myself. . .:duh: So this morning, I INSISTED (as Suzi suggested) that I have another blood test and I have one scheduled for tomorrow morning. :ura1: This will definitely help to hold me over until Monday. I'm supposed to see my best friend Polly Saturday night at a party at her mom's house. Polly would be about 4 months pregnant and starting to show and I know that much of the focus will be her pregnancy. I've been teetering on possibly not going. I think the results of the blood test will help me make a decision.

Now when I get the numbers tomorrow if it's not obvious (like less than what my last beta was), I just need help to figure out how to interpret them. . . :scratch: Suzi? :awink:

Kim

After waiting and waiting for the lab to call me, I finally called them myself, and I was told that 13 of the 18 had fertilized :biggrin: !!!! That was all they told me though, Suzi - you had mentioned a fertility report - is there supposed to be more info? How many typically make it and grow large enough for transfer? I am trying to think positively yet realistically.

Kim, I am really hoping that you get good news tomorrow.

Kim- I'm so sorry that you're on the roller coaster again. I'm so happy that you're having another blood test! (Great idea, Suzi!!) I'm keeping you in my prayers!!

Christine- Welcome!! It sounds like your fertilization report came back GREAT! Congrats! I'm so glad you found this site, we'll help keep you company during your 2ww!

Vyonne- I'm so happy that you have a date for your transfer! I have really good feelings about this one!!

Judy- I'm praying that you have a BFP on Monday!! Hang in there!

Okie- Welcome back!!!

Suzi- I'm sorry about your headaches. I took Lupron Depot for six months for my endo and I had a headache for the first 2 months. Lupron is no fun!!!!

I go for my post cancelled IVF cycle doctors appointment tomorrow. I'm so scared that she's going to tell me that I'm no longer a viable candidate. My little sister's pregnancy has really put me in a tailspin and I really haven't been able to look at anything to do with my infertility in a logical way since I found out. So, I'm REALLY hoping my doctor has reassuring news tomorrow!!!

Kim, of course the BEST interpretation of the beta number will come from comparison to your last (so have the number and date ready) and and your next beta. At this point, the range of normal hCG numbers is SO W I D E that it will be difficult to glean any meaningful information from the number itself. That could also be possible in comparison to your last beta number...so don't be too surprised if you don't know anything until you get your second beta number (so don't forget to get a beta scheduled for Monday, too).

You know what Kim? If you don't go to the party, it wouldn't be the end of the world. Look at it this way - your excuse can be one of two things: either you don't feel well (m/s from PGY) or you are grieving a loss. Either way, I'm sure Polly would understand if you weren't there. :nod:

Don't think anything of not thinking to get the beta...that's what you got ME for! :biggrin: Don't worry sista...I got your back! :bighug: Good thoughts coming your way...ALL weekend!

Christine, that is all you get for the fert report, just numbers. 13 of 18 is about average so that's GREAT news!! From there you USUALLY can expect 75-100% make it to 3-day transfer stage, I am unsure of the numbers for 5-day transfer. Then it depends on whether your center does 3- or 5-day freeze. Realistically, you have a great cycle going! :aok:

My little sister's pregnancy has really put me in a tailspin and I really haven't been able to look at anything to do with my infertility in a logical way since I found out.

I feel for you, for sure. :hug99: I don't think there's ANYTHING that compares to this feeling. Feel free to PM me if you ever want to vent those feelings 'cause you can't shock me (since I bet I've had 'em all, too). :hug99:

Kim - Crossing everything and saying a prayer for your beta tomorrow.
Christine - Great news on the fert report!!!
Kristen - I totally feel for you. My step-sister announced her 1st pregnancy on the day of my very first (unsuccessful) IUI with injectibles (after over a year of taking clomid, etc.). It was Christmas Eve 2002. Nobody saw it coming. A few family members knew about our IF treatments but most didn't and nobody knew she was even trying. She and her husband spent the whole holiday telling everyone that they never thought it would be so easy to get pregnant. It was their very 1st cycle trying, etc. I almost didn't make it through Christmas that year. I won't ever, ever forget how awful it was. I hope your appt tomorrow goes well and you develop a good plan!

Amanda

Amanda -- It never fails to amaze me that family members can be so insensitive & unfeeling!

Kim -- I hope that your BW tomorrow helps to put your mind at ease for the weekend.

Christine -- Welcome! It sounds like everything is moving along nicely for you. Are you doing a 3 or a 5 day transfer?

Well, I had my down-reg US & BW today & everything looks good, so here we go again! I will start stims on Saturday. I am really not sure that I am ready for this, but I am anxious to get going!

-- Carla

Good luck, Carla!

Kristen, big, big hugs to you.

Kim, very smart of you to ask for blood test. Hope it's reassuring for you. If Polly is your best friend, she is sure to understand if you ditch the get together.

I am wondering, I was given a blood test today and it's 33 past my last period and the numbers were 2482. Does that seem high? She said it was "on the high side" but wouldn't elaborate. I am getting very nervous...

Rho, on a most aggressive time-scale your numbers are right around where they should be. But keep in mind that is on an aggressive assessment of hCG doubling. Further, that also means that you ovulated on (around) March 27th, making you not quite six weeks; looks like you ovulated early in your cycle - around day 10.

Of course it's possible to just have high numbers. A single hCG number in itself is not highly indicative of much other than it's a high number. What is more telling is a second number compared to the first...do you have another beta scheduled??

Vyonne- I'm so happy that you have a date for your transfer! I have really good feelings about this one!!

My little sister's pregnancy has really put me in a tailspin and I really haven't been able to look at anything to do with my infertility in a logical way since I found out. So, I'm REALLY hoping my doctor has reassuring news tomorrow!!!
Kristen, Somehow... I know its too early, but I also have a good feeling about this one :secret: Lets hope we are right :pray:
Oh sweetie, I´m sorry to hear that your sister´s pregnancy has become such a sore subject. I pray (very hard) that tomorrow´s doc´s appt. will bring you a new hope, so you can soon have your own pregnancy to worry about :hug99:

Amanda, Can you believe it??? Thank you for sharing my joy :bighug:!

Christine, :welcome:... Very happy to be a part of your 2ww count down! Best wishes for a big BFP!!!

Kim, Praying :pray: for excellent results on your beta tomorrow, and for Monday to bring you the serenity you need to enjoy your belly :kiss:

Judy, Big prayers your way for a BFP, sweetie :hug99:

Dana, Thank you luv, sorry I missed you before :kiss:. As to your question, I am doing another Donor´s cycle :nod: and hoping to trigger it this time :crossfing

Can´t wait for Monday to start Lupron or Zoladex :woa: So many things happening on MONDAY :shuffle:

Vyonne

Kim, any word yet? I'm thinking of you! :hug99:

I had my down-reg today and all is well. E2 was 40, AF has not shown up yet but I start stims tomorrow anyway. I did hork up a bit though...Chris left on a business trip to Mexico this morning and I forgot to send doxycycline with him. he is supposed to start taking it today and take it through retreival. :doh: I considered overnighting the pills to him but it'll cost me $60 and he won't even get them until Tuesday at thje soonest. Oh well... THe IVF coord said it's not biggie - maybe I'll have Chris do a blood panel when he gets home to check for elevated counts just to put my mind at rest. Anyway...now the fun begins (and the headaches can subside)....here I GO!! :yippee:

Suzi- You're on your way... I'm so impressed that you can give yourself the IM shots. What a woman you are! Can the doctor call in a prescription to a pharmacy in Mexico? In Mexico he could probably just walk in and order up some doxycycline. They don't regulate pharmaceuticals there like they do here!! :)

Kim- I'm thinking about you...

Vyonne-Thanks you so much for the encouragement and prayers, I think they worked!!


So I just got back from the doctor and she thinks that the endometriomas on my right ovary are to blame for my lack of response to stims. I have surgery scheduled on the 4th of May. She's got me scheduled for a laparoscopy, but told me to be prepared if they have to do a laparotomy instead because of adhesions. She still believes that I'm a good candidate for IVF and we're planning my next cycle at the end of June or maybe July depending on the type of surgery I end up having.
I'm hopeful again, which is the best feeling in the world!

I know this is going to be a long weekend for Kim and Judy, but I'm really praying for you both to have wonderful news on Monday!

Kristen, it's funny you say that because I thought the same thing! I told Chris he shold mention it to one of the people he is ther working with and *maybe* they could point him in the right direction and he could pick some up! :lol:

Glad you had a good appointment and that you have some possible answers and a trwatment plan. Nothing allays the worries/fears of a bad cycle like future treatment. Kinda like a junkie moving on the the next fix... :rotflmao: (hope you don't mind my poking fun - since I am exactly the same way!)

Well, the numbers are in. . .108,953. It sounds good to me. :dunno: The message was left on my vmail, so I had to call back for more of an explanation. I explained to the nurse coordinator how I was given an indication of a possible miscarraige and that's why I asked for an additional bloodtest. She said that at this point, it's really the ultrasound that's specifically going to tell us what we need to know. . .was it just too early to see anything? Was it late implantation? Or are the signs pointing towards miscarraige? She did say that if the numbers were anything close to my last bloodtest (which they're not), that would indeed be an indication that things are not developing as they should. So, I guess in a sense, the numbers indicate that I should not be alarmed. Hey, it works for me and keeps me hopeful. :thumbsup:

Suzi~Any thoughts? What a bummer about the doxycycline, that is exactly something that I would have likely panicked about. . .it's good to know that it's not crucial. I'm so excited that you're getting so close. :ura1:

Christine~I think your fert report sounds great. :clap:

Kristen~I can truly sympathize with you about your sister. :hug99: That's awesome news that you can move ahead with your next IVF. :yippee: For me, when I wasn't doing a cycle or preparing to do a cycle, I was completely lost, but as soon as I had some sort of timeline regarding my next cycle, it made it a million times easier to get through each day. We're IVF junkies. :cool: :heee:

Carla~:banana: I wish you only the best on your upcoming cycle.

Judy~:crossfing :pray: :crossfing :pray::crossfing :pray::crossfing :pray::crossfing :pray:

Kim

Kim -- I am so glad to hear that your numbers are good. I have to agree with you about the "IVF junkies" comment. When I've had a bad outcome from a cycle, the thing that helps me the most is formulating the plan for the next cycle.

Kristen -- I am so glad to hear that your RE feels that there is an explanation for your failed cycle & that you have a plan! Good luck with your sister. I worry about that because my sister & I are both going through IF right now, I just keep hoping that we will both turn up pregnant about the same time. I think that it would be hard for both of us otherwise.

Suzi -- Good luck!

Kim, the numbers sound good to me! here's hoping you just had your u/s scheduled too early (which I know happens)! :aok:

I am cautiously optimistic for you! :bighug:

Kim, sounds good! :crossfing

HI Everyone

Just wanted to let you all know I am here cheering you all to a BFP!!

Kim~ Those numbers look good. I will keep your baby in my prayers!

Suzi~ You are on your way! Good luck!

Judy~ Fingers crossed and prayers being said for a BFP for you!

AF showed last night and stims started this morning! I kinda surprised myself - I must've hit a vein or somethng because when I took the needle out, it spurted blood everywhere! I couldn't help but think... OMG! There goes $100 of drugs!! :rotflmao:

First progress check is next Friday.

Yea, Kim! Hoping to hear more good news on Monday.

Suzi, how awesome that you get to start your stims today! Soooo soooo exciting. I hope you get dozens of eggs!

CURIOUS....I know I should find another board since this BFP did not come from IVF (this time) but I am worried I figured someone might be able to help... My HCG levels on Thursday were 2482. Today they were 4131. So they did not double. They're off by about 420 or so. Is this bad, that the levels did not at least double? The nurse I spoke to just gave me the numbers b/c I asked for them, but when I asked if it was ok since they did not double, she merely said 'the dr. seemed ok with it'. Which was strange. I thought, anyway. My progesterone was 38 today and 29 on Thursday. Is prog. supposed to double, too? My LMP was 3/18/06. I think I'm five weeks today.

Sorry for the long post. In a nutshell, I'm wondering if it's ok for levels to not double in 48 hours. ?:????

Sticky , positive wishes to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rho... :nono: You don't have to feel bad about posting here because your BFP came naturally - we all know that SOMETIMES (rarely) that happens. You have struggled with IF/IVF - YOU BELONG!

That out of the way, hCG only doubles every 48 TO 72 hours (don't forget that doubling every 72 hours is totally normal) up to about 1200. From 1200 to about 6000 it doubles every 72 to 96 hours and after 6000 it's somewhere over 96 hours. Your numbers are doubling every 65-ish hours...you are AHEAD of where you should be!! No need to worry! :biggrin:

As for the progesterone, it is fine - and it does not double.

Suzi, I was hoping you would post!!!! Thanks, by the way, for responding to my other post! I am freaking out, I am a nightmare. I don't know why I can't just child the heck out. Where do you get all your info? (Are you by any chance in the field???) You know a lot!! I wish the nurse would have sounded more reassuring. :(

JUDY---I think I might've missed that you are waiting for your results on Monday. Good luck!

Rho, I'm not in the field - unless you count the 6 (now 7) IVF's I've done. :rolleyes: I suspect I'm an RE's nightmare though - researching ad nauseum and I am HIGHLY involved in my treatment. I also started and lead an IVF education/support group in my city. I guess you could say I've really thrown myself into my IF. Besides that, I am a useless facts junkie - the kind of person no one will play Trivial Pursuit with unless it's me against everyone else! :lol:

I hope you can put your mind to rest - the worry is very typical of someone newly PG who's been through IF/IVF. Hang in there - it does get better. :bighug:

Thanks again, Suzi! I also did 6 IVFs! Ugh. You'd think I'd have more info. Just need reassurance, i suppose. How awesome that you started a support group! I think it's great to be proactive in your IF treatments. I try to be involved and informed, but I sometimes chicken out of asking any more questions for fear of ticking them off! I really have to get over that.

I have a friend like you! He wins every darn trivia game we play, most recently an 80s trivia game! Always fun, though.

OK, thanks for the 'counseling' today. Big hugs to you!!!!

:akiss:

Hi Friends, sorry for not posting for long time. AF showed up on 19th. Started stims on 20th. Side effects: i am having mild abdominal pain and if i stand for more than 20 mins. my back is aching. Anyone is having or had these kind of side effects?
~Emily

Those are typical Emily - the abdominal discomfort is from the more than normal number of follicles growing (which you can also feel in your back). If you are having actual PAIN though, I would encourage you to call your doctor since you are only on day 3 of stims.

Keep growing those follies! ;)

Suzi - I am SO excited you started Stims!!! :ura1: (I'm sure at least $75 worth of drugs were absorbed :awink: Thinking very positive thoughts for you!

Kim - I am happy to hear good numbers thank you for the positive wishes and :crossfing :pray::crossfing :pray: :crossfing :pray::crossfing :pray::crossfing :pray::crossfing :pray: right back at cha! I'm thinking after you see everything is ok you should kick the damn thing so hard it breaks though that would probably hurt your toes.

Emily try to just take it easy on yourself though I think walking helped me a bit - slow walking though.

rho - thanks! I'll just second what Suzi said, I think it is normal to worry at everything after IF.

Kristen May 4th is pretty much around the corner, I am optomistic that this surgery will give you better results next cycle.

Vyonne you are on your way beginning tomorrow right sweetie? I am very excited for you and thinking positive positive thoughts for you!

Thanks Angela! How are you feeling btw?

I'm just waiting here, trying to keep busy until tomorrow's test and result. I've managed to resist POAS. Off an on I 'feel' pregnant - twinges, cramping, 'heavy' bb's, tired and feel 'normal' so I am trying not to think about it. I honestly think I will be ok either way. Obviously I will be more ok with a positive :blush1: . Just that I know that a single embryo FET might take a few tries before we 'hit' it. :secret: I'd be over the moon however if this was it and I can start to obsess about my second beta, then my u/s and so on and so on.

:confused: What is POAS?

Lots happening tomorrow, right? Good luck, everyone!

sorry Pee On A Stick a home test :secret:

I love the acronym for home pregnancy test! I didn't know what POAS stood for, I assumed it was some scientific term!

I just started stims yesterday & did my first subQ Repronex shot. That is not my favorite shot. The area is still a little red this afternoon & VERY sore! I've always taken it IM, which I don't like, but I guess that I'd rather have the pain "behind" me. I feel like such a wimp to already be whining about this on my second day! I know that this is going to be a long week and a half when I'm already counting the days!

Good luck to everyone tomorrow!

Hi Ladies! My name is Haley and I'm preparing for my first IVF cycle which will be at Walter Reed sometime in July/August. So, I'm not officially doing any treatment right now, but I wanted to introduce myself and get suscribed and get to know everyone. About me...I have a son who was conceived right after we got married without any help. He'll be 4 in June. We started trying for another baby when our son was about 16 months old. No luck. After about a year of trying and charting, we tried numerous IUI's last year and I decided I was done with that. I did get pregnant without Clomid or anything this past October, but was diagnosed with a blighted ovum and lost it in November. It was time to start IVF. I'll be 36 in May. I look forward to getting to know everyone. :wavey:

:crazy: Oops, forgot to hit the subscribe button.

Welcome Haley! I hope your treatment course here is short and sweet! Glad you came to join us!

Welcome Haley!


Carla - when I did repronex, I found if I iced the area before the shot it really helped

Judy -- Thanks for the tip. I hope you get wonderful news today!

Welcome Haley!

Kim -- Good luck with your US today!

Haley-:welcome:! I'm doing my next cycle in June or July, so maybe we'll be cycle buddies!

Kim- I'm waiting on pins and needles to hear the results of your U/S.

Judy- Keeping my fingers crossed that we have a post from you later with a flashing BFP!!!

Suzi- When Frank (my DH) was mixing together my Repronex, somehow three whole vials ended up on the kitchen table in a puddle. I said the EXACT same thing, there goes $150.00!! :noqueno: (and a few other words that I'm not proud of!!)

Emily- I hope that your aches mean that you're growing lots of healthy little follies!!!! Hope you feel better!

Rho- You definitely belong here, so please stick around!!

Carla- I hope the shots get easier for you. I didn't have a problem with the SubQ shots, but I was so sore from the IM shot and the injection site itched like crazy. I was walking around scratching my bum all the time!!

Angela- I love your ticker! How are you feeling?

Kim, what time is your appointment? I'm already on pins and needles (besides the acupuncture and injections!) :lol:

I wish that I had better news. I'm having a miscarriage. :bawl: My U/S today still showed a yolk sac that was below normal size and there was very little heartbeat. . .well, it's inconclusive as to whether the heartbeat was from the embryo or from myself. :rolleyes: They're hesitant to go ahead with the D&E until the do one more U/S. :badwords: So, I'm scheduled again this Friday for another U/S and I'll be going to a place that specializes in ultrasounds (where the equipment is bigger and better) and then I'm fully prepared after that for the D&E. With the D&E they will be attempting to save some tissue for chromosome testing just to double check, but everything points to a normal miscarriage. :pullhair: I have 3 eggs left that I'll be able to use for my next cycle. I just have to get through this and onto the next. I just want this to be over with. I want to fall asleep and wake up a be pregnant again. :cry:

Kim

Oh no Kim. I'm so sorry.

Amanda

Kim, I'm so very sorry. :( :hug99:

Kim, I am so sorry. I just got through reading the previous threads to get to know everybody (I'm new) and I was excited for you as I was reading about your pregnancy. I'm so sorry this is happening to you. :hug99:

:hug99: Kim - I am so very sorry to hear about how things went today.

Kimberly, I am so sorry. I wish I could come take care of you, offer some support, an understanding shoulder to cry on. I am so incredibly sorry. :hug99:

:blue: Oh Kim. :hug99: I'm so sorry.

Oh, no, Kim. :( :( I was hoping that your numbers were a good sign. I'm so sad for you. :hug99:

Are you going to the u/s place at 333 Longwood?

I'm so sorry, Kim :hug99:

Kim, I am so sorry to hear that. :hug99:

Kim, I am so sorry for your loss.

:hug99:

I am so sorry, Kim.

Kim, I am so terribly sorry that this has happened. :hug99:

Oh no, Kim........I'm so very sorry....

:( :( :( I am so sorry. :( :( :sadhug: Words aren't sufficient to tell you how sad I am for you.

I'm so sorry Kim :bighug:

Kim, words can't express how truly sorry I am. :sadhug:

Oh Kim. :sadhug: I am so sorry to read that. I wish I had words to help, I honestly do. I'm so sorry. I'm keeping you even moreso in my thoughts.


Unfortunately I had bad news too. My cycle was a bust. I'm actually ok with it, I figured it would take us a few tries but I am most bummed that I now have to wait until June to 'allow my uterine cavity to rest' what it did to deserve a month off, I have no idea but thats the drill. Damn. I do so much better when I can focus on the next step and now it seems far away.

Judy, I am sorry about your bad news as well. The tides change so suddenly in the world of IF.... :hug99:

So sorry to hear the news, Kim. :hug99:

Sandy

KIm, I am so sorry to hear your news! You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Judy~ Sorry the FET didn't work out this time.

Welcome Haley!!

Kim - I am so so so so sorry :sadhug:

:sadhug: I'm so sorry, Kim

Judy- I'm so sorry. :sadhug:

Judy, I am so sorry. :justahug:

Kim. I am just so sorry to hear things didn't go better today. :hug99:

Kim-I am so sorry, your in my thoughts and prayers, :sadhug:

Judy-I was so hoping you would have good news today. Hoping your rest period goes well and the next cycle has better results.

Love and prayers,
Andrea

Kim, Oh sweetie, no words can express how sorry I am about your devastating news :sadhug: I wish I could perform magic and take your pain away :cry:. My heart and prayers are with you luv.

Judy, I am sorry to hear that it didn´t work this time around :sadhug:. I know that doing it your way (only one at a time), may take a few more tries... but what is important is your peace of mind. Anyway, I sure hope that next cycle you hit a home run, sweetie :kiss:.
Thanks for remembering that I started my cycle today. I had my Zoladex :owow: shot a few hours ago, and it was as horrible as the time before. The pain is beyond words... but I´m still thankful for this new chance :pray: Now all I can do is pray... we all know its all in God´s hands :nod:

Carla, Suzi & Emily, Good luck girls with those stim shots... may lots of eggies grow and grow :pray: :bighug:

Haley, Welcome... you´ve come to a great place :justahug:!

Vyonne

Thank you all so much. . .:grouphugg

Kim

I missed so much in the last few days...

Kim - I am so sorry. I know the emotional trauma and heartache from just a failed cycle, I can't even imagine what you are going through.

Judy - I am sorry that your cycle did not work out - I was also really considering only doing one transfer, and after debating and debating whether to do a 1 or 2 FET, we opted to do the 2 on Saturday.

I transferred 2 on Saturday and have spent the past 3 days laying on my back, which is supposed to help keep them from escaping. I had my husband and my mom at my beck and call, it was great. Now I am hoping that the little guys grab on and stay put.

My mom told me yesterday that she told all my relatives and all her friends about my ivf. I was really pissed since we have not even told my in-laws:angry2:! I really didn't want anyone else knowing, until after I get pregnant. I guess it does not hurt to have all those extra positive thoughts coming my way.

I also found that icing the area before the shot helps a great deal. Make sure you clean with alcohol after the ice though! After the shot, massaging the area and even a heat pad if it's really bad. That is what I do with the IM shots.:moon2:

Hi Haley!

Good luck with the stims girls!

Suzi, Carla & Emily - grow follies grow!

Vyonne- I'm sorry that you're having such a hard time with the Zolodex. I hope this cycle will be the one that makes all the pain worth it!!!!!

Christine- Sending you very sticky thoughts!!!

I came home in such a crummy mood yesterday. I can't believe the run of bad luck we have had. I am taking it like it happened to me. I am so sad for you girls. :(

:hug99: to Kim, Judy and Vyonne. Since I am new, I was wondering if those of you who have gone a round or two with IVF can give me some tips, advice, etc. Anything!! I have only done IUIs so far. Are there some things that you wish you had known, etc. before you started the IVF process? My cycle won't start until July/August and I only know what the doctors say, not what really happens! :lol:

Honestly, I think the first cycle was probably my best - not just because I got a daughter out of it but because I was UBER careful to follow directions and make sure I was doing the right thing at the right time. After a cycle or two you become lackadaisical in the shots and medications (at least I have experienced this). For example, at my center you so shots between 7-9am and 7-9pm. On my first cycle, when 7am or pm started getting close, I was like a junkie looking for my next fix. I started getting nervous and worked up about having to be at home to do my shot right at 7am/pm on the dot. Now, I am good if I REMEMBER it by 9am or pm! So the advice to take away from this: don't freak out about the shot timing, it'll all be okay! :nod:

Christine mentioned three good tips for the IM shots (if you have them - if not, don't sweat it). Ice the area - I have a small blue ice that I slip in my sweats while I am preparing the shot. When I am done, the area is numb and I don't feel the shot at all (except for maybe some discomfort in the muscle for the drugs going into it). Massage the area to prevent pockets in your hip muscle, switch sides every day, use a heating pad if you need to (these tips are really more for the PIO that follows transfer 'cause that WILL cause discomfort if you don't disperse the oil). One big piece of advice here...don't do an IM shot in your thigh. EVER. I did it once because my DH had fallen asleep and I felt bad waking him to give me the shot. I will never hesitate to wake him again. I had significant pain in my thigh for DAYS.

My BIGGEST piece of advice is to be your own advocate. Your RE is not know-all, see-all. YOU know your body best, YOU have to be your own advocate. Ask questions if you don't understand, get explanations for WHY they are doing something; they are there to serve YOU - not the other way around. Learn the processes, understand the treatments, educate yourself. IMO, that is the BEST advice anyone can give you.

I'm sorry Judy!
Welcome Haley!!! Suzi always has the best advice so my advice is to listen to her! :lol:
Christine - Sending lots of sticky vibes for you!!!

Amanda

Kim, I'm so very sorry. I was really hoping this time was it for you. I know for a while, it was. I'm so sorry. I'm with Vyonne, I wish I could wave a magic wand and make everything right again.

Judy, I'm sorry your FET didn't work out this time. I'm happy for you that you have other embies to work with. It's good that you have such a great attitude to move forward with. Fingers are already crossed for next time.

Suzi, Carla, and Emily...may your follies grow big and full of little embies.

rho, Vyonne, ChristineS - Thank you all so much ... :grouphugg

Today is my 6th day of stimming. Yesterday was my first b/w and u/s after starting stims. Found 6 follys on right ovary and 5/6 follys on left ovary. Is this the normal count? I am adding Catrotide from today along with my other injections.
I started getting so many pimples on my face for past 2 days. Does anybody have this problem?

Suzi, Carla - Did you go for follys check up?

-Emily

Emily -- That sounds like a good count for follicles. Did they give you any sizes, or just a count? I went in just for blood work today, my estrogen was 330 on day 4 of stims and the nurse said that was good. Does anyone know what kind of a range that they look for with estrogen levels? As far as pimples, my complexion is kind of a mess with all the hormones that we take with IVF. It is very normal to get them, though I usually get them the worst with the HCG shot.

Judy -- I am so sorry to hear your news. I am glad that you still have more frosties to work with.

-- Carla

emily - I have just totally broken out, and I am only on the progesterone now. My other cycles I have also noticed breakouts, although I am always prone to them. Pimples like a teenager with "fine lines", more and more gray hairs and infertility like an old maid...Not to mention all these extra pounds I am putting on (10 since starting treatment!)

Pimples, gray hairs, weight gain....Ah, the lovely benefits of IF!! :lol:

Emily, the range for normal retrieval is wide...could be 10, could be 30. I think most people get in the range of 10-15 though. As far as matching E2 to number of follicles, that is difficult (and practically useless) at this point. When it matters is at retrieval - they look to have about 200 units E2 per mature follicle.

I don't go for my first progress check until Friday - I don't produce many follicles, not getting myself too worked up about it. Come to think of it, I don't feel a thing going on yet...Hmmmmmm.... :scratch:

O.K., it's catch up time! I'm tired of feeling. . .shitty. Well, I'm still actually feeling shitty but I'm going to try like hell to work this out of my system. :nod: I've had so much wonderful support during this rough time and as always, I have no other choice but to get back on my feet and prepare myself for my next rollercoaster ride. :awink:

Judy~:sadhug: I'm so sorry. But it sounds like you're doing well and just simply getting yourself ready for your next cycle. It also sounds to me like "time" is what you need to get your system back in shape for the next go around. I will be right here supporting you. :thumbsup:

Haley~:welcome: As I always tell the newcomers, you came to the right place for the best support and advice ever. . .but I do hope your stay is short. Advice for your IVF? Well, I think Suzi gave a lot of great advice. All my IVFs failed, :blue: but if I'm to be retrospective, I think that I would have started acupucture right from the beginning. It has helped with my stress level and the overall "taxing" that the IF drugs may do to a woman's body. After my 4th (I think) failed cycle, I started reading a book called the Infertility Cure by Randine Lewis. I'm one who agrees with a lot she has to say about diet and preparation for both an IVF and Natural cycle and I wish that I had instituted those techniques into my daily regime earlier. But the biggest thing I wish (and I think Suzi mentioned this) is that I took more time to educate myself on everything regarding infertility, side effects of meds, and advances in IF medicine. I was like a little girl going into every appointment. I was wide eyed and if any of my questions or concerns were shot down, I never had a rebuttle. I wish that I was more assertive throughout the whole process and little by little, I got better. . .but I'm no Suzi! :bighug: I wish I could have taken her with me to all my appointments. I wish you all the best!

Kerri~You're so sweet. :bighug: But you gotta keep your spirits up for your upcoming cycle. We'll get this group back in the Black again! I guarantee it. :thumbsup:

Emily~I'm not sure that there is such a thing as a "normal" count. :scratch: I mean, I would guess everyone is different and age probably also makes a big difference. I think I had my first IVF when I was 37 and I produced about 7 in the end. . .so I think your follie counts sounds great.

Christine~I'm so happy for you. :ura1: Now all you need to do is sit back and relax and enjoy the ride. Sounds easy right? NOT! But at least for 3 days, you've been able to reap the benefits of being a princess. My mom told everyone when I had my first IVF. :rolleyes: When I complained, she told me that the more people who pray for me, the better. I couldn't argue with that. :dunno:

Vyonne~I'm so confused. Where are you in your cycle right now?

Suzi~You know I'm here routing for you! :crossfing

Kim

Kim- I was so glad to see your post. I've been thinking about you, hoping you're OK.

Wow, do hormones cause gray hairs? 6 IVFs and (knock wood) never a gray hair although pimples like crazy, and the mood swings....I think my DH is still holding a grudge for some of the things that came out of my mouth. Not much apologizing though, since he was not on the receiving end of those $%**&&## shots! And I (eventually) forgave him for shooting my IMs in my sciatic nerve (SP?)!!! Anyway, I digress....

Kim, I hope your mom is still just as supportive as she was the first time. It's so good to have that cheerleading team behind you. You "sound" great, considering. You have a super attitude. More big hugs and prayers....

Rhonda

Kristen~Thanks. :bighug: I think I wouldn't be feeling the way I do if I didn't have all of your support and thoughts. I have just learned from past experience with this, that although it's painful, I just can't wallow in it. . .and it surely isn't the worse thing that could happen to me. It sucks, that's for sure, but I'm just better at coping. I guess the more you get knocked down, the stronger you get in finding a way to stand back up.

Rhonda~My mom is still supportive, although I stopped telling her about every cycle. :nono: It was just better for my emotional health. She too often wants to dispense medical advice (which is NOT medical), tell me about a suggestion a friend gave her to tell me, or tell me she's worried about what these drugs are doing to me. We're talking about a woman who doesn't use novacane for fillings, has had about an ounce of booze in her life, and who doesn't and won't ever use a microwave because of the radiation. But, I know her efforts are part of trying to help. She's my mom. And I love her.

Kim

Kristen, Like you... I also hope this time it will work to make all this horrid pain (Zolodex) well worth it! :pray: Whenever I am going to start to compalint about any of the discomforts one goes through in these treatments... I immediately shut up, turn to God and thank Him for giving me a chance many women without insurance (like me), don´t have and I have had 6 already!!! To tell you the truth :secret: I don´t even know how... but somehow, we always get the money to do it, even when we think we won´t... So I have no doubt God is orchestrating it all. Can´t wait for your next cycle to start after your procedure. It will be like me... after a good clean up, ready to try again and hope for the best :hug99:

Haley, My best advice to you, is to have faith and never ever let go, unless you do it for your own conviction. Don´t ever let anyone tell you anything contrary to your believes. As far as your visits to the RE go, ask all the questions that pop to your mind and don´t ever hold back... no matter how silly :silly: you may feel. This thread is a great place to get TLC, find comfort and support, ask questions and get all the feed back we need when going thru IVF. For example, I learned from Suzi, about the importance of taking baby aspirin, and even though my RE doesn´t ever recommend it, he told me that if it made me feel good to take, he would not object. This will be my 2nd cycle taking baby aspirin and also taking PIO´s instead of the messy :eek: vaginal suppositories (thanks to Suzi, again :bowdown:). Unlike most girls in this thread, I was not even faced with the PIOs... its funny, but I was more bothered with the mess of the suppositories and having to lay down for about 20 minutes, everytime I inserted them (yikes!), I liked the freedom I got with the PIOs and my bum kinda like them :lol2: Good luck sweetie :hug1:

Emily, I think you are doing great!!! Keep those follies growing :bighug:

Christine, My positive Sticky thoughts and prayers are with you for a BFP, sweetie :hug99:

Rho, How are you feeling doll??? Big hug your way :bighug:

Kim, To answer your question as to my whereabouts in my cycle... I just started yesterday with the Zolodex shot (instead of Lupron). Remember my nightmare last cycle in February? Well it was all relived yesterday :owow: because they (importer lab) are bringing such small quantities of it, that they are always running out of it :fado: . At the pharmacy they said: if you always need the product (Lupron), perhaps you should by a few additional ones to have a small stock at home and to avoid having to use Zolodex... I said to myself, yeah, easy for you to say, when I do all my purchases and treatments out of pocket :angry2:
My transfer date is so far set for May 24th... I kinda like that date :secret: Now I just hope my AF comes on time, so I can get started with my estrogen pills for this lining to grow big and pretty :crossfing :nod:. By the way, did you (or anyone)experienced any hair loss when taking Estrogen??? Right when I was taking it, I was okay, but about 1 month after I stopped... I experienced hair loss :owow: but I said: I better not complaint... and accept it all in exchange for a baby! At least... no pimples, hardly any weight gain, very, very few grays... but please don´t take my hairs :lol:

Sweetie, I am glad to see you getting up and ready to hop on the wagon again... I guess you and I know that there is no other way :sadhug:. In spite of how much my :hb: aches everytime I´ve gotten a BFN or my loss, my desire to beat all odds... makes me put aside my pain and start the roller coaster again! But I know we will get our baby... God is just making us sweat it a bit longer :kiss: My thoughts, prayers and heart go out to you love.

BABY DUST AND STICKY THOUGHTS TO US ALL!!!

Vyonne

Whenever I am going to start to compalint about any of the discomforts one goes through in these treatments... I immediately shut up, turn to God and thank Him for giving me a chance many women without insurance (like me), don´t have and I have had 6 already!!! To tell you the truth :secret: I don´t even know how... but somehow, we always get the money to do it, even when we think we won´t... So I have no doubt God is orchestrating it all.

Vyonne, your outlook is always so positive and gracious...you are truly an inspiration! And as far as how/where the money comes from for cycles...if you wouldn've told me 4 years ago that I'd ever do 7 IVF cycles, I would've called you a liar. DH and I are not rich, we are not even well-off, we are everyday, run of the mill folks living on ONE income and SOMEHOW we always manage to scrape together the money for another cycle. I've been doing it for almost three years now and looking back I couldn't even tell you how. :dunno:

But I know we will get our baby... God is just making us sweat it a bit longer

This makes me think of something someone shared with me once. People who suffer from IF do so because the special soul that has been chosen as their child is not yet ready to go to them. It's a thought I relish and hope that someday soon that soul is ready to be my baby. :nod:

Kim, Suzi & Vyonne between the three of you there is so much inspiration for the rest of us. All of you have been through so much disappointment and you just pick up and keep on going. You really amaze me, most people would just quit - but you wonderful ladies just have so much strength and perseverance it uplifts me and gives me the strength to go forward with my next cycle. Thank you.


ChristineSticky thoughts your way!!

Kim, Vyonne & Suzi- Your continued optimism is such an inspiration to me. When my one and only cycle (so far) was cancelled I was totally crushed and seriously considering moving on to adoption. But following each of your stories has made me realize that I'm not ready to give up, I haven't given it my all and I'm actually looking forward to my next cycle.

I think that any woman facing IF has to be strong and brave to get through the highs and lows of IF treatment. Sometimes my friends will say "Kristen, you've been through SO much" and when I actually think about it, I have. But when you're living it and you have such a wonderful goal, it all just seems like a means to an end.

Thank you all for being so supportive and wonderful!! Baby dust to all!!!

Today i had my 2nd b/w and u/s. 8 follys on right and 9 on left. All are in between 9mm and 12 mm. But my uterus lining is not looking good. It looks very thick on a one particular side and it is a symptom of getting a polyp . I have to go again tomorrow for an u/s to check whether polyp is developing. If so, this cycle will be cancelled.
Due to all meds my uterus tends to develop polyp. I already had polyp removal twice. I am really stressed out. Crying a lot and praying.
-Emily

Emily, I am sorry. I hope it's not a polyp - good thoughts coming your way! :hug99:

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Emily- I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's not a polyp!!!!!:hug99:

. But, I know her efforts are part of trying to help. She's my mom. And I love her.


Kim- I can totally relate. My mom keeps telling me if I can just relax it will happen. Bless her, I know she wants me to be happy, but sometimes I feel like telling her that relaxing is not going to cure stage IV endometriosis!!!:tearhair:

This makes me think of something someone shared with me once. People who suffer from IF do so because the special soul that has been chosen as their child is not yet ready to go to them. It's a thought I relish and hope that someday soon that soul is ready to be my baby. :nod:
Suzi, What a lovely thought :kiss:

Kristen & Dawn, It makes me so happy to know that my optimism/perseverence and the ones from Kim & Suzi, can be of help to you both, as well as others. Thank you for your very kind and sweet words! I believe that if we see others keep up the fight... it helps us build our strength and that is what we are here for: "One for all and all for one". Just remember, we are all winners... simply because we´ll endure anything, for that precious child :hb: to come :grouphugg

Emily, I am so sorry :sadhug:, hope is not a polyp. Will hope and pray for a good outcome :pray:

Vyonne

Emily - I have my fingers crossed for you. That is so disappointing and frustrating.

Suzi and Vyonne...Thanks so much for the advice. You are both so knowledgable. I can tell I am going to learn a lot from you. I am sure I will have lots of questions, so get ready!! :lol:


Emily...I hope you don't have a polyp. I sure hope you don't have to cancel. :bighug:

I just found out today that one of my friends is 12 weeks pregnant with #3! She didn't want to tell me, given my situation. But, I'm happy for her. She has PCOS, but luckily she knows what medicine works for her. She had only been on glucophage for 2 weeks then got pg. Same with her two boys. Having "unexplained" IF is so challenging. I have NO idea what is wrong with me. I just hope that my eggs are still healthy. I guess I'll find out soon enough. :crossfing:

Aw, shucks y'all! I've just spent lots of time reading/researching and it's a shame for that to go to waste. I just hope it helps others not feel so lost or alone, that's all!

I go for my first check tomorrow, I will be surprised if there's anything going on. It occured to me yesterday that I've felt nothing - I mean NOTHING and that's not a great sign. If we have to drop it won't be the end of the world 'cause we have plenty of drugs to start over (thank goodness!). I guess only the u/s and b/w will tell the real story, huh (even though I'd lay money on not much happening)?

I really love this group. I can be so down and I come here and just feel better. You all do inspire me and Kim what you said about learning that you just have to go on. Well its so very true. It doean't mean it is easy but it can be done. And Suzi, I love that thought about special souls.

Can I ask if any of you know much about if they normally recomend a rest cycle after an FET? It seems to me like there isn't much that was done in terms of stims etc and I wonder if the nurse I spoke with was just being lazy about paperwork or if it really is better for you body to wait. I guess I shouldn't be second guessing but I am. What can I say?

I apologize for no personals. I just really wanted to express how wonderful a group you all are!

Can I ask if any of you know much about if they normally recomend a rest cycle after an FET? It seems to me like there isn't much that was done in terms of stims etc and I wonder if the nurse I spoke with was just being lazy about paperwork or if it really is better for you body to wait. I guess I shouldn't be second guessing but I am. What can I say?

NONONONONO!!!! You SHOULD be second-guessing! Although I don't call it that, I call it being an active participant in my own care. Whatever you call it, you don't need to apologize for it!

I have to tell you - I have a GREAT RE...I LOVE him. Really, I do. But at the same time, I make sure that he doesn't TELL me what we are going to do - rather we discuss pros and cons of whatever issue we are considering and then we make a decision TOGETHER. Sometimes I go home and research the topic first, sometimes I know enough about it to make a decision. Bottom line though - I don't do ANYTHING just because he says I should.

In light of that no, I have never had to wait any length of time before doing another cycle. As a matter of fact, I have done a few cycles back to back where when AF showed from my BFN IVF, it was CD1 on my next IVF. One of those cycles was even positive (although not continuing, but that's likely due to my thrombolytic problems). If you want to question why you can't do another cycle right away, then get your RE on the phone (or make an appointment) and discuss it. You are spending way too much money to leave your care entirely in another person's hands. JMO.

I'm a bit behind here so I apologize for not addressing everything!
Judy - After my failed FET (and I actually had a biochemical pregnancy) I went straight into a clomid cycle with no break at all. I was very surprised since I'd technically had a miscarriage. I agree that it doesn't make alot of sense that your uterus needs a rest....
Good luck everyone who's cycling! I hope to hear nothing but good news!

Amanda

Hey Judy! I did five straight, back-to-back IVF cycles before we finally conceived my daughter. No breaks. They never said it was necessary and I didn't want to stop trying! Will they let you start another cycle or are they saying definitely no?

Hi VYONNE! HOw's everything going? I'm doing well, thanks for asking. On pins and needles since it is still so early. (5w 5d, to be exact) Hoping all stays well!

I hope dear ol' AF comes and you can get moving toward that May 24th transfer!

SUZI, I agree with you. You're your own best advocate. No matter how good the doctor is and how much you trust him, you need to be "in the know" about everything.

Hope everyone is doing well out there. xoxoxoxoxoxo

Haley, Ready to get bombarded with questions :lol:

Judy, I have to agree with Suzi, Amanda & Rho... :noqueno: no waiting in between cycles is needed! I also did a couple of them back to back... so if I were you, I´d be on the phone to the RE first thing tomorrow morning :secret:

Suzi, A big :bighug: and :pray:s for your first check tomorrow!

Rho, Happy to hear you are doing well :hug99:

Vyonne

Kim-I know you have your U/S today. I hope you're OK!

Suzi- I hope they see lots of little follies growing!!!

Suzi, KristenW, Vyonne, ChristineS, HaleyB - Thank you for all your wishes and prayers. :grouphugg

Today i had a b/w and u/s. We didn't see any polyp but still the uterus lining is thick. Retrieval is scheduled for Tuesday(05/02). If my uterus looks good till the date of transfer, then there will be a transfer. Otherwise, i have to wait till after my polyp removal.
I am so pleased and grateful that i can make upto this point. Thanks once again for all you wishes and prayers.
Today's folly check up result: total 18 follies, ranging from 9 to 16.
My E2 was little on high side. And they dropped my dosage by 75 IU. I am waiting for nurse to call me for today's result. I am also feeling little nauseated from yesterday.

Emily -- I am so glad to hear that there's no polyp. That is a great folicle count! I hope everything goes well the next couple of days & you are able to proceed.

Suzi -- How'd your US go?

Yvonne -- Good luck with the waiting for AF.

Kim -- I hope that everything goes o.k. for you. You really amaze me at how strong you have been through all of this.

I just heard from the nurse & everything looks good so far. My E2 is going up nicely (936) & I have 9 follicles >10. I go back in on Sunday for an US & BW & will probably have my retrival Wednesday or Thursday. I am very happy with everything, this cycle is going much better than the ones last year. I keep going over in my mind the things that we are doing differently to try to see what has made the difference. Some of the medication protocols are slightly different. I've changed doctors & this is my first cycle with accupuncture. I just might become a convert of accupuncture!

Hello ladies, I know I havent been on much so theres been lots to catch up on.

Emily-I'm glad to hear that your lining may only just be thick and that your cycle wont be cancelled. Sounds like your progressing well!

Vyonne-Hope those shots are getting better. Your right when you say your just grateful Gods given you the chance to do it again.

Judy-I hope your RE doesnt make you wait to long to try again.

Kim-How are you feeling today? How did the last US go? I'm glad you are feeling stronger about the next cycle I just wish this had worked out for you this time. Hugs and prayers.

Well, I have been so sick this last week I havent wanted to do anything. My house is in a shambles and my poor DH has had to fend for himself. We went for our US yesterday, The first Black hole was empty, no baby and she had difficulty finding the other black hole but the more she manipulated it, she found it and there was a little flashing light inside it! A little heart beating! I was so scared after the first showed nothing that it was a chemical but we are officially pregnant with one little baby. I had to wait until the clinic called to confirm the US results later in the aft. as the lab here is not allowed to say anything, but both DH an I knew that we had one. I had the lab tech print us a pic, and she put all the info at the bottom corner that pretty much told us everything anyway but I still had a bit of hope for twins. Then I came home and cried because it wasnt twins. I know completely irrational, because we have one in the oven but I kept dreaming twins, I was so sure. Even last night I dreamnt it was still twins, but then again I have to buy lotto tickets today cause I also dreamnt I won the super7! I feel kinda twisted and emptional on top of the MS. I'm hoping that the "progesterone poisoning" goes away soon so I can just enjoy.

Baby Dust wishes, Love and hugs to everyone.
Andrea

Suzi-I forgot to add in, I'm hoping your gut feeling is wrong and that you have lots of good follicle developement! I'm keeping fingers crossed and prayers going that this cycle is the one for that little soul to join your life!

Thanks for all the thoughts and wishes... From my journal:
Here I am...finally! The news was...okay. I have 4 follicles measuring 11, 12, 13, and 15. My estrodiol is 262, about on target for 4 follicles (a TAD lower than what I was looking for). I go back for my next check on Sunday at 10am.

I did learn something interesting...my center is now doing TWO day transfers! I am positive that I will do a 2-day transfer, that is positive news for me! You only do a 2-day transfer if you have an unusually low number of follicles (which I do) or if the quality of the embryos looks bad. The best place for embryos is in utero and the thought is to get them back there as soon as possible to give them an extra chance to continue growing and ultimately implant.

Thanks to everyone for the thoughts and prayers - I can't express how much it means to me!

I feel relatively good about this - maybe a HAIR disappointed that there weren't more follicles (because of the acu) but this is completely typical for me. On to Sunday!! :yippee:

BTW...I expect I will go to retrieval on Wednesday!

Suzi -- I'm glad to hear that your check went well, sorry it wasn't as good as you were expecting. I guess that I am a fan of 2-day transfers -- that's what I had with my successful IVF's.

Andrea -- I am so sorry, though so glad that you have one little heart beating!

Andrea, I am sorry about your loss. Julia was also a twin, we lost her twin around 7-8 weeks. :hug99: Great news about your one healthy baby though!

Glad that Carla, Emily, and Suzi all got good news!
Andrea - Jessica also started as a twin. We had 2 heartbeats at my 7 week u/s but at my 11 week u/s there was one baby and one empty sac. I had always wanted twins so I was very, very disappointed. In retrospect I'm relieved that Jessica ended up being one! I'm sorry for your loss but glad to hear there's one healthy looking baby!

Amanda

Andrea, I'm glad that one is sticking around! :hug99:
Suzi, Good luck next week! :)

Emily, Very happy to hear is not a polyp, but I am a bit confussed about your sentence: If my uterus looks good till the date of transfer, then there will be a transfer. Otherwise, i have to wait till after my polyp removal. Sorry, but if they found no polyp... what polyp removal are you talking about :scratch:??? Will continue prayers for that uterus to continue looking good until the day of transfer :hug99:

Carla, Its great that you are positive and that you acknowledge this cycle is going much better than the other ones... that alone is a blessing :pray:! Your count is very good and will pray that they continue to grow nicely :hug99:
Starting to feel little cramps... so hopefully :rolleyes: AF will show this weekend (thank you for your wishes for it to come)

Andrea, I am so sorry about your loss, but you are blessed to have your one little punkin with you :nod: I know how it feels when one is expecting something and then... it doesn´t happen. Maybe you simply weren´t prepared yet for the challenge of twins :secret: A big, big hug your way and take care of your angel :hb: :bighug:

Suzi, I know we all want a dozen eggs or more... but with 4 (being what you typically produce) it is great :hi5: !!! Lets now pray so that those 4 grow strong and well, so you have a perfect transfer next week and bring yet, another BFP to this thread :kiss:

Kim, Sweetie, how are you feeling??? I know it takes time, but I pray for serenity and strength to be at your footstep :bighug:

Vyonne

Aw, you guys are great! :grouphugg Interestingly enough, I am inspired by your being inspired! I guess that's the silver lining for me. :sunny: If my struggles and perseverance have helped others decide to forge ahead and get back up on their feet again after failure, then I know my pain is not wasted. And who the hell wants their damn pain to be a waste??? :awink:

The results of the U/S: We saw a heartbeat, which was neat, in a strange and sad way. The heartbeat is slow and inconsistent and the embryo is much smaller than it should be at this point. I guess the whole heartbeat aspect puts Drs and very often patients, at a moral dilemna. This is
"life" and thus should we intervene or let things happen naturally? DH and I chose intervention. We are going to go ahead with the D&E, which is scheduled for Monday.

Emily~I'm glad there was no polyp and I hope that the uterus issues will be rectified before your transfer.

Haley~I too have dealt with unexplained IF. Well, I should say that when my problems started at age 36 with an FSH of 6, then it was unexplained. :dunno: Now, going on 42 :rolleyes: (Where does time go?), the Drs have an easy time telling me it's age related. :fado: In any case, I remember some of my friends with IF issues telling me things like: I haven't had my period in a year, or I have several polyps on my uterus, or my uterus is too small. . .and I would think, "Gosh, I'm so glad I don't have any of those issues". All those ladies have now had kids. That's when I woke up and realized the curse of "unexplained infertility" --you know nothing and therefore have nothing to improve. . .you just keep trying and trying and hope something works. Anyway, I was just trying to say, I know what you mean. :hug99:

Suzi~Hmmm. Interesting about the 2 day transfer. Good for you for getting them to do that--but I wouldn't expect any less from you. :noqueno: I'm so excited that your transfer is right around the corner.:ura1:

Vyonne~I like May 24th. It's my birthday. I hope that special day brings you lots of luck. It's also Bob Dyan's birthday. . "The times they a changin'. . ." "The answer my friend is blowin' in the wind. . ." "Don't think twice, it's alright. . ." :bighug: :heee:

Andrea~I'm so happy that you have a little bean in there. I totally know the anxiety you must have felt to see an empty "hole". I'm just so glad that you have one good one and are offically pregnant. :ura1:

Wow! So much happening in the next few days and weeks--let's get this thread back to what we all want to see. . .BFPs for everyone. :bighug:

Kimberly

Kim, you are in my thoughts all the time. I know you are still hurting yet you put on a happy face...you are truly amazing. :bighug: My prayers will be with you especially on Monday. :hug99:

Vyonne, yes, I am not at all unhappy with 4 follicles although most would be crushed. Here's a little funny for you: The first time I met with the gal who started the IF support group with me, we discovered that we'd had our retreivals the same day; it was a Sunday so we were the only two in there. I could hear the RE tell them about the 30 eggs - ON ONE OVARY - that they got and all I could think was...that POOR woman! She told me that she and her DH heard the RE talk to us about the THREE eggs we got and all they could think was...that POOR woman!! It's all about perspective!! :lol:

:hug99:

Vyonne, yes, I am not at all unhappy with 4 follicles although most would be crushed. Here's a little funny for you: The first time I met with the gal who started the IF support group with me, we discovered that we'd had our retreivals the same day; it was a Sunday so we were the only two in there. I could hear the RE tell them about the 30 eggs - ON ONE OVARY - that they got and all I could think was...that POOR woman! She told me that she and her DH heard the RE talk to us about the THREE eggs we got and all they could think was...that POOR woman!! It's all about perspective!! :lol:
Suzi, I know exactly what you mean... :lol2:

Kim, I am so sorry that things had to be even harder for you and DH having to listen to a :hb:. My thoughts, love and prayers will be with you on Monday. I hope you don´t mind my saying this, but your choice is the same road I would have chosen... why procrastinate the innevitable :sadhug: Please know that no matter how far I might be... my shoulder is all yours to lean on :kiss: (Its strange, but I almost feel as if I can literally hug you and have made a picture of you in my mind).
Then, the 24th is indeed a great day :ura1:. I´d love for this cycle to be a successful one and always remember it all FINALLY happened and it was on your birthday :hug99:

Vyonne

I just want to say that even though I am new, I already think you guys are so great!!! I can see how much support you give each other and help with the ups and downs of IF. I'm glad I can be a part of this group. :bighug:

Kim, I know it was hard seeing the :hb:. I admire you for your brave decision. I agree about the unexplained infertility. I'm sort of envious of women who at least know what the problem is so that they can try to fix it. Like my friend...two weeks on glucophage and she's having #3!

Suzi, That's really cool about the day two transfer. I had never even heard of a 2 day transfer. See, I learn something new every time you post. :)

Andrea, I'm sorry about your loss, but I'm so glad you still have one little healthy peanut in there!

Has any one had ICSI? My DH's SA have all come back with flying colors, but since he will be deployed at the time of our IVF, we will have to freeze his little swimmers. Since we are doing that, our clinic automatically does ICSI. I guess the freezing may decrease their activity or something. I was hoping they could just defrost them, put them in the dish with the egg, turn out the lights and put on a little Barry White....:lol: Also, I don't know much about the E2 levels and how they correlate with follicle growth. Is that estrodial? Plus, what is retrieval REALLY like? Anyone ever get OHS from stims? Okay, class is in session... :read:

Vyonne...you said you were ready for questions!!! :lol:

Suzi - glad to hear things are developing in there! Does your clinic only measure those follies over 10? I think it is a wonderful sign that the sizes are grouped so tightly. Very funny story about you and your co-IF group initiator it most certainly is all in perspective. Looking forward to your update tomorrow!

Kim - I'm very sorry :bighug: I think I would have gone ahead with the same decision you did but I am certain it was not an easy one. I will be hoping for a smooth procedure for you on Monday and will be thinking of you lots. If I can do anything - please let me know. We're not very close by but certainly within driving distance if you need an ear or a shoulder.

Andrea - I am also sorry for your loss and at the same time very happy for your good news. I think the emotional highs and lows are part of the hormonal package. Hoping you are feeling better soon.

Vyonne - I have very good feelings about this cycle for you sweetie! I can't explain why - I just do!

Emily - glad that there are no polyps!!

rho - hope you are feeling well!

Haley - We did ICSI with both our fresh cycles - to be honest I was a little relieved when we did hear we were doing it as I believe you gain a higher fertilization rate generally with the procedure as the embryologist is 'helping' the boys find the target. I didn't get a full case of OHSS but was borderline with my first retreival - I think it was 19 eggs and that is way higher than what my RE was aiming for. He prefers to see 6-12. I was pretty uncomfortable after retrieval that day and think I left work early the next day to rest. The nurse had sent me home with instructions to eat a high protein diet/low carb, drink a mix of gatorade and water and take it easy (feet up). My belly was quite bloated for about 2 weeks. They were satisfied though that by ET time things were not risky and proceeded. The next cycle was a lower number of eggs and much easier for me. Actual retrieval? Honestly I don't remember a thing. They administer 'twilight' anesthesia and I woke up in recovery no problem. Defintely though, be prepared to take it easy the rest of that day and keep your feet up. Transfer (yes I'm jumping ahead lol) Much easier! But you do that with a full bladder at most clinics so it is a little uncomfortable but nothing you haven't felt before!

Hope you all are doing well. AF arrived today and well I just didn't have it in me to call and be agressive with the nurses. I am having my follow-up with the RE Thursday though and I am definitely clarifying his stance on back to back cycles. I think emotionally I need a break. I hope I don't regret that decision but right now it feels right and I'm going with it. It feels sort of funny to have those feelings since I think there was less invested in the FET cycle than the 2 fresh previously but I think I need to take it easier on myself as emotionally I am still healing from the loss. So like it said it feels right. Admittedly I've been enjoying parts of the pity party I've been holding for myself doing all sorts of bad eating and some drinking :noqueno: But looking forward to spending the majority of the month of May getting back to healthier eating and back to my walking routine.

Kim, You are in my prayers. :hug99:

bloom - thank you for that good explanation about ICSI and OHSS.

Vyonne, KristenW, ChristineS, Andrea - how are you doing?

Suzi -

CarlaG - Let me know your Sunday b/w and u/s result. I also have an u/s and b/w on Sunday. If everything goes well then ER will be on Tue.

Sorry if i missed anyone.

On Wednesday my E2 level was 1943(17 follies) and my Repronex injection dosage was reduced by 75IU. From yesterday's(9th day stimming, 18 follies) blood test result, E2 level was 3810 and my Gonal-F dosage was reduced by 75IU. E2 level sounds too high, right? Somewhere i read, if E2 level reaches 4000 then you are supposed to have HCG shot. But my RE said only tomorrow(Sun.) i can take the shot. I feel on Sunday it will be too late and by that time my E2 level will hit the roof.
I have another doubt, from tomorrow i will stop taking Cetrotide injection which helps in preventing ovulation. Instead of that i will take HCG shot and ER is on Tuesday. Is it sure that i won't ovulate on Monday itself? Because now itself i am feeling like my ovaries are going to burst.

Kind of confused and worried, any clarification is greatly appreciated. I am sorry if i sound crazy. I think i am kind of worried and excited as the date of ER is nearing.

Haley - I hope that i am not scaring you. :)
-Emily

Has any one had ICSI? My DH's SA have all come back with flying colors, but since he will be deployed at the time of our IVF, we will have to freeze his little swimmers. Since we are doing that, our clinic automatically does ICSI. I guess the freezing may decrease their activity or something. I was hoping they could just defrost them, put them in the dish with the egg, turn out the lights and put on a little Barry White....:lol: Also, I don't know much about the E2 levels and how they correlate with follicle growth. Is that estrodial? Plus, what is retrieval REALLY like? Anyone ever get OHS from stims? Okay, class is in session... :read:

Vyonne...you said you were ready for questions!!! :lol:
Haley, Well lets see :scratch: I´ve had ICSI on my last 2 cycles (but were not successful :cry: ones, for other reasons)... ICSI is always a must when you use frozen swimmers or when you have a low count of sperms... in your case, it is because at the time of defrost you loose a large percentage of them. It also helps guarantee that the sperm enters the egg... although it doesn´t guarantee that they all will fertilize... your chances of fertilization are greater when performing ICSI :nod: .
Regarding the E2 levels, the number of days that you will be on stimulation drugs varies greatly depending on your drug protocol and how well you stimulate. Usually clinics are looking for 150-300 units of Estradiol for every mature follicle. It also seems that the receptivity of the endometrium depends at least partially on adequate E2 levels. I hope my modest explanation will help dissipate your doubts :awink:.

Vyonne

Vyonne - I have very good feelings about this cycle for you sweetie! I can't explain why - I just do!
Judy, Oh sweetie, it feels so good to read that! I´ve had my only 2 girlfriends who know about my IVF tell me the same thing, and also something very strange happened to me on Friday, when I went to pick up my endo stims pills... the gurard at the clinic´s front door (who has known me for the past 3 years) came up to me and looking me straight into the eyes said:Ma´am, I have seen you come and go for a few years now... but I have a strong feeling this time is your time, and please know you´ll be in my prayers... just remember my words! I don´t know why, but it is the first time ever, he has said anything like that. All the other times before, he´d simply say hello and wished me well. I don´t want to get overly excited about this cycle, but I too have a gut feeling about it, but mostly because it is taking place within 1 month of my procedure to remove all the crap from my endometrium and according to my doc... its nice and clean now! I can only hope and :pray: and place my cycle in God´s hands.

I am glad to hear that you are taking it easy with your next cycle... I think it is a wise decision :nod:. Nothing better than following your :heart: when you go in these treatments. When you least expect it, you´ll be pleasantly surprised and you´ll know the time is right. I understand about your healing process... right now the sadness is almost unbearable at times, as it is too soon, but know that with time, you´ll look up into the sky and smile at the little angels that will help bring a smile to your face with your next pregnancy. I particularly feel that way about my 2 little angels, but I think I´ll have to have a more serious talk with them and ask them to work harder at sending me a new little angel this cycle :kiss:

Take care doll...

Vyonne

:hug99: Kim

Vyonne, wild about the guard! I hope he's prophetic! :)

Vyonne, wild about the guard! I hope he's prophetic! :)
Beverly, Thank you sweetie... :hug99:
Let´s hope so :crossfing his look was soooo intense:woa:

Vyonne

Well, no E2 result yet but I was scanned this am with the brand-spanking-new u/s machine and the IVF coord *thinks* that there are 5 maybe 6 follicles! :banana: :woo: :yippee: They all measured smaller than yesterday (12 to 14 range) but that is likely due to the better machine today - Friday's machine was their oldest machine and the 2nd in charge nurse (who did my scan) told me not to let them scan me in that room anymore. I am waiting for my E2 results...I am getting excited and feeling very good about this cycle!!

Suzi -- That's great! When do you think your ER will be?

Well, everything went well for me today too. My US looked great, the doctor said that she thought we'd get 6+ eggs, but at least 4 (I am very happy with any of these options!) I haven't heard back from the office, but I am pretty sure that I am going to trigger tonight with ER on Tuesday. I'm pretty sure that my E2 has gone up because I have been feeling pretty nauseous(sp?) since yesterday afternoon.

I feel really good about this cycle. I have stimmed soooo different than last year. I know that I made the right decision in changing MD's. I'm not sure what it is, but something that they do differently makes a difference in my response. Of course, the important part is that it makes a difference in the outcome.

Carla

Carla, so glad you had a good scan! Lots of prayers for you!!

My E2 came back and it was 436. This is great - especially considering the extra follicles we saw. With this progress, it looks like retrieval will be Friday and transfer back next Sunday.

Today i had an u/s and b/w. Total no. of follies: 20. 15 are in between 15mm and 19.9mm. Rest are less than size 15mm. Tonight is the HCG shot. And retrieval is scheduled on Tuesday at 9AM. We need to be at hospital at 8AM. Finally the big day has come. :)

Carla, we are having ER on same date. :hug99:

-Emily

Emily -- And at the same time! Mine is also at 9. Best of luck to you!

Carla - wow :) ... at what time you are going to take the shot and where(thigh or tummy)? Mine is: Gonal-F,Repronex,Cetrotide at 7pm and trigger is at 10pm. I am going to take it in my tummy.

I wish and pray for you a very good luck :)

Suzi, that's GREAT news about your follies! Friday is coming so fast. Wow, you must be so psyched!

Carla and Emily, good luck on Tuesday with your ERs!

Vyonne, I am a highly superstitious person and I say you have to believe the guard. I have my fingers crossed tight for you!

Everyone else...I'm too tired to read back but for now, happy sticky smiley thoughts to one and all!!!!!

Suzi-Awesome news! I am so glad your follicle dev. is doing so well! Lots of mature grade A egg wishes your way!

Emily and Carla-Good luck on ER, Lots of mature Grade A wishes coming your way as well!

Vyonne-I believe your guard is right, this is your cycle as well Luv!

Judy-I hope your follow up appointment goes well and you get some answers as well as a plan to go on. You are so right that you are stilll recovering and that the time you take is healing time. Big hugs!

Kim-What a difficult choice you have had to make, I wish I could take away your pain. You will be in my thoughts and prayers tommorow. Big hug and love.

Haley-All our eggs were ICSId because they were retreived through TESA, I dont know if they will play Barry White in there but you can check. I know that they would have let us play it for transfer though! Egg retreival, dont make many plans cause you probally will want to rest up. I was Doped with some good drugs for retreival so I was awake but feeling no pain. I tried to watch the monitor but it kept scrolling and making me feel ill. Afterwards I couldnt sit straight for a while and it was like having really super bad gas (IKnow TMinfo!). I slept the rest of the day after DH fed me. The next day I was pretty much back to normal with a few tender moments. It wasnt as bad as I thought it would be, at all.

Feeling a bit better and not so depressed. I just wish my hormones would get under control! I'm a basket case! I'm sending big prayers up to St. Philomena for you all.

Baby Dust Wishes, Luv and hugs
Andrea

Suzi, Its always a pleasant surprise, when you get more than expected... :yippee:Hurray for your eggies!!! Wow, Fridays is almost here! Good thoughts and prayers your way :hug99:
PS Do you take your baby aspirin on the day of your transfer? Or do you skip that day and continue thereafter? I´ve been told its never good to take them when you are having a procedure done :dunno:

Carla & Emily, Wonderful results :clap: Best wishes and lots of prayers your way for Tuesday 9:00 am :bighug: For lots of eggies to fertilize :pray:

Rho, I sure hope you are right too. Thanks for the tight :crossfing I need them :secret: And how are you feeling??? Any M/S yet? A big hug for you and your peanut(s) :bighug: When is your first U/S scheduled for???

Andrea, Wow, you feel that way too? Its funny, but the guard´s words and his piercing look are embedded in my head :shuffle: Nothing would make me happier than this cycle finally being the one :awink: And I don´t care if I have M/S the whole 9 months :lol:!!!
Happy to hear you are feeling better. Hope your hormones will stop acting up soon :nod: A big hug to you and your little one :bighug:

Kim, My :heart: :pray:s & :hug99: with you tomorrow, darling.

Yeeeeesss! AF was right on time (came this afternoon) :ura1: I start my E pills tomorrow :crossfing

Vyonne

-Great news from Suzi,
-good luck tomorrow to carla and emily
-wonderful news from andrea, although bittersweet.
-vyonne it sounds like everything is sliding into place this cycle
-Kim - keep on hanging in there
-judy relax and take time to recuperate
-rho how are you feeling?
-everyone else - make sure to smile - it helps with stress levels and mood swings!

thanks everyone for all the sticky thoughts. I go on thursday for my blood test, and I can't seem to think of anything else. I have to say, I don't "feel" anything yet. Should I be feeling something? I know I am overanalyzing this, it would be too early to feel anything yet right?

haley, about my ER: I was knocked out with propofol for the procedure, given by an anesthesiologist. I woke up to my RE telling me that she got out 18 eggs. I was surprised then fell back asleep. In the recovery room I started to feel a bit cramp, like a bad period, and he gave me a shot of fentanyl which felt kinda nice but didn't do much for the pain. after I got home I felt really bad. I don't know if it had to do with the number (18) or what. but I had a lot of lower abdominal pain and bloating. I laid around all day. and I took a tylenol #3. The next day was better but not all the way. I took off that day too and did not walk around much due to pain. the following day though, I was back on track. I had similar symptoms though after each of my IUIs, which I thought was the realase of all those follies and fluid into the abdomen. (I had around 20 then too, and the RE were talking about mild OHSS) I thought it would not be so bad with the ER since they suck out all the fluid, but I guess then you have to add in a little bit of bleeding into the abdomen from the retrieval so I guess it evened out and I still felt like crap. But I am not complaining, since I got special treatment from mom and DH and I got to think positive thoughts for all those possible embies forming.... also, I got really constipated from all those pain meds (talk about too much info!) so I would recommend making sure you get enough fiber before/and afterwards, so that you won't have that problem come transfer time, when you would rather be thinking about other things.

Suzi -- I took my shot at 10 last night, no other drugs last night or today (Hurrah! One day drug free!) I went in for BW this morning & then back tomorrow! I am just trying to finish making arrangements, doing laundry, a couple of errands, & resting a little. I'm pretty tired. Good luck tomorrow! I can't wait to hear how things go for you!

Vyonne -- Happy day! I hope everything (including BFP) goes as planned for you!

Christine -- Good luck on Thursday!

Haley -- I've had several IVF's with 2 different doctors & had different experiences with both. My first, I was awake with pain meds which didn't work very well & was in a lot of pain. For the rest of them, I have been knocked out & just woken up resting in the recovery room. It's kind of funny because the doctor has always come to tell me how many eggs they got & when I wake up later I'm not sure if it was a dream or not. I've always just laid on the couch the rest of the day & relaxed. I didn't feel much like eating (except maybe some chicken noodle soup.) The next 2 days, I still felt a little worn with occasional crampy feelings, but was o.k. besides that. We've always done ICSI & we've had excellent fertilization rates. If you don't count immature eggs, we've had a 70% fertilization rate.

As for me, I can't believe that my ER is already here. I was planning on 12-13 days of stims & only did 9. I am still amazed at how different my response was to this cycle & I am taking it as a really good sign! I can tell that it is going to be hard to focus on anything else in life for the next couple of weeks!

Suzi- Yay for the extra follicles. I can't believe your retrieval is almost here! It sounds like your cycle is right on track!!

Carla & Emily- Good luck tomorrow. I'll be thinking of you both on my way to work, praying for very sticky embies!!

Vyonne- I really hope the guard is on to something!!!

Christine- Keeping my fingers crossed for you...hopefully you'll be the first of many BFPs for the April, May and June cyclers!

Judy- I think that you're right to take time off in between cycles if you need it. I was almost relieved when my doctor said that I needed to have surgery and wouldn't be able to cycle again until late summer. I started my cycle so positive and sure it would work, I did acupuncture, ate all the right things, abstained from alcohol and did a fertility dance fortnightly (just kidding about that!!). When my cycle was cancelled I was devasted. I couldn't image starting over in that frame of mind. I, too have been consoling myself with fattening foods and Merlot, but starting today I'm back on program!!

I'm just trying to get things wrapped up at work. My surgery is on Thursday and my RE says she's going to try to remove the cysts with a laparoscopy, but with all the scarring and adhesions there's a good chance she'll have to open me up. If she does I'll be out of work for two to three weeks!! So...I'm preparing for the worst...

Baby dust to everyone!!

Carla, so glad that you tapped into a better cycle this time, it's reassuring to know that my RE is right on the money with that idea. :aok: Great thoughts for a good retrieval!

Emily, best of luck to you as well - you are also in my thoughts! :bighug:

Christine, not to worry...I never had ANY PG symptoms when I was PG with my DD so feeling nothing is just fine. :crossfing for you!

Vyonne, :woo: for AF!!! ONWARD! :lol:

Andrea, thanks for the good wishes and prayers! Don't worry, you will soon get used to the hormones and in the second tri you'll feel better!

Judy, I am glad you are taking a break - it's not always about what we can handle physically as it is what we can handle emotionally. Your heart needs to heal as well. :hug99:

Haley, we have always done ICSI (DH has sperm count under 500K). We have nearly 100% fertilization - better than many who fert naturally. Nothing to worry about!

Kim, you are in my thoughts today! :hug99:

Next check for me is tomorrow...hoping for good growth! :crossfing

Kim, I am so sorry that you and DH had to make such a hard decision. I hope that your D & E goes smoothly today, and that you're on the mend very soon. You are a very strong woman and when you do have your baby he/she is going to be blessed with a wonderful mother and role model.

Take good care of yourself.

Vyonne- I'm sorry I missed you in my previous post. Yay for AF showing. Let's get this ball rolling.....

Christine, Sticky, Sticky thoughts your way sweetie, and all the power for a BFP on Thursday! My prayers are with you :bighug:
And, yes... everything is sliding into place this cycle :nod:

Carla, Thank you luv! I am so happy this cycle has progressed so well!!! I (like you) feel that is a very good sign :crossfing. Best of luck tomorrow with those Grade A eggies they will retrieve :hug99:

Emily, Best of luck tomorrow at retrieval as well... you both will be in my prayers :hug99:

Kristen, Me too :crossfing!!!
You´ll be in my heart and thoughts on Thursday... I sure hope that laparascopy will be sufficient, but if they have to open you and that resolves the problem for you... I know you are prepared for the worst, and I´ll be sending you healing thoughts. You are a brave woman and :pray: hard for God to soon grant you a baby... The end of the Summer is almost here, and in no time it will be time for a new cycle! Big, big hug for you, sweetie!:bighug:
PS I just peeked at the posts and so your new message for me...Thank you :kiss:

Suzi, Thank you :hug1:
Its funny to be so excited over AF making us a visit, when otherwise... I want to chase her away with a broom :lol2:
Strong prayers for those follies to keep on growing, luv :bighug: Good luck tomorrow :crossfing


Vyonne

Your thoughts and blessings mean so incredibly much to me. :grouphugg I got online, all groggy and blah and depressed to post, and now, I have a smile on my face. :sunny:

I eventually want to catch up and personalize, but I thought while I'm up for this brief moment, I'd just send an update:

Everything went fine. . .well, I guess as well as it could. :rolleyes: Everyone at the clinic was super nice and I actually think I may have received special treatments. :blush: You see, after 7 IVFs, everyone there knows me! The anestheseologists, the RNs, and the Drs who've either performed my retrievals or transfers. Of course, EVERYONE was so sad that I was now coming in for a damn D&E. :blue: And so, I had people around me constantly. . .making sure I had warm blankets while waiting before and enough saltines and gingerale afterwards. As far as the D&E itself, they did take some tissue samples to the lab to confirm chromosomal abnormality. . .:thumbsup: (And of course, if it's any thing other, I may freak). There was a small blood clot and in addition to a shot in the butt, they sent me home with one dose of methergine to help break up the clot, docycycline (protocal for any surgery), and some percocet for the pain. :brow: I actually haven't needed to take any yet. . .but I may soon. . .just because. :dunno:

I'll be back to personalize tomorrow.

Kim

Oh Kim, I insist on finding a magic wand to take all your pain away :sadhug:. It is so hard to think that even after a BFP, the anguish for us (IF gals) doesn´t stop :disbelief. I pray that very, very soon you´ll heal, so that you can get your other frosties on the way! Feel better and know someone all the way out here loves you and is keeping you in her prayers :kiss:

Vyonne

Kim, I am so sorry honey!!! And I am so sorry I didn't see this before now. We were out of town last week. I love you!!! :bighug:

Kim - I am glad that your procedure went as well as could.

Kristen - I am confused - why do you have to have laparoscopy? That is pretty invasive. Especially if they have to go on to an open laparotomy. That is not a minor surgery. Is there any other option?
-I know that I had "ugly looking cysts" on my ovaries after my last IUI cycle, and a cycle of lupron did not make them go away. I had to take another month off and take birth control pills for a month. My doctor said that I might have to have a lap to take it out if it didn't go away, but I told him not to worry b/c it had to go away! I did NOT want to have the lap. The cysts in my case were just the byproduct of the overstim of the ovaries for the IUI. I think that sometimes the doctors might get too carried away with the procedures they recommend. My cysts were gone and the ovaries back to their normal state by the time my next AF came (2 cycles off).

Kim, I hope you are resting comfortably today. :hug99:

From my journal:
More good news! :yippee: I DO have 6 follicles, they measure 11, 13, 13, 14, 15, and 16. The earliest retrieval will be is Friday...now it MAY be Saturday (or Sunday?)! The growth is slow and steady and I am very optimistic about this! I expect my E2 back early this afternoon, I am expecting something in the 600-ish range, my fingers are crossed! :crossfing

Well, I am back! Everything went fine with the procedure. They got 4 eggs, 2 of the follicles were empty. I will now be waiting for the phone to ring tomorrow morning with the really important count

I actually feel pretty good. I got up and got myself a bowl of soup a few minutes ago & really am doing o.k. (DH had to go get the car worked on, so he left me sleeping.) I'm kind of sore, but am not really having any nausea from the anestheisia. I took some kind of pain medicine after my last couple of retrivals & I think that made me sick. If I continue to feel good, DH might need to take me out to dinner tonight! I don't know if it's the hormones, but I am in the mood for food that "really tastes." Yesterday, I had a bag of black licorice, which I really haven't had much of since our last IVF. Isn't that funny?

Kim -- I'm so sorry for yesterday. How awful to go through that after everything that you've been through. I hope your recovery (physically & emotionally) goes smoothly. You are in my thoughts & prayers.

Emily -- How are you? How'd things go?

Suzi, Grrrrrrreat news!!! Keep it up girl :ura1: :ura1: :ura1: :ura1: :ura1: :ura1: (one for each follie :lol: ) Hope you get your expected count on E2 :pray:, as well :bighug:

Vyonne

Carla, so glad that things went well!! :yippee: Now we are all waiting on pins and needles for that fert report...

Emily, I hope you are doing well!

Well, I have even more good news to share, I got the E2 results! It is 705 and that is pointing even more towards retrieval on Saturday (maybe even Sunday??). I will easily break 1000 and I am so incredibly happy about that...this will be the first time I break 1000 since my ectopic cycle (#2)! :woo: I have been trying to keep myself from getting too excited about this cycle - I feel like I need to protect myself since this is the LAST cycle - but it is getting harder to do that! Oh what the Hell....I AM EXCITED!!! :lol:

:ura1: :ura1: :ura1: YAY SUZI!!! I'm excited for you, too!!! :yippee:

HEY - Haley has a face!! Hello there!

Suzi~:banana: :ura1: I'm so EXCITED for you as well. :bighug: Work, perseverance, self education, and a positive attitude. . .it's paying off big time. :thumbsup: :yippee:

Carla~Congrats on a successful retrieval. It sounds like you're doing well. Best of luck on the Fert results. :crossfing

Emily~I'm hoping things went well for you today. I hope you're resting peacefully, with a big smile on your face. :)

Vyonne~:wow: What a wonderful omen. :bighug: I always think back to a brief moment when I was a young, single, waitress, after another disasterous break up with yet another A-hole boyfriend. I waited on this elderly couple who seemed so in love. I would never usually do this, but I decided to tell them how envious I was of their love and that I could only wish to have the same thing in my life. The woman took my hand, looked into my eyes, and said, "You will find love like ours dear". I'll never ever forget that moment. 10 years later, I did find the love of my life. :love: I have a good feeling about this as well. . .you know, being that it's going to be on my birthday and all. :awink:

Christine~Gosh. . .:scratch: Isn't this the hardest part? :pullhair: But I'll tell you, there is nothing you can do now so it's best not to obsess. O.K. so I'm the pot calling the kettle black. :crazy: In any case, I've seen woman crying on their day of their beta test, a complete mess about how positive they are that it didn't work and lo' and behold, they have their babies now. I wish you much peace until Thursday. :bighug:

Kristine~Opening you up seems quite serious. :confused: Geez, I hope it doesn't go that far. I wish you all the best. :bighug:

Judy~If it feels right, then it was the best decision. :thumbsup: But don't feel bad about indulging during your pity party. :noqueno: That's what pity parties are for! We can have the best pity party over here. . .DH works in the wine business and we have a cellar full of pity party favors. :awink: But really, the month of May for me as well is going to be all about getting my health and body in shape for my next cycle. . .O.K., maybe with a little pity party here and there. :heee:

I feel O.K. today ladies. . .if you can believe that. I honestly think that the last 2 1/2 weeks were worse. . .I was still pregnant, still queasy, and as instructed, still taking the progestrone and estrogen. It felt awful, knowing that this was an exercise in futility. I feel much better now. My queasiness is gone and I can get my emotions back in tact, get my positive attitude back and get back on the wagon again for my future FET.

Kim

SUZI!!!!!!!!! Holy crap! That's a great number and it sounds perfect for the number of follies you have. Will be thinking about you this weekend, and sending lots of positive vibes your way.

Kim, huge hugs for you. I'm so so sorry this keeps happening. I wish there were more I could say or do. This just sucks.

Hi Everyone, thank you for all your good wishes and prayers !!
ER went well. Retrieved 21 eggs. Not sure how many are matured. RE said we have to do ICSI as decided before.
During ER, all i knew was they injected anesthesia(sp?) in the IV. The next second i woke up in the recovery room. The nurse told me that they got 21 follies. I always have problem with IV. I am on thinner side, it is always difficult to find a vein(sp?). Today the nurse tried on both hands and couldn't find one. It was very painful. Then another nurse did it succesfully with local anesth. Only that part was painful. After that i came home and slept a lot. Now feeling sore.
Personals later. Feeling so tired and sore.
Once again thank you for all your good wishes and prayers.

-Emily

Christine...good luck, girl! Hoping for a big fat positive!

Suzi...YAY YAY YAY for you! Great numbers!

Carla...glad things went well. Hope all is well with Emily, too!

Vyonne...how are you doing? what's next with you? i think i need to go back and read...

Kim...stay strong and cry when you need to and get down in that wine cellar and indulge in a glass or three with DH. It's gonna work soon, it has to. I have faith and am glad that you do, too. Lots of xoxoxoxoxoxo your way...

Suzi -- Those are great numbers! I'm hoping that this is going to be a great month for everyone!

Emily -- That is amazing that you got 21. Do you know when you will get your fert report?

I got some good sleep today, so I think that I will be awake kind of late tonight working on projects. I am a little nauseated & still sore, but feel pretty good besides that. I do feel sooooo dehydrated. I have been drinking water all afternoon & evening & still feel parched. Hopefully I can catch up on the fluid tomorrow!

Good night to all!
Carla

Well, I just got the fert report & it was good & bad news. The bad news is that only 2 of the 4 were mature. The good news is that both fertilized, so we will have 2 embryos for transfer on Friday. I am grateful that we have 2 embryos, but kind of discouraged that we don't have 4. It is just soooo frustrating & discouraging to have everything go so well up to retrival & then it seems that each step from there is downhill. I don't know if that makes sense, but I just want the best possible chances for this to work!

Carla, :crossfing and :pray: for your two!

:hug99: again Kim.

Sounds like everyone else is doing well. Good luck with your transfers ladies! I'll be :crossfing for a bunch of :bfp:

Carla, you are in my :pray: . All it takes is one. :pray: :pray: :pray:

kim - :hug99:

Kristine - You will be in my prayers on Thursday.

Vyonne - how are you doing?

Suzi - I am glad that you are expecting your ER on Sat./Sun. :ura1: Good luck !!! Let us know when you are triggering.

ChristineS - How are you doing?

As for me - Out 21, 1 is immatured. They did ICSI with all 20. 14 of them fertilized. She also said that we have to wait and see how it progresses. Only tomorrow i will come to know whether it is 3day/5day transfer.
I feel like i got punched in my stomach. My DH is taking very good care of me. From today, i have to take PIO shots.
It is so wierd thinking that my potential children are across the town while I'm here.
Sorry if i missed anyone. Still i feel tired and not able to sit for a long time because of back pain.
-Emily

Suzi~~ Great news!! I am so excited for you!!:ura1:

Kim~:hug99:

Emily~ Wow!! 21 eggs! 14 fertilized! That's great. Hope you feel better! Rest up!


Hi to everyone else!! Hope to see some BFP's in here soon. I wish you all the babies you deserve and want!

Angela

Carla. I know it is discouraging to only get 50% when you have so few (I've been there myself) but honestly, 50% fert is about average. Don't be too discouraged, you need some positive energy for those babies!! :aok: I am sending good dividing thoughts for your embies in the following days! ~o/o~ ~o/o~ ~o/o~ ~o/o~ ~o/o~

Emily, good news! Sorry you are so sore. That is one thing...I usually feel pretty good after retrieval, I am lucky!

Me...good news here! At my scan this morning we found TEN follicles and they are all nice sized...seven are 17/18/19. I am triggering tonight for retrieval on Friday. There was a bit of discussion about me triggering tonight as opposed to tomorrow, I was a bit surprised that I'm going tonight since my E2 is only 1063 today. I REALLY thought I'd go tomorrow and even had to discuss it with my RE but in the end, I agree to trigger tonight rather than tomorrow. My RE feels strongly about going tonight, he has better rates than most centers in a 10-state radius, he knows pretty well what he's doing. Now I wait until Friday morning...

Suzi, 10:woa: ??? (that's good, right? Otherwise I look pretty silly getting excited here).....

Wow Suzi!!! Great news!! Glad you talked it through and it sounds like your RE has great experience to draw from.

Carla - I'm sorry you are bummed. Hoping for 2 great embies for you. I may have mentioned my IRL friend who cycled the month before my last one, she had one embie for transfer and had just about given up and I can happily report that her baby boy is now 10 weeks old! It really is true that it only takes one and you have 2 strong embies waiting!!

Emily - Glad everything went well take it easy until you feel better

Thinking of you all!!!

Suzi, WOW 10 follies! :ura1: That's exciting! I'm glad seven are good-sized. It sounds like if your RE was insistent, then he must be pretty sure it's the right time. I'm sending lots of good thoughts your way for Friday!! Yep, I have a face now, such as it is...hee hee. Now I get to see everyone else's face, too. :lol:


Carla, I'm happy that your two fertilized. That's good news. I understand that about going downhill. I haven't done a cycle yet, but my RE talked about how there are losses in each step of the process. Hoping for a successful transfer and BFP for you!

Kim, I'm glad you are feeling better and getting on track for your next FET. I know you've been on an emotional roller coaster. :hug99:

Emily, That is a weird thought about your potential children being across town. If IVF works for us, my DH won't even be in the same state as me when we conceive. :lol: I'm glad you had so many to fertilize!

Vyonne, I am psyched about the good omen. We have angels in our midst.

Kristen, good luck on Thursday. :hug99:

Christine, Thanks for the details about your retreival. Thanks for the tip on fiber. I hadn't thought of that! My mom will be with me so I will get lots of TLC. Good thoughts for your b/w on Thurs.

I had a tetanus/diptheria shot today. We are moving overseas (England) in October, and DH is trying to get everything done now. Got a TB test, too. They did a pg test before the tetanus shot. I asked if it mattered if I might get pg in a few months. They said it was safe. I know you can't get it if you are already pg. I hope it's safe. My arm hurts like heck now, though. Glad I didn't get it in the :booty: I wouldn't be able to walk! :lol:

Emily congrats on the great fert report! positive thoughts for your embies! I actually felt the same way about my embies growing in a dish but I was sitting at home not pregnant.

Carla - I know you must be disappointed but keep positive thoughts for your 2 that you do have!

Suzi - 10 follies! That is great for you! good thoughts your way for tomorrow!

Haley- yuck - more shots

Kim - it was good to hear your story about the woman who thought she wasn't PG then found out that she was!

Everyone else - Hi and :sunny::rose::10pounds: :justahug: !!!

I took my blood test this morning - I was shaking as I was waiting and and I was so nervous that she couldn't find a vein on side and almost missed the vein on the other side. That never happens to me b/c my veins usually are popping out (lucky for me). anyway, I am work trying to not think about it but I am anyway obviously!

BTW, the PIOS I have been taking weren't bothering me much so far, but the spots where I injected 10 days ago are now getting swollen and really red and incredibly itchy. Like the worst insect bite ever. Is this what everyone experiences? People are going to think I am so weird scratching/trying not to scratch my butt all day at work. Should I put hydrocortisone cream on it?

Christine - you might be alergic to the oil the medicine is in - call your RE they can probably prescribe in another medium like Olive Oil that is more generally tolerated

:woo::bfp:!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't believe it! I convinced myself that I wasn't, and I still can't believe it.
Thanks for all your support! :hug99:
I know that I am not out of the woods yet. I go for a follow-up blood-test on Monday.

Thanks Judy for the tip about the PIOS, I will talk with them tomorrow.

Let's hope that I am a trend starter.

Kristen how did surgery go?

Suzi - I'll be thinking of you tomorrow

:rahrah: Congrats, Christine!!! What wonderful news!!! :banana:

Congrats Christine......Way to go:)

ChristineS - Congratulations !!! :rahrah: :rahrah: :rahrah:

I got a call from RE that either my transfer will be today or tomorrow. If i don't receive a call from them tomorrow morning(before 8.30am), then i have to go in around 10.30am with full bladder. If i do receive a call then ET is on Sunday. Any idea how much water i should drink to be full bladder?


Sorry, i will do personals later.
-Emily

Congrats Christine!! :yippee: :banana: :woo: That's terrific news!

Christine - Congratulations! I do hope that you are a trendsetter!

Suzi - Good luck tomorrow! Sending lots of happy egg thoughts your way!

Haley - What your RE said about there being losses at every step is really true. I hope for the best at each marker point, even hoping that it would nice to be pleasantly surprised with having things be better than I expect. It seems that things never turn out like I'd hoped & feel like I am constantly dealing with setbacks. I just have to keep reminding myself that if this were easy, I wouldn't be doing IVF, & that it has worked for me before.

I got a really good quote in my email the other day that has helped me a little. I've actually received several very timely emails with helpful thoughts while we've been going through this process. It is:

"If we banish hardship, we banish hardihood; out of the same door with calamity walk courage, fortitude, triumphant faith and sacrificial love. If we abolish the cross in the world, we make impossible the Christ in the man." (Hugh B. Brown)

This is a great reminder to myself that it is out of the big challenges in life that we really develop character & become more truly Christian. I would like to think that this whole experience has made me more empathetic to others suffering with their own personal trials.

I guess that I've been kind of thoughtful as I've been getting ready to enter the waiting stage, which will definitely be a long 2 weeks!

-- Carla

Any idea how much water i should drink to be full bladder?


Emily, empty your bladder 2 hours prior to transfer and then drink 20oz of water. Your bladder will be sufficiently full for transfer.

Congrats to you Christine! Hope you have a happy 9 months!

Here's a question...do you have to lie down for a while after transfer? What if you've got to pee so bad you are about to explode? Would you get to go pee?

Haley, it differs by center (but they all make you lie still for some amount of time). At my center you have to remain lying down for 30 minutes after transfer. If you REALLY need to go (although it shouldn't be that bad) they will gladly cath you...

Congratulations Christine! :ura1: I hope you are a trendsetter for the ladies coming up on retrieval and transfer!

Well, tomorrow is it. I am nervous already, can't imagine what I'll feel like tomorrow. I have to check in at 8am and we are taking Julia with us since we don't have anyone to watch her. Chris makes his "contribution" first and then he can take her and go get breakfast before he drops her off at school at 9:30am. Then he can come back to the center and that should be about the time I am done. I'd rather not have to worry about her tomorrow but I don't feel like imposing on people - yet again - because of another IVF. I should be home by noon but don't know what I'll feel like. I'll try to get on as soon as I can with news of how many eggs we got, etc.

Fert report is the next big hurdle - that news comes Saturday around noon. If I'm being honest, that's probably causing more anxiety than anything else considering we have NO CLUE if what happened last July was a fluke or a genetic problem. Yep...now that I just said that my insides are turning. I am definitely very nervous/anxious about that. Nothing in my life has ever hurt me so badly...

No matter what happens, in a sense I am already SO relieved that this is all over. I will never have to come up with the IVF money again, I will never have to buy drugs again, I will never have to do shots again, I will never have surgery to remove my eggs again, I will never ride this IVF rollercoaster again. Never. The emotional toll is incredible. Thank you to every one of you incredible women for riding along with me. :grouphugg

Suzi...I'll be thinking about you tomorrow and saying lots of little prayers. :hug99:

Christine - CONGRATULATIONS!!!:ura1:
Suzi - Tomorrow! So excited for you everything is crossed so many good thoughts being sent your way. You'll get through to sunday when you will hopefully get some wonderful news. I absolutely understand the knot hopefully that this cycle is turning out better than you expected is a positive sign for things to come.

Carla hoping embies are continuing to do well!!

Haley, :secret: my clinic will bring in a bed pan if you need it. :shuffle: I did once never drank that much water again. I think I had done 6 20 oz cups. At the time I was mortified. Now its a giggle for me

Christine, CONGRATS!!! Here's to a healthy 9 months!!

Suzi, I'll be thinking of you tomorrow and Saturday. :bighug:

bloom...That's good to know. Wow, six 20 oz. cups? Whew. I have overactive bladder anyway. My eyeballs would have floated out of my head. :lol:

CONGRATS Christine!!!!
I'm crossing everything and saying some prayers for more BFPs to come!

Amanda

My RE called today and told me that we are going to do 5day transfer. I am kind of worried about the embrayos now.
-Emily

Emily, going to 5-day transfer is not a bad thing, that is a REALLY good thing. No reason for you to be worried. Congratulations!

Well, we got 5 eggs, my RE had a difficult time getting to the others on my left ovary (that really sucks). I really don't understand that but what can you do, huh? After I was taken to the surgical suite, Chris went straight over to the lab to ask about the specimen he gave (at my prompting because he was nervous about it from last time...with good reason). They said the sample looked good - 3 ml (which his normal is 1.5 to 2ml) and there were 300K/ml so there were nearly a million sperm to work with - that is GREAT news for us!

I feel fine - they used less anesthesia than normal for me so I remember the entire retrieval. It was a little uncomfortable but the nurse anesthetist is AWESOME and she was working with me the whole way. I am tired now (I was up too late last night) and Chris just went to collect Julia from school so I am going back to the couch to rest.

Now is the difficult wait for the fert report...I am supposed to call around 11am tomorrow. I'll update as soon as I know anything! Thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers! :akiss:

Glad that Chris' numbers were good and they got 5 eggs!!! Crossing everything and saying more prayers.

Amanda

Thank you everyone for all your positive thoughts, prayers and crossed fingers!:grouphugg

Suzi - I am glad that things went well today. It may have been that part of your bowel was too close to ovary to allow your RE to safely puncture your follicles. It is a really bad thing to go through bowel. 5 is a good number and the sperm count was really great so I have everything crossed for good news tomorrow!

Haley - I had to pee so bad after my transfer, I was in so much pain, I finally begged my husband to do something about it. He told the nurse and she gave me a bedpan - it was weird at first, but at that point - it felt so good. I was just afraid I would overflow the thing (I didn't). I think it was better than getting a catheter. I laid done for at least 30 minutes after the transfer, then spent the rest of the day and the next day laying down at home.

Carla - I hope your transfer went well - Sticky thoughts to you!

Emily - I think 5-day means your embies are looking good so they are letting them grow up a bit more before your transfer.

Carla and Emily- Remember to try to stay calm, peaceful and relaxed after the transfer. It makes a nice environment for your embies. I tried to smile a lot and not let things get me too upset. I refused to watch any scary or thriller type movies, since I was afraid that the stress would be too much. My husband thought I was nuts, but I think that if you are in a good state of mind, it makes things much easier.

kristen - I hope your surgery went well yesterday!

Suzi -- That's great! 5 is a wonderful number! I'll be keeping everything crossed for good news tomorrow!


Emily -- A 5 day transfer is great news. I know that it is hard to have plans change

Everything went really well for the transfer today. The RE seemed surprised at how good our embyos looked. Both were 8 cell, "Grade A" eggs. They actually did a catheter after the transfer, so I was able to lie there quite comfortably for the 1 1/2 hours that I was there. (They forgot about us, so we ended up staying a little longer than planned!) I had accu this morning & am really feeling quite relaxed about things. I honestly didn't notice feeling any more relaxed after the valium that I did before! My center only does 2 days of bed rest, but I've always done 3, so that is what I'm planning on doing this time. I also have some very laid back projects to work on for the next week.

I got the coolest thing today. They had copied a picture of the embryos from this morning. Hopefully, our first baby pictures! Now it's waiting time. My pregnancy test will be May 16th.

Suzi, I hope the news tomorrow is fantastic! :crossfing
Carla, I hope the 16th brings fantastic news for you too! :)

Suzi! 5 eggs is great and GO Chris! That is good news. They had a hard time reaching my ovary also this last time. I will be back tomorrow to hear your awesome fert report!


congrats Christine!

:omg: A couple of days away from the forum and so much going on!!!

Kim, I love your story about the elderly couple... wow! I sure hope the guard is a good omen for me! I hope as the days go by you feel better and better :kiss:

Rho, Well, I am now taking my stim pills for my lining and my transfer is scheduled for May 24th:woa:. Praying for it all to continue so good!
And how are you feeling sweetie? When is your first u/s? :hug99:

Christine, Wonderful news...
:pteddy: :bteddy: C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S
ON YOUR :bfp:
Hope you are the start of a new trend... yes indeed!!!

Carla, Happy to hear your transfer went smoothly... STICKY thoughts your way!!! :hug99:

Emily, Blasto is wonderful!!! Happy transfer :hug99:

Haley, Wishing you a great transfer tomorrow!!! STICKY thoughts your way!!!:hug99:

Suzi, Congrats on your 5 eggies... I think is a very good number. Best wishes for a terrific fert report later on :bighug: :pray:

Kristen, I am hoping your surgery went well and you didin´t have to have major surgery. :kiss: For a speedy recovery!!!

Loose question: Why is it so important to have a full blader at the time of transfer??? My RE doesn´t see it necessary, but I always hear so much about it :dunno: Does it really make that much of a difference :confused: I´d go for all my transfer with a "normally" full blader... nothing exceptional. I always was afraid to pee right after the transfer (even with a bed pan) and felt safer if I simply laid down quietly for a good couple of hours after transfer... any comments???

Vyonne

Loose question: Why is it so important to have a full blader at the time of transfer??? My RE doesn´t see it necessary, but I always hear so much about it :dunno: Does it really make that much of a difference :confused: I´d go for all my transfer with a "normally" full blader... nothing exceptional. I always was afraid to pee right after the transfer (even with a bed pan) and felt safer if I simply laid down quietly for a good couple of hours after transfer... any comments???

Vyonne

Vyonne, I was shocked to see that Judy's center requires SIX 20oz glasses of water...I would EXPLODE if I did that - or anywhere near! My center recommends emptying bladder 2 hours prior and then drinking 20oz of water, that is more than sufficient for the u/s.

As for the reason WHY, the full bladder creates a "window" for the u/s beam to pass through. U/s works by sound conduction and the full bladder is an excellent conductor for the sound waves. Also, a full bladder can change the position of the uterus, pushing it up so it is easier to see. A full bladder also moves the bowel and intestine out of the way.

Kristen, how are you doing? I'm thinking of you!

Carla, sticky thought to you!!

Haley, hoping all goes well...it's transfer, it's easy! THEN comes the H-A-R-D wait!! But we'll be here to help you pass the time. :nod:

Rho and Christine, hope you are feeling well!

As for me, I am feeling pretty good aside from some water retention (my legs feel VERY heavy). Just because I was being silly, I POAS last night expecting to light it up like a Christmas tree and do you know...I BARELY got a BFP!! It's amazing to me that just 2+ days after a 10,000 unit IM hCG shot it has all but cleared my body. They say it can remain in your body for up to 15 days, I really wonder WHO has ever had it for 15 days? :dunno: Anyway, I am done POAS...the possibility of long, drawn-out anguish is too great for me.

Christine~CONGRATULATIONS :ura1: :rahrah: :jump: What wonderful news! All the best to you! :bighug:

Emily~Why did they decide to do a 5 day transfer?

Carla~:ura1: Excellent transfer! Enjoy your down time! :)

Suzi~:crossfing :pray: I can't even imagine your anxiety about this right now.

The last two days weren't so good for me. :( I guess I mistakingly thought I had gotten through it with little pain and bleeding, but I was wrong. :noqueno: I had not bled or had cramping on Tues and Weds, so on Thursday when the intense cramping started, I was not prepared. I was at work and trying in vain to ease the pain with the percecets. . .I called the Dr and was told that I should be on bedrest. I had commuted with my husband that morning and he had to leave work to take me home. So much for trying to save gas. :crazy: What's happening is not abnormal and my body is just having a delayed reaction. . .the blood clot is coming out and my uterus is retracting. So, I'm now onto dosing myself with ibuprofen. :rolleyes: I'm feeling a tad bit better this morning, and just hope that by tomorrow, I'm feeling even better. I just want it to be over now. :fado:

Kim

I'm sorry, Kim. I hope you feel better soon. :hug99:

Well, in less than 90 minutes I should get my fert report. Last night Chris and I were hatching all kinds of plans over scenarios and what we would want to do if that happened...when to transfer and how many, etc. We both think that we are leaning towards a 2-day trasnfer but ESPECIALLY if there are only 4 or fewer embryos. We KNOW our embryos don't make it to blast so we're not sure we see a reason to wait until 3-day when we are going to transfer them all back anyway... *sigh*

Suzi, Thanks for the extense info on the reasons to have a full bladder... putting it that way, it makes sense :nod:! However, I am more confussed as to why my RE could care less about a full bladder at time of transfer :dunno: You´d think he´d want to see better :woa:
Hoping and praying you to get an eggcellent report in a few more minutes :hug1:

Kim, I am sorry to hear you are not feeling well :sadhug: Wish you a speedy recovery, hun :rose:

Kristen, Thinking about you, sweetie and hoping everything went really well :bighug:

Vyonne

Thanks for the extense info on the reasons to have a full bladder... putting it that way, it makes sense :nod:! However, I am more confussed as to why my RE could care less about a full bladder at time of transfer :dunno: You´d think he´d want to see better

It's funny you should mention that because only until recently, they've asked us to fill our bladders before transfers. Since I've been going through this for a few years, I clearly remember there was a time when I wasn't told to do that. Additionallly, it's only been recent that we've been told that bedrest is good. Before, we were told that it makes no difference...that you can go to work and resume normal activities as you feel comfortable to do so. :dunno: The outtake information they give us now "suggests" relaxing on the day of a transfer but also clearly states that it does not affect the outcome, but that studies have shown that relaxation and the least stress as possible is beneficial. And so, one would think that in Boston, they'd be a bit ahead of the times. . .but from what I hear from others, there are so many variations on the protocal.

I should add, that I've been very uncomfortable (bladder wise) on my last few transfers and we are never cautioned to stay there for any amount of time after the transfer. I've always gone to the bathroom right away. :scratch: For my IUIs however, which are a distant memory, :rolleyes: they always had me stay in position for at least 15 minutes.

Kim

Well the news was not good. Of 5 mature eggs that they did ICSI with, we have only 1 embryo to transfer. We will transfer tomorrow (day 2) at 9am. Please keep us in your prayers, we are facing a HUGE impossibility that will happen with nothing less than a miracle.

:pray: for you and your baby, Suzi! :bighug:

Kim -- I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling so rotten. I hope that you are back to normal soon.

Suzi -- I am so sorry that you only got one embryo. You will be in my thoughts & prayers. Try to think lots of positive, relaxing thoughts to give a nice place for you little guy to stick. Are you going to do assisted hatching? We did it this time, the first time that I've had it done.

I hadn't heard anything about the full bladder thing for my first 2 IVF's a couple of years ago, so I guess it is something new. With the bladder issue, I had a cath done after the transfer yesterday & was able to rest comfortably for the next hour before they let me get up.

Emily & Suzi -- Good luck with your transfers tomorrow!

Regarding bedrest, I did a little research on the web a few days ago & the info I found basically said that there is not a difference in outcome between just resting for 20 minutes after transfer & bedrest for 3 days. The author of the article that I read said that it is probably superstition that keeps most RE's from changing their recommendations. Of course, it is also superstition that is making me do 3 days of bedrest (as recommended by my previous RE's) vs. the 2 days that my current RE recommends. I figure that it won't hurt anything for me to relax a little longer!

Well the news was not good. Of 5 mature eggs that they did ICSI with, we have only 1 embryo to transfer. We will transfer tomorrow (day 2) at 9am. Please keep us in your prayers, we are facing a HUGE impossibility that will happen with nothing less than a miracle.
Suzi, All our prayers will be with you, for that ONE LITTLE ONE, to stay with you, and stick to full term. Have faith :pray: and lets all hope for the best... as we have always said before: All you need is ONE good one, and I pray this is the one for you!:kiss:

Kim, You are so right about the variation in protocols from place to place :disbelief. Remember that only after I became a part of "this wonderful group", I learned about the importance of taking baby aspirin. Also, the PIOs are not usual out here, they prefer the vaginal suppositories :eek: which to me are a horrible mess and gets in your day plan 3 times a day!!! Now, the bladder issue, I had heard it in my clinic from other doctors, but my own, doesn´t seem to suggest it... go figure :dunno: I know its going to sound stupid, but I was glad my RE could work with a normal bladder, as I felt I would pee away my babies :lol2: . They do make us lay down for at least 1 hour before leaving and recommend 3 days of bed rest, there after.

Baby dust to all and very positive STICKY VIBES...:thumbsup:

Vyonne

:fyi: (Thought I´d pass it along, for what its worth)

:secret: Regarding bedrest, I forgot to mention something interesting I found out at my clinic, during my previous ICSI done this past February... The biologist told me that the "most important days" after transfer are days 6 and 7, meaning from the time the eggs are fertilized, because those are the days when implantation takes place according to mother nature :nod:. It is when the eggs that are going to stay in you... "stick". She explained that on 3 day transfers would be days 3 & 4 after transfer and on 5 day transfers (blastos) days 1 & 2 afterwards.

Vyonne

Vyonne, that is absolutely right. Implantation happens on day 6 or 7 so those are the most important days!

CarlaG - Good news that you got 2 "Grade A" eggs got transfered. :ura1: Sticky thought to you !!

Rho - ET on May 24th.. that is a good news ... :)

Haley - wish you a great transfer tomorrow !!! :hug99:

Kristen - Wish you good luck for speedy recovery !!! :pray: :hug99: How are you doing now?

Kim - I am sorry, Kim. You are in my prayers. :pray: :pray: :pray: I don't know why my RE is doing 5 day transfer.

Vyonne - I am not sure whether what i am suggesting is right or not. Why can't go with full bladder for your transfer? If your RE doesn't like it then you can empty it. Thank you for Your information regarding bedrest.

Suzi - I am :pray: for you and for your baby. Wish you a great transfer tomorrow ! :hug99:

Sorry, if i miss anyone else. :grouphugg

As for me - Tomorrow at 9.30am is my transfer. Only tomorrow i will get to know the status of blastocysts. My nurse told that i have to take valium after reaching there. Has anyone taken this? How is it works? Is this like a pain medication or sleeping dose?

-Emily

Emily, I cannot understand WHY there are REs who still give you valium for a transfer - ESPECIALLY when it will affect the embryos you transfer!! That is like giving a person morphene for a papercut. If I were you, I'd take 3 motrin before you leave the house and refuse the valium - but that's me.

The transfer procedure is nothing more than an annual exam only it lasts a little longer. It is NOTHING to worry about! Good luck to you tomorrow!

Suzi - I am praying hard for your embie!! And it does only take one (I know a little guy who can prove that) I am hoping everything goes very smoothly for you tomorrow and that little one just is waiting to be back 'home'!

Kimberly - I am so sorry the last few days have been tough. Hope you are resting up and feeling more comfortable http://baby.ourlittleuniverse.com/images/smilies/hug99.gif

Emily - thinking positive for you tomorrow! I've taken the valium, they give you 5 mg about 45 minutes before transfer at my clinic. It doesn't make me zombie like or anything just maybe takes the edge of the nerves? Though I think the medical reason for prescibing it is to relax the uterus for transfer rather than our emotional state http://baby.ourlittleuniverse.com/images/smilies/lol.gif

Vyonne - I have heard the same thing as you posted about the implantation date - made me wonder as well what the 3 days was about. My clinic has just a take it easy for 24 hour rule. But I try to camp out on the couch for a few days figuring it can't hurt.

I should clarify on the water - they don't 'require' a set amount since everyone's body is different but the first transfer, the nurse said you really really have to feel like you have to go and if your bladder isn't full enough you go back to the end of the line. She said for some women it takes 2 glasses for some 9 so I figured 6 was a middle amount and well she scared me about being sent back - I was miserable. Doubled over before I even made it to the room. I can't imagine that actually helped. So I am way more conservative now.

Hopeful for tomorrow's transfer girls!! I think we all deserve some great news!! I'm thinking very positive!

Judy

I've heard the same thing about implantation time before, but my RE told me yesterday that the embryos only have enough nutrients to survive for 36 hours without implanting to get support from the uterus. I was talking to my husband about it & he said that they don't really know. It can be so confusing when it seems like you get different info from everyone!

As far as water, I took Suzi's advice. I emptied my bladder about 2 hours before the procedure & started drinking. By 1 hour before my transfer, I'd had 32 oz (I wanted to make sure that my bladder was good & full!) It was just perfect timing, though probably a little more fluid than I needed.


emily -- I've taken valium for the last couple of IVF's that I've done. This time, I'd done accu in the morning & was already pretty relaxed. I really didn't notice too much of an effect yesterday, though I did with my transfers last year. It isn't going to have any effect on the embryos because it will be long gone from your system by the time the embryos implant & start absorbing anything from you. My first RE told me that ibuprofen decreases implantation, so don't take that unless your RE tells you to.

Carla

Suzi - :bighug:I will be hoping and praying and sending lots of positive sticky thoughts your way over the coming days. :pray:

Emily - good luck tomorrow - :biggrin:

Carla - sticky thoughts to you - I agree with the 3 days of relaxation! (that's what I did!)

Kim - I hope that you feel better soon!

Rho, vyonne, haley - how are you you guys feeling?
kristen - I hope you are doing alright.

I am still not feeling any PG symptoms, except that I am really tired, but I don't know if that means anything other than I am really lazy :lol:. My RE said that I may be able to stop the PIOS after my ultrasound - may 15 and just use the suppositories. But if that means I have to use them 3x a day I think I will opt for the shot. The bedtime supp is not so bad, but I couldn't deal with that all day. We''ll see what he says I guess.

Emily, Best STICKY wishes for you on tomorrow´s transfer (9:30 am) :hug99: !!! Regarding Kim´s question about your 5 day transfer... I am sure they did that because you had a great number of eggs :nod:, and it is usually when they take a chance to see them develop into the 5 day. They also say that when they make it to blasto, that means they are strong ones and grade A quality with higher chances. But you always get different opinions :blahblah:, because some people feel the best place for the embie is the uterus, so the earlier the transfer the better. So, all I can say again is: Go figure :crazy: On the drug taking tomorrow, my advice would be DO NOT take anything! You don´t really need it... transfer time is a smooth procedure, why bother with chemicals when you are supposed to be drug free and with optimum health? :rolleyes:

Judy, you are right... if implantation day takes place on the 6th or 7th day, then why rest for the 3 days, right? Better take it easy the first couple of days and on the 6th & 7th day lay low and be most careful not to do anything strenuous. Now, how are you feeling? Did you go see your RE to decide on your next cycle yet? I really hope you are feeling better and better :hug1:

Carla, STICKY thoughts your way :bighug: :pray: :crossfing

Christine, Thanks for asking... I´m feeling pretty good and taking my pills (Estradiol, baby aspirin & folic acid) I am not being as good about my diet, because my previous cycle I think I went a bit over board... now I did not take sweets off my diet :lick: so, I feel quite good. In general, being a vegetarian, I am a healthy eater anyway!
And when do you take your beta??? Can´t wait to start getting all those positive betas in :nod:. Good luck and my prayers are with you :bighug:

Suzi, Extra prayers your way for the little peanut :hug99:Best of luck tomorrow:crossfing!!!

Forgot to mentioned it earlier, but this cycle sure is full of surprises for me... yesterday I had to go purchase the meds for my donor´s stim shots and I met with the sales manager at the lab (didn´t know he was "D" man). Suddenly I started talking to him, and I don´t know why I started to tell him about my struggle (in all senses) and the big sacrifice that it was costing me to do YET another cycle (my last)... when I finished, he said who he was, and that he wanted to give me a courtesy discount on all my meds (40%), because he was so touched by my perseverence and faith, that he wanted to contribute to what he "had the feeling" would be MY GOOD CYCLE! Now is not just the fact that my donor immediately agreed to do another cycle for me, all of you exceptional girls giving me your unmeasurable support, love & prayers, the guard at the clinic, the 24th (Transfer Date) being Kim´s birthday... but I bump into a giving soul??? Boy, I feel very blessed to have so many angels watching over me... :angel1: :angel: :angelfly:

Vyonne :pray:

Don't forget your security guard Vyonne! Something is up for you!! :)

Kim :hug99: I hope you're on the mend soon.

Good luck tomorrow Suzi! :crossfing this is the one! :hug99:

Hi Ladies...thanks for the nice transfer thoughts, but actually I haven't even started my 1st cycle! I don't know how that got started, but I did ask questions about the transfer procedure, so maybe that's how. I'll just consider them very early wishes!! :lol:

Carla, my RE told us not to take any ibuprofen once the stims start. I've done research on it in the past while TTC on my own, and what I have read is that it can inhibit ovulation if taken long-term and frequently. I have a long history of taking ibuprofen and other NSAIDS. :dunno:

Vyonne, WOW this has got to be your good cycle with all those angels watching over you. BELIEVE! :pray:

Christine, Glad to hear you might get to stop the PIOS after your u/s. Feeling tired is good. Take advantage and get some sleep!

Emily, good luck on your transfer tomorrow. Lots of sticky thoughts!!

Kim, I'm sorry that you are having so much pain. :bighug:

I got my saline sonogram report and my uterus is good to go. Now I just have to wait on my DH's SA which won't be until June 28. Since I'm doing my IVF through Walter Reed (military), I'm bound by their cycles, which are 4 times a year. I got into the July/Aug cycle. So, they are only doing the SA's in June. Since my DH's ship will be gone through June 22, we are on the tail end of the appointments. It's first come, first serve for your baseline appointment after you've gotten SS and SA's done. I just wish we could get it done sooner and get my cycle started sooner. But, I've waited this long...

Hi everyone. I'm doing well, thanks for asking. I'm really tired--exhausted, actually. And occasionally I have nausea and heartburn, especially at night. I've already had two sonos b/c I'm a freak (only 7 weeks so I haven't seen much). Just wanting to make sure... I have another tomorrow!

Vyonne, hope all is going well with the stimming. I really want that guard to be right!

Emily, congrats on your transfer today. HOpe it went well. I never took valium before a transfer. I'm not even sure if I took advil or anything. Not this last transfer, anyway.

Christine, I opted for the shot! Those suppositories were just a pain for me.

Suzi, I am hoping really hard for that one little guy to do it for you!

Kim, hope you're feeling better soon.

Everyone else, HI and xoxoxoxoxoxo Stay well!

Did you go see your RE to decide on your next cycle yet? I really hope you are feeling better and better :hug1:


I did actually - I guess I forgot to update about that! :lol: Thanks for mentioning, I would kind of like to get your opinions on something. First, I did confirm with him that there is no need to 'rest' between frozen cycles - as we all thought. So the good news is if I need more cycles after the next, they can be back to back. He also confirmed that by the E2 levels, I responded well to the estridol. We did talk a bit about embryo quality. As most of you know our goal is to prevent multiples but yet attain pregnancy (just for anyone on the new side, we lost twin boys at 23 weeks in December. We don't have a firm cause but through process of elimination they are leaning toward incompetent cervix which is sadly more common with multiples so in the next pregnancy, I will get a preventative stitch around 12 weeks. Here's the rub though - no garentee that it will work though there is a pretty high sucess rate of cerclage in preventing IC. And additionally in my peri interview process I have uncovered a scary stat on twin pregnancies that there are theories not yet proven that sometimes this just happens with twins possibly due to the additional hormones. So to sum up. Achieving pregnancy for me is but the first hurdle in what will possibly be a long and scary ride.) Our plan was to do a series of single emryo FET's. This last cycle the first embie they defrosted lost more than 50% of its cells and did not meet the criteria the clinic has for transfer. The second embryo lost 50% so it just squeeked by. He wasn't too suprised to see that it didn't implant though as embryos with lower loss ratios do better. So here are the stats. 20% pregnancy rate with a single embie. 35% with 2 embies and a 5% rate of twins. Which he explained translates to a 10-12% rate of twins within those pregnancies. Low but still signifigant. We are however considering, planning to defrost 1 and have the emryologist evaulate how it looks. If it is around the 50% threshold but still above, then moving to defrost another and do them both. I'm really torn about the whole thing. I am frankly terrified of a twin pregnancy as it has been shown my body can't handle it. But 20% is a very low shot to be going through these cycles each month. Plus, my insurance apparently considers FET to be a cycle - and not to get off track, I know I am fortunate to have any coverage at all - but it chaps my hide to see them covering an FET which costs probably a third of a fresh cycle as part of my lifelong limit. So that does add somewhat to the mix. But we are thinking we might pay out of pocket for some FET cycles and 'save' the fresh option. Anyway, I've definitely taken up a ton of space I'm very confused and am interested in if any of you have opinions?

Vyonne - you are definitely getting messages from above!! :secret: I'm so excited for you.
Suzi - positive thoughts for you today! :crossfing
Carla - Many sticky thoughts being sent your way :crossfing
Emily - sending positive thoughts your way today too! :crossfing
Haley - Good to hear you are set to move forward. I'm sorry that your cycle is delayed due to their schedule - hopefully the time will go quickly!
Rho - good to hear from you!

So here are the stats. 20% pregnancy rate with a single embie. 35% with 2 embies and a 5% rate of twins. Which he explained translates to a 10-12% rate of twins within those pregnancies. Low but still signifigant. We are however considering, planning to defrost 1 and have the emryologist evaulate how it looks. If it is around the 50% threshold but still above, then moving to defrost another and do them both. I'm really torn about the whole thing. I am frankly terrified of a twin pregnancy as it has been shown my body can't handle it.
Judy, I can understand your fear of a twin pregnancy :woa:, but FET cycles have a much lower rate of success (for obvious reasons). In my modest opinion, if I were you... I´d take 2 embies per FET cycle, but when doing a Fresh cycle, I´d definitely take 1 embie of excellent quality. As you know, I also lost twins, but given my age, I can´t have your advantage to do only 1 embie at each try (as stats are much lower). I am also afraid of a twin pregnancy :nod:, but figure if that is God´s wish, this time around, I´d take all the "preventable" precautions and do not only the cerclage, but also rest much more throughtout my 28th week and would do continued u/s to monitor the development very closely. You are much younger, and that certainly is a plus when doing cycles, at a much relaxed pace (per say), vs. some of us that hear that biological clock ticking louder and louder as the months go by :eek:. I wish you all the success on whatever your decision, and as I have told you before: you have two angels that will be watchin over you, to make sure you get your motherly smile back on, one day soon :kiss:
PS I certainly believe on those messages from above too... thank you for sharing my excitement!

Beverly, No way could I forget "my security guard" after his words and intense look... :secret: specially when I see him every time I go for a check up at my clinic. Thank you sweetie :hug99:

Rho, Happy to hear you are doing well (with the normal pg symptoms). I can understand your anxiety about doing so many u/s. I´d probably be as bad if not worse :lol:. Good luck tomorrow on your next one :bighug:
PS Thanks for the good wishes on the "guard" too... if he only knew how popular he has become in this thread :lol2:

Haley, Believe me... I am a BELIVER :nod: :hug99:
Glad you got things cleared up about your cycle. I don´t know why, but I (like many others) also thought you were up for your transfer. As you said, you´ve just started an early collection of "good wishes" and that can´t be bad :lol:. Anyway, July/August is not far at all... so very soon you´ll be part of the ride!

Emily & Suzi, Hoping everything went real well at transfer time this morning :pray: Lots of STICKY, STICKY thoughts your way :bighug:

Kristen, Please as soon as you can, send some "smoke signals"... we need to know you came out okay from the sugery. Sending you much love and tons of prayers :bighug:

Kim, :kiss:

Vyonne

Kim - I am so sorry.

Vyonne - WOW!! is all I can say!
Christine - Congrats of the BFP!!!
Suzi & Emily - I hope your transfers went well and am saying a prayer for both of you.
Carla - sticky thoughts being sent your way
Haley - I'm sorry that your cycle is delayed due to their schedule - hopefully the time will go quickly

As for me I am waiting for approval so that I can start my cycle - paper work was recieve by my RE - got my certified postcard back two days ago.

Dawn

I am doing fine. Transfer went well today and I talked to the embryologist at length about our one embryo (we are friends - actually, I am friends with several people at my center by now :rolleyes: :lol: ). Anyway, Kristen said that our single embryo is beautiful and of the highest quality. I am not sure why it makes me feel better to hear that when I know for a fact that embryo quality has very little to do with on-going PGY. It just does. She also said that the center she came from (a few years ago) had excellent success rates with 2-day transfers - even with sub-quality embryos.
Both she and my RE agreed that if they had to go with a single embryo transferred back, this is one embryo they would both choose.

So now comes the wait. . . . . . . . . . .

Judy, are your embryos day 3 or day 5? IMO that would make a big difference in your choice...

Anyway, Kristen said that our single embryo is beautiful and of the highest quality. I am not sure why it makes me feel better to hear that when I know for a fact that embryo quality has very little to do with on-going PGY.
Suzi, What do you mean :scratch:??? Doesn´t high quality give you better chances??? I´ve always heard that the better the quality of the embryo.. the better your chance for PGY :dunno:
Anyway, happy to hear everything went well and that your little one is a Grade A :ura1: My prayers are with you for a big BFP :bighug:

Dawn, So nice to hear that things are starting to move along for you :aok: In no time you too will be doing a new cycle :hug99:
PS :wow: is right... it is indeed the best word for all the "signals" happening :lol:

Vyonne :angel:

Transfer went well. Transferred 3 blasts. One 4AA grade and two 2 grade. Our embrayologist said that 4AA is really good. But he was not that happy about other two. My RE suggested to put the good one and one grade 2. But myself and my DH wanted to put all three in. They gave us the picture of all 3. All three looks gorgeous. Now 2ww begins. :pray: :pray: :pray:

Will do personals later.

-Emily

Suzi, What do you mean :scratch:??? Doesn´t high quality give you better chances??? I´ve always heard that the better the quality of the embryo.. the better your chance for PGY :dunno:

Unfortunately, that is not the case...high quality embryos does not translate to a better chance of PGY. I WISH!! :nod:

Suzi - glad things went great for the transfer sticky sticky vibes for you!! Are you doing any resting? I think I recall that you have mentioned previoulsy that with Julia's cycle you did not do bedrest and that was obviously a very sucessful cycle! I have heard very good things about 2 day transfers. I have a journal buddy who is in Germany where I believe they do most transfers at 2 days and she had sucess with 2 FET's - so I hope that is encouraging news for you!!
Very interesting about the quality and pgy rates - especially interesting to me considering what we are looking at. All of our frosties are day 3. I mentioned a 5 day and my center does definitely prefer 3 day along the lines of the embies doing better in momma's body.

Emily - sounds like transfer went very well are you doing rest? Hoping one of those embies is the sticky one for you!!

Dawn - glad things are getting moving for you!!

Vyonne - :hug99: thank you sweetie. I know you have had a similar loss so know somewhat where I cam coming from. And thank you for telling me I am young. Not as young as I would like! I hear the tick tick daily :lol:

Thanks Judy! I am doing couch rest through tomorrow. Chris is doing a combination of taking off and working from home and although I still have to help a bit with Julia, I am keeping MUCH more still than normal. I KNOW research doesn't support the notion of bedrest but this is my last chance...gotta try, right? I'm also going to take it easy on Thursday and Friday since those are the most likely days of implantation. Again, I have NOTHING to back that up but this is my last shot...gotta try.
And quality...where quality matters so much is EGG quality. If you know egg quality isn't an issue, you want to wait it out as long as possible because any embryo sturdy enough to make it 5 days outside its living environment is more likely to produce a baby. The trend in the US is that centers don't freeze until blast...and blast transfers give MUCH higher PGY rates than 3-day transfers. As a matter of fact, on a blast transfer, centers will usually only transfer back 1 or 2 blasts because of the greatly increased risk of multiples.

But like Judy said...transferring back early (2-day or 3-day) you give some perfectly normal embies that MAY not have made it to 5-day a chance to succeed. The only problem is that science has not discovered the hard-fixed factor that indicates a succesful embryo...yet.

I feel like we have the best possible chance at a success with this embryo and I am treating it with kid gloves.

So my question to those who've done acu...did you continue AFTER transfer? If so, what points did you do different?

Emily -- Glad to hear that everything went well with your transfer! What day is your pregnancy test?

Suzi -- I am debating on whether or not to continue accu. The center that I go to specializes in IF, it is actually the clinic that was started by Randine Lewis, who wrote "The Infertility Cure." My accupuncturist recommends coming back on Friday, which is day 11 from transfer. She said that it was to help with the stress, where most of the other treatments were to improve blood flow to the uterus. However, I've been going over our budget & looking at how much we've spent on accu the last month & a half. That causes me quite a bit of stress! I am just going to wait & see what my stress level is like later in the week.

Fot those who have done bedrest before, has anyone had problems with heart rate/blood pressure the day after? I started feeling kind of "nervous" when I got up this morning & finally took my heart rate. It was about 100, while my normal heart rate is in the low 60's. I felt totally exhausted. After I got everyone breakfast, I laid down on my recliner (where I've spent the past 3 days) & just rested for about 30 minutes. I seem to be doing better now, but am planning on spending the next 2 days moving S L O W L Y.

Just stopping in for a quick question. My u/s on Friday showed 8 follies and today there were only 4 (3 close in size). Dr. said we can move forward with ivf or convert to iui. I know that it only takes one to make it happen. Can anyone offer any advice?

Sorry for not posting any personals, I haven't even had a chance to read posts from the past few days:(

Been back reading since I was totally off the scope since Wed. of last week.

What is a blasto :dunno: . I have a feeling I should really know this, but I do not.

With both of my cycles I had 3 day transfers with a full bladder, is a 2 day transfer a new thing?

Dawn

Just stopping in for a quick question. My u/s on Friday showed 8 follies and today there were only 4 (3 close in size). Dr. said we can move forward with ivf or convert to iui. I know that it only takes one to make it happen. Can anyone offer any advice?

Sorry for not posting any personals, I haven't even had a chance to read posts from the past few days:(

Okie, if you are paying out of pocket for IVF, I'd seriously consider converting to an IUI if it were me - merely for the money aspect. Unless tonight is trigger night, you have more time to think about it and gather more progress. It's possible some follicles are hidden behind intestine...what were your E2 levels yesterday and today? Only that info paired with your follicle size and count can give an accurate picture.

Been back reading since I was totally off the scope since Wed. of last week.

What is a blasto :dunno: . I have a feeling I should really know this, but I do not.

With both of my cycles I had 3 day transfers with a full bladder, is a 2 day transfer a new thing?

Dawn

Dawn, after fertilization the ZYGOTE will start dividing and then it is called an "embryo" until it is about 6 days old and 120 cells - when it will be called a blastocyst. The blast has broken out of the zona pellucida and implantation is VERY ready to occur. This is why blasts are much more successful than embryos.

As for 2-day transfers they are not new. There is differing opinion on whether it is a benefit...if you have no reason to suspect egg quality issues, it will likely not be proposed in your treatment as 3- to 5-day transfers are the standard.

Hope that helps!

Suzi- Thanks. The med's are covered by insurance, but everything else is out-of-pocket. My E2 was only 165 and today is Day 9 of stims. I had 2 @ 16, 2 @ 14.5, and I don't recall what the smallest one way.

Clarification - my e2 from Friday was 165. I have not yet received today's e2.

Okie, today's E2 can give a better picture of where you are. If you post it when you get it that will hepl give a fuller picture of where you are.

Also, how old are you? And is this the first time you've done injections? What is your dosage? What is your IF diagnosis?

Suzi- Thanks. The med's are covered by insurance, but everything else is out-of-pocket.

Okie, I can appreciate your situation very well. My first cycle my drugs were covered and we were on the verge of dropping the cycle. I know this is a tough place for you to be...hang in there...

Thanks Suzi. Here's a quick bio: I'm 36 (just turned 36 in March) and DH is 43 (will be 44 in July). We have a DD 2 1/2. We've been married 8 years. We were married for at least a couple of years before we even tried to have children. After ttc for about a year and a half or so, I tried Clomid. Got pg after 1 month then mc around 7 weeks. Several cycles later had lap which revealed mild endo. Immediate cycle afterward started injections (Pergonal - don't remember dosage) and conceived that month (DD). Have been ttc again since October 2004. Most of last year I used injectables (Follistim) and always responded really well, but no pg achieved. Started ivf in January, cycle cancelled because of poor response. This time around I was on the microdose flare protocol (300 Gonal-F, 150 Repronex, 20 units mdl 2x/day), so I'm totally surprised/shocked/disappointed at my poor response once again. I think the last time my FSH was measured was back in October 2005 and it was 6.9. We fall into the mysterious "Unexplained Fertility" group.
Sorry for the long post, just wanted to give you a good background. Thanks for your help and encouragement. I am so very thankful that we have DD.

Suzi - Just found out that my e2 from today's b/w is 619, up from Friday's 165. Does this sound like I'm progressing okay for having 3-4 follies?

Okie, your E2 of 619 doesn't match with having 3-4 follicles of the size you described...it is possible that there are follicles that they weren't able to see clearly today (which could also account for the "decrease" in follicles). If you truly had 3-4 follicles, you would be triggering tonight with E2 around 619 so it seems to me that your RE knows something doesn't fit.

Trigger should happen when your follicles measure between 17-20mm and you aren't there until tomorrow or the next day. Trigger is scheduled keeping in mind that follicles will continue to grow a bit after trigger but they are trying to hit the neighborhood of 200 per follicle FOR MATURITY. So you can see why I say that 600 E2 for 3 follicles (especially of that size) is off - and with a few days left, to boot. If I were you I'd take it day by day and see what happens.

For what it's worth, my normal cycle is to get 3-4-5 follicles...sometimes that's all you get.

I know this is harrowing - hang in there and see what tomorrow brings and re-evaluate...that is my best advice to you. :bighug:

Thanks Suzi, I feel better already. DH spoke to RE this afternoon and we've pretty much decided that although we don't have money to throw away (so to speak), we want to move forward with the ivf. What you've said makes sense. RE mentioned triggering on Wednesday with a retrieval (or iui) on Friday. My next appt for u/s & b/w is scheduled for tomorrow morning. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again. I really appreciate your input. Have a nice evening.

Okie - glad to hear from you - are you haveing another u/s on Wed before trigger? That might help make the decision - I don't know for sure but I would think with 4 follies your chances are better with IVF.

Suzi - you asked about accu - I go weekly after ET she will not do any belly points or ear points - I don't specifically ask which points she is doing but I go tonight and can ask if there are any particular ones. She also does light moxa on my belly - not enough to get the skin red and hot but enough to gently warm to increase blood circulation to my abdomen. I think a lot depends on your diagnosis - I tend to have week kidney qi so she makes an extra effort to do those points. Typically though there are lots of needles in my legs/ankles and wrists (that was probably way to general huh? :shuffle: )

Okie, any news on today's scan and E2 yet? I've been thinking of you!

Hi Suzi & Bloom, well I had my u/s this morning and I've got three follies (20, 17.5, & 16.5). RE wants me to continue on stims tonight and tomorrow morning, u/s & b/w tomorrow, then trigger tomorrow night. No b/w today, said we could do it tomorrow. I'm pretty sure we'll move forward with ivf. I needed two more vials of Gonal-F and 1 Repronex to get me through tomorrow morning, so I asked him to write the Rx for another cycle of ivf since my copay will be the same whether they order 2 or 20 vials. I'm trying to remain optimistic and know that it's all in God's hands. If we're not successful this time, if we do ivf again we'll do a protocol similar to this one but without any bcp's. Too bad we couldn't do it without the lupron either.

How are your cycles going?

Okie, I'm sending prayers for you! :crossfing

Suzi-I'm praying that that little embie is sticky sticky for you! Cant wait to hear your BFP news! You are such a help to us all, and I really hope you get a BFP from this cycle!

Okie-Fingers crossed and prayers that your cycle is a success and you wont have to worry about next time for a while!

Kim-I'm glad to see you are are rallying back from your recent heartbreak. You are so strong to have gone what your going through, I wish I could wrap you in a huge hug, stay strong, you are an inspiration in perserverance and I know it will pay off for you soon.

Emily-Sticky Sticky prayers for you as well.

Kristen-I hope your Lap went well and you arent in to much pain. I know the mantra we all say at some point is "Its gonna be worth it in the end!"

Dawn-Glad to hear things are moving along for you and you'll get to start your cycle soon!

Haley-July/Aug isnt far away at all. I started posting here about 9 months before my cycle so I could have support of others who are going thru the same/similar things.

Kerry-How are you doing? Your ER is soon isnt it? Praying for a perfect ER adn transfer for you!

Vyonne-When do you start stims again (I forgot)? Its coming up this month right? Hoping everything is going well for you, and I'm praying for a perfect cycle for you as well!

Sorry if I missed anyone, Ive been lurking and trying to keep up, theres just so much going on. Your all in my prayers!

Baby dust Wishes Hugs and Love!
Andrea

Wow! So much has happened since I've been away from the computer!!

Christine- CONGRATULATIONS on your BFP! I hope that yours is the first of many to come in the April/May/June group!!

Suzi-I know that you're dissappointed about only having one embie to transfer, but remember it only takes ONE!! I know what the statistics say, but you're not a statistic. Keep the faith, and know that I'm praying for you and your baby!! When is your beta?

Carla- Congrats on a great transfer! I hope the 16th comes quickly for you!

Vyonne- I can't believe that your transfer date is coming up so quickly! And what luck to meet the manager of the pharmacy and receive such a great discount on your drugs!! You're on a roll!!!

Kim- I'm sorry that you had such a bad reaction to the D & E. I hope that you're feeling better!!

I'm sorry if I missed anyone, so much is going on it's hard to keep track!

My doctor was able to do a laparoscopy, so I was up and around pretty quickly. But, my husband gave me the flu, so I've been as sick as a dog for the last four days!! I'm only going to stay at work long enough to catch up, then I'm going straight back to my couch!!!

When my doctor was doing the lap, she found a hydrosalpinx that did not show up on the u/s. I've been reading up on what causes them and everything says STD. I've NEVER had an STD, so I'm thinking maybe the scarring from my endo? I have to make a follow up appt with my RE, so I'll pick her brain then!!

Judy, :hug99:

Andrea, So good to hear from you... how are you feeling, luv?
I officially started my cycle a couple of weeks ago already, with my Zoladex shot (like Lupron) and now I´ve been for the past 10 days on stims (orally - pills) for my lining to get nice and big :pray:, and will continue thru transfer time. My Donor is starting her stim shots today (as a matter of fact) and if all goes as planned... Transfer time is set for May 24th :ura1: Thank you for your good wishes and prayers :hug99:

Kristen, Happy to hear you ended up with only the laparoscopy (I was so worried about the other alternative). I will need to do some research on hydrosalpinx, as I´ve never even heard that term. I hope that soon the docs will be able to give you the ¨green light¨ to hop on the wagon again :pray: :crossfing
Indeed, my transfer time is only 2 weeks away (unbelievable) and I was not only lucky, but very blessed to meet the Sales Manager from the Distribution Laboratory (the ones that sell to all the pharmacies and clinics). When he offered me the discount, I got all choked up :cry: with tears of joy and could not believe :woa: he granted me such a big discount!!!

Suzi, Carla & Emily, STICKY, STICKY THOUGHTS and lots prayers your way for 3 BFPs to come :pteddy: :bteddy: :pteddy: !!!

Vyonne

Gosh. . .I took a few days off "to take care of myself" and so much is going on! As always, I wish all of you the best with all that's happening. :ura1:

The hormonal effects of the m/c started to get to me and I guess I just didn't want to think about anything regarding pregnancy---thus, my absence. I will read everything and personalize soon. . .as always, :bighug: to you all!

Kim

Hello everyone,

I am new to this site and find it very informational. Thank you to all.
:scan:
Tomorrow I go for my second cycle of IUI, (last month it didn't work) I am trying to be hopeful & stay positive, but am feeling a little discouraged. I wonder if it's a waste of time myself. The doctor & I decided to try it one more time before moving to IVF. I wanted to do the IVF first, but she said to give myself a chance with the IUI. I only have one tube on the right. So timing is everything.
I'm overwhelmed with the IVF financing part of the process, but it is something I feel I need to try should I need to. Of course my insurance does not cover any part of it. So I'm feeling a little crazy and am trying to get as much information as possible, because as we all know it's so consuming on the brain.
I'd like to come back and share again as I continue my "one day at a time" journey.
Thanks.

Jennifer

Wishing all the MOMS, SOON2BMOMS & WANNABMOMS a Very Happy Mother´s Day!!!
Congratulations for the courage, shared support, perseverance and most of all for being a true example of never ending LOVE, in all the sense of the word!!!

May God bless us all and may all of our dreams come true :pray: ...

Tons and tons of Baby Dust now and forever :grouphugg
Vyonne :rose:

Vyonne - Thank you for your wish and wish you too A Very Happy Mother's Day !!!

Everyone else - Wish you all A Very Happy Mother's Day !!! :grouphugg

Baby dust to all :) :pteddy: :bteddy: :pteddy: :bteddy:
-Emily

Hi Ladies!

Suzi, Carla and Emily - continuous sticky thoughts are going your way!

Kristen, I am so glad to hear that your surgery went well, I was actually kinda worried, since we hadn't heard from you!

Okie - I hope that everything went well with your trigger and retrieval. Fingers are crossed for a good fert report!

Welcome Jennifer! - I tried IUI 2x also, which if you have time is worth a shot, because the process is so much easier and cheaper, and you just might get lucky. After 2x I gave up on it though, since I wound up have to take 1-1.5 months off in between each cycle because of way to many left-over cysts on my ovaries.

I had my second BFP on Monday, and they said the everything looked good based on the numbers. I go for an ultrasound to check out how things are looking in there on Monday! I can't believe that you can see anything yet!

Happy Mother's Day to ALL of us!!!

Jennifer -- Welcome! I agree with Christine about IUI. It is MUCH cheaper & a lot less complicated than IVF. I think that we also did 2 IUI's before moving on to IVF.

Christine -- Congrats on the good numbers! That's exciting that you have your US on Monday! I hope everything continues to go great for you.

Emily -- When do you have your beta? Mine is on Tuesday & I am going bonkers! I really want to do a POAS, but I really don't. For now, my husband continues to talk me out of it.

Happy Mother's Day to everyone! Let your husbands spoil you rotten!
Carla

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL!!!

:love2:

Carla - don't do it! You can wait! If it is negative then you will be upset and depressed but then you may find out that it is positive on Tuesday. If it's positive, you won't really know for sure until Tuesday anyway, so IMO just try to stay relaxed and wait it out - only 2 more days! :pray:

Christine -- I know you are right, but this has been a really long two weeks. I'd forgotten that this last week is truly the hardest part of the whole process for those of us who are less than patient!

Welcome Jennifer :wavey: I did several IUI's last year and they were not successful. But, I'm glad I gave it several tries. I felt more sure when it came time to try IVF. I haven't started my IVF cycle yet. Like you, I am here to gain support and knowledge from the wonderful ladies in this thread. My cycle starts in either July or August. Welcome!

Welcome Jennifer and good luck! We did 2 IUIs before moving on to IVF for my son. The 2nd time around I got pregnant on my 1st IUI. While I would certainly do IVF again and again if I needed to, it's a much bigger deal than IUI (and I used injectible medications for all of my IUIs). I was surprised by that as I expected IVF to be similar to an IUI cycle...
I am hoping and praying for lots of BFPs!!!

Amanda

ChristineS - Congratulations on your great numbers !!! :ura1:

Carla - My beta is also on Tuesday(5/16). :)

I am not doing well. For past two days in the late evening i am getting pain near my left side of ovary. Yesterday it was too intensive. Just wondering is this OHSS. When i go in tomorrow for beta test, i am going to discuss about this with my RE. But if anyone experienced OHSS, can you please share how exactly it would be?

I am sure what i am getting is not implanting pain or AF cramps type. Kind of worried.

-Emily
8dp5dt
Beta - 5/16

Emily, it isn't OHSS, that happens right after retreival. It could be a cyst though, if it continues be sure to call your RE's office.

Good luck to Emily and Carla tomorrow... :crossfing

I'm still not feeling very positive - it's hard when the chance is so ridiculously slim. Of course I know it just takes one. My beta is Friday, I will probably HPT starting tomorrow. I have several that a friend sent me some time ago. no sense in throwing them away unused. :rolleyes:

I called hospital and talked to a nurse, she said definitely it is not OHSS. Suzi, you are right. Nurse told me that if i am getting one, i should have started getting it from 5 or 6 days after my retrieval. I haven't gained any weight after retrieval(daily i am checking twice). Nurse adviced to take tylenol if the pain is too much. I am not going to take it to see how far the pain goes. She also said that i have to take it easy and off my feet whenever it is possible.
-Emily

Carla & Emily, :crossfing STICKY, STICKY thoughts and prayers for the two of you to bring BFPs tomorrow :pray: :bighug:
PS Emily, I sure hope your pain goes away and its nothing to worry about :hug99:

Jennifer, :welcome: My advice to you is: Do a few IUI cycles, if you have the time (biologically speaking), as they are less invasive and a lot cheaper. But if age is an issue... move right into IVF :nod: and don´t waste precious time!

Suzi, Keep up the faith :kiss:

Vyonne

Jennifer-:welcome:

Carla & Emily- Good luck tomorrow!! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we get news of TWO BFPs!!!!!!!!

Suzi- I know it's hard, but try to stay positive! Even if statistically it's a small one, there is a chance that you are going to get your BFP! I'm keeping everything crossed for you. Only a few more days... Hang in there!!!

Vyonne- How's your cycle going? Are we still on track for the 24th?

Nothing new here. I go for my post op exam on Friday. I guess we'll figure out the timetable for my next IVF cycle then. My sister broke the news of her pregnancy to extended family this past weekend. No matter how much I try I'm still having a hard time with it.

Thx for the welcome ladies.

Kristin: Mothers day was day 1 of my second month of IUI. I left the office to share Mothers day with my mom, & other extended family members. The IUI was very uncomfortable and it took about 40 minutes for the cramping to stop. (last month I didn't have that problem & I didn't expect it this time) Meanwhile the 2 1/2 hr drive to the Mothers day festivities was miserable. As soon as I walked into the house my cousin asked me if I had heard the news. I said I hadn't and asked if she was getting married. She then replied that she was pregnant & all I could do was cry. :cry: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#) Cry for her but more for me. I then found myself explaining all that I've been going through and I believe they all looked at me like I had two heads. I know your frustration. Like feeling left out. Trying to be happy for others but it's REALLY hard.

~~~Feeling your pain
Jennifer

Suzi - Quick update. Retrieval on Friday went fine. They retrieved 5 eggs, 3 of which were mature. Got the call on Saturday that they multinucleated (sp?) and that we wouldn't have anything to use/transfer on Monday (today). It was very devastating for both my husband and I. The nurse asked if I wanted to make an appointment to see the RE today and told her that I would call back when I'm ready. My husband is anxious to talk to the RE and I can probably wait another day or so. Hoping this was just a fluke kind of thing. They did ICSI given the # of follies and fertilization did take place. Still really don't understand the details, guess we'll just have to find out from the RE. All I know is that I still have hope that we'll have more children, biologically ours as well as adopted. I thank God every day that we were blessed with our DD. I haven't done much research on-line about multinucleation as I don't know all of the details, but have read enough to know that it could have been because of chromosonal abnormalities.

Can anyone tell me if the eggs were bad, is this something that can be seen after the retrieval and before the sperm are added?

By the way, try to hang in there. If you can keep from POAS......you'll be even more pleasantly suprised with the bfp you'll get on Friday.

Carla & Emily, ditto on the well wishes for 2 bfp's tomorrow.

Vyonne, you are still in my prayers that you'll also get a bfp this cycle. I'm optimistic that you will.

Sending lots of sticky baby vibes everyone's way.

Okie, multi-pronuclei is a chromosomal problem. In a normal fertilization, the sperm and egg contribute pronuclei and there should be wo for each normal egg. Of our 5 eggs this last retrieval, two (possibly a third) of our embryos only had one pronuclei. As far as finding out where it comes from...if I remember you are 36/37...it is a safe bet it is your eggs. That is difficult to pin down for sure but that is the likely problem. You can do an SCSA (http://www.scsadiagnostics.com/) (Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay, costs about $350), I provided the link. that will determine if the sperm is contributing chromosomally sound material...if so, then the eggs are the chromosomal problem.

Sorry you are having this trouble, I can sympathize with you. Last July I had 5 eggs retreived and none of them fertilized. that was the biggest blow I've taken in this entire freakish journey. I'm so sorry it happened to you, too. :hug99:

Emily -- I am sorry to hear that you aren't feeling well. Hope you have a nice BFP to help you feel better tomorrow!

Okie -- I am so sorry. This process is such a long journey, full of lots of possible roadblocks. Take good care of yourself & give yourself some extra pampering.

Jennifer -- It sounds like you had a rough weekend. Mother's day is so hard when you are going through IF. This board is a great place to be able to vent feelings & frustrations to wonderful people who are supportive & understand what you are going through. Feeling supported & understood helps A LOT when you are going through this.

I am an emotional wreck tonight. I really want to do a POAS, but I'd have to go to the store. I was very crampy last week, so I hope that's a good sign. However, I was soooooo sure that I was pregnant with our last IVF (which was negative,) that I can't really bring myself to believe that it could have worked. I only have about 15 hours until I know. Tomorrow is also my first day of a new job & I am going to be waiting for the phone to ring all morning. Hopefully, it will be really busy & keep my mind occupied. I haven't slept very well the past week, so I will probably be very tired by tomorrow night. I keep having these dreams about going on vacation. Maybe that's a sign that I'm going to need a vacation after this week! Since I have to work, I won't be able to post until later in the afternoon, but I will post as soon as I get the chance.

Good luck tomorrow Emily!

-- Carla

Suzi- Did you beta today?

We are underway as of today! I am starting stims tonight. I can't believe how fast this has came upon us!

Kerri, my beta is Friday but I did HPT. It was BFN...I have very little hope left that this will be BFP.

Good luck with your cycle, hoping one is all you'll need! :crossfing

:( :( Please keep up the faith! It makes a big difference! Oops I meant did you HPT today! I know when your beta is!

Ok now the questions start from me! :lol: I was formerly quiet in here! What is the average time from the start of the stims to the time the embie gets put back in?

Suzi - you never know what Friday can bring I hope you POAS was wrong.

Carla & Emily - I am keeping my finger crossed and will look for your posts later today.

Jennifer - Welcome!
Vyonne - how is everything progress for you?

Okie - I am so sorry to here about your difficulties.

Kerri, typical length of stims is 10-12 days, transfer back is 2-, 3-, or 5-days.

Okie - I'm so sorry!
Suzi - I'm sorry you got a BFN today. I'm still hoping you get a +++ on Friday.
Kerri - I'm excited for you to start!!!!

Suzi- I'm so sorry about the negative HPT!! I keeping my fingers crossed that your beta proves the HPT wrong!!!!:hug99:

Okie- I'm really sorry! :sadhug:

Carla & Emily- Can't wait to hear the news! :crossfing:crossfing:crossfing:crossfing:crossfing :crossfing

Jennifer- I'm sorry that you had a rough Mother's Day, too!!

Kerri- Yay for starting stims!! I hope the first time is a charm!!!

Okie, multi-pronuclei is a chromosomal problem. In a normal fertilization, the sperm and egg contribute pronuclei and there should be ywo for each normal egg. Of our 5 eggs this last retrieval, two (possibly a third) of our embryos only had one pronuclei. As far as finding out where it comes from...if I remember you are 36/37...it is a safe bet it is your eggs. That is difficult to pin down for sure but that is the likely problem. You can do an SCSA (http://www.scsadiagnostics.com/) (Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay, costs about $350), I provided the link. that will determine if the sperm is contributing chromosomally sound material...if so, then the eggs are the chromosomal problem.

Suzi, does that mean the eggs were "empty" and had no DNA (or chromosones or whatever)? If so, that is what caused my molar pregnancy. That and it was a girl sperm. If it had been a boy sperm it would have been a blighted ovum. Weird, eh?

Suzi, I am so sorry for your BFN, I'm hoping so bad that it is a slow growing little guy and that the 19th brings good news. :crossfing

Kerri, good luck!

Good luck to the other ladies! :)

:blue: Okie, so sorry your cycle was not successful this time. :hug99:

I got bad news this afternoon -- BFN. I feel pretty lost & don't know where to go from here.

:blue: I'm sorry Carla. :hug99:

Oh Carla I'm so sorry. :blue: :hug99:

Suzi....still hoping for a BFP on Friday.....

Carla..sorry to hear your news...

Carla~ I am so sorry.
Okie~ So sorry that happenned to you.
Suzi~ Hang in there! It is not over yet!
Kerri~ Yeah! I am so glad you are starting stims!

Suzi - I am so sorry about BFN. But hang in there. Only few days for your beta. I am :pray: for you.

Okie - I am so sorry and take care :hug99:. I always believe that prayers can do miracles.

Carla - Sorry to hear your news. :sadhug: :hug99:

-Emily

I got my beta result. I am pregnant, HCG - 415 and E2 - 2400. Don't know about progestrone level yet. Going for another beta test on 05/18.

Thank you for all your wishes and prayers.

Thank God,
-Emily

Please someone help me distinguish

BFN
DH
DD

Is Beta the HCG testing for pregnancy?

Jennifer

Please someone help me distinguish

BFN Big Fat Negative
DH Dear Husband
DD Dear Daughter (or DS Dear Son)

Is Beta the HCG testing for pregnancy? Yes

Jennifer

Jennifer, there are lots of acronyms...just ask if you don't get one! ;)

:party2: :bteddy: Congratulations, Emily!!!:pteddy: :party2:

Congratulations Emily. :)

Congrats Emily! Happy and healthy 9 months to you. That is a very nice hcg #. Are you 11dp3dt? Multiples maybe??

:ura1: :bfp: EMILY CONGRATULATIONS! I'm so very excited for you.:dancingpi :jump2: :intact: :hi5:

CONGRATS Emily!!!

I'm sorry Carla.

Amanda

Carla, I share your sadness and I am so sorry for you. :hug99: I understand what you are going through...please let me know if I can do anything.

Suzi, does that mean the eggs were "empty" and had no DNA (or chromosones or whatever)? If so, that is what caused my molar pregnancy. That and it was a girl sperm. If it had been a boy sperm it would have been a blighted ovum. Weird, eh?

Suzi, I am so sorry for your BFN, I'm hoping so bad that it is a slow growing little guy and that the 19th brings good news. :crossfing

Kerri, good luck!

Good luck to the other ladies! :)

Bev, I *think* that is different yet (although not completely positive). I'll have to research that a little and see what I find...

And thanks for the wishes! :akiss:

Carla~I'm so sorry. :sadhug: Please know that you are not alone.

Emily~Congratulations!!!!! :ura1: I'm so happy for you. :bighug:

I'm crossing my fingers for the rest of you. I'll be out of town (at a work conference) until Sunday, so I know I'll miss a lot, but I'll be thinking of you all. :grouphugg

Kim

:bfp: :pteddy: :bteddy: Congratulations Emily! :dancingpi :banana: :party2:

Another HPT and another :bfn:

I'm sorry, Suzi. I know you are not holding out much hope, but I'm still hoping for you. :hug99:

Suzi.............there is still hope.. Don't despair just yet..

Suzi- :bighug: It's not over yet!

Suzi - Please hang in there, still there is hope ...

:pray: :pray: :pray:

-Emily

Carla- I am so sorry. :sadhug: Please know that we're here for you.

Suzi- It's not over yet, please keep the faith!!

Emily- CONGRATULATIONS on your BFP!! You must be over the moon!!!
:ura1::ura1::ura1::ura1::ura1::ura1::ura1::ura1::u ra1::ura1::ura1::ura1::ura1::ura1::ura1::ura1:

Carla & Suzi - Very sorry about your BFN

Emily - Congrats!! :ura1:

Suzi~~Thank you for your help.

Carla~~I'm praying for you

Emily~~Wow, I feel so happy for you!!! How exciting this must be for you:sunny: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)

.

Suzi~~~ Big hug

Emily -- Congratulations! That is a nice big number!

Suzi -- I hope things change for you. You are in my thoughts & prayers as you go through this last couple of days until you get your results.

As for me, I am actually doing quite well, considering all things. I worked all day today & was able to really get my mind off of all things IVF (except for the time I took to check on insurance should we decide to try again & to schedule my "regroup" appointment for next week.) We are going out of town this summer, so we won't be starting anything until at least July. We will see what the RE has to say Tuesday.

For my therapy, I plan on staying very busy for the next couple of weeks. After I've had the chance to lose a couple of pounds that I think I've gained, I think I will do some retail therapy. If I can't get pregnant, I can get some cute clothes that I wouldn't be able to wear if I were pregnant! I am also going to try to stay away from my pregnant friends for a little while. A lot of my friends are pregnant or have new babies & it seems to rub a very tender spot in my heart to hear then talking about all the details & their plans.

Thank you so much for all your concern & support. It has really meant a lot to me to have a place where I can come to communicate with other women who know what it feels like to go through this very long journey of IF.

Carla

Carla- I think retail therapy is a great idea! Anything that gets you through this tough time! After my IVF cycle was canceled I treated myself to a pedicure and massage. I wish I could do that more often, but the IVF bills are coming in now, so massages are definitely not in the budget!! :sad:

Suzi- I'm thinking about you...

Suzi...thinking of you today...

Kristin -- I agree about the IVF bills. It really takes the fun out of shopping when you know how much you've been spending lately on fun things like shots & doctor's appointments!

I went for my beta today - it was negative. I knew it would be but I am still devastated. There's nothing like the finality of never having another child, no matter how badly you want that child. I don't know how I will ever fill that hole...I feel like I could puke.

Suzi- I am so very sorry. :sadhug:

Carla, I am so very sorry to hear your news... :sadhug: I wish I could make you feel better in a NY second, but it takes time and you need your grieving process. Don´t give up, and you´ll see how keeping the faith and having a plan, will help ease your pain...

Suzi, Oh sweetie, I am speechless... :cry: specially when I know this was your very last try. I wish I could go out where you are, and wrap you in my arms to help comfort you. Try to look at the positive side of things and at least God blessed you with 1 wonderful daughter (Julia). My heart goes out to you :sadhug:

Emily,

:pteddy: CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR :bteddy:
BFP!!!

I am so very happy for you, doll... take good care and keep those numbers multiplying!!!

Thank you so much to all of you that are praying for me and that are sending me positive vibes :love1:. I know Okie, Kristen and Amanda, had sent me some messages in the last week, asking about my progress and sending me your prayers... that is very sweet :bighug: and thank you deeply! Things are actually going very well. My lining yesterday was at 13¨ and my doctor said once again how unusual that was for me. I am so grateful I did my procedure to clean my endo so recently, because I am sure that helped a great deal to get this great results. My Donor has 13 eggs all very close in size and a lovely lining (sign of good eggs) So I am thrilled and ready :ura1: .
She goes for retrival on Sunday at 9:00 am and I will still be on schedule for transfer on Wednesday 24, sometime in the morning.

Please, if you could all keep me in your prayers and send me lots of sticky thoughts... I will feel like a million bucks!!! Once again, thank you for following my progress and I :pray: to soon have good news... :grouphugg

Vyonne

:hug99: Suzi, I am so so sorry. :bawl:

Suzi - - I am so very sorry. :cry: You put everything you had into this process. You at least know that you did all that you could. :sadhug:

Carla - I am very sorry to hear about your negative beta. It is good to hear your plans for dealing with this disappointment. You will come back in July stronger and ready to go!

Emily - Congratulations!!!! You must be ecstatic! :ura1:

I had my first U/S on Tuesday and we have 1 sac with a tiny fetal pole inside and the RE said you can even see the heart starting to beat a little bit. Everything normal so far, and I go for a 2nd US in 2 weeks. Our other little embie did not decide to stick around for the party, but we are thrilled to have one.

Baby dust to everyone who is cycling!

Suzi.....:cry: I'm so so very sorry........................

Oh no Suzi. I am so sorry. :cry: If there is anything I can do please let me know.

Wow, I came in to see what's up with everyone and there sure is a lot of news here!

First of all, Suzi, I am so very sorry to hear of your BFN. I was hoping so hard that you would have had a different result. I know you are devastated. I think I speak for everyone here when I say that all of us are saddened and disappointed. You are such a ray of hope and a huge source of info to everyone here. You're in my thoughts and prayers, really.

Vyonne, of course I am hoping and praying that this is your time! What with the prophecy from the guard and all.... :) I love reading your posts b/c they are so uplifting and positive. My fingers are crossed for you!

Congratulations, Emily! Great news!

I was sorry to hear of your BFN Carla. I know the feeling and it's not easy... Big hug...

Okie, I'm sorry your cycle didn't work out. I had never heard of that. I definitely get an education on this site. Best wishes in your next attempt...

Kristen, I'm sorry you are still having such a hard time with your sister-in-law's (is that right?) pregnancy. I can totally understand how difficult that is. I've been there before. xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Suzi, I am so very sad to hear about the bfn.:hug99:

Suzi - I am so sorry.

Okie, I am sorry I missed you on my previous post! Oh sweetie, I know how you must feel :sadhug: Please know my heart and prayers go out to you in hope that soon you´ll find a way to start a new cycle :hug99: :pray:

Kristen, I am sorry about having to hear about your relative´s pregnancies... I think you are making a very good decision staying away from them all, for awhile :nod:.
I hope that very soon you will start a new cycle!!! :bighug:

Rho, Thank you doll, I need all the prayers I can get, to make this cycle be D ONE!!! I am sure holding on to the guard´s prophecy :nod: :crossfing :pray:
On another token, how are you feeling??? I sure hope you are getting pampered and that things continue going great for you :bighug:

Vyonne

Suzi, I wish I knew something better to say than I'm sorry. But I really am so sorry to hear about your negative beta. :hug99:

Oh Suzi, I am devistated for you. I agree that you did put everything into this cycle and I can imagine the heartache. You really have lifted all our spirits when we most needed it and I am sorry I don't have the right words to lift yours. I am thinking about you and your family.

I will be back with other personals, have been battling an awful bug.

I agree with Judy. I am so sad for you. This IVF is tainted for me because of your bad news.

Kerri, don't do that to yourself! I truly appreciate that you are sad for me but you need to focus on YOU right now! :nod: :bighug:

Hello you all,

Well, I have bitter sweet news form my today´s donor retrieval: The good news is that she (donor) did very well and they got 8 great looking eggies... the bad news is that DH had to be rushed to the hospital this morning with apendicitis (sp?) and was not able to give his sample :disbelief :pullhair: He´s surgery was at 6:30 am and came out okay, but he was also due at the fert clinic at 8:00 am!!! They had to freeze all my eggs :cry: . I could not stop crying, because I was told that when eggs are frozen alone (not fertilized) the chances decrease tremendously, so I guess now we have to just wait and see. My endometrium was at 14 and showed the 3 coveted lines, so I am literally sick to my stomach knowing that we will be dealing with frozen embrios in about 1 week or so. It was that or simply selling our eggs to the clinic and trying again next month. I don´t know if I made the right decision :dunno:, but I asked them to freeze them, because I don´t know if my donor would be willing to do it a 3rd time around. Any comments??? Has anyone ever had eggs frozen prior to fertilization???

I am so mad :tantrum:, to have waited so long with such anticipation for this to happen :blue:

Vyonne

OMG, Vyonne! I'm so sorry. There is no way you could have anticipated that road block.

I'm sorry, I don't know much about freezing eggs. Would it be better to do a frozen transfer in a month, when your lining is built back up?

Once again, I'm sorry. :bighug:

Oh Vyonne, I am so sorry! :hug99: I am at a loss...I wish you the very best though! My prayers are with you! :bighug:

Vyonne~~~This has got to be just utterly frustrating for you. I can't imagine going through all that and then something comes up such as your DH appendisitis.
:woa:
I hope he is feeling better real soon so you two can get back on track ASAP. I'm sorry this has happened. I do not have enough knowledge about frozen embies, but I am hoping really hard for you that they will be fine & the timing will be just right.

Jennifer

Hello everyone~~~

Tomorrow is B/W for me @ 0800. I'm not quite sure why they want the blood work when I go for the PT next week anyway. I'm trying not to think of what comes next. I just may cancel & do the PT myself. It'll be better by myself so I can soak up the dissappointment in private should it be a BFN. In any case, that is what is going on, until tomorrow.

Jennifer

:hug99: Vyonne. Damn that appendix anyway! :mad:

Dana, Suzi, Jennifer & Beverly, :hug99: Thank you for your supportive words... I still feel like it all was all a bad dream. DH is doing better physically, but feels terribly guilty that "because of his darned appendix" all we did could end up completely lost. I also feel guilty because I was mostly concerned with what would happen to our eggs and even tried to see if he could give me his sample while we were being transferred to the hospital in the ambulance :eek:. I believe I truly lost it and lost touch with reality!!! I didn´t mean to make him feel worst when I shouted at him: Well, I guess you have to see if you can give me your sample here and now, and I will run it to the clinic after dropping you off... of course, imediately thereafter, I felt like a piece of shhhhhhhhhhhh for my act of selfishness. It was a combitnation of frustration, anxiety and despair that made me say all that, but still feel there is :nono: no excuses for my lack of tact. I adore my DH and when I realized what I said, I wanted to hit myself :slap: he sure didn´t deserve it, as he is a sweetheart and has had to put up with all my mood swings for the past 3 years :nod: I feel very, very bad :sad: Now, it is my fault DH is taking it very hardand doesn´t stop blaming himself...

All we can do now is pray, and hope that when he is totally recuperated and ready to do it, we´ll achieve success with the eggs fertilizing :pray:

Jennifer, good luck tomorrow... and don´t feel defeated ahead of time! I hope and pray you´ll get a big BFP next week :hug99:

Vyonne

Oh, Vyonne, how awful. So glad to know that DH is doing better now. That sure came out of left field, huh? I assure you I would have said the exact same thing to my husband, no doubt. And unlike you, I'd still be harboring feelings of resentment!

What are your options, exactly? Do you have frozen embryos now? I wasn't sure if I read that right. I don't know much about frozen eggs. We've only frozen fertilized ones. Is there a financial side of your donor situation, or is it just that she might not want to do it again? Also, could you get a new donor if she doesn't? I don't know a thing about donor ivfs.

I hope all goes well for you, AND SOON!!! I know you've waited anxiously for this and you sure deserve good news for all the support you hand out here. Take care, girl. That security guard still could be right...

Vyonne - I am so sorry :hug99: and my :pray: for you.

-Emily

Vyonne- What a crappy situation! That is why at my clinic they have you freeze a sample ahead of time. :bighug: I am so sorry.

I went for another u/s this morning and I have 28 measurable follicles, smaller ones too that probably won't go. We were going with the less is more mentality and going conservatively with the medication but my body usually has different ideas. I am hoping they are good quality. I am on follistim and menopur so hopefully the menopur will help with the quality. Damn those menopur injections hurt!

Vyonne- I'm so sorry for the setback! I know that it's not the perfect situation, but woman have become pregnant with frozen eggs. You have 8 good ones to work with!! I'm keeping you in my prayers!!!

Christine-Good luck today!

Suzi- Just wanted you to know that I'm thinking about you!

:hug99: Vyonne - Sending hugs your way. I'm so sorry :( to hear about what has just happened to you. Keep the faith. It will still happen. You've still got 8 eggs to work with. Hope your DH is recovering well.

Suzi -- I am so sorry to hear about your negative beta I'm thinking about you & hope that your spirit recovers soon.

Vyonne -- Life can sure throw some curve balls, huh? With all the things that you worry about with IVF, that isn't one I'd thought about! I am glad that you got 8 good eggs.

Kaybee -- I like that your clinic does a frozen sample. I have often worried that something would happen that would keep my husband from being there to do his part.

I go in for my regroup appointment at the RE tomorrow. I really don't know what direction to go from here. I really don't think that the doctor will have any new insight into what we can do to make this work. I really want to have another child, but my husband doesn't want to adopt. I'm a little nervous about the idea of donor eggs for various reasons, though I am pretty sure that is what the doctor will recommend. For those of you have used donor eggs, what is your plan for explaining it to your child when they get older. I think that is my biggest hang up. Also, how are you planning on handling people's comments, or will you even tell anyone about it?

Carla

What are your options, exactly? Do you have frozen embryos now? I wasn't sure if I read that right. I don't know much about frozen eggs. We've only frozen fertilized ones. Is there a financial side of your donor situation, or is it just that she might not want to do it again? Also, could you get a new donor if she doesn't? I don't know a thing about donor ivfs.

Rho, My options were either to freeze or sale them to my clinic, so I opted for the first (freeze). I don´t have frozen embryos... we have frozen eggs (not fertilized). I am not quite sure what difference it makes to freeze embryos vs. eggs :dunno: , when it comes to statistics of success. However, the byologist said they were of great quality (based on their experience), which played to my favor with resistance after they defrost. All I can do is pray that I have at least 3 to transfer when the time comes. Thank you for your nice words of hope and for not thinking I was a :witch1: for what I said to DH :bighug:

Emily, Kerry (Kaybee, right?), Kristen, Okie & Carla, Thank you all for your sweet words hugs and continued prayers :hug99:. Okie, thank you so much for sending your kind recovering wishes to my DH, just so you know he is coming along just fine health wise :hb:, only set back by his terrible guilt. And as you all say: there have been pregnancies with frozen embies, so I should still harbor some hope :nod:. And as I always say: I should embrace every oportunity God gives me with open arms and count my blessings!!! After all I have 8 great eggs is something to look forward to! I guess what throws me on a loop is the lack of knowledge about frozen unfertilized eggs :scratch:. All your positive words mean the world to me right now... thank you :bighug:

Vyonne

Hello everyone

The nurse just called with the BW results. My progesterone level is only @ 13.9%. She said it needs to be @ 15% or higher. Last IUI it was @ 19.9%.:confused: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#) She wants to put me on progesterone capsules. I told her I did not want to go to the office for the PT next week. This is my 3rd & final IUI before IVF. She insisted that I come anyway becasue the capsules will make me miss my mensus anyway. I'm a little frustrated and not really feeling hopeful.

Hello, Vyonne,

Where is a good place to get more information on IVF? My doctor gave me the name of some IVF specialists that are two hours from my home, but I'd like to find out more about it on my own first. Do you know of a good website? Thanks. Michelle

I really want to have another child, but my husband doesn't want to adopt. I'm a little nervous about the idea of donor eggs for various reasons, though I am pretty sure that is what the doctor will recommend. For those of you have used donor eggs, what is your plan for explaining it to your child when they get older. I think that is my biggest hang up. Also, how are you planning on handling people's comments, or will you even tell anyone about it?
Carla
Carla, I think the decision as to what to say or who to tell about your personal decision to conceive through donor eggs, is a very particular one. However, in my case... when we get our child, we have chosen not to tell our child that he/she is the product of an egg donor, only because I feel the moment that embryo is placed in your uterus and grows through your blood and heart... that baby is totally yours and you forget that your eggs weren´t used. At first it is always hard to accept that you will have to use someone else´s eggs, but if you look at it with an open :hb: you will understand that you received a cell, and that your DH´s sperm made it possible, and that being placed in you gave it life!!! IMO, that sure is your baby :nod: 1000%. Also, to me the egg donor will always have a special place in my heart, as the angel God sent our way to help make our dream possible... my gratittude will remain in me until my last breath... :angel:

PS It is important to mention, that only our 2 best friends (they happen to be a couple) are the only ones that know about our egg donor, and they also know our desire to keep it a secret forever.

Hope this helps...:hug99:

Vyonne

Michelle, the best place to start would be the CDC ART Report (http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/ART2003/clinics03.asp) website. You can find the centers in your area and view their latest success rates (2003 is the most current year reported, 2004 isn't out quite yet).

You can also look at these sites:

www.advancedfertility.com (http://www.advancedfertility.com/)
www.bostonivf.com (http://www.bostonivf.com/)
www.sirm.com (http://www.sirm.com/)
www.ivf.net (http://www.ivf.net/)
www.ivf.com (http://www.ivf.com/)
www.infertile.com (http://www.infertile.com/)

All are the websites of highly regarded centers for IVF and they contain LOADS of information.

The other best place for info is right here. There are several of us who will give you the REAL story of what IVF is...living with it and surviving it. If you have questions, ask away - most of us are happy to share our experience.

Michelle, Looks like we were posting simultaniously this afternoon, as I did not notice your query until now. However, I am glad Suzi got ahead of me with answering your question. The sites she named are indeed the best ones in the web, but if you need real answers and need the support of true IVF fighters... :secret: you´ve come to the best place here with us :nod:
So, :welcome: and feel free to ask away!!!

Jen, I sure hope you get good results next week. Your progesterone level is not too far off... so don´t throw the towel quite yet. My thoughts and :pray:s are with you, sweetie :hug99:

Vyonne

Oh Vyonne! I'm sorry you had such a huge disappointment. Glad to hear that your husband is ok. Prayers for his recovery and for the frozen eggs. You have such a beautiful outlook on life!
Kerri - How exciting that things are progressing. Fingers crossed for you!
Jen - Crossing everything for you!

Amanda

Amanda, Thank you for your kind sweet words! You are a sweetie :kiss:

PS How are baby Jessica & Nathaniel doing??? Send them my love :hb:

Vyonne

Thx for your thoughts Vyonne. I started to take the capsules this morning. I also did a little research and learned that women with infertility often show low percentages of progesterone. Who knew? Anyhow we have till Tuesday to find out. Until then..............

My appointment with the RE went better than I expected. She said that if we wanted to do IVF again, she recommended that we try again with my eggs. We had very nice looking embryos last time & she thinks that we still have a good chance of it working. So I guess we'll be trying again in August!

Carla, that's great news!! So glad that your appt went well... :crossfing for the time to FLY!! :nod:

Vyonne, I hope your DH is recovering well. :pray: for your frozen eggs.

Suzi, still thinking about you and hoping you're doing okay.

Carla, I'm glad your RE said you can try with your own eggs again. We will probably be cycling together in August!


I got good news today. I got a date for my baseline appointment and my monitoring appointments. My initial appointment will be July 24. I will have B/W and an U/S, get my meds filled, and go to an injection class. Then I go back for B/W on July 30, an U/S and more B/W and my pre-egg retrieval workup. Then the doc decides if I go back daily or every other day for more B/W, etc. They gave me a tentative date of August 8 for egg retrieval based on the other dates, of course that will depend on all of my results. So, I'm thankful to know when I will get started!! :ura1:

Suzi-I am so so sorry things did not work out this cycle for you. I am sending huge hugs your way and a prayer for you to have your wishes granted somehow....

Carla-I'm sorry you had a bfn as well but it looks like your on the mend and gearing up for another attempt, I pray that it will work out for you the next time.

Vyonne-Crickey, this cycle seems to really want to push itself until next month for you. Perhaps next month is in better alinement with the universe for you. I hope DH is feeling better and that those eight eggs survive the thaw to become at least one beautiful baby for your arms. I think you are totally right in that a donor only donotes a cell, you and your DH make it a life of your own creation. Praying that everything lines up for you next month!

Jen-Welcome! The progesterone supposits are messy but worth it. Hang in there I'm praying this IUI works for you and you can put off your IVF for another cycle later on!

Michelle-Welcome! You've come to ag reat place for information and support! Good Luck with your journey.

Emily-Congrats!:ura1: :ura1: :ura1: :ura1: :ura1: :ura1: :ura1:

Kerry-So awesome you've started your stims and everything sounds like those follies are working hard! Praying for some grade A mature eggs for your ER!

Hope I didn't miss anyone. Its been a stressful 2 weeks. I left work early because the all day sickness wouldnt let up to see if I could get a doctor to get Diclectin. I'm starting to feel better but I still have nausea. The doctor had mentioned that with extreme nausea the concerns are a multiple (would really prefer thats what they find on thurs) or a molar pg on the empty sac. So on thursday I go for another US to see what the empty sac is doing and if its a cause for concern for the other healthy fetus. As one of the symptoms of a molar is unusual spotting I thought that it really wasnt a concern because I had none until the day they booked the U/S and the only thing odd about it was I never had any spotting and now I start to spot. I want to pull out my hair and cry, I thought I was on easy street up until last thurs. Now this Thurs I have a US in the morning and my first Prenatal in the afternoon, I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that a second heartbeat shows up and/or theres nothing wrong. Does anyone know the effects of a molar on a second healthy fetus? I cant find any info that deals with a two sac situation.

Well I gotta run, Love hugs and Baby dust wishes,
Andrea

Andrea- I am so sorry about the added stress. :bighug: Hopefully it won't be anything to worry about. Is your appointment tomorrow?

Haley- So glad that you are getting things going. It's nice to have some kind of date to look forward to.

Carla- That's great! :ura1:

I am just back from Uconn. My ER is FRIDAY! Holy cow! Dr. Weitzman said 16 follicles are sure to go. Jayne said that she is pretty sure that more than 20 will go. This is all happening so fast! I am very optomistic! My beta is June 9th. Not that far away!

Kerri, that's great!! Lots of thoughts for a great retreival!! :crossfing

Andrea, I am sorry that you have to go through this - my thoughts are with you! :bighug:

Thanks for all the thoughts - I am hanging in there. It's been very difficult - I'm still not sure how I'll ever come to terms with not having another baby but I don't have much choice in the matter. I am angry and sad and frustrated and maybe even a little bitter...I'm still getting through it all. Slowly.

Jen- I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a BFP on Tuesday!!:crossfing

Carla- That's great news! August will be here before you know it!

Haley- I'm supposed to be cycling the end of July/early August, too. The three of us can be cycle buddies!!

Andrea- I'm sorry that you're feeling so sick. I really hope that it's just a bad case of all day sickness and nothing more. I'm keeping you in my prayers!

Kerri- June 9th is just around the corner!!! It sounds like your cycle is going very well!!

Suzi- I wish that I had some wise words that would make you feel better. I'm so sorry that you're going through this!

Thanks for all the thoughts - I am hanging in there. It's been very difficult - I'm still not sure how I'll ever come to terms with not having another baby but I don't have much choice in the matter. I am angry and sad and frustrated and maybe even a little bitter...I'm still getting through it all. Slowly.
Suzi, I am sorry sweetie, I know that it is so hard to get to the end of the race empty handed, specially after all we have to go through. I remember when at one point we considered calling it quits... I went totally nuts and could not come to terms. I pray that God will make you strong and give you the serenity to accept the situation without making you loose you beautiful smile in life... :hug99:
I haven´t asked you before, but have you even considered doing one last cycle with donor eggs? Perhaps that would widen your chance for success. When I has on my 4th IVF and all they could retrieve were 3 eggs and only 2 fertilized, my RE told us that it was a clear sign of deterioration in the quality of my eggs due to age. It was when we decided to try donor eggs and continue the journey that for a moment we considered lost... just a thought.
No matter what the final outcome, we wish you all the best with DH and Julia... you are awesome and nothing can change that :kiss:

I will post some more a bit later... gotta run for now!

Vyonne

you are awesome and nothing can change that :kiss:

Vyonne

Gotta ditto that one, Suzi. You are awesome!

Vyonne - You are such a sweetie! We are all happy and healthy.
Great news Carla!
Haley - That's great that things are moving forward.
Andrea - I hope everything's ok!
Kerri - I'm just so excited for you!!!!
Suzi - I'm sorry again. You are awesome!

Amanda

Vyonne- How's DH feeling? I hope he's doing better!

Hi everyone. I stayed away from the boards for a while as I was trying to heal my wounds. :blue: I was also away at a work conference for a few days and ran around like crazy preparing for it. Since I now have some time this afternoon, I've been catching up and now realize, after reading all the posts, that checking in more often may have actually helped in my healing. Many of you have said this in one way or another, but having this sort of support is absolutely priceless.

Suzi~I did post in your thread and I just want to say again how terribly sorry I am. :sadhug: I love with Vyonne said about how you can never change how awesome you are. . .that is so true. :thumbsup: I understand your fears however, and wonder however, if I would truly be ever able to come to terms with what's happened to me. I too, hope that in time, by some miracle, my dreams will come true or that I can either come to terms and be O.K. with everything. But honestly, that's my biggest fear. What if it never happens? What will be the words, tools, mantras, or experiences that I will need to not let something like this plague my spirit for the rest of my life? I've been reading many self help books in my *spare* time (*being on a plane with no other choice) and there is so much about how much more spiritual and knowledgable we become as human beings when we must tackle difficulties such as this. Something good CAN come out of this is what I have to remember. Here is a little quote I found:

It may be that when we no longer know what to do, we have come to our real work. And when we no longer know which way to go, we have begun our real journey. --Wendell Berry

I hope that for all of us, this journey will make us more stronger and beautiful women!

Vyonne~Gosh. :disbelief: I don't even know where to begin. :pullhair: You have surely persevered through a helluva lot my girl. :hug99: The faith you have is inspiring. It not only inspires the rest of us to have faith in what the future will bring, but no doubt has kept you as strong as you have been. I'm so sorry that this didn't pan out the way that it should have, but I hope and pray that you will have success with the frozen eggs. I do have to say, that I would have reacted the same way is you did, trying to get my DH to perform. I know you feel guilty, but your husband loves you and I'm sure he understands all the anxiety this caused. We all react in not so great ways when we are under stress. Just know that most of us would have been the same way. Try not to beat yourself over it. :justahug:

Carla~I'm so glad that your appointment went well and that you will be trying with your own eggs again. :yippee: But I wanted to respond about your question about what to tell the child in a donor egg situation. It's absolutely up to each couple as to what they choose to do and there is no right or wrong answer. However, my husband and I believe in full disclosure. Believe me, my hesitancy to go the donor egg route was mainly because of the same issue you have. But after doing some reading and thinking and sitting with a social worker, I began to feel O.K. with doing this. You see, my husband is adopted and I've been working on an independent documentary about the Rights of an adopted child to seek out their birth parents when they get to a certain age. About 5 of the 52 states have made it so that at the age of 21, adoptees can seek information about where they came from. (This doesn't have anything to do with reunion, which is soley up the individuals involved). For many adopted persons, it would be against the law to try and figure out where they came from, who they are, what their heritage is, what kinds of illnesses, etc. would they carry if they were to have their own children. To tell any human being that it is illegal for them to find out about who they are seems hideous to me. Again, you have to understand that I had to watch my DH for years in his search. (The end story is good because he did find both his birth parents and they are both very loving and open). So, for these reasons, how could I use a donor egg and not eventually tell my child the truth? :scratch: So, what I've come to understand is that like anything. . .sex, adoption, etc. this is something you don't tell your child all at once in a big revelation. As the child gets older and understands more and more, you reveal more and more. So, you may pass the clinic driving one day and you could say, "This is where they helped me have you." You can continue to make suggestive comments such as that. . . and then as they get older, you add more information into the mix. After meeting with a social worker, I felt 100% better. Of course, studies in this are fairly new and we have to wait and see what happens as these donor egg children grow into adults. But, studies thus far have shown that children who know that they were created via donor egg cycle feel very special because they realize how much their parents wanted them. But physically, as far a DE children go, they are your biological children.

Kerri~:ura1: I'm so happy for you. :bighug: It seems like it all crept up on you sooner than you thought! But that's how it usually is.. . .and it feels oh, so good. :lick: I wish you all the best.

Haley~I'm so happy for you that you're finally getting started! :yippee:

Andrea~I'm sorry, I can't give you info. on how a molar pregancy affects another, but I'm sending you all my prayers and wishes that all will be fine.

I will meet with my Dr. on Friday for the first time since the D&E. I hope that I will be able to report back with news on my next steps on transferring the frozen embies. And thank goodness we have another chance. :pray:

Did I just write a whole book? :scratch:

Kim

I just wanted to say how much I appreciate that I intruded on all you "cycle buddies", beacause I am learning so much for my journey coming up to IVF. Wow!!! I feel overwhelmed and grateful @ the same time.

~~Jennifer

Kerri~ Wow girl! You are gonna have some nice follicles and sounds like you will have a good amount to freeze if you decide to go for #2.!! I will be thinking of you on Friday!

Andrea~ I am sorry you are stressing. Wouldn't it be nice that after all that we go through to get pg that we could have a guaranteed no worry pregnancy!

Carla~ I am so glad your RE was so encouraging and positive. Awesome news!

Haley~ Glad you got some good news! Those days are right around the corner!

Suzi~ How are you? Again, I am so sorry about the BFN.

Vyonne~ I am so sorry for all that you went through recently. Glad DH is doing better, too.

As for me, we get to find out what these two little buggers are June 21. I can't wait! Not much else, just relaxing and enjoying it while I can.

Kimberly~ HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope you had a wonderful day!

Kim- Thanks so much for that quote. It was great hearing from you, and happy belated birthday!

Jen- You're not intruding at all! This is such a wonderful place for information and support I'm happy you found it!

Vyonne- How's DH? Hopefully on the mend. I have to tell you that picturing you insisting on him producing his sample in the ambulance made me laugh out loud. I would have done the same thing, and I would have reacted the same way. I really think IF makes us a little "loco" sometimes!!

I'm just waiting until my next cycle, still recovering from the dissappointment of the last. I'm actually taking a break, I've put all my infertility and IVF books away, the leftover drugs are hidden in the guest bedroom. I'm working out and doing WW, so hopefully I'll be down some LBS before the next go round!

Guys! I have a yeast infection that will not go away! :( One of the nurses told me if I didn't get rid of it with monistat they would cancel my cycle. Well I did seven days of treatment and it won't go away. What should I do?

Kerri - do you eat yogurt? That might help! :crossfing

Kerry-Crappy that you got a yeast inf. have you any tea tree oil on hand? Its a holistic remedy that works (usually you put a few drops on a tampon and insert or a few drops in a sitz bath) I hope it goes away quick so you can go for ER! I'm praying for you Luv!

Kim-I'm so glad your meeting with your Doc. to look at your FET. Praying soon your dreams will come true!

Jen-It's never an intrusion when someone new joins up, we are all here to help each other through this journey.

Well I went for the US this morning and I think the tech knew right off that the empty sack wasnt a problem although I have to wait until my prenatal this aft to find out for sure. THe rest of the Us she took measurements and pics and it was amazing! SHe said the live sac and fetus look healthy and all measurements are great. If everything goes well with this PG we will be scheduling a second cycle in Nov/Dec 2007 for a sibling.

Love Hugs and Baby Dust Wishes Ladies!
Andrea

Pardon me for asking, but which of you ladies is it that after a failed ivf became pregnant naturally? I thought it was Rho or Bloom (sorry for not knowing your names off the top of my head). I've glanced through some older posts but can't seem to locate the good news.

I had f/u appt with RE this morning. This was our first appt since ER a few weeks ago. Although I wasn't totally surprised to hear him say that we should look into donor eggs, now that I've hit a wall and he strongly believes that I have poor quality eggs, my poor DH felt like he was hit with a ton of bricks. Neither one of us has given up hope. Maybe I'm in denial, but at this point I still have faith that we will conceive on our own, even without medical intervention. In the meantime, we may look into adoption, which is something that we've considered before. There's just so much to think about. DH would like for me to consider donor eggs, but I'm not quite ready to think about that yet.

Vyonne- How's DH? Hopefully on the mend. I have to tell you that picturing you insisting on him producing his sample in the ambulance made me laugh out loud. I would have done the same thing, and I would have reacted the same way. I really think IF makes us a little "loco" sometimes!!
Kristen, :locolaugh You are so right!!! Now, looking back and being a bit more calmed about the whole fiasco... I laugh quite a bit too!
I am happy that you are taking it easy and staying away from hurtful memories... next cycle you´ll do great! :hug99:

Kim, Thank you for your sweet, sweet words :bighug: and I am so glad you decided to take a peak out here... we´ve missed you quite a bit :nod: And just so you know... your strength and perseverence also inspire me :secret:
Will you believe me if I tell you that you were in my mind all day yesterday??? As it was the day I was originally supposed to get my transfer, and knew all along it was your birthday... but was running around all day! The last time I check the time was 12:37 am, and said :cry: I missed sending her a birthday wish on time! Well, no matter what, know you were thought of dearly and wished you time after time, all the very best, doll :party2:

Amanda, Happy to hear that you al are doing great :hug99:

Jen, Don´t be silly, girl... no one intrudes here... the more the merrier!!! It is always wonderful to share and to feel that we are one big family :bighug:

Kerry, Oh nooooo! Sorry to hear about your yeast infection... I tell you these things that come out of left field are the pits :disbelief. For that, I have a home remedy that has never failed me: :secret: 1 oz of white vinegar + 5 oz of destilled water. You get a seringe (without the needle :lol:) and with it, you gently introduce the vinegar water in your vagina (sort of like a duche). Repeat that 3 nights before going to bed and wash yourself (down there) with glycerin soap only and rinse trhroughly. Hope it works!!! :hug99:

Andrea, So happy to hear everything is good with the little peanut :ura1:

Okie, You are right, it was Rho that right after a BFN, git pregnant on her own :woa: . See? We do get pleasant surprises when we least expect them.
Regarding your visit to the RE... don´t take his/her first opinion as one etched in stone. You should always get other opinions regarding the quality of your eggs... unless, you are over 40 :dead: . And if you have to go that round, once you come to terms with it and know that no matter what, that little one is your very own.., it will be easier to take the step. I´ve said it many times before and will continue to say it: The donated egg is simply a cell... you and DH give it life, so, that precious baby is 1000% yours both :kiss:

Judy, How are you, luv? You haven´t been around lately! Miss you :hug1:

To all of you who have asked about my DH´s health... THANK YOU!!! You are all very sweet and we sure appreciate your concern and good wishes for his speedy recovery :awink:

Vyonne

I did a lot of research on yeast infections and IVF and it didn't say anything about canceling a cycle because of a yeast infection so if they don't ask I am not going to say anything. I would think if it was that important it would be a question they would ask me. Thanks for the options. I am going to leave everything alone up there until Wednesday. I got the monistat combination pack and the cream is helping with the itching. I might get some yogurt though. I have heard even putting it there would help.

Kerri, although a little messy, yogurt INTERNALLY is a PERFECT treatment for a yeast infection! Mums the word and I hope it clears up! :aok:

Vyonne, I'm glad your DH is recovering so well! Big hugs to him! :nod:

Kerri, good luck today! I'm looking forward to the update.

... I also feel guilty because I was mostly concerned with what would happen to our eggs and even tried to see if he could give me his sample while we were being transferred to the hospital in the ambulance
Vyonne - If it makes you feel any better, I think I would have done the same thing!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Vyonne Rousel
... I also feel guilty because I was mostly concerned with what would happen to our eggs and even tried to see if he could give me his sample while we were being transferred to the hospital in the ambulance

Vyonne - If it makes you feel any better, I think I would have done the same thing!
Oh Dana, Thanks for saying that :hug99:! After hearing from many of you and a couple of IVF friends that they would have done the same... I don´t feel sooo wicked :lol:. On Sunday, I was totally distraught, but now I look at it in a different way... and simply hope for the best final outcome!

Suzi, Thank you :bighug:!!! He sure feels "special", having all your sweet notes for his recovery :nod:

Does anyone have any comments about doing TOMI (latest infertility procedure) vs. ICSI or IVF??? :dunno: Someone told me that it increases your chances for success, even more :scratch:, but that its also more invasive, as they place the embryos with a laparoscopy.

Vyonne

Hi Dana! Good to see you again!

They got 22 eggs! I thought they would be able to tell me if they were good or not but I guess I have to wait until tomorrow. I was so worried that I would have a bunch of empty sacs because we had all those failed injectable cycles. I feel a bit better now. Less than 24 hours to find out how our embies are doing. Everyone was so nice today. I am really lucky that I have such a great clinic and I am under such good care! It was a really nice nap too!

Vyonne- When I first read your story I was thinking the same thing as you. Was there any way they could have gotten his sample? :lol:

Kerri, I am sending great thoughts for a good fert report! :aok:

Vyonne- When I first read your story I was thinking the same thing as you. Was there any way they could have gotten his sample? :lol:
Kerri, I don´t think so, he was in excrutiating pain :tear:... My first thought was to make him ejaculate in the ambulance. Second thought was getting his testicle punctured and the sperm drawn, before getting wheeled into the operating room. Believe me, that was all I could think about :lol2: So happy to hear about your wonderful retrieval report :ura1:, Wow, you almost got 2 dozen eggs:woa: that is just awesome! My thoughts and prayers are with you for a great Fert report tomorrow :crossfing :pray:

Well, today I went to see my doctor and we were forced to cancel this cycle :bawl: (couldn´t wait any longer for DH´s sample). My lining was overly stimulated after the additional days on the meds, do to this unfortunate situation :disbelief. So, now I have to wait for AF to visit me again :tearhair: within the next few days... and start all over again the third week of June with Lupron or Zoladex, for possible transfer around July 20th. Given that we have to let all those weeks go by... I am thinking about asking my Donor if she wants to do another cycle for July. If she accepts it, great! But if not, we´d just work with the frozen eggs, because :noqueno: I don´t want to go through the tedious search of a new donor, plus having to pay for all the lab creen tests of the new one :rolleyes: For these bad patch of events I´ve been through... I think I deserve TWINS or TRIPLETS the next time around, Oh my!!!

Vyonne

Vyonne, not that lightening will strike twice, but have you thought about freezing a sample for the next cycle just in case? We are freezing for our cycle out of necessity since my DH will be deployed. It does give some peace of mind.

Vyonne, not that lightening will strike twice, but have you thought about freezing a sample for the next cycle just in case? We are freezing for our cycle out of necessity since my DH will be deployed. It does give some peace of mind.
Haley, We sure did :nod: (for the just in case chance) However, I would feel much better if his sample is fresh on the date indicated... only because we are already dealing with frozen eggs, don´t want an esquimo baby :cold: :lol:
Vyonne

Kerri! Great news! :aok: Hope the report is good. :)

Vyonne, usually guys are up for a bit of action! Your DH is a slacker; what's a little appendicitis! :lol2:

Vyonne, usually guys are up for a bit of action! Your DH is a slacker; what's a little appendicitis! :lol2:
Beverly, :lol: I couldn´t agree more... :secret: But, then we know that guys (unlike us) are total wimps when it comes to pain :bolt:

Vyonne

Hi gals - apologies for being away so long and to Vyonne especially for not being here to tell you I too would have done the exact same thing - :secret: see its practially unanimous - its a tough road sometimes and we probably never thought while being groped in the back of some beat up car in highschool that pregnancy would be this much of a challenge to achieve - not that that happened to me a lot mind you :shuffle: I do hope DH is healing well and a back up plan of a frozen sample is a good one - doesn't mean you'll use it!! I've never heard of TOMI but now you will send me off googling.

And to Kerri when I really wanted to be here cheering you on. I'm anxiously waiting for your fertility report!! I've done the internal yogurt too :blush: frankly worked better for me than diflucan.
Suzi still thinking of you a lot. HOpe you and DH are being especially good to each other at this time.

Kim - glad to see you posting. I hope you have good news to report to us about your appointment!
Haley - very excited you have your timeline!!! :ura1:
Andrea glad to hear all looked great on u/s! I hope the allday sickness subsides for you soon!!!

Carla glad you got positive news about embryo quality and are gearing up to try again!

Angela glad things are going well and you are counting down to open legs day!!

sincere apologies to anyone I missed

As for me, I think I've been sidelined again. I had been being treated for an infection with antibiotics that absolutely wrecked havock with my digestive system. I have Crohn's Disease in my stomach which is rare to begin with but that has been in remission for a couple of years now and my regular doc thought it had moved to my lower intestines. Fortunately my GI did not agree, he thought it was a bacteria called C diff which itself is pretty severe. Regardless, I have been laid up since Mother's Day. And now am being treated for the CDiff which is definitely improving but have to have a colonoscopy in a couple of weeks just to assure all is ok. At any rate that would conflict with the ET. And honestly, I have lost about 13 pounds in 2 weeks, I suspect my body isn't in the best shape to recieve an embryo right now and I don't want to risk a good embie so DH and I decided to wait until July, which is tough but I know is the right decision right noe. So anyway thats where I've been - on the couch. Finally though I am feelig a bit better :ura1:

Judy- No need for apologies. I am just glad you are feeling better! :bighug:

Back with the fertility report, 17 of my eggs were mature and 9 fertilized. :woo: We are the parents of 9 embies! Anyone have any idea how many we should expect to drop out before Monday.

YAY for the great results!! :yippee: Kerri, in 7 IVFs I have never had any drop between fert report and transfer. Now between transfer and freezing is another story (my center only freezes blasts)....

Great news Kerri! :aok:

Jennifer~No need to feel like you intruded because you didn't at all. All of us belong here and we're all here to support one another.

Okie~Yes, Rho was the one who became pregnant on her own, but I have to tell you that since I've been here, there have been many women in this thread who have gone on to get pregnant on their own after IVF or while waiting for IVF. After 6 failed IVF cycles, I actually got pregnant on my own. Unfortunately, it turned out to be ectopic. :blue: It did give me some hope however. If you want to do further reading on getting pregnant on your own, I highly recommed The Infertility Cure by Dr. Randine Lewis. There is all sorts of information about getting pregnant on your own. . .even after IVFs have failed you.

Kerri~Excellent news! :ura1: 9 embies is great. You're so very close to your pot of gold. :crossfing:

Vyonne~What's TOMI?

Judy~Geez, I'm so sorry that you've had to deal with all of this craziness. In the end, it does sound better that you wail until July. . .when you'll be all fresh and healthy. :awink:

My Drs appointment didn't bring the best news. But what the heck did expect? :pullhair: For everything to be perfect? :noqueno: It just so happens that because my company changed insurance carriers as of April 1 (my BFP was on March 29) that in order to just simply do the FET, I have to redo all my damn testing, because my insurance demands it. So, I have to redo the Clomid challenge, the infectious diseases, the mammogram, etc. On top of everything, we had to meet with the financial councelor who forewarned us that there may be a chance that I will not get this transfer covered because I've already gone through so many IVFs. :rolleyes: This is merely an FET! I was approved (after many appeals) by my former insurance for the DE cycle, now I have to deal with this bullshit again for an FET. :angry2: I've just had it up to here. On top of everything, I took my Shepard to the Vet today only to find out that he has something called Pannus which is a disease of the cornea which requires life long treatment and I got in a fender bender as I was backing out of some place. No one was hurt, just my car and a telephone pole. . ..I just want to make pretend this day never happened. :tantrum:

Kim

Oh KIM! What a sucky day! :eviltongu to insurance companies. :hug99: I hope things get better.

Vyonne---I have no idea what TOMI is, but I did do a TET transfer...tubal embryo transfer, and it was done with laproscopic surgery AND using frozen embryos. That was my one ivf that worked and gave me my first daughter.

Okie---I'm sorry, I must've missed where you asked about getting pregnant on my own. Yes, I did , when my first daughter was 8 months old I got pregnant with my second (daughter). I did ivf this past winter b/c I had leftover frozen embryos from five years ago. It didn't work but then I got pregnant on my own (well DH helped) a couple weeks later. I think our biggest problem was my husband's varicoceles, which were fixed with surgery. So perhaps there was nothing "wrong" with me, or it was "unexplained" infertility on my part, but eventually we did make it work. I wish you the best and would love if the same happened for you!! :)

Yea Kerri on all your embies!

Judy---I'm sorry you've been so sick. Best to do your cycle when your tip-top. I hope the months fly by for you.

Kim---What a crummy day.I'm sorry about your dog and your car, and I hope all goes well with the insurance BS that you're dealing with. What a PITA that you have to do all those tests all over.

Suzi---thinking of you often. How are you doing?

Happy BBQing everyone!

Okie---sorry, I should clarify that DD #1 WAS an IVF baby, conceived after 5 IVFs and a looooong time of trying "naturally".

Oh, I don't know if anyone has heard of this, but when I was doing my ivf cycle this past February, my doctor recommended trying a "natural cycle" of ivf and said it has a good success rate. I didn't want to do anything differently than we did with my first, so I said no. Has anyone done this? I don't know too much about it.

Vyonne -- What's TOMI?

Kerri -- Congrats on the fertility report! Those are great numbers!

Kim -- I'm sorry that you had such a yucky day! It doesn't seem fair for so many things to hit you at once. You deserve a long hot bath & some very good chocolate.

Rho -- I have read that a "natural cycle" doesn't have a very good success rate. At best, you have only 1 egg.

Judy -- I hope you continue to recover & you are in "tip-top shape" for July.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Vyonne---I have no idea what TOMI is, but I did do a TET transfer...tubal embryo transfer, and it was done with laproscopic surgery AND using frozen embryos. That was my one ivf that worked and gave me my first daughter.
Rho, I apologize (Judy, Kim, Carla) for posting about TOMI, before finding out more about it :blush: and confussing you all :silly: It turns out, what my IVF girlfriend meant was TET (they call it TOMI in Spanish out here), and it is not a new procedure at all :rolleyes:... I guess she had just heard (for the first time) about that possibility and shared it with me as the 8th wonder :lol:, again, my apologies for the confussion!
Rho, I find it very interesting what to tell me about your TET experience :nod: Do you know if it has a higher succes rate over the other methods (IVF, ICSI, GIFT)??? I know it is more invassive, but if the results are more favorable... it sure is worth it!!! Would you mind telling me why your doctor suggested it? Also, how come you didn´t do it this last time with your FET? Sorry about all the questions...

Oh, I don't know if anyone has heard of this, but when I was doing my ivf cycle this past February, my doctor recommended trying a "natural cycle" of ivf and said it has a good success rate. I didn't want to do anything differently than we did with my first, so I said no. Has anyone done this? I don't know too much about it.
Actually, I did try a "natural cycle" of IVF my very first time. However, it was not successful at all :disbelief IMO it is a waste of time, and could not understand how the success rate could be greater, anyway! He recommended it, mainly because we had no insurance and it would bring the cost down tremendously, but after our first BFN, we decided best to invest and go for the sure thing... and here we are (BROKE) almost 4 years later, and one million failed IVF attempts :mope:

Judy, It sure is good to have you back, and I am sorry for all the discomfort you´ve been through. I have a niece with Crohn´s Disease, so I know how aweful that can be. It is also a good decision to wait until July for your next FET, that way you´ll be fully recovered :bighug: Hoping and praying for everything to be okay when they do your colonoscopy in a couple of weeks :pray:
PS Thanks for helping make the vote unanimous :awink:

Kerry, Woderful fert report :ura1: You are going to have a great selection for transfer time. When is your ET scheduled for? My thoughts and :pray:s are with you!

Kim, I am sorry about your shitty day! :secret: Sometimes I wonder if that is what it feels like to be hit by a ton of bricks!!! I am so sorry about your Shepard, I am a pet lover and can sympathized (sp?) with what you must be going through. Hope he/she is in not too much discomfort. Huh, about your your insurance all I can say is: :fado: . On another token, when are you planning to do your FET cycle? Does it solely depend on your insurance? I am trying my next cycle for end of June with ET on July
Hope you have brighter up coming days :hug99:

Vyonne

Hi Vyonne. I don't mind answering questions. I did 4 "regular" ivfs and as I was getting ready to throw in the towel, I consulted w/ my doc and asked him about GIFT/ZIFT and could we do that. I had two batches of frozen embies. I don't remember why it came up, but he recommended TET with a warning that it WAS more invasive and not necessarily going to guarantee a pregnancy. I had five thawed embryos and he actually did transfer ALL of them. BUT...he transfered some the "regular" way and the others via TET. I believe it was 4 TET and 1 regular. Now, only ONE baby resulted from that transfer!! (Kind of glad it wasn't five...) I remember he was not thrilled w/ transfering all 5 but I begged, pleaded, signed my life away...

This past February, after discussing with DH about wanting a third, we decided to use the frozen embryos first before trying on our own, b/c it didn't feel right to me to just "toss" them or even donate them, since we did want another child. We did do a TET transfer again, as my superstitious side took over and I felt we had to do everything exactly the same way. Only we had 4 embies, lesser quality, and only 3 thawed well to transfer. Of those three, one was great and the other two were so-so, not great. He put them all in via TET, although really I wanted him to do 2 TET, 1 regular, as that would be more like the first successful try. He felt since we were doing this procedure, we should 'make it worth the surgery' and put in all 3. He did NOT think I had a better chance of success w/ TET than w/ traditional ivf, but he did understand my superstitious feelings. Unfortunately, it didn't work. :(

I have no complaints about TET. You are maybe a little sore after, but I it's not bad. At least it wasn't for me. I say try anything once or twice! I think no matter what, there are no guarantees, and it's always a crapshoot, even just a healthy "problem-free" couple trying to conceive can wait many months or longer for it to work. Frustrating since having sex vs. going under the knife are very different means to the same end!!

My gosh this is a long email. Sorry! Do you think you'll try TET? How many eggs would you try to fertilize/transfer at one time?

Carla/Vyonne---I think perhaps my doctor recommended natural cycle b/c we already had the embryos to transfer and I'm guessing he's having some success w/ it at his clinic...I know success rates can vary. Not sure!?!

Vyonne---a final thought on TET and again I apologize for writing so much...All of my frozen embryos were from around the same time. They were made when I was 30 years old. Two different ivf cycles. The first time I did TET I was 30. This time around I was 36. I have no idea if that means anything or not, but I figured I'd share it. I actually looked up TET online and the first article I came across said that originally TET was supposed to be a highly successful form of ivf, esp. for older women but that the studies were not well controlled and in fact TET has no greater success rate than regular ivf. I think that's pretty much what my doctor said to me, but I insisted! I guess I figured that some things work for some people, other things work for other people. As I'm sure you can surmise, I am no scientist!!! I go with my gut...

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Rho, Thank you so much for going in detail with your answers about TET... and please, no need to apologyze for writing too much... on the contrary, I greatly appreciate your patience about it :kiss:. Now, to answer your questions: Do you think you'll try TET? How many eggs would you try to fertilize/transfer at one time? I haven´t even discussed the TET possibility with my RE yet. It is something I recently found out about, and I remembered your mentioning your success with it, when you first came on board. I also know that (as with everything) not because it works for one, it necessarily works for the other :rolleyes:... but I was willing to discuss that procedure (TET) with my RE on my next visit (day 10 after AF) and ask what is his experience with it :dunno:. I know I drive my RE nuts with so many questions and always coming up with new things I hear about, but thank God we are actually good friends and he knows me pretty well, knowing I am aprehensive and quite a perfectionist... so he has learned to be patient and very sweet about putting up with me throughout the years :lol: (there isn´t a day that goes by when I am cycling, without me calling him, emailing him or sending text messages to his cel) I honestly think that doing this many IVFs has made me a little :silly: and I am lucky to have a doctor as patient, sweet and understanding as he is :nod:
Regarding how many eggs will I try to fertilize, I don´t quite know yet. First we have to thaw out the 8 eggs we froze and see how many survive and are ready to fertilize. I was told that from the 8, we should have 4 or 5 in good condition after the thawing process (you lose about 33%). So if I have 4 or 5, I will do them all and will transfer them all as well... providing they all make it to day 3. I will also do PGD in all the embryos, once they are ready to transfer, because I have been getting a lot of info on "oocytes cryopreservation", the risk it brings, and the main problem is that the chromosomes don´t hold up as well and may get genetic problems. It is definitely not the same as when you freeze already fertilized eggs, because the eggs alone (not fertilized) hold up more water and get a shield of ice around the pelucid membrane, causing that extra water to distord the genetics in some of them. So you can´t :noqueno: treat them the same as FE.

Since I have the time... I am :read: getting all the info I can, to make the best decision, beause this is my last try. As I mentioned before, if my donor is willing to do a new cycle for July, I might as well have her do it, so that I am more at ease dealing with fresh eggs vs. the frozen ones we already have (the moere the merrier :biggrin:). We´d start from scratch and hope for the best, but if she declines, I won´t even bother with a new donor... I´d work with what we have and hope for the best :pray:

Oops! I think now it is me the one that has to appologyze for the long post :lol:

Thanks again, for all the info and for sharing your experiences with me :bighug:

Vyonne

Hello all...I am new to the site, which I found when searching the net for comfort/answers in the wake of my fourth miscarriage. Thanks to you all for providing a little of both.

My question now is, how do you decide when enough is enough? I've had five IVF cycles, this last one with PGD, and four pregnancies and miscarriages. I don't know if we can find the money to try again, and I don't know if I can stand to lose it again. But I don't know if I can stand to not try again either. I need to make a decision I can live with, be at peace with, but it all looks like nothing but heartbreak either way.

Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

Leslie

Leslie, I am very sorry for your losses. As far as when is enough enough...have you discovered a reason for the m/c? Have you been tested for recurrent pregnancy loss? I suppose for me, I'd have to know if I had a reasonable chance of carrying a PGY before trying another IVF cycle. Certaily your Re has investigated the cause of the losses, what have they found?

Leslie, :welcome: Glad you found us and hopefully, we´ll be able to help you throughout this tough period. I am so sorry for all your losses! It is hard to tell when enough is enough, because one always looks for a new opportunity and a new way to find the money, before giving up. Follow your heart and don´t let others that don´t understand infertility tell you when to stop. I personally have had a few IUIs and 6 IVF/ICSI unsuccessful cycles and all out of my own pocket... yet at IVF #4 we decided it would be our last attempt, however, I felt deep in my heart I was not ready to stop once and for all. Made all kinds of sacrifices and borrowed the necessary monies to continue the saga, always saying "this time, I didn´t have a fair try", because when it didn´t work out, I´d look to see what the cause was and decided to give it another try in what I called "fair basis". Sometimes it didn´t work because the quality of the eggs wasn´t optimum, other times because I was under too much stress (when my father passed away in the middle of my 3rd IVF), or when we saw my lining didn´t respond that well, but chose to go through it anyway :rolleyes:. It is so incredibly hard to say: This is it! Specially, when you´ve done so much, the least you expect is to go home "empty handed"... you somehow feel cheated :angry2: and it is an internal challenge for success. If you can´t keep your pregnancies to full term, perhaps you need to try finding a surrogate mother to carry it for you. I don´t know your age, but maybe you still can use your own eggs and your DH´s sperm and only use another uterus to make it possible for you both. I know the hardest part is when you want to continue, but financially speaking its virtually impossible. I don´t know where you are either, but there are overseas programs (outside the US) that are much more affordable and safe. If you consider doing it abroad, I´ll be happy to refer you and help guide you through the process. Always count your blessings and be open to what God has prepared for you... one day, you may get pleasantly surprised :hug99:

Vyonne

Hello all, boy it sure it hard to keep up with all of you. SOO much is going on.:woa:

I am recently sitting on pins & needles waiting until Tuesday for my PT. The days just can't go any S L O W E R. I have been taking the Progesterone suppositories as told, a little messy as someone had warned me. Yesterday I should have received my period, which didn't come, however last night I had really bad cramps, like my body was fighting to have a regular cycle but the Progesterone is tricking my body. The nurse says I have to come on Tuesday for the PT for that reason, because the Progesterone could hold up my mensus. I think it's a very cruel thing to do; however, I now understand what the Progesterone is and what it does. I've decided to let myself have one little moment of selfpity, and the "why me's" if no BFP & then it's straight to scheduling the IVF for June I hope. In any case, I'll keep everyone posted.

KIM~~ forgive my ignorance, but isn't Massachusettes as a state suppose to cover IVF? I thought Illinois & Mass. were the only two states that require insurance companies to cover IVF.http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/images/icons/icon5.gifhttp://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/images/misc/sao.gif (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/subscriptions.php)

ANYONE please help me: FET:help2: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)

Thanks Jennifer

Happy Memorial Day (for all in the States)

Thanks for the kind words. Here's some more history/info:

My infertility issues are my age (42), and my DH's sperm. He is a paraplegic, and so it gets overcooked from constant sitting, plus the DNA tends to fragment. The miscarriages are due to genetic abnormality of the embryos, confirmed by two that were tested, and all my tests came back normal. Through the five cycles, my lining has been nothing but good, and my RE calls me a "good responder" to meds. I average 12 eggs per cycle, and most fertilize (through ICSI).

My first IVF cycle, I did not get pregnant, which in hindsight was due to a careless doctor. I didn't know any better, didn't know enough about the process, didn't ask enought questions, and just accepted his word. The process itself was devastating to me, and I swore "never again."

I found a new RE, a good one, and settled into ten or so IUI cycles, on the theory that our trouble was mainly logistics (DH, due to the paraplegia, cannot reliably produce his contribution). This never worked, and my RE finally brought us around to the idea of more IVF. His clinic had significantly higher than average pregnancy rates, and offered to do a second cycle for free if I didn't get pregnant, so we went forward, and got pregant for the first time. Miscarried at eight weeks, after a heartbeat and everthing.

At least it proved I could get pregnant. We tried again, and got pretty much an replay of the first, except I had a D and C afterwards this time, and they could test it (a girl, trisomy 15). And it happened on my 41st birthday.

We jumped right back in again...pregnant for Christmas, gone by the middle of january. We had contemplated doing PGD this time, but didn't because of the expense, and it seemed like we were pretty much stuck with what we had anyway.

So the fourth cycle, we did PGD on 11 embryos, and had 1 normal, and one untestable. These two were the only blasts as well, so we transfered them both. Pregnant again, and this time I had that precious test result that said I had a normal baby boy. It did wonders for my peace of mind during the waiting period, but it was lost just the same as the others, only quicker.

My RE wants me to consider donor eggs (which kind of freaks me out), but says that since I am a good responder, I could try again with my own as well. The numbers are that at my age, 70-80% of my eggs will be bad. DH has 55% chromosomal fragamentation. That leaves me a percentage of possibility, but not terribly good odds.

If I throw those dice again, it will cost about $15,000 all told, with the ICSI and PGD, and the statistically most likely result will be more of the same grief I've already had too much of.

But how can I let go of the chance, as long as there is one?

Leslie

Leslie, I am so very sorry to hear about your devastating experiences and forgive me for differing from your RE´s opinion about trying again with your own eggs. IMO, if this is your last try... you should look for increasing your chances of success, and at your age, being 42 it is very hard to produce good quality eggs (as you already know)...that added to your DH´s chromosomal fragmentation. I know its not easy to accept (overnight) having to move to Donor Eggs, but if that gives you a greater percentage of success... it maybe something for you to consider. Believe me when I tell you, that once you decided it is the only way to carry a baby full term... you´ll accept it and prepare yourself psychologically. And when you know deep in your heart that no matter where the eggs came from, those cells with the aid of your DH´s sperm get fertilized and transferred into you... it is you that gives it life. That baby is as much yours as it is your husband´s! Your heartbeat becomes his/hers and you nurture it until is ready to be in your arms... still any doubts about donor eggs???

Jen, I am sending you STICKY, STICKY vibes your way :crossfing :nod:. My thoughts and prayers are with you, so that on Tuesday you get your big BFP:pray:
Try to be relaxed and think positive :bighug:
FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer).

Vyonne

Leslie -- I am so sorry for everything that you've been through. I am glad that you've found this board, it has been helpful to me to have all the support that comes for the women here who are so knowledgeable (both about procedures & emotions.) There is no easy answer to the question of when to quit. We just had a failed IVF, our 4th in a row. I spent the week between my BFN & the regroup appointment with my RE "trying on" different decisions, i.e. another IVF, donor eggs, adoption, or just moving on. It was kind of strange because I'd change my mind almost every day & see how I felt with that decision. It would help me think of factors that I hadn't thought of before. Of course, one of the challenges that I have is that my husband feels very differently than I do about our options. Anyway, after spending a day or two with each decision, I knew I wasn't ready to quit. The idea of giving up just left me empty feeling. I was still pretty mixed when I went to the RE last week, but she feels that it we still have a good chance with my own eggs, so that's the direction that we're going from here. Anyway, sorry for the long, drawn out story. If I were you, I'd spend some time "trying on" different decisions & see how you feel after you've spent a day or two with it. There's really no way of knowing the result of your choice, so you need to chose what you feel is best for you & your husband.

Vyonne - you make some very good points, and you've clarified for me that the choice is not so much donor/no-donor eggs as donor eggs or no baby at all. And you and my RE agree that donor eggs are my best chance, he simply said that it wasn't like I had no chance with my eggs, just a much smaller one. Thanks for giving me a way to think about it in a more positive way.

Carla - A very good idea. I have been feeling so much pressure to DECIDE and to make the right choice, and just generally scared and hopeless. My DH and I feel close to the same about most of this stuff, but somehow it seems to consume my whole life while he can just set it aside. His focus now, ever practical(God bless him), is to earn, find, or otherwise scrounge up the money that whatever we do will end up costing. Anyway, I will do as you suggest...Thanks for reminding me that I can change my mind.

Leslie

Leslie, Glad I could help in a more positive way! Sometimes in life we have to accept black or white and no greys... I believe IF, is one of those cases. However, I agree on the importance to follow your heart... :secret:

Vyonne

Quickly updating and then I have to get back to the couch...

We transferred two beautiful 8 celled embryos (grade 2) this morning. We have a picture of them! Didn't expect that. We decided that since I had nine embies that we would call them the Yankees (that's how many people on a baseball team I have been told) and we named the two that were transferred Rivera and Crosby. The RE said he was talking to them before the transfer about becoming Red Sox fans! LOL So Crosby and Rivera are happily in their mama's uterus right now. The IVF nurse had a hard time finding my uterus because my ovaries are so huge. The RE was not concerned so that's good! I asked the RE if the whole IVF process helped them get a better idea of why we were getting pregnant. He said no, sometimes you just never can tell. Oh well. Maybe someday we will be able to do it naturally. The paranoia is hitting me already though, Mariah my big dog came to give me a hug. She just put her front legs on the couch and kind of pushed on my stomach to get down. It didn't hurt too bad but you don't think that could have done anything could it?

PS: We actually had 10 embies that fertilized but one fertilized abnormally and therefore didn't make it. He also seemed to think that some of my embies would make it to freezing but didn't seem like he thought all would. He said I would have to wait until I get something in the mail to find out

Kerry, Sounds like you´ve got two great players in there! Happy to hear everything went so well :thumbsup: I know how paranoid we get after transfer time, but try to relax and enjoy your little ones. :secret: Quite honestly I doubt your dog´s paw would do any harm. How many days will you rest??? I am sending you lots of STICKY, STICKY thoughts your way, prayers and a big hug :crossfing :bighug:

Vyonne

Kerri - I'm thinking sticky, sticky vibes for you!!!!
Leslie - I'm sorry for your losses.

Amanda

Kerri, sounds terrific!! Sticky vibes for you...when is your beta??

Kerri...sticky vibes for your little all-stars!! I doubt the dog did anything...they are pretty safe in there.

Leslie...welcome! :wavey: You will get lots of great support and advice from these wonderful ladies.

Jennifer...on pins and needles for you until your PT tomorrow.

Since I'm just waiting for my cycle to start in July, I've been lurking but not posting much. One of my friends got pg recently on Clomid, only to find out that she had twin blighted ovums. She has started to m/c them now. :bawl:

Thank you everyone!

Suzi- my beta is a mere 10 days away! It will be here before we know it.

Haley- I am so sorry for your friend's loss. :(

Vyonne- Two days of rest! Back to work tomorrow!

This is again just a quick post so I can get back to my couch. The rest is not only for my embies but also for my poor ovaries. They are actually starting to feeling better.

Has anyone ate pineapple to help with implantation? If so, how much? Is too much bad?

Kerri- Sending sticky vibes your way!!!!

Jen- Keeping my fingers crossed for a BFP today!!!!!

Leslie- Welcome! I'm so happy that you've found this forum. The information and support that I've found here is priceless!

Kim- Sorry about your bad day!!

Vyonne- Your optimism continues to amaze me! I'm sorry about your setback. I really hope that your donor agrees to another go round!

Judy- I'm so sorry that you've been so sick. I'm glad that you're feeling better!

Has anyone ate pineapple to help with implantation? If so, how much? Is too much bad?
Kerri, :secret: I had actually heard about pineapple helping with implantation, but unfortunately in my case (last cycle) did not work :scratch:. I also know that you should have 2 (8 oz) glasses of pure juice per day + some extra fresh fruit as a snack, once or twice a day, as well. Since it is fruit, it should not hurt, and why not... try it!!! Sticky vibes your way, sweetie :bighug: :pray:

Kristen, I guess with optimism, I try to keep my faith going... otherwise, I´d crumble with all the set backs that one encounters in this uncertain world of IF. However, I must confess, that there are times when I break down, cry and ask God a million questions as to why me... but as soon as I start to count my blessings... I thank God and tell Him: I know one of this days, you´ll let me find the end of the rainbow... you are just testing my faith! I also hope my donor will agree to another round. As a matter of fact, I will see her tomorrow :pray: and will ask her.
Hope things with you are getting better and that soon, you too, will be cycling again :hug99:

Jen, Can´t wait to hear your "good news"... STICKY, STICKY VIBES YOUR WAY!!! :bighug:

Vyonne

Leslie-Welcome! Although I wish we could have "Met" under better circumstances I'm glad your here for the support you need. I am so sorry for your losses and hope that if you do try again that you get the success your dreaming of! As to the how much is to much?...Well last year DH and I decided if after two cycles (and any FETs (Frozen embryo transfers)) we would start the adoption process again, now because we are pg from our first we decided to try once more next winter. By that time we will be in a much better financial situation and then we will probally give ourselves another couple of fresh cycles if we are lucky, so there goes our plan for only 2. I think we kind of get set on a number when we start but then we revise that number as time goes on based on our situation. I think its great that your DH sees how important this is to you and is willing to find the money somewhere, in our case because of delays being a satellite patient it gave us a year to save for our cycle. I thought about asking my dad for the money or selling our vacation property to get us there sooner but it just worked out that we had time.

Kim-Crappy Day! I hope things are going better for you Luv!

Judy-I hope your feeling better soon!

Kerry-Awesome News! Sending Sticky Sticky Prayers your Way Luv!

Vyonne-Sorry about the delays in your cycle! It just sucks to be so close and yet have all those set backs! Glad to hear Dh is recovering nicely. Sounds lkike your busy planning for july! Hope your RE gives you some good things to consider with the TET.

Well my Dr. finnaly got the US results and its just like it appeared and empty sac that is only causing my body to think its pg with twins causing the MS. Non viable Twin PG (only one healthy Fetus) is what she called it. The only thing is if we decide to do the triple serum test to test for abnormalities it wont be accurate because of my hormone levels. We had already decided not to do the test because we would not terminate due to abnormality. What will be will be right? So my fears are settled and for now things are as great as they can be! I go back to work tommorow, ick....back to 12 hour days! At least we are in 24 hour sunshine now!

Hugs Love and Baby Dust wishes!
Andrea

HELLO...................................


I'm NOT P
:fado:
Thank You everyone for your thoughts. I'm hoping to start my cycle of IVF in June (at least w/ meds) and then continuing in July. I'm sad & frustrated, but still hopeful. At least I have the perception of other options.

I'm so very glad I have all of you.

That is my blessing of the day

Jennifer

Jennifer --

I'm so sorry. Here's hoping that the summer brings you happier results. You definitely deserve to have a "few minutes" of self pity before moving on to planning your IVF.

-- Carla

Jennifer, I am so sorry. :hug99:

Jennifer~I'm so sorry sweetie. :sadhug:. . .but I'm glad to hear that you still have something so positive going for you. . .HOPE! I hear you on the hassles of the progestrone. I had to continue on it during both my ectopics and my recent miscarraige even though I knew it wasn't going to work out in the end. :rolleyes: To answer your question, yes IVFs are covered in MA. . .and here I am complaining about it when most of you don't have that option. My situation is that I had 7 IVFs (which were thankfully covered). When, my Dr. finally suggested going the DE route, that would be my 8th time. Well, my insurance looked at that and denied me coverage. I appealed all last summer arguing that I had so many IVFs because every result had shown that I could get pregnant and besides, the Drs were the ones who kept suggesting one after the other. I also argued that DE was never mentioned to me until after my 7th and therefore, I should be covered. Well, I finally won and got it covered. Even with coverage however, it's still quite expensive because you have to pay a donor, lawyer fees, donor agency fees, etc. The insurance company that finally approved me for my donor egg cycle is no longer my insurance. So for that reason, they're telling me that even for this thaw cycle, I may not get covered because since I'm with a new agency, it's like starting over.

Kim -- I'm sorry that you had such a yucky day! It doesn't seem fair for so many things to hit you at once. You deserve a long hot bath & some very good chocolate.

More like a valium and a bottle of wine. . .just kidding. ..sort of. :heee:

Vyonne~Luckily my dog is not in any pain. We just have to give him drops everyday. He's used to it already. I hope my FET happens sometime in July. :dunno: I'm waiting for my AF since the D&E, then that full cycle, and then I can start. It's good that you're thinking of other options and I hope that the donor says she'll do another. :crossfing

Leslie~I'm so very sorry for all you've been through. Like the others said, it's up to you and your pocketbook (and I'm sure your Dr) when enough is enough. You mentioned donor egg, and I have to admit that the idea of donor egg made me nervous as well, but then I realized that doing a DE cycle would raise my chances of getting pregnant by about 40%, give me the opportunity to have a biological child, and my husband a genetic relative.

Kerri~I'm sending you tons of good wishes and positive thoughts.

When is it going to end? :pullhair: When I was at my Dr. appointment on Friday, they had me do a hcg test to make sure I was in the negative at this point. Turns out that I'm not! :furious: It's 150. I won't get AF until this is resolved. I just want to be done with this. :fado:

Kim

Kim- Holy cow! Won't this ever be over! :fado:

Jen- I am so sorry! :sadhug:

I thought I would post a picture of Crosby and Rivera but it doesn't seem like a good time right now. :scan:

Andrea- I am glad that they put your mind at ease!

Jen, I am so sorry, darling :sadhug: Having plans for your next move is good and will give you a reason to look forward to the months to come. We may just be cycling buddies... if all goes as planned :crossfing :pray:

Andrea, Thank you for your sweet words! I sure hope that my donor accepts a new cycle, but if not... we still have te 8 eggs from this cycle and we´ll just pray we´ll hit home run with at least one :crossfing :nod:
So happy to hear you are doing well and you have one good "healthy" baby growing in you. I hope the MS ends soon :hug99:

Kim, Girlfriend!!! What else is going to go wrong??? Goodness, enough is enough! I think I´d be looking for the valium too... although the wine sounds better (yum)! I´m sorry you are going through so much... but maybe its a good omen that when the next cycle comes... you´ll slide through it without any complications, because you´ve exauted them all :awink:
I send you a big, big bear hug :bighug: and please know that no matter how far... you´ve got a friend :kiss:

Vyonne

Kim-Go ahead and drink that bottle of wine, you deserve it! If your Hcg levels are still that high when will they decrease so you can do your FET? This :fado: sucks and I hope things resolve soon so you can get the BFP you want. I'm praying hard that everything resolves for you soon so you can get your successful FET done soon!


Jennifer-I am so sorry, I hope this summer brings the BFP for you on your FET as well!

Love and Hugs,
Andrea

Kim, Forgot to mention... So glad to hear he´s not in any pain :puppy:Daily drops is not bad, as long as he doesn´t suffer!

Vyonne

Jen- I'm so sorry! :hug99:

Andrea- So glad that you have some answers! I can't imagine what relief you're feeling right now!!! I hope the MS goes away VERY soon!!

Kim- I'm sorry you're having such a rough time!! When does your doctor think your hcg levels will be back to normal?

Vyonne- I'm keeping my fingers crossed that your donor says YES!!!

Kerri- When is your beta?

Suzi- I hope that you're doing better. I've been thinking about you!

I have to wait two cycles and then I'll have my three day estradiol and FSH test. DH and I have decided that if my FSH is elevated to the point they suggest DE then we're going to begin filing papers to adopt. In some ways I feel like a wimp knowing what some of you have been through, but just making the decision has really brought me peace. I'm still praying for normal levels, but knowing that "no matter what" I'm going to be a mom, really helps with my anxiety.

Kristen, Thanks sweetie! I sure hope my Donor says YES too :pray:
In a couple of months, I hope your hormone levels will show low enough so you can get another try at IVF :nod: . You would not be interested in doing a DE cycle, at all? If you start adoption papers, approximately how long before you´d get a baby? No matter what you decide... I wish you all the luck in the world :hug99: Knowing you´ll achieve becoming a mom is all that matter!

Vyonne

Kristin~I don't think you're a wimp by any means, shape or form by thinking about going the adoption route. Let me put it this way, adoption was always in my pathway being that my husband is adopted. Before we were even married, we talked about how we wanted to adopt kids. In all actuality, I wish that I could feel as you do now. Adoption in our lives was never out of the question. I just got caught up in this whole pregnancy thing and only wish that I could more easily forgo that and go onto the adoption plans that we had in the beginning. I fully commend you on your "possible" step forward. I've been studying adoption (for a documentary I'm making) and if you're willing to be a good parent (any gender or sex. . I include the loving homosexual couples I've met through my study) I commend you fully. . . .as a matter of fact, we need more of you! So if it so happens, you and your husband can and will be one of the proud parents of a child who could not have had this wonderful opportunity of a life that they never would have had otherwise. :clap: If you have any further questions about adoption, please let me know. I have tons of info on everything from the legalities to the emotional issues. Again, adoption is not a wimpy way out :noqueno: . . .personally, as far as I'm concerned, it's falls into the catagory of one of the most honest and loving way to have the family you want.:dude:

Jen, I'm sorry! :hug99:

Kerri, good luck! :crossfing

Kim, I don't think you need to be negative to get AF. Plenty of ladies on my molar board weren't negative and they had AF. I think you should ask the Docs about that. :hug99:

Kristen, I had two FSH tests, two months apart one was 11 and one was 14. I was waiting for AF to show up to confirm an HSG for initial testing for IVF and I got pregnant on my own, so there could still be some hope for you! :hug99: At least you have made a decision and sometimes that is the hardest thing. The end result is being a Mom so sometimes how you get there, doesn't really matter. But that's easy for me to say as I'm not in your situation.

Hello everyone...Thank you all for your thoughts & well wishes:heart: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#) It means alot to me.

At this time I am full of a lot of anxiety of our upcoming IVF. My DH is going out of town for his job @ the beginning of July & cannot be put off. My period is going to start today or tomorrow & the RE wants to see me on the 3rd day for BW & US. She then says she wants to put me on birth control. I'm not sure of the timing. I think the nurse said we should be able to start the meds in the middle of June, but do you think that would bring me to the first part of July for egg retrieval? Can we freeze the sperm? Is it better not to freeze it? Can they even freeze it? Do you think I should wait until next month to insure he'll even be here? My DH suggested another round of Clomid & IUI, but I do not want to waste anymore time. I am 36 will be 37 in September. I also believe my right tube is compromised even though it has free periontenal (SP)spill. The left one the RE removed in October due to hydrosalpinx. So that is why they invented IVF in the first place for women with tubal factors?!

What is AF? What is DE? MS?

Kristen~~ I think adoption is a very admiral choice. It takes a very special & loving person/couple to pursue that dream. I respect you in the utmost.

Vyonne~~ When do you find out from donor?
I'm going to take a deep breath.

What is AF? What is DE? MS?
Jen,
AF = Aunt Flow (Period)
DE = Donor Eggs
MS = Morning Sickness

I am sorry to hear about your dilema with your DH leaving town right about the time of your forthcoming retrieval. In actuality, it is very common to freeze sperm and it does not get too altered in comparison from the fresh samples (something I should have done :rolleyes: )... it is done quite often, but IMO, a fresh sample is always better... unless your DH is a stallion :lol: and will give a very high number! If you feel you can´t wait, go ahead and do it while he is away... but have you thought of how important it may be for the both of you to go through the experience together (when he is in town)? :secret: Maybe, waiting a month is not that bad and you´ll be more relaxed having him with you throughout those very special moments :bighug:

Well, regrading my Donor... she felt it was too soon for her to do a new cycle for July. She did it for me on February and again this past May, so she said she´d rather wait at least 3 months to give her body a rest. I really can´t blame her, and she has always been a sweetheart, anyway... so I am going to try next month with my 8 frozen eggs and hope for the best. I am really okay with her decision, I have faith that maybe God did it this way, so I don´t have to unnecessarily spend additional money all over again. I´ll leave it all on his hands...:pray:

Vyonne

Vyonne....one more IMO?

:scan:
Thanks your a sweet heart.

Wow, what you are going through is really incredible. I admire your perserverance. Eight frozen eggs!! That's great. We all have something to look forward to.

Jennifer

For Jen's question about freezing sperm: we had to have frozen available because DH is wildly unreliable about producing on demand (he is a paraplegic, and so about half the time it just doesn't happen). We did ICSI on five IVF's, and the one time when we did get a fresh sample was the only time that all the eggs fertilized (so that was 100% rather than 65%-80%). So fresh is better. If you have a choice and can plan, I'd say plan for fresh. But keep frozen as insurance to avoid misadventures like Vyonne's.

Leslie

Jen, IMO is In My Opinion.
Here (www.onceuponalife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16297) is an abbreviation list. :)

Thx Beverly, that helps alot.

Thx Leslie too!

Jen, You are welcome, sweetie, and thank you for your nice words too :hug99:

Beverly, Great abbreviation list :clap:

Leslie, Don´t even remind me of my misadventure for not having a frozen sample :banghead:
I guess... :secret: we simply took it for granted that DH never had had a problem :disbelief

Vyonne

Kim, I don't think you need to be negative to get AF. Plenty of ladies on my molar board weren't negative and they had AF. I think you should ask the Docs about that. :hug99:



Bev~Hmmm, I'll have to check that. I sure would like to get AF soon. I've been so incredibly sad and I just can't shake it. Sure, I'm devastated about the m/c, but on top of it, I'm constantly anxious and just yucky. I'm guessing the hormones that are still in my system is what's making my emotional recovery take longer.


Jen~I agree. :nod: Forget doing another IUI and go with the IVF.

Vyonne~I can understand your donor wanting/needing to take a break. That sounds reasonable. But it sounds like you're in a good place with her decision. :thumbsup: Now, we just continue to pray and send positive thoughts for your next cycle. :crossfing

Kim

hi everyone! I am back from the RE. I of course have OHSS. I am also dehydrated. Neither are too bad. They wanted to admit me overnight but I talked them out of it because as I was at the RE's office I started to feel better. I got strict instructions on what I have to do. I am just so gosh darn tired. I guess that's part of the dehydration. I am peeing normally so that's good. Anyone else hyperstimulate? If your symptoms got better did you still get a BFP?

Vyonne~I can understand your donor wanting/needing to take a break. That sounds reasonable. But it sounds like you're in a good place with her decision. :thumbsup: Now, we just continue to pray and send positive thoughts for your next cycle. :crossfing Kim
Kim, Thank you, sweetie... I am sure going to need all the positive thoughts and prayers I can get :nod:. Still the thought of doing my "last try" with frozen eggs... scares me :eek:. I am aware my chances are not as good, as if done with fresh eggs :dunno: but I am going to give it my very best!

I've been so incredibly sad and I just can't shake it. Sure, I'm devastated about the m/c, but on top of it, I'm constantly anxious and just yucky. I'm guessing the hormones that are still in my system is what's making my emotional recovery take longer Kim
Oh Kim, I am so terribly sad about the way you feel. I swear, I wish I could be there beside you, to hold you tight and make you forget all your pain. Maybe even go out and get a few drinks :toast: and get numb for a while. :secret: I too, sometimes feel like I am swimming on the wrong direction and wonder how much more disappointments would I be able to withhold. Somehow, I always find a way to bounce back and continue this arduous fight... because at the end, I hope to win my battle. All I can tell you is that you are in my prayers and that I hope very soon, your dream about becoming a mom will come true :kiss:

Vyonne

Vyonne~:bighug:

Kerri~Wow, what a ride you've been on. I've never had to deal with OHSS, but just keep taking good care of yourself!!

Kim

Can I just mention something a little OT? Is anyone else as pissed as I am about the news that Anna Nicole is pregnant at 38? I'm sorry. . .I know I should give the woman a little credit and be happy for her, but it just infuriates me. Wasn't she always on drugs? Why is life so unfair! :disbelief

Kim

Hi Everyone,

I have been following every day everything that has been going on with ALL of you. I haven't posted, since I felt kind of guilty about everything working out so well for me. I thought that I had been through a lot trying to conceive, but after really hearing all of your stories I realize that I was very lucky to have been able to make the move to IVF at the time I did. I do not yet have the problems of poor quality eggs etc. I am very blessed to be in such a good place with my DH. I just want you all to know that I truly appreciate this baby growing inside and will love it all the more, knowing the struggles I had to go through and particularly the struggles that others must go through, sometimes in vain.

I will continue to pray for all of you and to follow up on this board to hopefully hear some good news.

I graduated from the RE office and get to see my real obstetrician today. Due date Jan 9. Thanks for all of the good thoughts that you had sent my way during retrieval, fert, ET, and 2ww!

I have a lot of unopened meds that will just go to waste. Does anyone know of a way I can donate these to someone who has to pay out of pocket for meds?

Hugs and babydust to all!
Christine

Christine, there is no need for you to feel guilty that things worked out for you and not for others, that is a chance we all take. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we ALL rejoice in your BFP because it gives hope that all of this really CAN work. Enjoy your pregnancy and PLEASE keep in touch!

If you like, you can contact me directly and we can talk about your unused meds.

Christine, :noqueno: No need to feel guilty, for having things work out for you... on the contrary, we love to hear the good news :nod: !!! That way, it gives hope to others, making us go on stronger... knowing that not everything in IF is grief. IMO, it would be different if you NEVER had any struggles and suddenly decide to post "how easy it was for you to conceive, without any treatments". But you too, had to undergo the steps of IF, first with IUI and later with your 2 IVFs. You are part of the gang, :secret: so don´t stay away simply because you had success on your second IVF. Plus, it is always nice for us, to hear the evolution our friends are going through, once they get PG... we all share the emotions!
It is very kind and thoughtful of you to want to donate your unopened meds... you could certainly make a difference for someone working out of pocket. As a matter of fact, I have an IF friend who had to stop trying a few months ago, because she coud not afford her meds. Would you mind telling me what you have left over? That way I could tell you if it could benefit her and would try to make the arrangements. You are a sweetheart!!! :bighug:

And to all this... How are you feeling??? Wishing you all the best, luv!

Vyonne

Thanks Suzi and Vyonne for your nice posts. Actually it was my first IVF. :shuffle: And I am feeling well no nausea or vomiting yet (8w5d) - thanks for asking!

Anyway, I have Follistim, Menopur, progesterone suppositories and progesterone in sesame oil. If you are interested, I will find out exactly how much and the exp. dates for you.

Christine

Jen--so sorry about your bfn. Better luck next time around with ivf. that will be your first ivf,right?

Vyonne--bummer about your donor wanting to wait but you do, as always, have such a great, understanding, and healthy attitude toward it. Would you contact her in a few months, or have you decided for sure this is it?

Kim--it just sucks that your saga continues...hoping for AF to arrive soon so you can get on with things. I hope that the summer brings better, happier times.

Kristen--I think it's wonderful that you're considering adoption. I hope it works out easily for you, if that's the road you go down. We considered it, too. I was only concerned about being a mommy--whether I produced the child or someone else did didn't matter so much b/c I looked at it as I can be a mom or not be a mom, and I wasn't waiting much longer. That fifth ivf was to be our last, and as it happened, it worked. But if it hadn't, I would like to think that by this point we would still have 2 or 3 children, just by adoption. I wish you the best in your coming ivf and I hope your new sense of peace lasts. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Christine--glad you are feeling well! You are lucky to have no symptoms! We have close due dates. I'm Dec. 18th now--moved up from the 25th. Take care!

Christine, Thank you :hug1: And, please let me know about the meds quantity and expiration dates, as it may help my IF friend to do another cycle :crossfing (It is most kind of you!)

Vyonne--bummer about your donor wanting to wait but you do, as always, have such a great, understanding, and healthy attitude toward it. Would you contact her in a few months, or have you decided for sure this is it?

Rho, Actually, I don´t really want to wait too much longer for two main reasons. The first, is being afraid that if waiting too long, my endometrium may start to grow the calcifications and other growths that had to be surgically removed... and only after that procedure my endometrium responded so well. And secondly, I don´t want to hit yet another birthday without being at least pregnant :sad:... I was never self concious about age, until the years started to pass and I couldn´t conceive... :angry2: hate that biological clock we are subjected to!
With that being said, I guess I may decided to simply try with my frozen eggs and not wait for my Donor... :dunno: but still a small part of me would want to wait, only for the better chances fresh eggs would give us. I feel caught betwen a rock and a hard spot :disbelief What should I do??? I am afraid if I wait for my Donor, it might compromise my lining (which is the main cause for non-implant results) and if I don´t ... Sorry, I am starting to rumble :blahblah:

Vyonne

Vyonne---I think I forgot that you are paying for all this out of pocket. I was thinking you could just do both. Try the frozen and fall back on the donor if necessary. Now I understand your problem. What does your RE think? Does s/he think you should try with fresh? I guess I'd probably go with the frozen, b/c knowing how impatient I am, I'd want to try ASAP. When is your birthday?

Vyonne -- I know what you mean about the birthday thing. Mine is tomorrow & I am really depressed about it. I don't care at all about getting older, just getting older without making any progress with IVF. My biological clock is ticking louder & faster and the IF process seems to be moving slower & slower! It is so frustrating to seem time moving on while I feel like I am stuck one place.

Carla~Happy Birthday. I know what you mean about the birthday thing. Mine just passed and it caused me so much anxiety. :rolleyes: I started these shinanigans at 36 and now I'm 42. :disbelief

Vyonne~Tough decisions! I'm sending you out all my hopes and prayers that the frozen eggs will work out just fine. :bighug:

Rho & Christine~:thumbsup: for helping to give us all hope.

I had yet another setback. :pullhair: I was thrilled when AF arrived yesterday morning. :yippee: As instructed, I called the IVF nurse to set up an appointment for my 3 day blood (FSH) test so we can get all these insurance requirements started. She was about ready to set things up for me and then noticed that I recently had an hcg test with a level of 150. I said, "Yes, but now I have AF so we can skip me coming back to do another hcg test and just get on with this other stuff. . .right?" But of course, "NO" was the basic answer. They can not start me on the FSH, etc testing until they have a confirmed blood test in the negative numbers. :angry2: This means that I'll go this full cycle and it won't be until the next AF where the "insurance necessary" tests can be done. :fado: It bums me out so much when I think that if all this stupid bad luck wasn't happening, I could be starting the estrogen again right now in preparation for the FET. :blue:

Kim

Rho, Yes, absolutely everything is paid out of pocket :owow:, that´s what makes it so hard, to think about doing another round! Most likely, I will do the frozen eggs and if that doesn´t work maaaaaaaaaaaybe... do one more -- :secret: don´t let my DH see this, or he´d kill me because he made me edge in stone that after this try, NO MATTER WHAT THE RESULTS... we´d close the shop :rolleyes:
My birthday is February 16

Carla, That´s right! its not that we are getting older... is this long fight catching up with our bio clocks :angry2:
Well... just for today, ´try not to think about it and enjoy your birthday! :bday: , sweetie!!!

Kim, What are we going to do with that chain of bad luck??? I am so sorry to hear yet about another set back :disbelief it is not only unbelievable how when "they pay"... you have to put up with their ridiculous rules! My AF is delayed 3 days and it is driving me nuts... you get yours, and you can´t move forward :pullhair:. I really, really hope that very soon all things start to tilt your way! Thank you for your good hopes and prayers for my eggies :bighug:

Vyonne

Hello all

I went to the RE this am. It is CD4 for me. I couldn't go yesterday as I was out of town & did not get back until the afternoon. The nurse said it would be o.k. They are putting me on Birth control (How ironic) starting tomorrow.
This whole process is so overwhelming.:woa: As you all should know all too well.

DH & I only have ONE shot @ this due to the high out of pocket expenses. It's amazing to me what a big business all of this is. I am anxious to get the ball rolling.

Kim~Who does all of your insurance claims? Is it really that cut & dry to be able to get everything covered because you live in MA? I have an option to get an address in MA. & am considering it. I need some more information. I guess, I could call our insurance resource dept. Any information you have could be very helpful to me. Thanks.

Kim I am so sorry about the additional set back I'd be :fado: too. I know the pain of the delays in some ways its almost a tougher hurdle to get over since you just feel like there is nothing you can do. I know I am always better when there is some type of plan in place. I am sorry about the sadness too. Hugs to you, you are still probably deeply grieving and that takes time. My offer to meet for a drink sometime stands if you want to vent. Is there anyway they can still knock some of the testing out this month and do the FSH or perhaps reuse an FSH day 3 from a previous cycle? It seems idiotic of the ins company to want to pay to repeat things you have already had done you know? You of course probably do know and have thought that through already. Oh and yes I too am thinking ANS is probably still on freaking drugs but I have to say I am more upset about Brittany Spears being knocked up with her second and still unable to figure out the car seat for #1 :noqueno:

Jen regarding MA insurance, it is a mandated state for IF coverage through private insurance so as long as your employer is not self insured and then governed by federal requirements IF coverage should be availible to you with a MA address - what state are you in if you don't mind me asking? There are often still requirements like the testing that Kim is having to do and some insurances require things like 3 IUI cycles before IVF etc but coverage is coverage if you can get it!

Kerri - I am sorry about the OHSS and glad you didn't have to be hospitalized. I won't say it is all bad news though as I have heard that if syptoms worsen after transfer it can be because of the HCG in your system increasing read - pregnancy! So if you are not improving it may be ultimately a good sign - I hope you feel better yet get that BFP!!

Christine - please don't for a moment feel guilt posting! I for one agree that it is positive for me to be reminded of sucess stories!! Glad you are feeling well and have graduated to the OB!!

Carla I feel exactly the same about the clock and IF! I feel fine - young even but having to see myself move along the rates of sucess chart kills me and makes me feel ancient.

Vyonne - I'm curious what the RE says too about trying or waiting for your donor. I wonder too about how much the cost of fertilization of those FE's may be perhaps you can judge then on fert rates and quality? I know this is a tough choice and I'm sorry you are faced with the delema.

rho - hope you are feeling well!


Status quo here just waiting out this cycle so we can start our FET for July. Still wrestling with the 1 or 2 delema though I think we are planning if the embryo loses 50% or so on the thaw of doing 2.

Kim- :angry2: I cannot believe this. So pissed. Life is just not fair.

As for me, I have all but given up hope. My OHSS is all but gone. I am pretty positive that AF is on her way. I am pretty darn sad. Today is 6DP3DT, so 9DPO. Not feeling pregnant at all.

As for me, I have all but given up hope. My OHSS is all but gone. I am pretty positive that AF is on her way. I am pretty darn sad. Today is 6DP3DT, so 9DPO. Not feeling pregnant at all.
Don't give up. I don't think I had any pregnancy symptoms (except for crying a lot). Hang in there.

You asked waaaaaaay back if you knew if anyone who had OHSS get pregnant. Yes - I distinctly remember two of my IVF buddies over the years who got pregnant after hyper stimulating.

Thanks Dana. I actually asked if anyone who had OHSS and recovered from it still had a BFP, I think.

Thanks Dana. I actually asked if anyone who had OHSS and recovered from it still had a BFP, I think.
Yes - that's what I meant. I remember two women who got OHSS and ended up with BFPs that cycle.

As for me, I have all but given up hope. My OHSS is all but gone. I am pretty positive that AF is on her way. I am pretty darn sad. Today is 6DP3DT, so 9DPO. Not feeling pregnant at all.
Kerri, I am confused :scratch:... if you already had a BFP, why do you feel like there´s a chance you could get your AF :confused:. I understand you got OHSS, but I know of women that with OHSS still were pregnant. I hope that soon you´ll put your mind at ease and start to enjoy your pregnancy :hug99:

Vyonne - I'm curious what the RE says too about trying or waiting for your donor. I wonder too about how much the cost of fertilization of those FE's may be perhaps you can judge then on fert rates and quality? I know this is a tough choice and I'm sorry you are faced with the delema.
Judy, Actually, the RE says it is my call. There have been some pregnancies from frozen eggs, but the fert rate is certainly lower than using fresh ones. If I start all over again, it would be almost as if I threw away the money from this past cycle, because even when I did not get my transfer... I had to pay for cryopreservation fees. So at the end I didn´t save anything not doing the transfer :rolleyes:. He (RE) also feels that if I already have those eggs, I should thaw them out and see how they do and give them a try... I could get pleasantly surprised, because with IF its all a throw of the dice :dunno: . What would you do???
I guess, I really need an input from all of you... kinda like doing a survey: "Would you take a chance with frozen eggs... Yes or No".
As if it isn´t hard enough already dealing with straight IF !!!

Vyonne

Kerri - when I got my BFP I didn't have any symptoms. In fact the night before the beta I was furious :fado: and certain it didn't work - I think I threw a shoe at poor Chuck actually :shuffle: and this last FET cycle I did "feel" pregnant and BFN Anyway, my point is with all these meds its so tough to know what is going on I am still pulling for you hon!!

Vyonne - I think I would see how the thaw of the eggs and subsequent fertilization went if it were me. I know it is tough. If this didn't result in an embie for transfer is this it for you? I think you have said this is your last cycle so that makes it extra tough I know. I just think if it were me I would roll the dice...

Kerri, I had no symptoms at all except for being really tired but at the time I didn't really think much of it. I also felt like AF was on her way too and I was sure it hadn't worked and it did, so don't lose hope just yet.

[QUOTE=bloom]
Jen regarding MA insurance, it is a mandated state for IF coverage through private insurance so as long as your employer is not self insured and then governed by federal requirements IF coverage should be availible to you with a MA address - what state are you in if you don't mind me asking? There are often still requirements like the testing that Kim is having to do and some insurances require things like 3 IUI cycles before IVF etc but coverage is coverage if you can get it!

I live in S. Florida. I'm quite sure that my employer is not self insured..United Health Care. Thank you for the informaiton.

Does anyone know about cysts on your ovaries you may encounter after clomid? Does BCP get rid of them?

Vyonne~~~I'm learning that any chance we have is a viable one. If you didn't go for the FET, then maybe later you would second guess yourself and wonder "What IF". It seems you are very advanced in your treatment, so, IMO "YES" you have nothing to lose. Roll the dice. I am pulling for you.

Sincerely,

Jennifer

Judy, Indeed this was supposed to be our last and final try. However, if after a FET transfer it didn´t work, I´d feel a bit cheated because the conditions were not optimum as we had planned it :disbelief. If you remember, in hopes to better my chances knowing it would be the last one, I even under went through my prior surgery to "clean" all needed in my endo. Also got our same Donor, because she is a totally healthy girl with an excellent health history on both sides of her family, plus as a bonus she is a beautiful soul. So, I feel, I´d have an "excuse" to break my word with DH and ask for one last additional one... of course, right now I am going along with his wishes (that this is it) to avoid an unnecessary :argue: ( :lol: )

Jen & Judy, :bighug: Thank you both for your sincere opinion on what to do about this upcoming cycle... and yes, I think the scale is getting heavier towards the "Rolling of the dice" :rolleyes: Plus, Jen is so right about that hunting "what if" that sometimes we have to deal with...

Vyonne

Kerri, don't throw in the towel!!! My good friend who co-hosts my IF support group ALWAYS gets OHSS and she has a beautiful daughter. OHSS has NOTHING to do with getting a BFP!

As for symptoms, I never had a single symptom when I was PG with Julia - not even peeing every 5 minutes or feeling really tired. Symptoms have very little to do with BFP...hang in there and let the beta be the definitive answer! :nod:

Vyonne, I also would thaw the eggs and see if they fertilize...you have nothing to lose and EVERYTHING to gain (and no more cryo fees to pay)!

Thank you guys! I am not worried about not getting pregnant because of the OHSS but because I have heard it's a good sign that you are pregnant if it sticks around so what I am worried about is that I am feeling better so does that mean I am not pregnant.

Anyway, I am feeling much more hopeful today. My right ovary feels as big as a baseball so that makes me happy! :lol:

Vyonne- No BFP yet, beta is on Friday.

Suzi, Thanks for your personal advice on thawing out my eggs... the more I think about it, the more convinced I become :bighug:
AF is still delayed :disbelief and can´t program things until I get the darned visit :angry2:

Vyonne- No BFP yet, beta is on Friday.
Kerri, Now, I understand your anxiety... sorry I got your result dates mixed up :blush:. But like I said before... I have known other women get OHSS and get a big BFP... so keep that chin up, darling :bighug: Sticky, Sticky vibes your way :pray:
PS Happy to hear your right ovary feels as big as a baseball :lol: (if that gives you peace of mind)

Vyonne

Vyonne, it seems to me that since you have donor eggs, egg quality will be less of an issue, and you should strike while the endometrium is hot, so to speak.

And for Christine and others, please continue to share any good news. It gives me hope that it CAN work, and it does work. Eventually.

Leslie

Vyonne, I agree that since the eggs are from a donor, it would be worth a try to use the frozen eggs. As far as DH goes, he can't count this cycle as a complete cycle since it got interrupted, so to speak, right?? I say he should agree to let you finish what you started with the frozen eggs. IMHO.

Kerri, if having continuing OHSS symptoms gives you a sense of security, then I'm glad that you have puffy ovaries! :lol:

Kim, I don't know what to say. I hope all the hurdles disappear so you can stop jumping.

I just got a call from another friend tonight who just got pg. She has been trying off and on, but, on a whim, she put in her CD1 in a calculator online to find out when to BD to have a boy, and she got pg the first time. Good grief. :rolleyes:

Kerry, Today I went to see the chief embryologist at my IF clinic, and I asked about your OHSS concerns and I got some very good news for you!!! She said that actually when you OHSS your chances of getting pregnant (if getting transferred) are much higher :nod:. She also told me that usually, the eggs an OHSS woman produces are of top quality, therefore the success rate is higher... :secret: so now with all that in mind, I´d tell you to relax and go confident on Friday for your beta, because you actually stand a higher chance already. I was actually very glad I asked about your case, so I could run home and post the "good news" :thumbsup:

Leslie, I totally agree :nod:... thanks for your opinion! Mind made up now, without doubt! And as you say: need to take advantage now that my endo is "hot"!

Haley, I have already made my mind up, and will go through with my frozen cycle. And you are totally right, DH cannot :noqueno: count this cycle as a full one. So I have absolutely nothing to lose :awink:

Today was actually a very good day, and I found out something that made me quite happy and helped me make up my mind at 100% about my upcoming FET cycle :nod:... When talking to the embryologist, I found out that our lab has a very high success rate working with frozen eggs :ura1: . They use the same technique that is used in Italy (country with the highest rate in FET) She said that they work with a very sophisticated technique that last year got 4 out of 5 women working with frozen eggs, pregnant. They don´t do too many of them, but sure sounds good. That sure gave me a whole different POV over this whole issue. I also found out that out of my 8 eggs, we should get about 3 fertilized eggs to work with... which to me is very good and makes me very, very happy. I am so glad I thought about going over to my clinic and personally asking her to disipate all my doubts that were hunting me :ghost: and making me lose sleep. Oh, I also got all the necessary forms and sterile sample cup to take my DH´s sperm sample to get frozen with plenty of time!

Thank you all, for your advice and opinions as to what to do this coming cycle... you sure made my decision to go with FET much easier :bighug:

The only thing I can complaint about now is AF still not coming :fado:
Vyonne

Vyonne---Great news from your embriologist! I hope AF hurries up and comes so you can get a move on. Encouraging to know that the success rates are high at your clinic for FETs. Yay!

Kerri---Good luck Friday with your beta. Sounds promising, from what I've been reading here.

It's 1:30 a.m. and I have terrible insomnia tonight. I am doomed for work tomorrow. If I could, I'd call in sick. This is going to be rough...

:)

Thanks Vyonne! :) Thanks Rho!

Nothing new from me. My stomach is huge and disgusting. Not sure if it's the PIO shots. Has anyone got AF while still taking those shots?

Kerri, I have not but I do know that some women will start AF spotting before beta (I never did). Just two more days! :yippee:

Vyonne, sounds like great news! :crossfing it works for you!

Kerri, pretty exciting time! I'm :crossfing for you!

Nothing new from me. My stomach is huge and disgusting. Not sure if it's the PIO shots. Has anyone got AF while still taking those shots?
Kerri, I got AF or spotting, while taking the vaginal suppositories in every prior cycle :disbelief, but the last time (February) I used PIO shots, didn´t get it while taking them... only after I got BFN and stopped the shots.
Try to stay positive and don´t :noqueno: stress over it, anymore... with your OHSS, you stand a better chance! Sticky, Sticky vibes your way, and I am praying for you to get a BFP on Friday :pray: :bighug:

Beverly, It sure does sound great:nod:... thank you, sweetie :hug99:!!!

Vyonne

Kerri....when I got pregnant with my twins during my ivf cycle, I was positive it didn't work because I started cramping and spotting right before my beta was due. I'm not sure exactly why, but I was on the PIO shots as well, twice a day. Hope everything works out for you!



Sharra

Kerri~Wishing you all the best with your beta tomorrow. :crossfing :pray:

Jennifer~I'm with Blue Cross/Blue Shield. As Judy mentioned, yes IVFs are *luckily* covered in Massachusettes. Of course, they'll only cover up to a certain amount. Basically, unless there is a reason why you have to definitely have an IVF, such as blocked tubes, you must go the route of the IUIs first. . .and the IUIs are covered. In the case of my friend who is a lesbian trying to concieve with donor sperm however, her IUIs were NOT covered because it's not considered IF. I was required to have at least 3 IUIs before I could be considered for IVF. Once you have 3 IVFs, then it gets more difficult to get another covered. I was luckily able to have my next 4 covered because the Drs specially requested it being that there proved to be no reason that I couldn't get pregnant via IVF. After it was suggested that I go the donor egg route, that's where my coverage stopped, being that I had 7 IVFs already. I was able to fight for the coverage and in the end, was able to do the DE cycle with coverage, but now that I want to do a thaw cycle with my remaining embryos, they are telling me I probably won't be covered.

Judy~I'd love to meet up for a drink and girl time. :yippee: I'll PM you at some point soon and we can try to make plans. That's a good question you ask about getting some of the testing done this month. It's not that there is tons of testing, it's just that the 3-day FSH test (Clomid challenge) is the biggest pain. While I'm doing the 3 day bloodwork, they'll go ahead and also get all my infectious deseases testing done. :rolleyes: I have made an appointment for a mammogram, which is not required by my PCP because they say that under 50 (unless a history of breast cancer in family) you only need a mammogram once every two years. I had one last year but now I have to do another one. And I also have to have another Pap, but I'll make that appointment somewhere in between all these other shinanigans.

Vyonne~What a great suggestion everyone had about thawing the eggs for fertilization. See how wonderful this group is? :grouphugg: And it's so awesome that you have some good Drs on your side. Now, where the hell is that darn AF?

I'm feeling better these days thankfully. Little by little everyday. That's all I can do.

Kim

Well it seems that I got a BFP this morning. I just don't believe it though! I think once I get my beta from the RE it may sink in. I am in utter shock! (and very uncomfortable!)

Yay Kerri! :woo:

WOOHOO, Kerri! :banana: :rahrah: :dancingpi :bfp:

I'll 2nd that! - :woo: In fact, this is so excitng, it deserves two :woo: :woo: !!!

I'm so Excited Kerri!!!!! Sign me up for the chorus of....

:woo: :woo: :woo:

Go Kerri! :ura1:
I can't leave out the :woo:

She shoots...she scores! Go, Kerri!

CONGRATS KERRI!!!!

Amanda

Kerri, what wonderful news!!! :ura1::ura1::ura1::ura1:Congratulations!

Awesome news...CONGRATULATIONS!!! :woo: :yippee: :pteddy: :bteddy:

Good luck Keri tomorrow!!!!


Jennifer

Congratulations, Kerri! That is soooo exciting!
-- Carla

Yahoo :woo: for Kerri! :ura1: I wish you a wonderful, exciting, and healthy 9 months. You go girl. :rahrah: :jump2: :banana:
CONGRATULATIONS!!!

:bighug:

Kim

Hi Kerri~~ I must have been extremely jetlagged when I posted earlier. What I meant to say was...........

:ura1: Y I P P I E!!!!!!!! How exciting! You go girl!!!

Jennifer:)

Hi Kim~~ Thanks for the info on the insurance quest. Wow! 7 IVFs amazing. That IS extremely fortunate. After all is said & done w/ my treatment I am going to write my congressman or whomever I have to & get them to listen to the rest of us IFs throughout the states who can't concieve naturally & have some insurance cover SOMETHING.
In any case my doctor is signed up with a program called ARC (arcfertility) I just got the prices today & they seem much more reasonable. Not so much sticker shock. I honestly thought I would only get one shot @ IVF, but now it looks as though we might be able to have two chances combined with out of pocket & the program.:scan: It would probably be easier & cheaper than moving :awink: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#), that is until I absolutely have to.

As for my treatment thus far, the RE has me on NORETHINDRONE subsituted for AYGESTIN for the next 10 days. I think it's a heavy duty BCP. I was unclear after the US whether or not I had just follicles or cysts. Cysts because of the Clomid.:clomid: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)I only had two cycles of Clomid. So nonetheless I count one day at a time, second by second until we can get the ball rolling.
Thanks for listening everyone....:2pounds: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)

Jennifer

Kerry!!!!!:ura1: :ura1: :ura1: :ura1: :ura1: :ura1: :ura1: :ura1: :ura1: :ura1: HH9M2U!!!!! I'm so happy you got your BFP!

Kim-Praying they pay for your FET to take a little of the strain off you! Glad to hear your getting better. I know that the pain will never go away for you, but I hope your FET yeilds all your dreams!

Vyonne-Praying AF shows up and you have that triple stripe rip roaring and ready for implant soon!

Kerri!

Congrats!! I am just so freaking happy for you!

Congratulations Kerri! Hooray!!

I've been pretty quiet, but quit a lot is going on. Our donor triggered tonight, and we'll have retrieval on Saturday. The nurse told me she looks 'spectacular' and has between 10-15 follicles. I go in tomorrow for bloodwork and ultrasound. We're looking at a Tuesday or Thursday transfer.

I'm working on a note for our (anonymous) donor. Any thoughts or suggestions (especially Kim and Vyonne since you've been in a similar place)

To our donor,

How do we even begin to express our gratitude? The gift you are giving us is so great, "Thanks" is too small of a word.
We are so greatful you selected Conceptions (our clinic). Your timing was perfect. We feel very lucky to have been matched with you.
Please know whatever the outcome of this cycle, you have forever touched our lives. You are an amazing, generous woman. Thank You.

Kerri,

:bteddy: EXTATIC OVER YOUR BFP:pteddy:

YEAH FOR THOSE SORE OVARIES :lol2:

:woo: :woo: :woo: :woo:

I'm working on a note for our (anonymous) donor. Any thoughts or suggestions (especially Kim and Vyonne since you've been in a similar place)

To our donor,

How do we even begin to express our gratitude? The gift you are giving us is so great, "Thanks" is too small of a word.
We are so greatful you selected Conceptions (our clinic). Your timing was perfect. We feel very lucky to have been matched with you.
Please know whatever the outcome of this cycle, you have forever touched our lives. You are an amazing, generous woman. Thank You.
Dana, Your letter is lovely and very touching :nod:! You are doing exactly what I did with my Donor... I think what they give us is "priceless" and no matter what the outcome, they have forever touched our lives. One thing I added to the letter I prepared was that she would forever be a guardian angel to my baby and would always have her in my prayers...
I wish you al the luck, and do hope that you score big with her. My thoughts and prayers are with you for a great result from her retrieval and upcoming transfer :bighug: :pray:

Vyonne-Praying AF shows up and you have that triple stripe rip roaring and ready for implant soon!.
Andrea, Thank you sweetie :hug99:, I am so looking forward to the new cycle :yippee:

Kim, Yes... where the hell is my darned AF! Still not here yet:fado:
Tomorrow I go to see my RE, to figure out the delay. Today is 9 days of agony:angry2:
Sweetie, I am happy to hear you a bit more at ease. I know it takes time, so I hope and pray you get on the ball again soon.. so you have new hope to look forward to :kiss:

Vyonne

Dana- That's a lovely letter.

Confirmed from the RE! I am officially knocked up. My HCG is 170. Nice and strong! I have to go back on Tuesday for the follow up bloodwork. Stick baby stick!

Kerri - That is so wonderful I am so happy for you!!

I have been in the midst of yet another family crisis and have had no time to get to a computer.

I just got word from my RE's office I am going for my day three blood test at the end of this month. :ylflower:

I am so happy to finally get my ball actually rolling even though I know that my retrieval/transfer will not be until late Aug early Sept.

I hope to catch up on all that has happend in the past couple of weeks and I hope all is well with everyone.

Babydust to all!!

Kerri!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!

Dana~Nice to hear from you! I wish you all the best on your upcoming transfer and subsequent waiting period. :crossfing That's great that things are finally happening again for you!

I think your letter is wonderful. I never sent one to my donor and had fully planned to do so, but I was waiting until I was "in the clear" so to speak. But your donor will appreciate your letter so much and even more so, realize how important to us IF women that donors are. Good for you. Wish you all the best. :bighug:

Shameless self promotion here:

I'll be on TV tonight. Only local, within the greater Boston area. It's the local on-air auction on WGBH Ch. 2. I'm "hosting". . .if you want to call it that. Check it out if you have the chance.

Kim

Congratulations!!!

Kerri - nice STRONG beta!!! Remind me was today 12 DPT? CONGRATULATIONS sweetie to have it officially comfirmed is a great feeling huh? Are you guys celebrating? Telling the pups they will soon be siblings? :ura1:

Kim I have you on right now!! I saw you - this is so exciting I turned it on when they were describing the Tu Moda spa certificate :secret: I think I'm gonna bid :shuffle: And you look great!!! Hottie!

Dana - as you know I've lurked and posted some at BOLU and I am so excited for you. I think the letter is a wonderful thing and especially like that you noted no matter what the outcome...of course it will be a BFP but I wonder if donors are ever notified? Anyway, I think it is perfect and a very thoughtful thing for you to do

Vyonee - where IS AF??? :secret: I'm telling her to get the heck over there!

Dawnie sorry to hear of the crisis - hope all works out ok for everyone. Will be thinking of you.

Jennifer I am amazed that they don't mandate coverage in more states though there is a movement in MA to take it away so I guess I am not shocked :fado:
Hope everyone is doing well! Nothing new here feeling better and ordered a pizza (so goes the diet) I am off to watch Kim dazzle...

Judy, :angry2: :fado: :cry: AF still not making a visit :tantrum: Went to see RE today, and he put me on Provera for 5 days... hopefully that will trigger it! I can´t believe this silly delay I´m faced with now :disbelief If all works out as my doc plans it... transfer day would be set for August 4th... if not, it will be 2007 :lol:

Dawn, I am sorry to hear you are yet going through another family crisis... hope it is all better very soon :hug99:

Kerri, Great beta numbers :ura1: CONGRATULATIONS

Vyonne

Dawn~Good for you for finally getting going! It feels so nice doesn't it? :thumbsup:

Judy~Thanks for tuning in. :bighug: I had fun. I Tivoed it and I got to watch all my mistakes and critique myself. :rolleyes:

Vyonne~Well I'm glad your Dr. put you on the Provera. . .we gotta get this party started! :rahrah: I hope AF comes soon. (Doesn't that feel like a strange thing to wish in our circumstance?)

Kim

Vyonne~Well I'm glad your Dr. put you on the Provera. . .we gotta get this party started! :rahrah: I hope AF comes soon. (Doesn't that feel like a strange thing to wish in our circumstance?) Kim
Kim, Funny you mention it, cause I was thinking exactly the same :nod: and hoping the delay repeats after transefer :secret: But lasting 9 months in a row :lol:!
As you say: Let´s get this party started :dancingpi -- Are we cycle buddies???

Vyonne

I actually don't think we are cycle buddies unfortunately. I'm guessing on a possible transfer somewhere in early August? :dunno: But let's get the party started for you so that I can focus all my energies on your transfer! :rahrah:

Kim

Kim, If you tell me that you´d possibly get your transfer in early August... then we´d be cycle buddies :ura1:, because so far I´m aiming at August 4th

:secret: and that´s "early August", so we can get the party started for both of us :rahrah: You are soooooooooo sweet wanting to focus all your energy on my transfer... you´ve got a big :hb:...

Thank you, luv :kiss:


Vyonne

Kim - you did a wonderful job!! We watched most of the auction - I wanted to tell you DH walked in and I yelled out not to change the channel when I came into the room, I explained I 'knew' you and he said "Oh she has been doing great she has the right personality for this - is she in sales? and I thought that before you told me you knew her!" He's in sales so that was like his highest form of complement. An honestly I really agreed with him, you were very enthusiastic and welcoming and I noticed too that you "rolled with" everything - unexpected applause etc. In summary you did a wonderful job! :supergrin

Vyonne - still no sign of the bat huh? I hope the provera does the trick. I've heard of a few women in a cycle group I was in in IVFConnections that did FET's with me - which I think is the same prep as for a DE cycle having delayed AF's *sigh* you'd think the least she could do was appear when we were waiting for her! I am hoping that next cycle does start the 9 months absence of AF!!

I'm hoping to have our next FET around the end of July and if that is not sucessful do another in August so I will be cycling around you both!

Judy, :secret: Boy! I wish I was in MA, to have seen Kim too! Don´t doubt for a NY second she was terrific :)
That misserable bat still not coming around :angry2: where the heck is she when you need her?
Wow, its great that so many of us have new cycles to look forward to! I hope your July FET is successful for you, and that in August Kim and I can follow into your steps... :bullhorn:so start the lucky strike for us, will you??? :awink:

Vyonne

It looks like I will get to cycle with you in August, Vyonne. When they gave me the dates, the tentative ER is Aug. 8 and transfer is Aug. 11-13 sometime. :woo:

I have a question about stress during IVF. I am going to have so much going on with my husband gone during the whole IVF process (thank GOD for my Mom :love: ), and packing up to move overseas during the 2WW after the transfer. I am kind of worried about the stress I'm going to be under with all that is involved with moving overseas (besides just packing with my 4 year old underfoot) and having to do it all basically by myself. Any advice on what I should do and when during the 2WW?? And is it truly a 2WW?? I wish I could afford a babysitter and daily massages. :lol: Somebody mentioned that there is a certain time frame after transfer to lie down and relax for a day or two b/c that is when implantation is likely occuring.

Haley, Yeah!!! for one more (you) August cycle buddy :yippee:
Regarding stress during the 2ww, it is true that it is recommended you try to avoid stress... however, it is not just during the 2ww, but throughtout the whole period you start a cycle, as its been proven stress is damaging to your health, in general. I have also heard from different embryologists and doctors, that the implantation rate on women who don´t really rest, but 24-48 hours after transfer and return to their "normal" activities (without any heavy lifting or strenuous exercising) have proven to be as successful as the ones resting for 1 week or more after transfer. So, I guess, the most important thing for you while packing, will be to stay away from any heavy lifting and over doing yourself. :secret: And just so you know... implantation takes place between days 6 or 7 after the eggs has been fertilized, regardless of when its transferred.
Vyonne

Wow! It looks like August will be a busy month. I will also be cycling in August, with a very tentative retrival of August 21-23. Of course, this is based on AF being a week late, which it tends to be for a few months after a failed cycle. My MD is very busy in the summer, so I had to "reserve" my cycle week. If AF timing changes, I might not be able to get a new time "slot," so we might have to wait another month, which would make me very frustrated! Also, the week before is my little boy's first day of kindergarten, so I hope that AF doesn't come a week earlier & have me doing a procedure on his first day. The scheduling part of this is enough to make anyone CRAZY!

Haley -- As far as the stress, I've found that one of the best things for me during the 2ww is to be very busy. It really helps keep my mind off of things. It sounds like you will have that one covered!!!! However, I would also be very careful to avoid lifting.

I think that it is very interesting that so many doctors recommend bedrest after transfer, even though there doesn't seem to be any data to support it. I have read that possibly RE's are just supersticious & don't want to take the chance of not doing something that could possible make a small difference. I also wonder if they say that just do it to get the patient to slow down, even if she doesn't do bedrest. I am also supersticious & do bedrest, even though I know that it probably doesn't make a differe