Time for a new thread and time to put in new positive thoughts for us all.

This episode in our lives is not easy, but my hope for all of us is that we can learn, grow, and become more compassionate about everyone, everything, and every other person's struggles in this life.

I will update everyone's cycles soon. . .unless of course some else has some time to do the list. :awink:

Love and hugs and best wishes to you all.

Kim

Kim, Thank you for the new thread :clap: and for the lovely words! Indeed this is not an easy episode... but all together help make the ride a lot better!!!

I am sure that just by being a part of this "family" has made us all grow. Our feelings are shared and understood.... and that is priceless :grouphugg
I start this thread with THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

Best to all,

Vyonne

All - I got my report on my 5 eggs. It was awful!:bawl: Only one egg fertilized and they told me to do the transfer this afternoon. I am now on my 2ww and I have nothing prepared! The house is a mess and I am bored. I am praying hard! I keep worrying that everytime I go to the bathroom, I am wiping away my embie! I have 4 days of bedrest ahead and I am already crazy. I spent the afternoon crying and now I am calmer, but I also have a headache. Please write lots of news so I have something to keep me busy.
:gah:
Racheal

Racheal, I am sorry about your report :sadhug: I know its very disappointing to have to go through so much and at the end get only ONE :disbelief
But lets keep a positive mind and THINK GOOD THOUGHTS!!!... and that ONE may be the blessed one you need :pray: :hug99: All you need is ONE good one :crossfing

PS Remember that your state of mind plays a very important role :nod:

Vyonne

Rachael- I am sorry that more eggs didn't fertilize. In my first IVF, I had 15 eggs and only 2 fertilized. :( It is very disappointing. But keep your spirits up! Like Vyonne said...it only takes one! :hug99:


I had another appt today....things are finally moving. My estrogen is finally rising, my follicles are growing and my lining looks great. They estimate that my retrieval will be on Monday. I am getting sick of shots already! :lol:

Awww Rachael~:sadhug: I'm so sorry to hear that these were the results that you got. :hug99: I am almost postive there was a woman here, years back, while on the UB boards, that had 5 embroyos and only 1 fertilized. Guess what?! She had a sucessful pregnancy. I totally understand how it feels to go through so much and only have 1 in the end, but stay positive for that single one and send it good thoughts for it's health and good implantation. I for one, will also be sending those thoughts your way!

Don't worry about the house right now. You know that it will get cleaned and it's more important that you take care of yourself and try to relax ( I know it's easier said than done). Also, embryos don't fall out when you go to the bathroom, so erase that worry from your mind right now and stay positive for the little one growing inside of you. :justahug:

Take good care,

Kimberly

Also, embryos don't fall out when you go to the bathroom, so erase that worry from your mind right now and stay positive for the little one growing inside of you. :justahug:

Kimberly, Thanks you so much. Right now I am crying because you and all the girls are so kind. I have wanted a baby for three years now and I was so very upset. You have calmed at least one fear. I am praying because we did get pregnant with my youngest on the first try. In fact, two and half weeks after we started trying, I tested +ive on a HPT. This is keeping my hopes up and so are all of you.

Lots of love and hope to all of you on this rollercoaster.

Racheal

Racheal~ Congratulations on at least getting ONE beautiful fertilized egg. This is the time I would think your little embie needs the most nuturing & positive thoughts you can possbily come up with. I'm am sending those thoughts your way & pray all your dreams come true.

Jennifer

p.s. Hi everyone. I've been busy focusing on regular life without IVF. Kinda like a break. DH & I are trying to catch up financially as the failed IVF took it's toll on our pockets and on my body and mind. So we are shaping up. I did go to see someone else and will continue with him as soon as AF gets here. Today I am 15 days late. No, I do not think I could possibly be pregnant all on our own, I just think my body is still in shock from all those hormones. So as soon as she gets here we will go for more testing on me and DHs sperm. That is all that is going on. Just a short update. I will be peeking in from time to time and try to keep connected as I will be coming back when the time is right.
God Bless everyone in the new thread. Good thoughts, Good thoughts.

P.S.S. Vyonne~Where did you get the fertilitea? If Suzi got it for you, do you recall where? Thanks

Fondly, Jennifer

Racheal -- I am so sorry about your fert. report. That is sooo frustrating. On my 2nd IVF, I had 7 & only 2 fertilized. I was devestated. The day after the transfer, my husband was laid off & I pretty well just wrote it off that it wouldn't work. However, it worked & my daughter is now 3 1/2. I've had better fertilization on cycles that didn't work, it truely only takes one! Also, I can totally empathize with you worrying about your embie falling out. Even though I've heard otherwise, I always worry about it!

AF finally showed up yesterday, so I called & got everything scheduled for my FET next month, which will be November 21. I start BC tomorrow, which I am kind of excited about, because it means that we are doing something besides waiting!

Vyonne -- Any sign of AF yet?

Have a great weekend!

Carla

Vyonne -- Any sign of AF yet? Carla
Carla, fook fook fook Noooooooooo its not here yet and I am going nuts :pullhair: :banghead: :tantrum: :badmood: :furious: At this point... its impossible to relax and get it off my mind!!! You are so lucky AF paid you a visit (did you tell her to make a pit stop by my house too :lol:???) and I am excited for you getting things already scheduled for your FET :yippee: :hug99:

Jen, Good idea to take a break, sweetie :ok: As to where Suzi got the Fertilitea... sorry, but don´t know. Hope she reads your post and can let you know :crossfing Please don´t go away... even when we are not cycling, its nice to hear from our pals :bighug:

Racheal, Lots of STICKY thoughts your way :hug99: :pray: and remember to THINK GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

Vyonne

PS Has anyone :hijacked: AF???

As to where Suzi got the Fertilitea... sorry, but don´t know. Hope she reads your post and can let you know :crossfing

Good old Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/FertiliTea-Natural-Fertility-Blend-Shipping/dp/B0006SFQGO/sr=8-1/qid=1160204033/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-9339414-7740704?ie=UTF8&s=hpc) :lol: :aok:

Racheal - :hug99: Thinking good thoughts for you!! I know I've told this story before but it really inspires me, I have a good friend who wound up with 1 embie for transfer and she was absolutley devastated, thought very negatively about the cycle etc. Originally she had been cleared to and planned to transfer 3. Well it stuck and baby P was born in Feb! I hope you have the same luck!! Also, I've seen articles about 2 day transfers - which if I'm understanding right you had and I have a buddy in Germany who had 2 sucessful pregancies from 2 2DT where I think it is the norm to do transfers earlier rather than later some embies just do better inside Mommy - I am hoping this for you!

Glad you checked in Jennifer!

Carla congrats on startinig BCP!!

Vyonne - NO AF????? jeesh, could she BE any meaner? :tapfoot: Have you talked to the doc? I'm sorry this is such a long wait :hug99:

Nothing going on here..waiting for my RE consult next Tuesday to determine if he is ok with us moving forward with a fresh cycle..wondering if it is ultimately better to try to cycle in January or December if December is even possible. HCG as of yesterday was still on the scale - 38 :gah:

Hi everybody. Just dropping by for a hello. Vyonne, hope AF gets her big fat behind here soon. I'm sorry you have to keep waiting. Judy, good luck with your fresh transfer plans. Racheal, try to keep your hopes up. I know it's disappointing, but it's true...you do only need one, so let's hope and pray this is THE ONE. Kim, thinking of you and glad you had a good visit with your friend.

As for me, I'm at week 30 and counting... Hoping for lots of good news here soon. xoxoxoxoxo

FINALLY... IT SHOWED UP!!!
:bliss:


Now I can start tomorrow my estrogen and as soon as AF goes away completely... I start my viagra sups! After all this... don´t you think I deserve a good cycle :rolleyes:???

Judy, Thinking about you a lot, hon :bighug: Best wishes for your fresh cycle and I am sure the time you pick will be the best for you! I´ll be praying everything goes smoothly for you from now on... :pray: :hug99:

Racheal, Just keep on thinking you´ve got the ONE:hb:! Thinking good thoughts for you sweetie :bighug:

Rho, So happy to hear from you and happy to hear your belly keeps growing nicely :hug99:. Take really good care of you both and visit more often :slap: we miss you :lol:

Vyonne

Yea Vyonne! :hi5: Glad to hear AF finally showed up! :rahrah:

I had my first US, E2, and P4 on Thursday since starting Lupron. My Estradiol and Progesterone levels were a little higher than my RE wanted to see so he doubled my dose of Lupron for now and I go back for another round of blood work and US on Wednesday. Hopefully I will start my Gonal-F and Luveris then. My surrogate is taking Lupron and estrogen patches right now. I don't know if it's the Lupron or anxiety, but I can't seem to get any sleep since starting the injections. My mind is constantly going over all of the possibilities. Any suggestions?

I don't know if it's the Lupron or anxiety, but I can't seem to get any sleep since starting the injections. My mind is constantly going over all of the possibilities. Any suggestions?

Yoga or acupunture would probably help immensely.

I don't know if it's the Lupron or anxiety, but I can't seem to get any sleep since starting the injections. My mind is constantly going over all of the possibilities. Any suggestions?
Kelley, Thanks sweetie, I am so relieved :awink:
I think Suzi´s suggestions are great, but if you can´t get to them... just picking out a good book with nice reassuring experiences on IVF stories, I have found it to be positive, relaxing and very inspiring :coffee: accompanied by a nice cup of chamomille tea. All the luck on your next bloodwork & U/S next Wednesday :pray: :hug99:

Vyonne

Vyonne- I am so glad that AF finally found you! :)

Kelley- I am not having trouble sleeping, but I am also pretty anxious and nervous about my cycle. I have spent a lot of time reading...I went to the libraray and got some good fiction books to take my mind off things.

Well...I have been on stims for 2 weeks now. I am a pincushion! :( I had a bw and u/s appt today and they want me on stims for another day at least. Now they are saying that my retrieval will probably be Tuesday (instead of Monday :( ) They want me back for yet another bw and u/s appt tomorrow. The office is over an hour away...and they want me there at 7:45! :eek: Ugh! i just hope that when they call tomorrow to give me my results that they tell me to trigger and don't give me another day of stim intructions! My poor thighs are KILLING me! (I switched to my thighs when my estrogen wasn't rising and it immediately starting giong up...coincidence? Maybe, but I am not risking it, so I am still shooting myself in the thigh! OUCH!)

Geri, Yes... I am so glad too :clap: Hope everything evolves correctly so I can start toplan my FET :pray: :pray: :pray:

I´m sorry you are having such a hard time with your shots :blue: I know how it can really get to you after a while! Hope your b/w & u/s went really well for you today and you got to finally trigger :crossfing
It´s exciting to know you are so close to your rerieval (Tuesday)... my thoughts and prayers are with you for a great egg report :hug99: :pray:

Vyonne

Vyonne -- Yeah! I am sooooo glad for you that AF FINALLY arrived. I hope that it is the beginning of a smooth road to a happy ending.

Geri -- I did 13 days of stims when I did IVF that I got my daughter from. I remember asking the nurse what was the longest time that they'd had a patient on stims. All that she would say is "You don't want to know," which didn't reassure me at all! I promise that it is all worth it!

Carla

Ladies.. I am just popping in to offer some good thoughts and prayers... I am in my 3rd IVF cycle. I am in the 2ww now and I just wanted to send some STICKY VIBES to everyone!!!!

Hi everyone...I've been out of touch here because life has intruded in a big way...my DH broke his freakin' leg!. He was home by himself, transferring into his wheelchair, somehow caught his foot and fell, and fractured his leg in two places. They put the leg in a removeable cast, because we have to be able to check for pressure sores. (and by "we" I mean "me") It freaks me out, taking his leg out of the cast, because it often gets random muscle spasms and kicks out with no warning, and I'm afraid that I'll re-break it or otherwise hurt it, so it's high-stress. Why do they trust us non-medical people with medical procedures that could go so seriously awry? (Just like with IVF, the first time, I was appalled that we had to mix and self-administer all these shots with no medical supervision.) Anyway his mobility is really impaired, and he needs a lot of assistance. But we are lucky that we can do most of the work we need to do from home (or, in his case, via laptop in bed). Also, silver lining, since he can't feel his legs, it doesn't hurt.:heee:

Still waiting on tests before we make any further plans for a possible cycle number seven. The leg may delay things, since, so far, it puts a logistical crimp in his ability to participate.

Good baby luck to all who are still cycling. Hope to be able to join you soon.

Leslie

Carla, Thank you sweetie :kiss:

Rifka, Sticky, sticky vibes your way, hon! Sending lots of prayers for a BFP :bighug: :pray: When are you scheduled for your beta??? How many embies you got transferred?

Leslie, I am so sorry to hear about the unfortunate accident :sadhug: My best wishes for a speedy recovery and hope you can get started with your plans for cycle #7 very soon too :hug99:

Vyonne

Vyonne Yay I'm glad she finally arrived!!! :rahrah:

Rifka - Sticky thoughts for you from me too!

Leslie - yikes! Glad he is ok!

As for me, well I met with my RE today and we have a plan. We're doing a fresh cycle. He wants me to have one normal cycle beginning with my next AF then with the AF after that I can start supression so ER/ET will be around January probably. Since I turned 37 last month :jack: I've been worried about my FSH but the nurse told me it was tested in January and was 5 - may have been an especially low month for me but I felt better after hearing that. We debated the whole 1 or 2 embryo thing again, basically with a fresh cycle we would have about a 30% chance of pregnancy with 1 3 day embryo. About 50% with 2 but with that would come a 20% chance of twins. And again, since we don't know exactly what caused the loss, twins is riskier for me than for most people. So we are thinking of doing what they called a 3day/5day flex. They will evaluate embryos on day 3 and if we have a number of strong ones will determine if we should go out to 5 days for transfer. This has risks as well of course in that we will lose embryos and I can't find anything that touts day 5 over day 3 but the RE said we will potentially wind up with what is considered to be a stronger embryo. And since we don't seem to have much luck with the defrost which could be a complete anomoly or could be just what it appears...DH said if he had to do it again, he'd be an RE "Sometimes we see this and sometimes we see that".

So..you know its good news and at the same time so frustrating that this is where we are again, completing consent forms etc. And since originally they had suggested I could do the pill with my first AF, its a delay. I'm all in favor of doing the right thing its just hard sometimes. :tapfoot:

Jen~I think breaks are great. . .for your pocketbook, your mind, and your body. I've had to take a few myself. . .sometimes the decision was mine and other times, I had no choice. Regardless, I tried so hard to use each of these breaks to try to enjoy my life and remember that I am a good, whole, and lovely person with or without kids. Good luck to you and try to enjoy this time. :thumbsup:

Carla~It feels nice to be doing something other than waiting doesn't it? :hug99: Good luck to you on your upcoming cycle. :crossfing:

Suzi~Good old Amazon :doh:

Vyonne~:rahrah: :nana: I'm so glad that AF finally showed up!! I was about ready to do a rain. . . uh, I mean an AF dance!

Judy~Gosh, it sounds so much like the same thing my RE said to me. We are also (if we can ever get started) planning to try a 5 day transfer. The rational for me is that we'll weed out the strongest ones before the transfer. . .of course, this is based on whether I find a donor who will have many embryos to choose from. Girlfriend. . .what a great FSH! :nana: I'm so glad that you have something to look forward to again. :bighug:

Rho~Nice to hear from you! Only a few more weeks to go. :thumbsup:

Leslie~I'm so very sorry to hear about what happened to DH. :sadhug: I hope that he'll recover quickly and that this won't have to delay things by too much.

Kelly~Well of course you have anxieties! I think that's completely normal. . .at least it is for me. I agree with what others said: yoga, acupuncture, and meditation is good. I have some imagery meditation CDs that I listen to every now and then that are specifically catered to women going through an IVF cycle and about relaxing and imagining the embryo successfully making it's home in your uterus. Also, reading books which talk about IVF success stories are definitely good to keep you positive. My favorite thing are movies. I loooooooove watching movies to keep my mind off of things.

Geri~Is your retrieval tomorrow? If so, good luck to you. :crossfing

Rifka~I'm wishing you all the best during your 2ww.

I can't say that I have much going on. :dunno: Regarding mine and DH's medical testing requirements, we are all set and ready to go. Problem is, I have no donor! I'm basically being told that this is a slow period all around and many of the agencies are not getting many new donors right now. DH and I are still trying the old fashioned way and I keep up the hope that perhaps we'll just get pregnant on our own. It's kind of funny, when I was between 36 and 40, I was in a rush to do cycle after cycle. Now that I'm 42 and going with a donor cycle, I don't feel in such a rush although I certainly don't want to look like a grandmother when I'm picking up my child in daycare. :rolleyes: On that note, I was out with two friends 2 nights ago, both of whom are younger than me. We all ordered a glass of wine. Guess who was carded???? :nana: :awink:

Kim

On that note, I was out with two friends 2 nights ago, both of whom are younger than me. We all ordered a glass of wine. Guess who was carded???? :nana: :awink:

Now, *that* is a good feeling! (Not that I've been carded in awhile)

In our last batch of donor profiles, one of the donors has parents who are the same age as DH and myself. We got a good laugh out of that, although it made me feel pretty damn old. I cannot fathom having a child who is old enough to be an egg donor. Granted, this woman's mother was 15 when she gave birth! Another thing I can't fathom!

Rifka- Thinking sticky vibes for you.

Leslie- I am sorry to hear about your DH's accident, I hope he heals quickly!

Judy- I am glad that you have a plan. :hug99:

Kim- I can't remember the last time I was carded! :lol:

Dana- Yeah, I can't fathom those things either!



Today was my retrieval. They got 20 eggs. I don't think all of them are mature though. I will get my fertilization report tomorrow around noon. I am hoping for at least 5....

Guess who was carded???? :nana: :awink:

:hi5: And I was just going to say..you are one of the youngest looking buds I have had the pleasure of lunching with! Guess you got that proven! I'm sorry the search for a donor is progressing slowly. Did I remember incorrectly that you guys have some totsicles on ice from the last cycle? And :secret: last night DH asked me when I was going to get together with you, if we had planned anything I was taken aback that he actually remembered (he said you know the girl from the auction? :giggle: you made quite an impression) Then he suggested Melting Pot and I realized - he doesn't want to be asked to do fondue again :lol:

Geri - 20 eggs!! :woot2: excellent! Hoping for a good percentage to be mature and a great fert rate for you!!

Dana - I can't get my head around that either! Though, I have a good friend who has a 16 y/o freaks me out everytime I think about it.

I'm definitely very thankful for the FSH number but I have in my head that was a fluke and I declined to be retested :whistle: chicken.

Thanks Judy!

Well I got my fertilization report today. OUt of the 20 eggs, 15 were mature and 11 fertilized! :eek: :yippee: I was totally shocked since last year we only had 2 out of 15 fertilize...though this time they did ICSI. They haven't decided wheter I will do a 3dt or a 5dt. They will let me know on Friday (the day of the 3dt) which kind of put me in a bind for childcare for my boys, but my sister's daycare provider says she will do it.

Congrats, Geri! Those are great numbers! :crossfing that those little embies continue to divide and thrive!

Geri -- Congrats on the fert report! It sounds like you may be headed for a 5 day transfer! Hope that "everyone" continues to grow!

Suzi -- That's a great FSH. I wouldn't test again either, why take a chance of hearing something that you don't want to?

I have a question for those of you who have endometriosis. Do you know if that affects your E2 levels when you are doing IVF? I have a sister going through IVF & her MD first checked her E2 on day 10 of stims & it was 8200. That E2 sounds really high to me, but I am usually a poor responder. It also seems strange to me that her MD didn't even check her E2 until day 10.

Carla

Judy & Kim, Thank you both.. Yeeeeeeeeeeeees, I am so glad it finally came :rahrah: However... after the long wait I expected a nice "big one", but all I got was a very, very light brownish spotting for 2 1/2 days :tapfoot: Can you believe her audacity!!! Anyway, I started the Viagra sups yesterday and I can only hope & :pray: this time it really is my time :crossfing Or I´ll end up having to go look for a shrink r :oncouch: real soon :lol:
PS I am getting to my last week supply of Fertilitea and last week I finished all my Red Raspberry tabs... hopefully all these concoctions will make a difference when I go for my U/S :pray: :pray: :pray:

Judy, I am sorry you still have so much going on before determining what to do...:disbelief I completely understand your frustration, but just think that with fresh eggies your chances will be higher :aok: Worry about how many you´ll transfer when the time comes... and let your :hb: decide. I will be praying for your to find the serenity you need to move forward and get ready again :bighug:

Kim, Getting carded at 42 :ok:??? You go girl :hi5: what a nice complement! Sorry to hear that its a slow period at the donor´s agencies :sadhug: Don´t they know that our bio clocks KEEP ON TICKING :hopmad:??? Well, sweetie, just a little additional patience, and I am sure that very soon you´ll find the perfect donor to produce eggcellent quality eggs :hug99:

Geri, Congrats on the amazing fert report... 11 little ones :clap: Praying for them to continue going nice and strong and that you get a great transfer :bighug:
PS If you have any spear ones... can I be first on line??? :giggle:

I will be getting my first u/s on Monday... we´ll see what we find :rolleyes: :pray:

Vyonne

Just wanted to wish you luck Geri! Is this the only board you come to any more?


Thanks Judy!

Well I got my fertilization report today. OUt of the 20 eggs, 15 were mature and 11 fertilized! :eek: :yippee: I was totally shocked since last year we only had 2 out of 15 fertilize...though this time they did ICSI. They haven't decided wheter I will do a 3dt or a 5dt. They will let me know on Friday (the day of the 3dt) which kind of put me in a bind for childcare for my boys, but my sister's daycare provider says she will do it.

Thanks Dana and Carla!!!

Vyonne - all that waiting for a 2.5 day light AF...almost anticlimatic! :lol: You know I was just thinking about that today.... I have a very very good friend who can't afford another fresh cycle, but could possible come up with enough for a FET....I wish there was some way to donate embryos to specific people. I do not what my current RE's practice is, but my former RE would only allow you to donate to research. :(

Naomi- Thanks!!!! I am very active on CL...my username is "Geri"....quite original, huh? :lol:


I should know by 8am tomorrow if my transfer will be tomorrow or Sunday. :crossfing:

Naomi- Thanks!!!! I am very active on CL...my username is "Geri"....quite original, huh? :lol:


I should know by 8am tomorrow if my transfer will be tomorrow or Sunday. :crossfing:

Duh I knew that.

I wish there was some way to donate embryos to specific people. I do not what my current RE's practice is, but my former RE would only allow you to donate to research. :(

:fyi: Your RE cannot force you to donate to research. They may not handle donor embryos but youa re the owner of the embryos and the RE has no say in what you do with them.

Legally speaking, they are considered property and you have full rights. If you want to donate to a specific person, that can be arranged through a private attorney.


ETA: My comment sounds harsh and I don't mean it that way. :) It's just that there are legal precedents about ownership of embryos and REs do not get any input. If you are truly interested in donating, I'd urge you to talk to your center about it. If they don't do it, another center will. Good luck with whatever you decide! :nod:

CONGRATS Geri on a good fert report!!!
I'm mostly lurking and thinking good thoughts for everyone.

amanda

Ladies,

I have a couple questions about donor eggs.

1. Do you get all the eggs from the cycle? (if you get lucky and get 15 or so)
2. How do they pick the right donor for you?

I am only asking because it looks like I will probably be going that route.

I have been to the oncologist last week and there is a good possiblity that she will remove my remaining ovary. And DH & I discussed the possibility and we decided that if we can not add my own eggs to the mix we will not ask my sisters to donate, we will go with an anonymous donor.

Our Re said there was a 50% sucess rate with donor eggs is that the norm?

Vyonne - I hope you have a great cycle.

Kim - Sorry to about the donors not being available.

Geri - Great fert report - sticky vibes your way!!

Rifka- Thinking sticky vibes for you.

Leslie- I am sorry to hear about your DH's accident

Judy- It is good that you have a plan.


Dawn

Ladies,

I have a couple questions about donor eggs.

1. Do you get all the eggs from the cycle? (if you get lucky and get 15 or so)

It depends on the clinic. What you are refering to is called a 'shared' or a 'split' cycle. This is where the eggs are divided among two donors. (Or sometimes a woman going through IVF for herself can donate her eggs) There is a primary and a secondary recipient. If there aren't enough eggs, then the 2ndary recipient is out of luck. Neither of the clinics I've worked with will do a shared cycle. Although it will save you some money, I wouldn't go this route myself.

2. How do they pick the right donor for you?
The first clinic I went to they have a group who picks your donor for you. You give a list of desires (i.e. height, hair color, etc.) and they make the match. You do get to see a very complete history and profile (but no photo) of the donor and make the final decision.

The clinic I'm with gave us a list of donors with their basic features (eye color, height, etc). From there we picked the donors who we wanted to see complete profiles. Again, no photos of donors. The nurses pulled a few profiles for us to look at that we hadn't selected because they thought they might be a good match.

If you go with a 3rd party agency, you'll pay more but you will most likey get to see a photo of your donor. Your clinic may not have a donor pool. In that case you will have to go with an agency.


If you are Yvonne, you just approach beautiful women in coffee shops to be your donor. :heee: (Yvonne, you know I admire the hell out of you. I'm so freaking shy. I could never do that!)



I am only asking because it looks like I will probably be going that route.

:bighug: No one dreams of having their baby this way. But, thank God this option exists for us. There are three of us going the DE route here. We'll do our best to help you.

If you are Yvonne, you just approach beautiful women in coffee shops to be your donor. :heee: (Yvonne, you know I admire the hell out of you. I'm so freaking shy. I could never do that!)
Dana, :giggle:That is called "Desperate Seeking Eggs", "Desperate Measures", etc, etc, :secret:I was always a pretty forward person... but never in a million years thought I´d get that ballsy :lol:
PS Willing to do it for anyone in need :awink: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)

Dawn, I have nothing more to add... Dana has really said it all :ok: But if you need any input or have any other doubts... the three of us are here to share our experiences with you, sweetie :hug99:

Amanda, :bighug:

Geri, Suzi is ABSOLUTELY right... you and only you (and DH) have the right to decide upon those embies... and :nono: don´t let anyone tell you otherwise. Praying for a perfect transfer for you either today or Sunday :pray: :hug99:
PS Still accepting donations... :lol:

Vyonne

Thanks - I wasn't so sure on those points - my RE is supposed to send me the info - he said they have local donors.

I will have to think about approaching someone and asking for theire eggs:gimi:


Dawn

I will have to think about approaching someone and asking for theire eggs:gimi: Dawn
Dawn, You´ll be surprised with the courage one can get under some circumstances :awink: specially when you decide to go egg hunting "off season" :lol:

Vyonne :easteregg

I had my transfer today....they put back 2. I went to an accupuncture appt before the transfer and then my accupuncturist came to the RE office after the transfer. Accupuncture was interesting. Didn't really hurt except for the ones on my ears.

My beta is 10/24.

Geri, I've been looking forward to your update. (I even looked on CL to see if you'd updated there!) It sounds very promising. :crossfing for you!!!!!

I went in today for my first U/S and E2 after starting my stims 5 days ago. Somehow my E2 level is still only 54 (my nurse said they like to see it between 300 and 500 at this point). So, they increased my Gonal-F from 225 units to 600 units per day. Has anyone else had this kind of result? I don't know what to make of it.

Dana- Thanks!!! :)

Kelley- I had that same exact thing happen to me! Below was my med schedule:

After day 3 of of 150 Gonal F and 150 Luveris, my E2 was only at 31.
They upped my Gonal F to 450 (kept Luveris the same) for 2 days and my E2 went to 61.
They upped my Gonal F to 600 for 2 days and my E2 went to 200.
They kept my Gonal F at 600, but upped my Luveris to 225 for 2 days and my E2 went to 505
Thet lowered my Gonal F back to 450 and kept Luveris at 225 for 2 days and my E2 went to 1048
They kept it at that for 2 more days, but I don't know what my E2 was after that.
Then they lowered it back to 375 Gonal F, 150 Luveris for one more day and I triggered that night.
They retrieved 20 eggs, 15 of which were mature...and 11 fertilized.
They transfered 2 of those and after 6 days of development, I had 3 to freeze.

So I was on stims for 14 days and eventually had a good response. After 5 days when it hadn't gone up, the RE nurse suggested doing the shots in my thigh instead of in my stomach. I don't know if the sudden response after that was coincidental or what. BUT...I did mention that to my accupuncturist yesterday and she said that wasn't the first time she has heard that. Good Luck!!!

Thanks, Geri! I am also taking Gonal-F and Luveris together, although my Luveris is at 75 units/day... I don't know how RE's come up with such different dosing protocols, but I guess they know what they are doing. Either way, I feel much better! :phew:Thanks again!

I had my transfer today....they put back 2. I went to an accupuncture appt before the transfer and then my accupuncturist came to the RE office after the transfer. Accupuncture was interesting. Didn't really hurt except for the ones on my ears.
My beta is 10/24.
Geri, Sticky, sticky thoughts your way, sweetie Will be praying that on the 24th you get a big BFP :bighug: :crossfing

Kelley, Praying for your E2 level to rise where you need it :pray:

Today at the Re´s office while in the waiting room I was :bitenails all my nails with anticipation... I had my first U/S and the doctor was pleased to see my lining looking better than the previous times :rahrah: My lining was at 9 mm :phew: and had a little bit of the infamous triple line :woa:. Its funny, but everytime we talk about the triple line... Judy comes to mind and I get so jealous that she always gets a "pretty one" :lol:

Well, my Re also said he didn´t want to get me overly excited, because its only the first one, but on this U/S he sees a difference in comparison to the other blury pictures in my med history! What I´ll never know if this works out, is what helped my lining get better: Was it the Red Raspberry tea? The Red Raspberry tabs? The Viagra Sups??? or was it the magical Fertilitea (thank you Suzi :justahug: )??? I have taken so many things desperately seeking a lining improvement... that I´ll attribute it to my concoction of it all :giggle: I am going to continue praying hard :pray: and THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!
PS All your prayers are greatly appreciated :bighug:

Vyonne

Geri, good luck to you...just 8 short days! :bitenails

Today at the Re´s office while in the waiting room I was :bitenails all my nails with anticipation... I had my first U/S and the doctor was pleased to see my lining looking better than the previous times :rahrah: My lining was at 9 mm :phew: and had a little bit of the infamous triple line :woa:.
WOO-FREAKING-HOO!!!!!:bliss:

What I´ll never know if this works out, is what helped my lining get better: Was it the Red Raspberry tea? The Red Raspberry tabs? The Viagra Sups??? or was it the magical Fertilitea (thank you Suzi :justahug: )???
WHO THE HELL CARES????!!! :toofunny:

Geri - I'm sending lots and lots of sticky thoughts for you!
Yvonne - HOORAY for some GOOD NEWS! You are the kindest and most thoughtful person and I wish the happiest of happy things for you!!!

Amanda

WHO THE HELL CARES????!!! :toofunny:
:giggle:So TRUE!!! Wonderful news Vyonne!!! (:secret: I haven't always had the triple stripe but I'm certainly obsessed with it :shhh: ) I'm so excited!!!


Sounds wonderful Geri!! So you did a 5 day then right? :crossfing for you and thinking good thoughts!!

Kelly I hope you see a jump in your next numbers!!

All,

Sorry I have been MIA. I have had a really rough week. I do, however, have some mood enhancing news. It really does only take one! I did an HPT on Sunday, Monday and again this morning. We are pregnant! With only a 10% chance of the embryo taking, it did! I went in for my BW today to confirm the pregnancy, but we are pretty certain it worked! I cannot believe it and when the first one came up positive we blew it off and went on our way. Yesterday was nervewrecking and today is even worse. We are thrilled and in shock at once. We had given up hope already and yet here it comes! I hope everyone is well and again, I am sorry for not keeping up, but it was too painful and I had to keep busy.

Racheal

Suzi, I love the little guy :bliss: and that is exactly how I felt when I left my Re´s office! Thank you for sharing my happiness :bighug: and again, thank you for the "who the hell cares" Fertilitea :giggle:

Amanda, Oh sweetie, thank you for your kind words :blush: and for sharing my joy!:kiss:

Judy, Thank you for sharing my excitement, hon :bighug:it sure feels nice to get some good news after all!

Racheal, :woo: Wonderful news!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
That is what I call against all odds :ok: Hopefully this is the start of a trend for the rest of us that follow :pray:

Vyonne

All - My numbers are in at 86 13dp2dt. They said this is right on target and we go in on Thursday to find out how high it goes up! It appears my RE was just as shocked as we were. When I told them about the HPT's she started screaming and jumping up and down. I think we all lost hope with the situation, except of course, our little super embie!

Wow Racheal thats very exciting news!! Congratulations!! :rahrah:

Racheal- CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!! :yippee:

Vyonne, Suzi, Amanda, Judy- thanks for the sticky vibes!!!


Does anyone else' RE have them wear estrogen patches in the 2ww? I have to wear 3 for three days and then change all 3 for another 3 days and so on until my beta. I was surprised at how big they were. I was expecting the size of the birth control or no-smoking patch...but these are huge comparatively! :lol:

CONGRATS Racheal!!!
I heard a rumor that Rifka got a BFP, too.

Amanda

Vyonne -- That is wonderful about your lining. You deserve a good surprise!

Racheal -- How exciting! CONGRATULATIONS!

I am just playing the waiting game. I had my teaching visit for my FET yesterday & am scheduled for transfer November 21, the Monday before Thanksgiving. I would love to have something new to be thankful for this year!

Carla

Rachael~:wow: CONGRATULATIONS! See? It really does only take one. :yippee: :thumbsup:

Vyonne~What excellent news about your lining. :rahrah: :bighug: This is the kind of stuff we like to hear around here. . . .Now, that's what I'm talking about. :bliss:

Kelley~I've had my meds increased many times in my years of IVF cycles. The clinic is constantly monitoring you along the way so they know how much they should be giving you and adjusting meds based on your responses to them. It's typically nothing to worry about and just a normal process when going through an IVF cycle.

Geri~Good Luck to you. :crossfing I had to wear estrogen patches during the full 2ww with my donor egg cycles.

Dawnie~With my clinic, after all the legal papers are signed, the donor's eggs all belong to my husband and I and we decide what we wish to do with them. As far as my experience with donor agencies goes, I simply contact the agency, they ask me several questions, then they give me a password to access their database, and then I can get onto the database and see both the photos and personal profiles of all the women who are with that particular agency. I've been on at least 10 donor agency websites in the last month.

I'm hanging in there. AF came today. :sad: I'm sad because I was actually 2 days late and after work, I was planning on picking up an HPT. (I can't keep them lying around the house). I was hoping that I was in the midst of a miracle happening. But no such luck. I guess I'll go home and check the donor databases again. . .:rolleyes:

Kim

Congratulations to Rachael! One IS all it takes! And Vyonne, SO glad to see that your lining is finally on board.

It's good to log on and see positive news from so many quarters.

Here's my positive news: My day-three blood tests came back and my FSH is 7.2 with estrogen at 29, which is good for my age (43) and so my odds are good at producing a lot of eggs. The even better new is that my RE (always up on the latest) has found a new process by which sperm with non-fragmented DNA can be separated out and used in the lab for ICSI, which would solve our whole male-factor side of the problem. There is no cure for my age, of course, but if I can still produce eggs in the double digits, then I have a better chance of coming up with one good one. So we are going to try again. I start my lupron on or around the 29th, depending on OPK.

DH's leg is on the mend and he's getting around a little better now. Still not able to participate, but we have a banked sample from last time if this doesn't clear up in time. I'm feeling good that this cycle will be lucky number 7.

Leslie

Jennifer (JenLabenz)..... a long long long time ago in the other thread I told you that I would get you a copy of the prayers that I said when I was TTC my boys. Then I couldn't find it in my old journals. Well I did a google search today and found them!!! :) What I found is basically the same prayer I had before...there are a couple slight word changes. I was going to PM them to you, but since I am not a paid member, I can't! :) So here they are for you (and anyone else who is interested!)

http://www.saintgerard.com/stgerard.html

Kim, Thank you sweetie... it sure was great hearing my news yesterday:bliss: and pray things continue that way :pray:

I am sorry about your disappointment with the AF´s visit. That darned AF just doesn´t know when to pay her visits :hopmad: When mine was delayed for almost a century :lol:... I too wanted to toy with the idea of having to go buy a HPT... so I know how you must feel :sadhug:
Hope very soon you´ll find the right donor on the database, so you can get on the road again... :pray: :hug99:

Leslie, Thank you :bighug:
:rahrah:Great news on your blood work! :secret:your numbers are eggcellent for your age! Happy to hear about the new sperm process and that your DH´s leg is doing better too!
PS This cycle is also "Lucky" number 7 for me :crossfing so lets hope we both get LUCKY :aok:

Vyonne :pumpkin:

Kim - Vyonne's right AF is a mean visitor who never knows when she's welcome or when to stay away! Good call not keeping the HPT's in the house I've been burned there before many a cycle. Hey I wanted to ask you about Wheatgrass juice - I think I recall you mentioning you had taken it for cycles before, is it helpful for egg quality? I bought some pills, the guy in the nutrition aisle assured me you get the same effect with pills powder or the frozen shots. I have started to take 7 pills a day (yech) and I find they make me a little nauseaus - did you ever experience that? I'm assuming its just as my body adjusts to it but I admit I feel a little silly putting myself through this and not being able to find any mention of how it might help other than imporve overall health - never a bad thing of course!

Carla - November 21 isn't that far away!

Leslie - Great news on the new process and your b/w results! That is a great FSH number!

Geri - how are you holding up in the wait?

Vyonne- when do we get our next lining progress report?

Not much new here...just playing the waiting game myself and battling a bit of a :raincloud mood. I am rapidly tiring of this rollercoaster but trying to keep myself positive at the same time. Man its exausting :lol: I am finding that the less I think about things the better but I've never been one for denial so thats kind of tough for me to manage. Anyway, I'm here waiting for more good news ladies!!

That is so true...the less I think about things the better, because dwelling on this whole thing just makes me angry or sad or both. Rather than denial (which I can't seem to manage) I just try to keep my brain occupied elsewhere. I find that knotty sudokus are helpful here, especially in that fraught-with-useless-stewing time right before I'm finally able to fall asleep.

I'm feeling generally positive these days though, keeping busy, looking forward to starting the cycle. You and me, Vyonne, lucky number seven!

Leslie

Sounds like lots of good new lately! Congratulations everyone! I hope this trend continues!

I had another U/S and E2 Wednesday and things looked much better. My E2 went from 54 to 210 and I could see several stimulated follicles in each ovary. I go back tomorrow morning for another round. I'm feeling very positive about it since I FEEL like my ovaries have tripled in size over the past couple of days. :hehe: It seems kind of twisted to celebrate pain, doesn't it?! Well, tomorrow will be my 10th day of stims and I'm hoping to have a better idea of when my ER will be. Until then, just doing lots of :pray:!

Judy, My next lining progress report is later this afternoon:bitenails I´ll be praying the good news to continue :pray:!!! Will post my results later on this evening...:crossfing
I know how you must feel during this waiting game :patback: it is no fun AT ALL! Hoping and praying very soon you´ll be cycling again :hug99: :pray:

Kelley, Wonderful news on your U/S & E2 :clap: Lots of prayers your way for those follies to continue multiplying and growing beautifully :bighug:

Vyonne :pumpkin:

Well, we got nothing but bad news today. Our surrogate has an infection in one of her tubes and it is leaking a toxic fluid into her uterus. Our RE has suggested to her that she have surgery to have the tube removed. Even though our cycle did not cause the problem, I feel terrible for her. Added to that, our RE suggested that we cancel our cycle all together because of the rate at which I was stimulating. He thinks we woud have a much better chance if we started on the higher dose rather than continue this cycle and have to freeze the few embies we might have from it. So, I'm starting pravera today. :( They said we may be able to try again in January.

Kelly- I'm so sorry to hear about your cancelled cycle. I know how disappointing it is. My cycle was cancelled five times for various reasons before I got pregnant. I thought it would never happen. If it weren't for your cycle your surrogate may not have found out about her infection in a timely fashion. I hope everything goes well for both of you in the next few months!

Leslie~What a great FSH result! :yippee: I'm 42 and the last time I got anywhere close to that is when I was going in at the age of 36. Good for you. :clap: I'm so glad that DH is doing better. Now, we just need to get a baby out of all of this. :awink:

Geri~I loved the prayer link that you sent. :)

Judy~I had been reading a book by Randine Lewis called, "The Infertility Cure" and this is way I was taking the wheatgrass. She says, "Wheatgrass is tonifying and curative. It nourishes Qi, Blood, And Essence, enhances immunity, and restores hormonal functioning." I used to take it a lot, but it became too expensive. At Whole Foods, it was $8.99 for six shots. I took the shots religiously for a while, but then when I started on the donor egg route, I stopped buying it. Every once in a while I will still buy some, but now hearing that you have gotten it in tablet form, I'm going to try that. Where did you get it? GNC? Whole Foods? So, can wheatgrass help you to get pregnant? I obviously can't contest to that, but if it helps to restore your hormonal functioning, I'd say go for it. I'm definitely going to try to pick up the tablets. As far as feeling better when you're not thinking about this craziness? I absolutely agree. If you've been into the same philosophy/thinking that I've been into, it's all a matter of the mind. I understand your feelings about denial, because this is something so big in our lives that we can't possibly just ignore it. At the same time, when it comes down to it, how we're feeling about something is all in how we are CHOOSING to feel about something. I struggle with this all the time myself. If you're forgetting about the pain you're feeling, are you denying it? I honestly don't have an answer because I'm not practicing it all that well. . .I just know that if you can focus and take joy in what you do have now and all that's good right now, IT IS A GOOD THING. Time is not going to stop for us because we're so sad, so I figure that we should at least try as best as possible to take full stock in the good moments (even when we're hurting) because those good moments are what's going to help us get us past our own pain. Did that make any sense? It's easier said than done because I know that even on the sunniest days, all I've wanted to do was cry and lay in bed. In the end, in IMO, it's mind over heart, and you just have to figure what you're going to choose. Sometimes you need to cry and pull the covers over your head and sometimes you need to rejoice because you're healthy, you have a good marriage, and that it's simply just a sunny day outside. :bighug:

Kelley~ It seems funny to all of us how we would celebrate pain, but it's true. When I was pregnant a while back, I was so happy for my morning sickness and aversion to my favorite foods. It's all in the prospective. May I ask? Because your surrogate is going through all these issues, is she the best person to use? In a sense, it's good that she is now alerted to these issues because she never would've known about this. . .but in the end, would you still use her? I'm so sorry for what you're going through. :sadhug:

So ladies, I decided that I had to let go and be a bit more "welcoming" to other options of ethnities. So I chose some alternate donors who were fairer skinned that I was, but who were hispanic. I am also looking for someone who lives in the Boston area. I called one of the agencies back and gave them two donors I was interested in and asked that they contact these donors to find out if they were available, etc. Guess what? Neither of their phone numbers were current. :furious: They've sent out letters to these two woman in an attempt to contact them. . . .but is this weird? Is this fate? How can this happen again? :pullhair:

Kim

Sometimes you need to cry and pull the covers over your head and sometimes you need to rejoice because you're healthy, you have a good marriage, and that it's simply just a sunny day outside. Kim
Oh Kim, what a true statement!!!

Well my dear friends, here is my latest: Right now I am in the kind of mood to :hide: because I am tired of the rollercoaster being so defective! This one sure came out of left field: Last evening I went for my second U/S (after the first one being somewhat promising) and my Re said after checking me... "I know we have an improved endo, but I am still not sure if I´d want to work with what we´ve got". At that point, I didn´t know whether to :tear: or :gah: because I was shocked! Then he went on to suggesting I got a surrogate :faint: and all I could think was... after all this and coming this far, I need to now look for a surrogate??? He also said he was being 100% honest with his feeling about the picture he saw with my lining being so damaged, not only from the bad d&c... but also from all the corrective surgeries I underwent (4 of them) in an effort to better my lining. All that scarring tissue has totally screwed up my uterus and he feels it would not be a good receptor for any embryos to stick :disbelief I am so tired to get my hopes up, only to get them deflated in a NY second :pullhair: . I am on my second week of meds, so I told him I wanted to give my lining one more week (thru Thursday 26) in hopes it would improve somewhat to the point where he´d feel more confident... :secret: I didn´t give him any choice in the final decision (after all its my body & my money)... I simply said I am going to up the dosage of my meds and hope for a better result the next time around. Am I in DENIAL??? Is it that I am not ready to get the door definitely closed for any other attempt??? First it was hard to accept going the donor round and now surrogacy??? I have even thought to simply go through with it all and see what happens... rather then cancelling my cycle at this advanced stage :dunno: What would you all do??? What more do I have to loose?
I guess, I just wasn´t ready last night to call it quits... and I am ready to take the challenge and hope for a MIRACLE :angel: from today through next Thursday :pray: Why not???
I just CANNOT give it up :cry: the sole thought of it makes me want to die!

Vyonne :hugsmile2

PS Please forgive me you all for not placing any posts to any of the other news... I just can´t think straight right now. Love you all!!!

Hi everyone. I don't know all of your abbreviations yet! Anyway, I know the odds, but I'm still hopeful for this 1st cycle. My hubby is a cancer survivor so we're doing ICSI. I've been on Lupron for a few days and just started menopur/bravelle 2 days ago. I read somewhere that I should eat lots of protein so I'm doing that (although I was eating reduced-fat peanut butter before realizing it had soy in it, and proceeded to get paranoid about too much soy). I'm also having acupuncture twice a week with a guy who has experience with IVF. So, I'm feeling pretty bruised with all of the needles, but so far the stimulation hasn't turned me into a monster. Can you guys suggest anything I'm missing? Thanks, Verity.

I'm so sorry Yvonne! :sadhug: I definitely know what it is like to be told that you need a surrogate. As if you haven't been through enough with your cycles, now they want you to add even more of a challenge to the mix. HOWEVER, if surrogacy is your best option to get PG, which is our ULTIMATE goal, then I think you should consider it.
I also think you were right to give your uterus another week to improve though. Good for you for telling your RE that you wanted to do that! Doctors seem to forget sometimes that there are more sensitive ways to get their point across...:tapfoot: I hope your higher dose of meds does the trick! :pray:
In the mean time, if you want to do some reading about surrogacy, there is a great book you should start with by Zara Griswold called Surrogacy was the Way: Twenty Intended Mothers Tell Their Stories. It is very informative and inspiring. I found myself reading some of the stories several times over the past few weeks to keep myself feeling positive about our cycle. Also, I'd be happy to answer any questions you have about the topic. My email is kelley416@hotmail.com if you would like to talk privately. I hope things get better for you soon! If anyone deserves it, it's you! :hug99:

Kelley, Thank you so much!!! you are so kind to think about conforting me, when you are going through a very tough time yourself :sadhug: Forgive me for not mentioning anything about your bad news before... but I was so devastated, I could barely write about what had just happened to me. I am so sorry to find out about your unfortunate situation and hope that you and your DH will soon get things working again. At least there´s a good chance after your surrogate gets the surgery... she´ll be able to help you for your January upcoming cycle. With me... if I end up going that route, I have to start looking for a very qualified person to do it :disbelief One thing is going out looking for eggs... and a very different one, would be to go looking for someone that will have to have a 9 month committment, plus all the discomfort and resposibility of carrying a pregnancy for someone else! Just the thought makes me dizzy :eek: having to trust my baby to someone other than me and not being able to monitor her on a 24 x 7 to make sure she is responsible and stays 100% healthy for my baby´s sake!!!
I can only imagine how you must feel after getting your hopes up after things seemed to work out on Wednesday. Its kinda like what happened to me... first good news and then suddenly I need a surrogate :pullhair:???
I sure hope that my higher dose of meds does the trick :pray: so I can go with this cycle as planned!
I am going to email you about some other issues directly. Thanks for sending me your email to do it :hug99: I will also see if I can get the book you mentioned out here

Vyonne

Oh Vyonne! :hug1: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#) I am sorry that the RE did not sound confident - surely the decision to investigate surrogacy is a very tough one and will come with a lot that you need to sort out but I agree with Kelley on all counts HOWEVER, if surrogacy is your best option to get PG, which is our ULTIMATE goal, then I think you should consider it. I also think you were right to give your uterus another week to improve though. Good for you for telling your RE that you wanted to do that! Doctors seem to forget sometimes that there are more sensitive ways to get their point across...:tapfoot: We've seen you beat the odds before and I hope we see you do it again. Regardless it is a very personal decision obviously and please feel free to run any thoughts by us - you know you will get our honest support and answers. :hug99: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)no matter what road you choose.

Kelley - I am sorry for the news on your surrogate as well :hug99: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)I have heard of a number of women on various sites that have had that surgery (is it for a hydrosaphlinx?sp?) and gone on to have sucessful pregnancies shortly there after so I hope the same for you and your surrogate.

Kim thanks for all the info on the wheatgrass - I actually got mine at Living Earth which is local to me but I think that Whole Foods would probably have them too. This is the brand I got http://www.wheatgrass.com/estore/product_info.php?products_id=95
I will say the tablets themselves taste...uh like dirt pretty much but I think that must be what the shots themselves taste like so not terribly bad. I am taking 7 pills a day. I really appreciate your gentle reminder that it really is "mind over heart" and it truely is important to realize what you do have over what you don't. I've been making a concious effort the last few days and it is slowly getting better. Thank you. :kiss: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)

Verity - Welcome! I hope this journey is a short one for you. I would ask the acu about specific foods etc to eat more of less of based on your TCM 'diagnosis' for example, my acu advises lots of soup and root veggies for me and to have less sugar and sweet foods etc.

So as mentioned to Kim, I'm doing a bit better these days, went out for a nice dinner with DH last night and we are just enjoying the weekend. I'm still working on preparing my body for a cycle Dec/Jan sometime. AF hasn't arrived yet which is probably good since my last beta was still 10 :rolleyes:

Kim, I am so sorry about your difficulties in finding a donor.

Vyonne, Your 100% correct, sometimes I think these doctors just ruch into things without giving you body a chance to catch up.

I have been told that surgery is the only option - since the "Mass" (that is what they call it a Mass) could be anything, from cancer to adhesions and everything in between. My surgery is scheduled for 11/9 at 7:30 am - they are going to reopen an incision I had 4 years ago, which start above my belly button and travels down to my pelvic bone. I had 35 staples the last time and was in the hospital for 4 days. I cried when the oncologist told me what they planned. I DO NOT WANT TO DO IT!!! I know I have to because of the chance it could be the worse case. I want to run away! I thought that they going to make an incision right where the ovary was I am devasted.

Now for something nice. My DH threw me a birthday party last night (41 yrs old today). We had a great time lots of family and friends. It was the best! Today my DH & I are going to lunch and shopping for my b'day gift.
Dawn

Kim~ I forgot to answer your question before...oppps. I actually talked to my RE about whether or not this problem with my surrogate would change her ability to be a good surrogate. Judy was right with the term (spelled "hydrosalpinx"). The condition would make it much harder for her to get pregnant on her own, but she has had 2 children and does not plan on having more. She was actually lucky to be having the U/S's because they caught the problem very early and it has not had any effect on her uterus or other reproductive organs at all. They will be removing only one of her tubes next week via laproscopic surgery. I believe it is an out-patient surgery. So, she will still be a good candidate for surrogacy. If fact, our RE told us that she has a "perfect" uterus... whatever that is. :) I hope this doesn't sound harsh, BUT:), her uterus is the only reproductive organ we will be borrowing, so the surgery won't change her ability to be a good surrogate. It just puts us back a few months. On another note, I was afraid that this situation might make her change her mind about being a surrogate for us. To my suprise, she was extremely positive and basically said it was just a minor road block that we'd have to get around and she was ready to start again in January. This was only 10-15 minutes after she was told that she needed the surgery! She's such a trooper!

Yvonne~ I emailed you. How are you doing today? ~HUG~

Judy, Thank you sweetie for your kind words and for your confidence in me to beat the odds :hug99: I still want to keep my hope up for a big surprise this coming Thursday, when I go for my next U/S :pray: The last couple of nights have been aweful and the idea of going with a surrogate is still upsetting to me. Mostly, because as you all know, I am supposed to return back home and this changes the whole scenario, causing me yet more unwanted delays :tear: However, I agree with you and Kelley that if surrogacy is the only option to get pregnant... I will do it. I just have to organize my ideas and see how I will achieve it and where to find the right "responsible" person for the job! I am such a perfectionist freak and have always been so concious about my eating habits and healthy surroundings... that it really scares me to trust my baby to be to cared for by someone I don´t really know and without all my TLC. Maybe I am over reacting and the person I find is as good or better than me... but its still the hardest part to digest :dunno: When I think about all the parties/reunions I left to avoid smoke contamination, all the years I have been caffeine free & alcohol free at 100% to make sure my body stayed in optimum health conditions for when I would finally get pregnant... I feel cheated! Not that I need alcohol, but at times its so nice to share a drink or go to a place to have fun and not care about all the smoke, as long as you are having fun! I missed and sacrificed a lot, in exchange for a super healthy body and now I am told my body is not good (that really hurts), in spite of all these years caring so much for it. It is simply not fair :rolleyes:!!! Also just to think of how much more it will costs us now if we end up having to do surrogacy, is beyond words :bitenails we are talking about "mucho money"!!! Well, we´ll see what is in store for us... No matter what, I am THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

Dawn, Thank you hon, I sure hope this extra week will do the trick with my stubborn lining :hug99:
I am sorry to hear about your upcoming surgery :sadhug: but if it is something needed... all I can say is that we are with you, and lots of prayers are sent your way :pray: for a succesful result, so that you can start your cycle without any further delays very soon.
And... Happy Birthday :party2: :cake: May God grant you your most desired wish and lots of good health :kiss:

Kelley, :bighug: :hug99:

Vyonne

Vyonne- I'm sorry to hear the news your RE told you. I know that you are a survivor and you will make it through this and come out on top. I think I trust your RE because he doesn't sugar coat things and he is straightforward. So if your lining does improve enough he will be honest about that too. After my first miscarrige I told myself that I would consider surrogacy after a few more tries. I know you will make the best decision! :bighug:

Dawn- Stay positive! I've had a couple of these type of surgeries. First one was at the age of fourteen. I never worried and just left it in someone elses hands. It always took a week for pathology report but I just used denial as a great coping tool! It works wonders. Hoping for the best for you!!
Melanie

Melanie, Thank you, sweetie! :bighug:

Vyonne

I had my beta yesterday and got a bfp with a hcg level of 106 and my progesterone was greater than 40. :) I was 9dp5dt. Last year, when I m/c'd I had a 46 at 13dp2dt...so I am cautiously optimistic! :) I have my next beta on Friday. :)

~Geri :)

CONGRATS Geri!

Amanda

:woo:Congratulations Geri! :cheer:

Geri~CONGRATULATIONS! I wish you a happy and healthy 9 months! :thumbsup:

Kelley~I'm so glad that things are working out and that your surrogate is still on board. :yippee: Unfortunately this extends your wait, but in the end, I've always found those unexpected delays turn out to be good for me in one way or another. :bighug:

Judy~So glad you're feeling better. :bighug: Eating a great meal and enjoying a nice, crisp autumn weekend surely helps huh? :awink:

Vyonne~:sadhug: I'm so sorry. . .not another setback??? :pullhair: I was going to say that I would do exactly what you did. . .I'd ask for another week. During that time however, I would make probably start writing lists of pros and cons and this and that to get myself prepared for the worse news. :rolleyes: I'm always sending my best to you and now, like always, I will be sending you all the positive thoughts I can muster.

Verity~Welcome. :wavey: Hope you don't have to stay too long (and I mean that in the kindest way). I wish you all the best and good luck during this time.

Dawnie~:hug99: I'm so sorry you have to go through this again!! :disbelief: And during those times I can see that you know and remember all the other wonderful joys and moments in your life.

I often forget these things myself. :sigh: I checked out another website today, found 3 donors that I like, called the agency, and guess what? They're all in the middle of a cycle! This is getting totally freaky. :wtf:

Kim

Vyonne- Here's hoping everything looks good tomorrow! :crossfing When will you know?

Delurkingto say::

CONGRATS Geri! Wonderful news!!

Hoping and praying this thread is filled with many more BFP's to come!!


Angela

Congratulations Geri!!!!!:clap:

Wanted to give you'll an update. Went for 16 week u/s today. Having a boy and a girl! Thank God for IVF. Sending lots of baby dust and praying for many BFP's this cycle! :pray:
Melanie

Congratulations to Geri and Melanie!

Geri, You certainly made my day...

:congratuaCONGRATULATIONS!!!

I am so very happy for you and wish you a wonderful next 9 months, sweetie!

Kim, Thank you... I need all the positive thoughts I can get specially now that my life is a :twister: but somehow I am working at preparing myself for the worst... although, I´d love to have an unexpected surprise :crossfing
Oh sweetie, I am so sorry about your quest for a new donor :sadhug: you are totally right :wtf: !!! However, I am sending you good thoughts your way and lots of prayers for the right one to come by very soon :pray:

Kelley, Thank you sweetie :hug99: My appointment is at 4:00 pm (2:00 pm PST) and I can only HOPE!!!

Melanie, That is just :bteddy: AWESOME!!!:pteddy: I am just thrilled with your wonderful news:yippee: What a blessing!

Verity, :hithere Welcome to our wonderful "virtual home"... it is always nice to get our family increased... however, like Kim, I wish you a short & sweet stay!

I need to get soaked with all your good :vibes:news/vibes to prepare for my appointment later on today (its already past midnight :woa: ) However, I have been thinking that if my Re is still not pleased with my end results... I am going to go ahead and have my FET scheduled, because if I go with a surrogate, I´d much rather do it with fresh eggs :dunno: Plus, who knows... I could still have a chance for a miracle any way. If I don´t do it... I´ll never know what if :sigh: Am I crazy to think that way??? What would you all do???

Vyonne :pray: :pray: :pray:

Hi ladies! I'm finally back online in our new home in the UK! It took forever to get hooked up, but here I am. I have a lot of catching up to do, but wanted to check in with everyone. :heee:

CONGRATS Melanie on happy news!!!

AManda

Congratulations to Geri and Melanie!!!! :congratua

Vyonne- I woulddo exactly what you said. I would want to use a fresh cycle for a surrogate as well because it's so expensive. I would want to have that assurance. I think that you are making a good decision because you would always doubt yourself if you didn't try.
Melanie

My update...

Had my U/S and my lining had definitely improved, from what it was last week... but my Re gave me his whole speech about how its not the best quality and :blahblah: :blahblah::blahblah:. Its at 15mm but still has a very difussed triple line (if you can even call it that)... and I mean, very difused :pullhair:. He said that he didn´t give me much hope with it and suggested not to continue, but I told him that if I´ve came this far... I want to go ahead and transfer, anyway :dunno: I feel at this point I have nothing to loose. I told him that many times, when you don´t expect it to work out... you get a totally unexpected surprise with a BFP. And many times when you think the lining is perfect and so are the embryos... you get a BFN... So I will take the chance and hope for the best, being aware my chances for success are very slim. I have to take one day at a time, so for now I won´t get distracted with the surrogate issue... I will focus all my energy on my FET. Oh, by the way, it is scheduled for Monday the 30th. That is where faith and perseverence come to play... and :superwoma nothing ain´t stopping me now :awink: THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS... ALL I NEED IS A MIRACLE :pray:

Melanie, Thank you for your input, sweetie... I needed that :bighug: I was really looking forward to find more opinions on my decision to go ahead and transfer anyway :dunno:

Vyonne

Vyonne- Good for you! I am glad that you told your RE how it was going to be! I am praying for you! :)

Ooops accidentally hit submit early....

Thank you everyone for the congrats. I have my 2nd beta tomorrow. I have been praying non-stop!

Vyonne - I am sending you some miracle waves :vibes: left over from my little miracle, I hope and pray your little embie sticks! I will keep checking in to see if you have the kind of luck you deserve!

To everyone else, Good Luck!

Racheal

My beta today is 306! :) My u/s is scheduled for the 10th!

Geri,

CONGRATS! You are on your way! Good luck with your pregnancy!

Congratulations Geri!!! (I have long admired your scrapbooking so I feel like I "know" you :blush: )

Congratulations to Geri and again to Melanie (thanks for continuing to update here, by the way)! And good for you, Vyonne, I would have done the same. It's always worse to look back on lost chances, so take 'em, and make more later if you need to. Chances, I mean.

I don't want to drop in here and rain on the parade, but rain is all I have at the moment, so I'll update.

My younger brother David died suddenly in his sleep last Friday. He was only 40 years old. I am the oldest of six children, and we have always been a tight group (to make it through a tough childhood) and we are all very close. The six of us have spent every christmas eve together all our lives, until now.

He has a daughter, Casey, who is ten, and here is one of the things I most admire about my brother David: he was not married to Casey's mother when she got pregnant and he knew that there was a good chance he was not the father (this is NOT, of course, the part I admire). She wasn't sure she wanted to keep the baby (I know, that's an unfathomable thought in this group, but there it is). But he stepped up and promised to be there for them, whether he was the bio-dad or not. It turned out he wasn't, but he kept his promise with his whole heart. Even when her mother moved on and even eventually married someone else, David was there for Casey, every Sunday and then some, and he was her Dad in every sense of the word except biologically.

I remember once I expressed my big-sisterly concern with his lack of legal rights in this situation, and the danger that Casey's mother could just forbid him from seeing her, and told me, "She wouldn't do that. She knows I love Casey, and that Casey loves me. And besides: (he said, pointing to himself with a grin and a shrug) free babysitting!"

I just wanted to say that he was a good man, and I will miss him. I start my Lupron tomorrow, and I hope everything can calm down by the time I start my stims. I thought about delaying a month or so, but I'm already in reproductive overtime, and David understood how much this means to me.

Thanks for "listening".
Leslie

Oh Leslie :sadhug: I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like David would definitely want to see you move forward at this time.

Geri - CONGRATULATIONS! I missed the news of your first beta and to come today and see you have a second strong on is great news!! :congratua(what a cute smilie)


And Melanie what wonderful news :congratuaso happy for you!!!

Vyonne, I'd make the exact same decisions you are :nod: Here are your vibes from me :vibes:I think you have a lot going for you, you know I am obsessed with that triple line and though I am, I know it is a nice to have rather than a requirement so I think 13mm is in the absolute right direction. I'm glad that you pushed for a recheck and all good thoughts are being directed to you on Monday!!

Kim the situation with the donors is I'm sure beyond frustrating but please don't give up! I really again want to thank you for saying "mind over heart" its working and a nice reminder.

Haley nice to see you back!

Hi to all!!

Leslie,

Your brother is in my prayers. I know exactly the kind of man he was. I myself have been blessed with a man who did the same for me. My son's bio father is not a good person (putting it nicely) and so I left when I found out I was pregnant. I met my husband shortly after Daniel was born and he became my friend. I finally let him meet Danny when he was 6 months old. The very next day, he started bring Danny formula, diapers, toys and spending every waking minute with him. By time Danny was 2, I finally caved in and married my husband. Less then 5 months later, a judge approve the adoption and my son offically had my husband as his father. How I was blessed to find a man that loves my son so completely, I do not know, but they are closer then ever to each other and unless you are close to our family, you would never know that Danny is not my hubbie's son. In fat, hubby is closer to Danny and than to his bio son who is my little angel.

You (and Casey) were truely blessed to have know such a great man. I think you are right, he would understand and would have supported your decision. I wish you luck and will keep my eye out for your progress. God Bless you and your family.

Racheal

Leslie, I am so sorry for your loss :sadhug: your brother sounds like an awesome guy and I know you´ll all miss him a lot:patback:! Casey (and all of you) was truly blessed to be touched by his kindness and inmense love! My prayers go to you and your family :pray: I am sure he totally supports your decision to go though as planned with your cycle, and he´ll be watching over you!
Thank you for your words about my decision... it sure helps me a lot :hug99:

Geri, Racheal & Judy, Thank you all for helping me feel I did good and for your :vibes:and prayers :bighug: Judy, I know what you mean , about the triple line (not being a requirement)... however, I am not going to deny the fact that my chances are not very good because of my overall poor lining quality, but hey! I´ve heard so many stories where there wasn´t a chance for success and... "boom" it works :owow:! So I am going strong with it, against all odds!!! Today the Biologist tried to disuade me by telling me why "waste" my frozen eggs and I stood up to her and said: Because I believe in miracles :pray: and if I used a surrogote, I´d do it with fresh eggs anyway!
PS My transfer date has been changed to Thursday November 2nd
For the change, my Re only said it was good to give my endo an additional boost prior to transfer, which made me think he also knows the extra week I fought so hard for, did some good... even when he did not expect it to :neener:

Geri, wonderful numbers on your 2nd beta :clap: keep it up girl!!!

Vyonne

I'm so sorry for your loss Leslie.

Congrats Geri on more good news!

Sending prayers for everyone!

Amanda

Judy, I know what you mean , about the triple line (not being a requirement)... however, I am not going to deny the fact that my chances are not very good because of my overall poor lining quality, but hey! I´ve heard so many stories where there wasn´t a chance for success and... "boom" it works :owow:! Vyonne

Please don't forget mine! They told us we only had a 10% chance of getting pregnant after only one egg fertilized. That egg has stuck and we are going in for our first u/s on Thursday Nov. 2nd. Anything can happen, even for you!

Racheal

Leslie- I'm so sorry for the loss of your brother. I'm glad that you have a lot of family support to help you during this trying time. It's so hard. I've never gotten over the loss of my cousin, who was my brother and best friend to me, but I'm naming my son after him.Take care of yourself.
Melanie

Racheal, I know sweetie :nod:... and that is so reassuring :bighug:

Good luck on Thursday with your first U/S :pray: :crossfing

Vyonne

Vyonne,

Good luck is to you! Your transfer will go smoothly, you'll see. Enjoy you last days before bedrest!

Racheal

Racheal, Thank you :bighug:

Well, my transfer will not be tomorrow as planned :disbelief because the administrative office at the fert clinic "forgot" :hopmad: to make me sign one additional document for the defrost procedure. So instead of starting the procedure Monday... they started it yesterday, after I signing. I went to mass last evening :pray:, and felt even more assured about my decision and leaving it all in God´s hands. I hope to get a good fert report later on today, or tomorrow latest. If all is good, transfer is Friday!

THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!
Vyonne

:needhug:

Only minutes ago I posted... now I must say that it will not happen at all... I am very sad to tell you all, that NONE SURVIVED :cry: Out of the 10 frozen eggs... 5 fertilized, but on the next 24 hours they all died :tear: I am terribly upset, but in a way I am glad I pushed as hard as I did, because if I decide on a surrogate, I´d only do it with fresh eggs. My faith remains unbreakable and I want to believe that this is yet ANOTHER test on my strength :rolleyes:. After crying a lot... I wipped the tears away and immediately started to think on my next move... I can´t afford to waste time feeling sorry for myself. This is actually made me stronger and more determined to call my donor tomorrow and see if she is willing to do another cycle. In the mean time, I´ll look for a surrogate, but will still prepare myself for a new cycle in parallel with her... just to be prepared in case my lining suprise us all and is receptive the next time around. It will all depend on my donor... or finding another one ASAP to get on the roller coaster again. Gosh! I can´t believe I am back to cero :pullhair: having to go thorugh the donor ordeal :disbelief

I want to thank you all for your great support, good wishes, many prayers and for always having the right word to help me push this heavy load :grouphugg you certainly are the best and without you... I am sure I would have quited a long time ago!!!

My heart aches terribly, but I don´t dare to question God´s decision... I only ask for his mercy and beg for another chance :pray:

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

Vyonne --

I am so sorry to hear you news! I am sorry that you have gone through so much to be back at the beginning again. I am amazed at how quickly you are able to move on & start planning your "next move." You are in my thoughts & prayers.

-- Carla

Oh Vyonne :bighug: what a blow :sigh: I am applauding your determination and youdusting yourself right off and calling the donor I'm thinking of you!!

Vyonne, I'm so very sorry. It's just not fair!

Amanda

Vyonne,

I am so very sorry to hear your news. I wish I could give you a big hug! I am praying hard for your little obstacles to fall into place again. I am sure they will and I hope this will be your turn!

Vyonne- I am so sorry. I can't believe another blow for you! :sadhug:

:bighug: 's for you, Vyonne. I'm just in shock. I am so very sorry. :bighug:

Vyonne~ I am so sorry you didn't make it to transfer. I admire your determinination and believe that it will payoff for you!!

Vyonne :bighug:

Vyonne, I am so sorry about the news. I also think your determination and faith are so admirable! :hug99:

:thankyou: Thank you all from the bottom of my :hb:,

You truly are amazing to have and give the words "love & support"... a whole new meaning :grouphugg

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

Melanie~What great news! :clap: Congrats!

Haley~How's life on the other side? How ya feeling?

Leslie~Gosh Leslie. :sadhug: I can not even imagine what you and your family must be going through right now. Your brother sounds like he was an awesome human being. . .and that's what he leaves behind. Your love and memories of him will never go away. I'm so very sorry for your lost. :tear:

Vyonne~My heart is acheing for you right now. :sadhug: You have gone through so much. . .but I can't tell you how admirable I am with your Faith. No one is given anything they can't take on right? You are only growing stronger and stronger with every blow. I am honored to know someone as strong as you. :bighug:

No news for me. :) The good thing is that I'm not falling apart about it. I think I've come to this quiet place in my soul.

Kim

No news for me. :) The good thing is that I'm not falling apart about it. I think I've come to this quiet place in my soul. Kim
Kim, What a great phrase... talk about admirable :bowdown:
I am deeply touched by your words... thank you sweetie :bighug:

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

Vyonne- I'm so sorry about the loss of your embies! One thing I know is that you're not going to give up on your dreams! Perserverance pays off!!! I always told myself I was going to try until I succeeded. I think you have the same philosophy!:hug99:

Vyonne~~I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sending hugs your way. I understand. My prayers are with you.

:sigh:
Jennifer

Melanie & Jennifer, You both are so sweet... Thank you so much for the kind words :bighug:

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

Hello all...
I'm back home after all of the family/memorial stuff and it was a comfort to log on here and read all of your kind and sympathetic messages. I thank you all, both individually and collectively. This is a kind-hearted group, and much appreciated.

Vyonne, I was completely bummed to read your latest terrible setback, but I admire your resilience and strength. The only comfort I find in all this infertility mess, is that if we keep trying, and going on to the next option when the other one fades, somehow in the end, one way or another, we will be moms. It may not be the way we hoped or imagined, but it will happen. We just have to hang in there and keep breathing. Meanwhile, :sadhug:

I am scheduled to start my stims on friday, and have so far avoided the dreaded Lupron headache I always get. I don't know if this is a good sign or not, but I will take it as such.

Leslie

Vyonne~ I am so sorry for what you are going through right now. I wish there was something I could do to help you get through this. :disbelief I am amazed by your faith. If you decide to persue surrogacy, please know that I will be here to support you and answer any questions I can. Feel free to email me if you want to talk! :sadhug:

Leslie, Thank you sweetie :bighug: for your consoling words! You are so right about going option after option seeking for the final result... I am now in the process of desperately seeking for "the light at the end of this tunnel" :pray:
My prayers are with you, for your stims to work wonders and make nice follies for you very soon... I am sure your brother will be watching over you, to make it a wonderful cycle :kiss:

Kelley, Oh sweetie... you all are doing a lot for me right now, to help ease things :bighug: All the kind words, the prayers and the virtual hugs are holding me through!!! Thank you for your support on the surrogate issue... to tell you the truth, after reading "the contract" I was dumbfounded with all the intricate details :bitenails It is kind of scary for me to accept going that route... although I will probably will have no other choice at the end. Thinking about it made me deeply sad and also more angry about the doctor that initially caused me my infertility problem when she performed my bad d&c a few years back. I don´t want to dwelll on that past experience, because it drains my strength and takes away from the goodness of my soul...

Well, tomorrow I will be contacting my former donor and also one other alternative donor, that I had as a second choice. I will also talk to two girls I have in mind as "possible" surrogates... so we´ll see what comes out of all this :crossfing . Next time around, I am still set on the idea to get stims parallel with the surrogate... just to see if I stand a chance at getting a transfer too (if there are enough embies). The only thing I have to consider or worry about is: What if after transfer we both get BFPs??? I know my chances would be so slim... but there´s still that probability :rolleyes: Do you all think its crazy to do so???

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

Vyonne - I think ya gotta do what ya gotta do. I have a friend who had failed several IUIs and an IVF. A distant family got pregnant from someone who wasn't her husband (she was married at the time, oops!) and offered to give my friend the baby.
my friend got prgenant on her next IUI and has 2 boys who are 6 months apart. It worked out great for her!!!!

Amanda

Amanda, Thanks for your opinion & for sharing that story with me. As it is something that very well could happen to me :secret:only the part of getting 2 babies at once, as I have no intention on cheating on my DH :lol: (it feels good to laugh a bit after so many tears).
On another token... how are Nathaniel and baby Jessica doing? How old is Jessica now? Blessings to both :bighug:

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

Vyonne-I am so sorry to hear your recent struggles. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I have hope that God willing your tandem cycle results in two successes! Good luck with your donor and your surrogate! You in my thoughts and prayers!:hug99:

Andrea, Thank you for your prayers & good wishes :bighug:... I believe I´ve had for a long while a bad batch of "unanswered prayers", but trust in God that He has success somewhere in store for me :pray:!
And how are you feeling lately??? When is your due date??? Baby is still playing "hard to see" :awink:? All my best to you and the little one :hug99:

PS Does anyone knows what "reputation" and the little green squares mean? Also, on the left bottom corner I now have a little scale symbol :dunno:

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

Amanda, Thanks for your opinion & for sharing that story with me. As it is something that very well could happen to me :secret:only the part of getting 2 babies at once, as I have no intention on cheating on my DH :lol: (it feels good to laugh a bit after so many tears).
On another token... how are Nathaniel and baby Jessica doing? How old is Jessica now? Blessings to both :bighug:

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

:lol: My friend didn't cheat. I think it was her husband's cousin or something! :lol:
Jessica's 9 months. Both are doing great and thank you for thinking of them.
I think about you and pray everyday.

Amanda

Vyonne, I'm so sorry to hear of your newest problems. As if you hadn't had enough, already. I'm really sorry, but I promise I am THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!! and am hoping for the best. I personally would not worry one bit about two BFPs, are you kidding?!! So it's a double blessing, that's all. Good luck with the donor and surrogate talks. I hope things move quickly for you. I think it's a great idea to consider a surrogate. I know I would want to be a mom by any means necessary. Sure, it is ideal (for some) to carry their own child, but your child is your child no matter what. I wish you the best in your decision-making. I know it must be hard. God is with you, and so are we.

Amanda, I knew "the cheater" wasn´t your friend (lol)... I just had to get a good laugh with it :lol:
Wow! :woa: baby Jessica is 9 months already??? Time sure flies. happy to hear they are both doing great :bighug:

Rho, Aww, thank you for your sweet, sweet words :bighug:You are so right... no matter which way I get that baby... it will be my very own baby! or babies if I get that "double blessing", which I´d love!
Well, your THINKING GOODTHOUGHTS!!! and your good wishes already started to work... I got my former donor to donate one more time for me :clap: It is wonderful having all the good vibes of all of the amazing women in our thread :aok:
Now, all I need is to get over the second hump and find a suitable surrogate. The possible candidates for surrogacy have declined so far for various reasons... but I have one that would do it, but in about 6 months. If I don´t get one sooner than that, I may have to simply wait for her to be ready. I just don´t want to wait past January, if I can help it :crossfing
And how are you feeling lately??? Have you pick out a name for your little prince yet? Hugs and kisses to you both :hug99:

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

I'm glad that you have someone, even if there's another delay. I'm praying for your miracle!

Amanda

Amanda, Thank you... you are a sweetheart :kiss:

Vyonne

Vyonne-baby is doing great, we still dont know what we are having but I'm ready to go anytime now! This baby is active and wants us to know everything is OK all the time! I'm praying you find the best surrogate for you soon! Good luck! I'll say another Novena to St. Philomena for you!

Has anyone heard of an Herb called False Unicorn? I stumbled on an article yesterday by a master herbalist from Calgary and apparently it aids in Uterine health and is for women with trouble concieving, miscarriage and prolapse cervix. Although we are male factor I may give it a try for our next cycle (2008)to help promote success, but I was wondering if anyone else had heard of it before, it was a first for me. It may be worth looking in to if your into herbs...

Well gotta run, DH is out and its my bath and a book night!
Andrea

Wow Andrea! You're getting close!!!

Amanda

Andrea, Thank you for the Novena to St. Philomena :bighug:... in spite of all my "unanswered prayers" I am still a believer! I know that God is simply testing me to see my resilience :sigh:
So glad to hear baby is doing great and so ready to come out :clap: ! I also think that not knowing what you´ll have makes it that much more exciting :bliss: Have you thought of any names??? I think that part is awesome too!
On the False Unicorn... I once came across some info about the goods it did to your uterus, but to tell you the truth... I never heard any big hype about it or knew anyone that used it :dunno:. IMO, I think the Fertlitea has more followers

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

hi, out there,

i just joined the forum tonight after searching the web for as much info as i can find on IVF. i'm almost 40 and getting ready to start my first IVF in 2 months, hoping for some advice and support. i've been trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant for a year now, and am wondering if IVF is more successful than taking the fertility shots. any advice, insight? i hope to be part of this group to hear everyone's stories and learn from you. i've been feeling so depressed lately, having failed for a year on shots.

jen

Jen, :welcome: You´ve come to a great place for advice and support!

IMO, out of all methods TTC... IVF is the most successful. Sometimes, your doctors want to start you with less agressive methods, but at the end, if you have no positive results... they all turn to IVF :rolleyes:. After all, what could be better than placing the actual embryo in you, to see if it sticks? Also, it is very important that you make a decision to move into IVF as soon as possible, if you see your age is not in your favor (38-40+) because the more you wait... the harder it becomes :( Your state of mind also plays an important role, so try to keep a positive mind and remember you are not alone!
Anyway, I wish you all the luck in your upcoming cycle and hope your stay with us is short & sweet!

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

thanks, vyonne, for the welcome note:peace:
it is great to know there is support out there. i'm eager to get to know everyone...where is everyone else in terms of pregnancies, IVFs, babies, etc? i've been reading some of the most recent threads and it sounds like some members of the group are pregnant. i'm wondering how often someone is successful on the first try of IVF and what it's like to go through the retrieval. i know it's been really painful to ovulate on the shots when i've had only 4 or 5 follicles mature, so i'm anxious about the thought of my doctor trying to retrieve 20+ eggs at retrieval.

jen (on the west coast)

Jen, Well, "normally" when we start a new thread (every 3 months), the person in charge of the thread (now is our wonderful Kim) :awink: writes about each of us cycling during that 3 months period, as we all have different treatments and/or stages. This cycle, I believe Kim didn´t do it, but we all pretty much knew where each of us were... so we didn´t mind it. But don´t worry, real soon you´ll catch up with our crazy world :lol: There are some of us who have already had babies... but lurk in from time to time and continue to give us their support and fill our hearts with the joy of sharing their babies stories. As far as how often one has success on their first try... its hard to tell, but I am sure that the ones that had that blessing, will tell you when they write to welcome you! As far as my own experience... I have had 6 unsuccessful IVFs and am trying to get ready for my lucky 7 :crossfing FYI I am on DE (donor egg) cycle (since my 4th try) and on top of that, possibly having to get a surrogate... its a long, long story :disbelief But I am a believer and my faith... will move that mountain that keeps getting on my way!
Also, average egg retrieval is about 10-12 eggs, of course there are those lucky ones that get 15-20. At retrieval you don´t feel a thing as you are doped out... maybe a little discomfort afterwards and a bloated belly or a little nauseated. It is not bad at all!

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

Hi Everyone!! :bliss:
I have been reading you for a while, but it was not until today that I felt encouraged to write after Jen ( new kid on the block) joining in as well!!:ok: I had written a huuuuuuuuge biography and , for some reason, I clicked on something and was all gone!!!!!!:tapfoot:
Anyway, will keep it short now....I am 33 and just staterd my cycle for IVF after a year of trying to conceive without much luck...Everything has happened so fast in the last 3 weeks....I went from my first visit to the infertility specialist, to getting my period and starting the cycle with the pill right away....in between Hysterosalpingograms performed and al the blood tests in the world...
Ultrasound scheduled on the 29th of this month...Follistim shots scheduled to start on the day after Ultrasound and blood tests...
I Guess must of u know, by heart, the protocol...well more or less...right?
Anyway, all this sounds sort of OK until u get a call from your doctor, 4 days ago, saying that your husband's blood test came back postive for Hepatitis C...I mean, how on earth can that be???...We got tested about a year ago and he was fine...We don't do or have ever done any type of drugs....he has never needed any blood tranfusion nor gone under surgery...so, now we are wondering, what the heck@?@?@:raincloud How can that be?
Well, DH has been referred to a specialist to perform more tests this monday and if, indeed, the positive was not a " false positive" ,then we will have to cancel the treatment, since here in FL they wouldn't do IVF i