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 if the male has HEP C in high levels...
Have any of you heard or know about IVF performed in people under the same circumstances? The doctor told me that probably they would refer me to a place in NY where sperm can be cleaned before fertilization so there is no risk for the embies....!?! ohoh i forgot to say that I was clean for HEP C or any hepatitis...so we are hoping that we got a "false positive" with the routine tests:scratch:
Any ideas?:help2:

p.s. I love these smileys!! they crack me up!! ahahhaha:rotflmao:

Welcome Jen & Phyllis!! I think you will find yourselves feeling right at home here and along with Vyonne, I'll hope that both of you have a short stay in the TTC/IVF column!

Jen, I don't know what the stats are on first time sucess, often its the first opportunity for your RE to see how you respond to meds and the protocals and they may wind up tweaking your next cycle for a better result. And of course there are very luck ones who are blessed. I think somewhat it has to do with your particular infertility challenge too.

Phyllis, I'm sorry about the result, I agree with you its odd that last time he was fine, I hope it turns out to be a lab error. Honestly I thought the reason they screened for HIV/Hep etc at least at my clinic was regarding any embryo cryopreservation. I hope you don't have to do further investigation.

I've had a lot to catch up on :lol:

Kim, I'm sorry for the roadbumps but very glad to hear you are doing ok with everything soon we will need to get together and enjoy some more yummy food!

Vyonne - I think I'd go ahead with your plan to do ET's for you and a surrogate you might be doubley blessed!

Good to hear from you Andrea very glad everything is going well!! I've never heard about false unicorn root but hey its worth exploring!! Can't wait to hear if its a son or a daughter you are cooking! I will guess girl, my personal theroy is that boys in general tend to hang it all out there and girls may be a bit more modest :giggle:

Leslie hope you are doing well :hug99:

Amanda, Kelley & Rho - hello!! and hello to anyone I've missed in here.

I'm plugging away, turns out I have remaining tissue in my uterus from the m/c so I am going to have to have another surgery it will be at the end of the month and hopefully that will give me a nice clean endometrim for cycle in Dec/Jan. So in the meantime not much to report but I'm checking in!

Jen and Phyllis:balloons: welcome!

Jen- You will really enjoy the support and friendship here. I think there are so many factors involved with wheher or not a cycle is successful that it's hard to predict. My first cycle I did everything by the book, got pregnant and had a m/c at 8 weeks. The doctor told me that the fetus had a 70% chance of m/c because of it's growth delaybefore it ever happened.My second cycle I wasn't as strict on myself and not near as stressed out and I got pregnant with twins. I'm 19 weeks with one boy and one girl. It's just unpredictable. I do think that the least amount of stress the better chance you have.

Phyllis- I'm sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis. Maybe his viral load was so low the first time around that he tested negative or maybe it's a false positive. I'm hoping it's a false positive. :crossfing

Judy-My sister told me that she thinks it's easier to get pregnant after a d &c. We both got pregnant after ours. I'm hoping the best for you!

Melanie

Hi all...and welcome to the new moms-to-be, Jen and Phyllis...

I've been away from computers all week, but I'm back now, and on my second day of stims. I usually go for nine days, so thanksgiving should fall right between my retrieval and my transfer, which is handy, because I'll have a houseful of relatives.

This is cycle number seven for me, and the only one that was a complete bust was the first one, which I blame on a sloppy RE (whom I "fired" and I now have a really great RE). I've had four pregnancies and four miscarriages. This cycle we are using the new PICSI dish technology, and we will decide on whether we do PGD when we see how many embies we have to work with.

I'm doing really well this cycle with holding on to my calm. Even when I talked to my doctor's financial people yesterday (we are 100% out of pocket) I didn't stress. Usually there's all this back and forth, and me essentially begging for every discount I can get, and the doctor having to come in and specially approve this that and the other, and the finance woman is full of "this is our policy" and "the cost of (everything) has gone up" and "that is the discount." Previously, all that has meant upset and tears on my part, but not this time. I just calmly reiterated what needed to happen, and what was promised to me, and let them figure it out. It took a while, but I got what I needed and I didn't lose my cool even a little. I am so proud of myself :party0001

I think this will be the last cycle for me, whatever the result is. I've learned to never say never, but I think I'm at the point where I can be at peace with knowing that I have done everything I can and be able to let it go. So I am staying calm, and doing everything I can to make this work...at least the small part of it that is under my control.

Leslie

Welcome Jen and Phyllis!
Judy - Sorry you need more surgery.
Leslie - Keeping everything crossed for you!!!! I hope this is it!
Vyonne and Kim - Continued prayers and good thoughts!

Amanda

...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???
I saw a show on Discovery that was about just that. A woman who was told she'd never carry a baby. She used a surrogate and was successful. Then she immediately got pregnant naturally.

I hope you find a surrogate who is ready to work with you on your time frame.

We have picked (yet) another donor. Its hard for me to get excited after our last failure. But, I'm not ready to give up yet. We've decided to wait until after the holidays to cycle. We did it last year before Christmas, and it wasn't *that* much added stress. And the failure didn't ruin by Christmas. I just don't want to chance it this year.

Looks like I've got some catching up to do....

Good luck Dana! I hope this cycle goes smoothly.

Amanda

Leslie~:bighug: I'm so proud of you. With all the challenges you've faced, it sounds like you're in a good place. I certainly can not compare my situation to yours, although I have to say, somewhere, somehow, I've found myself in the same place. . .whatever, will be, will be and I can at least feel satisfied knowing that I gave it my all. :bighug:

Vyonne~It sounds to me as if you should not be worrying about 2 BFPS. :noqueno: That's the least of your worries. . I personally think that if that happened, it would be spectacular! :bliss:

the person in charge of the thread (now is our wonderful Kim) 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.

That's very sweet. . .and very true. Thanks everyone for giving me some slack :grouphugg Thing really have been crazy. :blah:

Andrea~:wow: The big day is almost here. :bighug: Ahem, could you put in a Novena to St. Plilomena for me too! :brow:

Jen~:welcome: I wish you all the best on your IVF. :crossfing I've been in and around these threads for about 6 yrs and I can tell you that there have been many, many women here who've gotten pregnant on their first IVF.. . . .

Wasn't our lovely Suzi one of them?

Phyllis~How horrible to receive news like that! :sadhug: I hope that the test results tomorrow show that it was a false positive. :bitenails Anyway, I do want to welcome you :wavey: and wish you all the best during your stay here. :bighug:

Judy~I can't believe there's still tissue. :disbelief: It's just dragging isn't it? You sound like you're doing much better sweetie. :hug99: You know what? A little Holiday shopping/ lunch date sounds perfect! We'll keep in touch.

Dana~Good luck to you for your next cycle. :pray: One of these damn DE cycles better work for one of us!! :gah: What gives?!

It looks like I found a donor. :clap: She lives in the Bronx (NYC) and so we would have to incur additional expenses for her (travel, food & board) while she's here for the final days of monitoring and the retrieval. Kent and I are still talking it out. My sister had gone to a somewhat famous psychic. She wrote the book "EveryDay Karma" and has read for many famous people. Anyway, she asked my sister if she had a sister who was taking hormones and when my sister said, "Yes" the psychic told her that once I stop the drugs, I'll get pregnant on my own. So of course now, I'm all confused wondering if there's any truth to this. :confused:

Kim

:bb: Thank you all for the good thoughts! I might have to start making notes to follow up with a big group!!:roseglass
KIM- In regards to the psychic...I would recommed not to let it confuse you...JUST keep with your faith on what you are doing and don't believe or disbelieve what your sister told you about the psychic.....At the end of the day, now that you are on this boat, like must of all, they way you conceive your child should be the least of your worries...If it should happen the old fashion way! So be it!! God bless :peace: ....should it be through IVF or other method, then Thanksfully we have options now a days,that were not available for women 10 years ago maybe?
Bottom line, I do believe in psychics, although I don't think that everything they might see or feel is "set on stone".....I went to a great psychic about 9 years ago and she told me that I would meet my husband 2 years later and will have 3 kids...She said that he would be reaaaaaaaaaaaally tall , blond and skinny....look what I got!?!?!:silly: DH is tall but not way taller thatn me, he has dirty blond hair, BUT he is not skinny under ANY circumstances ( haha exagerating here), we have been married for 18 months...NOT 8 years ago as it should have happened according to her...and well...as far as for kids,?!?! Oh well, unless I have triplets with IVF...what can I say?!? :ok: pretty accurate my psychic uh?!
Anyway, keep your hopes up....one way or the other , eventually, you will become a mom...:woot2:

OK, back to work now:walking: ..I just got done an hysterosalpingogram this morning ( second one) and this one hurt like hell:dontgetit ....Waiting also for hubbie's results sometime this week to see if we can continue with the treatment or if we have to cancel for now...
BY the way, just received all the medications today and was wondering!! HOW on earth how u guys can get those huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge needles on ur back sides?? The progesterone ones are HUUUUUUUUUUGE!!!!!:jawdrop: what's up with this people.!?!?! I saw them and almost passed out!! PLease advice on pain resistance for those? how do u do it yourself? My er told me that I should get DH or someone else to do it for me since it will be pretty hard for me to do it on my own, unless I do it on my thigh, which happens to hurt even more...!?
Oh well..looking fwd to hear from you guys!! :whistle:

xoxox
P

Phyllis, :hithere Its always nice to see our virtual family grow! I´m am sorry to hear about your DH´s blood test and hope the next one shows it was a mistake, so you can go through with your IVF!

Judy, I would certainly love being doubley blessed :suck: :suck: ... after this long battle... I deserve triplets :lol2:
I´m sorry to hear that you have to go for yet... another surgery :disbelief can´t anything go smoothly for us??? Well sweetie, my :pray:s are with you so that it all goes well and right after the holidays you jump on the wagon :bighug:

Leslie, Tons of prayers your way, for this cycle to bring you the joy of a BFP!!! THINKGOOD THOUGHTS!!!and remember LUCKY 7 :bighug:

Dana,Thank you for your good wishes:bighug:... I sure hope I get so lucky as on the show on Discovery :ok: I am just so ready to get going... desperately seeking for the right donor, so that we can start next month :pray: I´ll be praying for you to find a great donor and that cycle is a successful one!

Amanda, :kiss:

Kim, Aww! you are the sweet one :nod:! and we are very grateful to have you... We know things have been so "crazy" and we don´t see as much of you as we all wish for :kiss: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#) but we totally understand! :rahrah: Its wonderful to hear that you might have found the right donor for you guys! Before I found my donor (locally) I was willling to get her in Argentina and pay the extras to have her come out here... At the end I was lucky and found my little angel right around the corner! :secret:Regarding the psychic, :scratch: hummmmmm ... its funny, because as silly as it may sound, I have had some of their predictions, happen... but don´t make a practice to go looking to have my fortune told... I simply have bumped into some predictions that came true, and keep them in my back pocket as an anecdote, or a nice story to share over tea time with my friends :awink:.

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

Kim, don't let the psychic get to you. A lot of people (like me) see them as either scam artists, or well-meaning but a little nuts. But even if you believe in them 100%, you have to notice that they are not terribly precise, and often speak in metaphors or syllogisms. Keep on doing what makes sense to you.

Phyllis, don't panic about the needles, they aren't so bad. Also, notice that each dose comes with a mixing and drawing needle, which is big and thick and scary, and a thinner one for injection. The only trouble we have with the progesterone is that it is oil-based and very viscous and thick, so it's hard to push it through the thin needle. It helps to warm the oil up to body-temperature first by putting the vial next to your skin for about 10-15 minutes before the scheduled injection. I know at least one woman on the board here was able to give herself the injections, but I find it impossible. DH does it, or in an emergency a (good) friend. It also helps to distract yourself while he does the injection. Petting the cat works for me. :)

Leslie

Leslie -- Good luck with this cycle! When do you go in for your first US & BW?

Kim -- Hurrah that you found your donor! I hope that things go smoothly with her & that you have a little angel waiting for you at the end of this journey!

Phyllis -- Welcome, may your stay here be short & sweet. I hope that everything comes back o.k. with your BW. I have done more cycles than I care to admit & I have never done an IM shot myself, though I know that some people do it! I am afraid that I really couldn't do it, I might get the needle half way in & change my mind.

Suzi -- I am so sorry to hear that you have to get surgery. It seems like the delays in this process are endless. I hope that everything goes well & you are on your way again soon.

My computer died recently & it has been driving me CRAZY. I'm using our desktop now, though I am still in mourning for my laptop. I have started shopping for a new one, but am not real excited about the cost right now. We are in the middle of a FET cycle right now, scheduled for the transfer a week from today. I went in for a lining check today & it looked beautiful, but my E2 was low (138) & they want it to be 300-1000. I am adding estrogen supp. & hopefully it will be up on Wednesday or our schedule will be thrown off. I will be o.k. with it as long as we finish this in November. I really don't want this hanging over my head for the holidays. I am hoping that I will be feeling rather nauseous in time for Christmas!

My sister just found out that her IVF worked & she goes in for her US this week (very possibly twins.) I really hope that I get to pregnant with her. As we have been going through IF together, we kept saying that we were just waiting for each other. I hope that's true & it's my turn!

Carla

Good morning all,
It is great to log on and read your posts while i have my coffee.:coffee:

Thanks Carla, Ivonne and Leslie for your comments...Lets see waht happens with these tests...DH went yesterdaya nd the Doctor said that results would be ready sometime thursday, however, with the physical check up, he said that he didn't seem to have the virus...( basically, not enlarged liver that could be felt, no yellow eyes, etc) but lets just hope for the best and I am praying...
So JEn?!?! where are you?? Did you leave the boat right after I jumped on?
Hope all is going well with you though...
I was given yesterday a new protocol..I really don't get why are they getting me through this emotional rollercoaster, getting me ready for the cycle and continue with everything if 'WE DON'T KNOW YET IF WE HAVE TO CANCEL and reschedule for later next year!!?!?!? GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR:tapfoot:
For now...I am on the pill, which is great..!!! U/s schedule for the 29th to c if I start on the 30th with Follistim 225 mg.....
Oh well..
Have a great day you all..
P

Ahhh almost forgot..
Carla, are you up for this wednesday for your egg retrieval? LIke tomorrow?
Good luck for you and hopefully you and your sister have have a beautiful pregnancy together..:knitting:
Are any of you guys doing or have done ICSI?
Phyllis

Phyllis --

I am actually doing a frozen embryo transfer, so my retrieval was several months ago! I will start progesterone on Wednesday if my estrogen has gone up enough for us to continue. We've done ICSI for all of our IVF's since the main problem is male factor. That's great news that your husband's check-up went well, good luck with the BW results!

-- Carla

Kim- My husband and I were at a festival two years ago and there was a fortune teller there so we decided to let her read our fortunes. She was right on the money. She told me that I had fertility problems and GI problems off the get go. She also told me that I was going to have 2 children, 1 boy and 1 girl. You know I'm now pregnant with 1 boy and 1 girl. So I really believe that some of them know what they are talking about. Just too strange to be coincidental.:awink:
Melanie

Even a broken clock is right twice a day. If psychics could give usefully reliable results, the scientific studies would prove it. And if it's not information that I can rely on, then resources are better spent elsewhere.

I just don't want Kim to throw away her best chance on the random pronouncement of someone who's never met her, and has no useful way of knowing her future.

My update: I've come down with a cold, which sucks because I can't take anything for it, except tylenol for fever. My first ultrasound was today, and it looks like I have 5 follies on one side and 7 on the other. Actually, I love my RE (have I mentioned that before?) he says "at least five" and "at least seven," so it looks like we will hit the double digits, which is pretty good for us old broads. Blood work and lining is good, as always. So except for the cold, things are looking good. I get another US on friday.

Leslie

p.s for Phyllis: we have done ICSI every time as well, since it solves most of the male factor problems. This time we are doing the new PICSI which we hope will solve the rest of them.

Leslie, So happy to hear your follies report :clap: 12 is a very good number!!! Keep it up and continued success :hug99:

Carla, :pray: :crossfing For you to follow your sister´s steps... :bighug:

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

Hi Girls...
Thanks for the update Leslie...but i am not familiar waht the new PICSI is? I guess i will look it up online..
Have a great day u all.
Phyllis

:lockie: :laughat: NEWS NEWS NEWS !! i HAVE NEWS!!:victory:
My husband's BT results came back negative for Hepatitis C!! YES!! Thanks GOD! he nearly passed out over the weekend thinking he had the virus after that false positive!!! :banana: :yippee: :turkey2:

I guess you guys GOT the message we are thrilled we can go ahead with the cycle!! So I guess that was a stone on the road!! and we can continue now and worry about everything else that will along this cycle!!:devildanc geeez!
So...has anyone out there done the shots ( OIL ONES) on their own>!!?!? Hubbie will do them while I am in town, however, I travel a lot for work and I guess while away i will have to learn how to do it on my own.!! Any feedback??

thank u
Phyllis

Congratulations Phyllis! I can't even imagine what a relief that is.

I also have good news. My estrogen went from 138 to over 1400, so we are a go for next week!

I liked Leslie's clock analogy. One of my favorite thoughts currently is by Peter Drucker, "The best way to predict the future is to create it."

Carla

Good job Carla....! great to hear that you are ready to go...SO just curious to know..How many IVF have you done in the past? and your sister? Having her on the same boat must be of great support right?!
Hopefully you can get: " BUY one get one " at least 50% off"!@!?!?"
Anyway, have you done the progesterone shots yourself? I am going nuts over the idea of how am i going to be able to do it myself while traveling!!:toofunny:
By the way...where is EVERYONE ELSE!!!?:raspberry
Keep us posted!
p

Great news Phyllis and Carla!!


Leslie good news on the follie numbers! BTW if you are really stuffed up and your nose is dry you can get this stuff called Ocean in the drugstore, its just a saline spray but it might get you some relief!

So..I saw my RE today and here's the scoop, I have the surgery on 11/29, then I will stop taking BCP pills and have a natural cycle. With CD1 of the next cycle (Jan?) I will call and have another hysteroscopy just to make sure everything healed ok. Assuming it is fine that could be the supression cycle. I did get good news on DH's sample though -count was 17 mil/motility 48%/morph and forward progression are normal so technically, we are only 3 mil away from a 'normal' result! Which is a complete shock since we've never been this close to normal before. Guess all the supplements I am feeding him are working! (course we need what like 20 to do ICSI? :awink: oh the irony)

Phyllis- I've done the shots myself. It wasn't that bad. Actually it barely hurt at all. The only problem was that I could just do it on my right side. I didn't have a choice because of traffic delays or my dh getting off work late. You gotta do what you gotta do.I'm sure you'll do fine. The first shot is the hardest.

By the way, by no means do I think that someone should drop their plans because of what a psychic says. That's a little extreme. I just think that some of them are special people and have helped people in life. For instance, I've watched psychic detectives and they have helped save lives and solve murders so I don't discredit them. I'm sure some of them are not authentic. It just happens the one I met was.
Melanie

I agree Melanie...
Where is Vyonne these days? i haven't read her for a while....Seems to be the word of wisdom sometimes :~
Anyway I never got to know what is the new PICSI?

Great news Judy, Phyllis, and Carla!
I've done my own PIO injections. Not fun but do-able.

Amanda

Vyonne - Sorry about your recent setback. I am praying right along with everyone else for you.

Great news Phyllis and Carla!

As for me - I had surgery and they did remove my remaining ovary (borderline ovarian cancer) and I am finally home and recovering (in the hosp. for 5 days waiting to pass gas :doh: ). DH and I have been discussing our opitions and are undecided right now if we want to use a donor (my sister has already volunteered) or if we want to adopt.

Still have lots of time to decide - full recovery not until Feb-Mar. And I will be home until sometime in Jan.

Hope all is well with everyone.

Dawn

Dawn- I'm sorry to hear that you lost your ovary but I'm glad to hear that they caught it in time. It sounds like you have a very supportive husband and you are fortunate.I'm glad that you're home .I wish you a speedy recovery!:hug99:

Dawn - I hope you are recovering well. Feel better!!! I'm sorry that you didn't get better news.

Amanda

Hi Dawn,
Wish you a quick recovery...
Did they find out about your ovary while you were getting ready for IVF?
Hope all goes well for you..
Phyllis

I wish that I had been able to get online sooner so that I could get in on the psyhic discussion. I do agree with what many of you have said. I've had psychic readings many times in my life. . .for fun, at parties and such, but I never totally believe in it. It's just more fun than anything else. I think this whole thing stumps me more because my sister went in for the reading to find out about herself and the psychic mentioned something about me! Also, with the fact that I'm having so many problems finding a donor, I keep wondering if all the weird circumstances around this have any meaning? :scratch: I guess we may all get to this point at some time in our lives, trying to figure out if you should be paying attention to the signs or if there is some greater meaning in all that's happening to us and our struggles. :dunno: I went to a yoga class last night and after the class, the teacher had some "Angel" cards with her. . .basically, a deck of cards where each card has a particular message. So she held the cards out and offered for everyone to take a card and see if it "spoke" to you. The card that I picked, coincidentally, was "Faith". And it said to continue to have Faith and to stay positive because what you want to happen, will.

Phyllis~I'm so happy to hear that DH didn't have the virus. :clap: What wonderful news. :bighug: You must be jumping for joy! I wanted to mention the HSGs. :puke: For my first one, I promply threw up after they pulled the cathether out I was in so much pain and for my second, they had to give me "lidocane?" to numb the area down there for the second. . .and I had taken valium.

Carla~For many of us IF people, it's hard to have a sister or good friend who is pregnant when you're not. I commend you for being able to deal with it so well. :nod: :thumbsup: Congrats on your rising Estrogen levels. :yippee:

Melanie~Thanks for the good news on your psychic. That gives me some hope.

Leslie~I've had cold/fevers prior to and during cycles and it was awful. :dead: I had to sniffle my way through many nights wishing I could just take a darn Sudafed! I'm so happy to hear about your great follie counts! :bighug:

Judy~Thank goodness that things are moving along for you. :hug99: I know that you're probably as crazed as I am, but if you know you're going to be doing some shopping in the Boston area, let's get together and meet up for lunch.

Dawnie~:sadhug: I'm wishing you all the best in your recovery. I hope all this surgery manifests itself into a beautiful bouncing baby.

So the DE agency left a message on my machine. Basically, I had to contact the clinic to get some issues straight on what a committment would be for a donor to come from NYC to Boston for a cycle. I called the agency back to give them the scoop and the agency contacted the donor to let her know what her requirements would be (ie: coming to Boston for preliminary testing for a day and then being here from CD7 to the retrieval) . Of course, I would incur the traveling, hotel, and food expenses for the donor. . ..so the phone call to me tonight let me know that the donor did not return the agency phone calls and therefore, they're going to assume that she is NOT interested. :furious: See what I mean? This is just too weird. :pullhair:

Kim

Just a quick update: at my ultrasound today, my follie count is up to 6+7, and my RE says I'm having a good cycle. He wants me back for another US tomorrow, and then we finalize the retrieval, probably Tuesday.

Leslie

Phillys, :wavey:Here I am... and, hum... thank you for missing me :awink: I was out of town for a couple of days and got totally disconnected (felt good)! I am back on my quest for a surrogate and feel confident someone will turn up soon... its all a matter of FAITH & PATIENCE :pray:
So happy to hear the good neews on your DH´s results :clap: That is just great for you to go through with your cycle!

Carla, Wonderful news on your estrogen :rahrah: By the way, love your Peter Drucker thought :aok: Lets keep praying you´ll follow right into your sister´s steps :pray:

Judy, Good to hear things are moving along and that in no time your´ll be in "great" condition for your next cycle :nod: Its also good to hear your DH is responding to all the supplements yo are feeding him :awink:

Dawn, Thank you, sweetie :bighug:! I am sorry too to hear what you are going through... but will be praying so you have a speedy recovery :pray:. As to wich way you´ll go once you are ready to try again... its so nice, that you have your sister already offering to be a donor. Also, adoption is a wonderful alternative and applaud all the people that do it!

Kim, Oh nooooooo :pullhair: what is it with these people??? Tell me yes, tell me no... but don´t simply leave me there wondering :disbelief Some people are so inconsiderate :complain:. I´ve had Angel cards read a couple of times, and like them because its "Angels" and IMO, gives it a more celestial thought... its nice that you happened to pick out the "Faith" card, when is "exactly" what we all need most, to learn to deal with all the bumps in our IF roller coaster. I´ll be sending you lots of good vibes and many prayers, for your RIGHT DONOR to show up very, very soon :bighug::pray:

Leslie, So happy things are coming along just great :clap: and that you are having a good cycle... Keep it up girl! Tuesday is just around the corner... and will be sending lots of good vibes and prayers your way for all to continue just peachy :bighug:

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

Leslie -- I am so glad to hear that everything is moving along nicely. It is always encouraging when your doctor thinks that things are going well. Good luck on Tuesday!

Kim -- I am so sorry to hear that things fell through with the donor that you liked. I wish other people understood the emotions involved in going through this process so that they would be a little more sensitive and realize how much stress they are causing you! I think that I am doing so well with my sister's pregnancy because I know what she's been through already & because I am hoping that we were just supposed to be pregnant together. I am not sure how well she would have handled it if I'd gotten pregnant first, so I was just "waiting" for her. Isn't it funny how we try to figure out God's logic in all of this. I want there to be a logical reason why I've had to go through all this.

Vyonne -- Good luck in your search for a surrogate!

Phyllis -- This was my sister's first IVF & she did just find out that she was having one. My IVF history is rather long. We did 2 IVF's that were successful & have a son & daughter from that. When my daughter was almost 2, my husband got a new job & our new insurance covered IVF. I didn't feel done with our family, so of course I had to try again! I switched to a RE closer to us & had 3 unsuccessful IVF's & 2 cancelled cycles in one year. He kept recommending trying donor eggs because of poor egg quality, but in the end I switched doctors. Since I've switched, the egg quality has been fine. IMO, the difference is that my last RE had me on a higher than recommended dose & my eggs were "overcooked." This year, I've done 2 IVF's, the second one successful. However, I got VERY sick from a drug reaction & lost the pregnancy as a result. We are going to use the frozen embryos from that cycle for this transfer. I know that I am definitely in the minority to have done all this when we already have children, but I just felt that it was such a blessing for us to have insurance coverage after we'd paid for the first two that I couldn't miss out on the chance to have another child come to our family. If it doesn't work, I can feel good knowing that I did my best to make it happen.

I feel very calm about this transfer. We have done so many procedures in the past 2 years that it doesn't even seem out of the ordinary to be doing this again. I've decided that if we do have another girl, I want to give her either Faith or Hope for her middle name, because it will have taken a lot of both to get another child here.

Well, that's about all from me. Please keep us in your prayers. It will be a long week & a half until my pregnancy test on the 29th.

Carla

Carla, Thank you sweetie :bighug:! Tomorrow I have an appointment to meet with a candidate, and have a good feeling about it :crossfing
:secret: Love the two middle names you´ve thought about if having a girl (how appropriate). Its funny, but I am always thinking about some "very special" names, as a symbol to all our endurance and perseverence too :sigh:
Lots of prayers your way for a BFP on the 29th :pray: :pray: :pray: :pray: :pray: :pray::pray:

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

Hello girls!! Just wanted to type real quick since I have been buried with work and we are traveling today for the Thanksgiving Holidays!! :) DH, my youngest stepdaughter 10 ( which lives with us- long story) and I are going to Rome this afternoon..guess will be the last vacation we will have for a whiiiiiiiile!!
In any case, Wishing you Happy thanksgiving and all the best to all of you...
XOXO
Phyllis.
p.s. will be back monday to start stims on the 29..
HAPPY THANKSGIVING...

Hi Everyone...
I intended to update yesterday, but I was so wiped out and sore. But now I just got my fertilization report so I have even more news, and it's all good.

Yesterday we retrieved 21 eggs. I don't know where he found them all, but man, was he thorough. So all the "sore" is worth it. It's like my ovaries knew that this would be the last time I could stand all this, and they gave it their all.

Of the 21, 16 fertilized. Sixteen! I'm sooo excited. Even at 80% bad, that gives us a very good chance at a keeper or two. We PGD on Friday for a Saturday (day 4 transfer).

So I'm feeling very hopeful at this point. This is the best cycle ever for me: Lucky number 7!

Leslie

Leslie -- That's great news! It is true that all the pain is worth it when it works! Good luck with the 2 ww.

Happy Thanksgiving to all & may we have new "little blessings" for next Thanksgiving!

Carla

Leslie, WONDERFUL news :clap: I am so excited for you and wish you all the best in the upcoming PGD and Saturday transfer!!! Sure sounds like a lucky 7 :rahrah: and worth all the soreness.. see if you have some spare embies for me :lol:

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!
PS Happy Thanksgiving to you all... :pilgrimea

Wow Leslie! It's great to hear such happy news!!!
I hope Thanksgiving brings everyone many things to be thankful for!

Amanda

Carla thinking good thoughts for you!

Leslie - wonderful news about the ER & fert rate :bliss:

Phyllis - Rome - amazing! Enjoy that trip!!

Vyonne, thanks for keeping me in your thoughts sweetie

Kim, I'm sure we can find some time for some chatter and shopping!!

Hello to all and I hope you all had a nice holiday with families. Both DH and I noted that we were a little sad that we didn't have babies with us this Thanksgiving but hopefully next year we will be blessed. I go for an operative hysteroscopy next Wed and then will have a natural cycle. With the following AF we will check to make sure all is healed and then will hopefully beging supression so..Jan/Feb will be the active part of the cycle for us. Until then, just gearing up for the holidays - I need a jolly boost this year it seems.

I hope your surgery goes really well Judy!

Amanda

Leslie - sounds very promising :nod:

Kim - I'm sorry to hear about the donor. :blue: Maybe after the holidays you'll have some luck. Things will have calmed down, and maybe some young women will be in need of some extra money :awink:

A few weeks ago the PBS show 'American Experience' was on the history of IVF in the US. It was really well done. Here's a link to the timeline of IVF which some of you might find interesting: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/babies/timeline/index.html. I'm sure many of us remember when the first Test Tube baby was born.

Judy, Praying and sending good thoughts for your upcoming hysteroscopy on Wednesday :pray: it will be nice to go through the holidays without the added stress and :secret:start nice and fresh on Jan/Feb!

Dana, Excellent link... thank you :ok:

As far as I go: I am almost there with my surrogate :bitenails I already found a suitable one, but she wants a couple of days to think it over and give me a definite answer. She was very interested and she seems very nice. She is young (22), but has an 18 month old baby and is in a very tight financial situation. At least, she already knows what its like to be pregnant... and at the end she will not want to keep my baby, because she can barely provide for the one she has now. I think that next week when we meet again, she´ll accept :crossfing Then we´ll proceed with all the blood work and if it all clears... I´ll will have succeeded :pray:
I am actually now thinking about having my Donor cycle in January instead of December :dunno: any thoughts??? I think it will all be more calmed and no added stress from the holidays.

Will keep you posted on the surrogate progress...

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

Hi Everyone,

It's very awkward typing from bed, but it can be done! My transfer was this morning and it went great. We had 7 normal embryos (testing for 5 chromosomes with PGD) and we transferred them all, plus one that was physically pre-blast, with a test result that said missing chromosome 13, which if correct means it won't implant, but we gave it a chance in case of an error (pardon the run-on sentence). This is our best PGD test result by far, so I think that PICSI dish really did the trick.

I know that's a lot to transfer, but given my history, and the hard odds of all the untested 18 chromosomes being even pairs as well, it seemed like the best way to go. I would be thrilled with twins.

I feel more hopeful than I have in a very long time.

Leslie

Leslie, :omg: 7 :hb: :hb: :hb: :hb: :hb: :hb: :hb: embies in you right now??? Get ready to be our next momma on the newspapers very soon, and getting lots of sponsors interested in the publicity :giggle: I am sooooooooooo happy for you and to hear you so positive is contagious :rahrah: I am sending you loads of :vibes: good vibes and sticky, sticky, sticky, sticky, sticky, sticky, sticky thoughts!

In my clinic they will not transfer more than 3 embies... no matter what the circumstances... :secret:you are lucky to increase your odds doing what you did. Praying for you and wishing you a super BFP in a couple of weeks :pray: :hug99: When is your beta scheduled for???

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

Wow Leslie! Crossing everything for you!
Vyonne - I think I would wait until after the holidays. We did our first IUI on Christmas Eve, 2002 and it totally ruined the holidays for us that year. I wouldn't recommend that to anyone!
Dana - Thanks for the link!

Amanda

Amanda, Thanks for the advice... it makes total sense! It was just that waiting yet ANOTHER month was driving me crazy, but I think its better to have a little more patience (starting to run thin :disbelief ) and do things when its most recommended :nod: I got a call today from the girl that might be our surrogate, so we´ll meet this afternoon... please wish me luck :bitenails

I just noticed that Nathaniel had surgery on the 22nd... I hope it was something minor and that he is on his full way to recovery... I send him a big kiss :kiss: And of course, another one to precious baby Jessica :kiss:

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

Leslie-- Congrats on all those healthy embryos! Hopefully, one of two will find a nice cozy place to settle for 9 months or so! My doctor told me that next time she would transfer up to 4 embryos because of my history.

Vyonne -- I hope everything goes well with your meeting today!

Well, not so good news here. I broke down & did a POAS & it was negative. I know that I still have 2 days before my scheduled pregnancy test, but I don't feel pregnant. Unfortunately, I have done this enough times that I think I can tell the difference. I didn't felt like this frozen cycle was going to work from the start, but I am still pretty bummed about it. One of the things that is the most frustrating is that this should work. IVF should overcome the problems that we have & I should be able to get pregnant. WHY ISN'T THIS WORKING??????

Carla

I'm sorry Carla. I hope it was just too early and you get a nice surprise.
Vyonne - You are very sweet. Nathaniel had tubes in his ears and it went well!

Amanda

Carla, :sadhug: I am sorry for your POAS result... but lets hope that you were just a bit early, and there is still a chance for a pleasant surprise. FETs always make me nervous... but it would be impossible to simply discard them :sigh: so you did good!

Thank you for your good wishes on my meeting yesterday. It actually went pretty good... although, she wants a couple more days to be 100% certain, I feel she is at 90% for it. I don´t blame her if she still needs time, because it is a big step and long term committment :nod: so I rather she thinks it thoroughly, to avoid disappointments. I must add that the more I get to know her... the better I like her... she is very sweet!

Amanda, Glad to hear everything with Nathaniel went well :hug1:

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

Hi all! Checking in to see what's new. I am scheduled for my c-section on Thursday at 1:30. I'm really excited and looking forward to meeting junior!

Vyonne...ugh, I read back a bit and it looks like you've had a setback or two but you are on your way again, which I love. You know I'm always cheering for you!!! Did you meet this potential surrogate through an agency? It would be wonderful if she agreed. Everything is crossed for you!

Leslie...wow, that's some great retrieval and transfer! Best wishes! When I did my 5th IVF they transfered FIVE, and that is the only time IVF ever worked out for me! Sticky, sticky thoughts...

Carla...don't give up yet! It's so hard, I know. Hoping for a BFP soon.

Judy...good luck tomorrow with your surgery! Holidays are hard enough without being reminded of the one gift you really, really want. I'm sure you'll get it in time. Lots of hugs and good wishes to you.

To everyone else, I hope you are in a good place and you are getting through the day-to-day of your IF troubles. I wish for everyone to have a happy holiday season and that you all get what you want very, very soon. I mean that.

xoxoxoxo Rhonda

Vyonne - Continuing to pray for you!
Rhonda - That's very exciting!!! GOOD LUCK!

Amanda

Hi girls..It is good to read you again..:joey:.We just got back yesterday and we had a great time in italy...Was kind of hectic trying to fit everything in in 4 days..BUT was worth it..:)
Congrats Leslie on your transfer..I can immagine how exciting must be after so many trials...Have some questions if you don't mind? What is PGD? regarding the info about missing chromosome 13, do they explain that to you or you figure it out on your own? reading? researching/ etc? I am sorry if my questions sound kind of obvious, but I kind of feel that sometimes we learn more on our own than what we are taught at the clinic?
Last but not least...what is the difference between ICSI and PICSI? couldn't find it anywhere on the internet :(:angry2:

Hi Everyone,

We had 7 normal embryos (testing for 5 chromosomes with PGD) and we transferred them all, plus one that was physically pre-blast, with a test result that said missing chromosome 13, which if correct means it won't implant, but we gave it a chance in case of an error (pardon the run-on sentence). This is our best PGD test result by far, so I think that PICSI dish really did the trick.

I know that's a lot to transfer, but given my history, and the hard odds of all the untested 18 chromosomes being even pairs as well, it seemed like the best way to go. I would be thrilled with twins.

I feel more hopeful than I have in a very long time.

Leslie

Carla, just keep having faith...I guess that is why we are all here..
Rhonda..Are u serious about the FIVE embrios?? So from that you are getting Junior?!! Geeeez woman...that is great...Good luck tomorrow!!

Vyonne, keep us posted about your potential surrogate..Honestly, you are my inspiration for strength and faith..

Anyway, here is my scoop...starting follistim tomorrow with 225 IU.

BUT i have a huge doubt...I am not sure if i am to cryopreserve some embryos??
I mean, this is my first IVF so I really do not know any better on how I may do...I am really confused..i was thinking maybe wait and see how do I respond to stims and then maybe decide if freeze them or not? Although that wont mean that any will survive should we need to use them...Any ideas?

Phyllis

Well, I have a very big word of advice for everyone. Don't take a HPT, because they can be WRONG, even the day before your beta. That's right, my HCG was 96 this morning!!!!:bliss:
I still can't believe it. In fact, I don't think that it will seem real until I see a heartbeat. I was SO SURE that I wasn't pregnant! I was planning on getting a nice big diet coke this afternoon to make myself feel better & was going to go shopping to get some new clothes. I'd even started planning our vacation for next summer that we now won't take. I am now terrified to go for my repeat on Friday. I am still in shock. I think that I am going to have to buy another HPT (different brand.)

I still can't believe it!

Carla

:woo: Congratulations!!!! :woo:

Pee sticks are evil :evil:!

hahahaah I am still struggling with the slang!!! What is the beta? when you get ur blood test to see if it is BFP?!?! Geezz it took me a while to figure THAT one out..had to almost read the entire past thread..Big Fat Positive right?
Oh Lord!! :~ so Carla, it means u are pregnant?
Congrats!!!!!

Aggrrr! waht does HCG stand for? I feel so amateur sometimes?!?

Phyllis, I know how confussing all these terms can be... so here is your very own abbreviation list :lol: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)

Trying to Conceive/Pregnancy

AF ~ Aunt Flo (menstrual period)
BB's ~ Breasts
BBT ~ Basal Body Temperature
BCP ~ Birth Control Pills
BD ~ Baby Dancing (making love)
BFP ~ Big Fat Positive (HPT result)
BFN ~ Big Fat Negative (HPT result)
CB ~ Cycle Buddy
CD ~ Cycle Day (first day of menstrual period = CD1, and so on)
CM ~ Cervical Mucus
CP ~ Cervical Position
DPO ~ Days Past Ovulation
DTD ~ Do The Deed or Did The Deed
EDD ~ Expected Due Date
E/P ~ Ectopic Pregnancy
EWCM ~ Egg White Cervical Mucus
FMU ~ First Morning Urine
FRE ~ First Response Early (Home Pregnancy Test)
GD ~ Gestational Diabetes
GTC ~ Going To Conceive
HB ~ Heartbeat
HPT ~ Home Pregnancy Test
LP ~ Luteal Phase
LPD ~ Luteal Phase Defect
LV ~ Labor Vibes
M/C ~ Miscarriage
M/S ~ Morning sickness
O ~ Ovulation
OLV ~ Open Legs Vibes (wishing luck for baby to have legs open so parents can know the baby's sex at "the" ultrasound)
OPK ~ Ovulation Predictor Kit
OPT ~ Ovulation Predictor Test
OTL ~ Open to Life
POAS ~ Pee on a Stick
PG ~ Pregnant
PMS ~ Premenstrual Syndrome
Spot ~ AF's little friend OR could also be implantation bleeding
TAB ~ Taking a Break
TL ~ Tubal Ligation
TLR ~ Tubal Ligation Reversal
TOC ~ Thinking of (about) Conceiving
TTC ~ Trying to Conceive
TCOYF ~ Book Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control and Pregnancy Achievement by Toni Weschler.
U/S ~ Ultrasound
VBAC ~ Vaginal Birth After Cesarian
WTT ~ Waiting to Try (to conceive)
2WW ~ 2 Weeks Waiting (the two weeks after ovulation when you wait to test for pregnancy)

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

Rho, Thank you sweetie :bighug: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#) No, I didn´t go through an agency... as usual, I decided to do this on my own, so I talked to my 2 best friends who know my situation and struggle and one of them knew of this girl. :secret:She did the first approach and then she got us back together... and I was pretty lucky, cause she is a little angel and feel pretty good about tomorrow´s final meeting :pray: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)
PS Good luck on your delivery... how exciting that in a few more hours... you´ll have junior in your arms! God bless you both and may your delievry be a breeze :hug99: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#):pray: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)

Amanda, :bighug: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)

Vyonne, keep us posted about your potential surrogate..Honestly, you are my inspiration for strength and faith...
Phyllis
Phyllis, Thank you darling... that is very sweet :bighug: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)!

Carla, See :neener: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)??? It´s all a matter of FAITH and a little patience :whistle: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)!
I am so very happy for you :yippee: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)!!!

:bteddy: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)CONGRATULATIONS:pteddy: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)


Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

Oh ! I c...:woa:
Who made all this terms?:pullhair:
Anyway..anyone saying anything/something? about freezing eggs? dunno what to do?
SOS

Phyllis -- Hopefully you won't be around here for long enough to become a "pro" at IVF! HCG is the acrynom for human chorionic gonodatrophin. It is a hormone that is present when you are pregnant (or when you take it in a cycle!) You don't have it in your body otherwise, so for all us ladies here, its a really good thing! After your first pregnancy test is positive (my doctor's office uses 50 as the cutoff,) the next one (two days later) needs to be close to doubling. About 2 weeks later, you get to go back for an ultrasound where you hope to see a heartbeat. Once I get to that point, I will definitely breath a sigh of relief! The chances of things working are much better once you have seen a heartbeat.

Vyonne -- You are amazing the way you just make things happen! You certainly don't wait around for life to work out! You will be a great example to your child!

I still can't believe it. I called my doctor's office about my appointment for Friday & told her that I was wondering if they could have mixed by blood with someone elses. She laughed!

Carla

Phyllis -- This is our first time to freeze eggs. Basically, you hope for lots of happy healthy embryos. When it comes time for the transfer (either 3 or 5 days after the retrival -- my RE only freeze 5day blastocycts,) the doctor recommends the number that you should transfer back & if you have any healthy ones left, you freeze them.

Great,thank you all for the info.:ok: ..I feel like I am getting half way through to "masterizing" the slang!:headphone
Carla, I am so happy for your joy...Congrats again...
Phyllis

:rahrah: Congratulations Carla!!!

Congratulations Carla! I've been both sure that I was when I wasn't, and sure that I wasn't when I was (which is much better!). Wishing you nothing but good numbers from here on in. :hi5:

As far as the number of embryos transferred (and I should be clear that we transferred 8 this time, all that had a chance), it depends mainly on your age (or, if using an egg donor, the age of that donor). For women my age (40+), the "standard of care" is to tranfer 5 embryos, if available, which makes sense to me because if roughly 80% of my eggs will be bad, then the math says I need to transfer five to get one.

Here's how my cycles have gone:
1 - 5 transferred, no pregnancy (with the bad RE that I fired)
2 - 4 transferred, PG + M/C
3 - 4 transferred, PG + M/C
4 - 6 transferred, PG + M/C
5 - PGD on 16 embryos, 1 normal + 1 inconclusive, 2 transferred, PG + M/C
6 - PGD on 9 embryos, all abnormal, 2 transferred, no pregnancy
7 - PGD on 15 embryos, 7 normal, 8 transferred, high hopes!

(for Phyllis, PGD is Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis, where they pull out one cell on day 3 and analyze it for 5 to 10 pairs of chromosomes, then transfer on day 4 or 5 according to the results)

Our sudden jump in normal embryos this time is, I believe, due to the use of the new PICSI dish technology (not sure what the acronym is exactly, just that it goes with ICSI, so the P is probably "pre-screened" or something). After our second miscarriage, DH and I were thoroughly tested, and all was well. After the third M/C, they ran an extra analysis on DH's sperm and found it to have really high DNA fragmentation (in addition to the low count and bad morphology. He is a paraplegic and therefore can't help but getting "overheated"), over 55% when normal is 10 - 20%. At the time of the test, there was nothing that could be done about that factor. We turned to PGD to help identify the best chance of my 20%-good getting together with his 45%-good, which you can see by the test results was slim.

The PICSI dish tecnology is new (my RE is also an associate professor at USC, so he is up-to-date on the latest advances), and what it does essentially is collect up only the non-fragmented sperm, which are then used in ICSI. If that brings his sperm up to normal, then we are left only with my 80% bad, which the PGD test result seems to bear out. Keep in mind that a "normal" result in PGD means only for the 5 chromosomes tested, leaving 18 more pairs to go awry. :rolleyes: So I'm left back with the "standard of care", transferring 5 to get one, or in this case 8 to get...more than one.:)

Jeez, I know way more about all of this than I ever wanted to. Anyway, my beta is on Tuesday next.

Leslie

Waoo ! thanks a million for such a detailed explanation... :) not quite sure if everything sunk in right away, but sure I understand much more now..
Phyllis

Congratulations Carla!

Carla, congratulations!!! wishing you happy and healthy 9 months!!! well, 8 now :)

CONGRATS Carla on some very happy news!!!! Sending lots of sticky vibes! I hope you have a healthy and happy 9 months.

Amanda

Everything went great at the doctors' today. My HCG was 175 (from 96 on Wednesday.) I still can't believe it.

Carla

Great Carla!! way to go...

So, what is the beta about that you are getting done on tuesday?:roseglass
So you would be now about 3 weeks pregnant aprox?
this is great !!
Phyllis

Great news Carla!!!

Amanda

Yay Carla!!! :bliss: congratulations!!!! Wishing you a happy and healthy pregnancy!!


Rho - I am sure you are snuggling your bundle of joy now - Congratulations!!

Hello to all! Just a very quick post to let you all know that the surgery had to be postponed, I wound up getting some bizzare reaction to a med or to another infection and broke out all over my body in a rash and wound up hospitalized Wed evening. It seems to be getting under control now so I was released and am home and we'll reschedule for the next availible shot.

Oh no Judy! I'm sorry to hear that.

Amanda

I was wondering , reading back a few weeks..has anyone heard from Dawn? How is she doing after her surgery...?
Hope all is well with you and recovering..
Phyllis

Well nite nite...for some reason the stims make me fall asleep!! Has anyone experienced that as well...Literally, I started yesterday with stims and my husband told me I fell asleep before 10pm with the lights on watching TV ( not like me at all) and I dont even remember?!?! Now, it is 8:20pm and I fell that I am ready to crash on my bed!! How weird! Also, today I got a lump after I injected my follistim..could it be that i did it too fast? It felt like it though...yesterday didn't even feel it at all..
Oh well...who knows..have a great weekend ladies!!!
Phyllis

Phyllis -- I had my beta on Wednesday. I think that is what the first HCG/pregnancy test is called. Then I went in for a repeat today, which basically confirms that things are moving along & that you don't have an ectopic pregnancy. I actually have to go in for bloodwork again next week because my doctor's office has patients take extra estrogen & progesterone with frozen cycles & they are checking my levels after cutting my estrogen dose. Oh, & when you have a positive pregnancy test, you are already 4 weeks pregnant. I hope that helps -- I know this is all very overwhelming. However, this is a great place to come to get information.

Thanks for all the congratulations! I am getting excited & a little nervous for my US, which will probably be on December 13. Have a great weekend!

Carla

Happy Monday!!

Just a quick update ...Went to the clinic today for US and Blood wook and I have 8 follicules in one side and 6 on the ovary:gimi: . ER said that was good after 4 days of stims..:phew: They just want them to grow now, so will be back for check up on thursday.
Hope everyone si doing well...:raspberry
Phyllis

Congrats on all the follies! That's great!

Carla

Carla~What wonderful news!!!:bliss: I'm so very happy for you. CONGRATULATIONS.

Vyonne~It sounds as if things are going smoothly for you. You are so brave to go out on your own and find these women who will help.

Leslie~:crossfing: I'm waiting for nothing but good news out of you.

Judy~Oh my gosh! I'm so glad you're O.K.

Rhonda~CONGRATULATIONS. You're on your way to graduation. :)

I haven't been in the greatest of mood these last few weeks. First, I've been extremely busy. I'm sure part of it has to do with the Holidays and all the stuff directed towards kids. Also, this last donor is definitely a no go. She never returned any of the agency's phone calls. :rolleyes: I just don't know what to do. :pullhair:

Kim

Kim

So it's a no.

It was my best cycle ever, right up until the negative pregnancy test. As they say, “the operation was a success, but the patient died.”

I think this is the end of the line for us. There really isn’t anything more we can do, and I'm sick of this whole painful merry-go-round. I want my life back.

And if I needed any more evidence that life is unfair, they found a newborn beaten to death and left by the railroad tracks. By its mother. If God has a plan, it seems like a pretty psychotic one to me.

I am so sorry :sadhug: I had high hopes for you.

If this infertility journey has taught me nothing else, it is that babies are not neccessarily 'given' to the most deserving.

Take care. Please know my thoughts are with you.

Leslie~:cry: :sadhug: My guy friend, who never wanted kids, yet got his girlfriend pregnant, now has a restraining order from seeing his wife and his one yr. old daughter. My guy friend's new "wife" (they got married because she become pregant at 38 yrs.) has a history of emotional issues and drug( cocaine) and alcohol abuse . .additionally, she has 3 other (9, 12, 13) children that live in Barbados. (She lives in Boston) He called me on Thanksgiving Day with his little girl crying in the background and told me that his "wife" has been gone for days and he has no idea when she's going to show up again. He was alone with the baby having to take several days off from a job that pays hourly wage. I let him know that if he needed help that I could "watch" his daughter for a while. I cried. And I felt so silly. Because I didn't cry for him. . .my good friend of 20 years. I cried because I was so goddamn angry at how life feels so much like it screws some of us over! :furious:

Kim

Leslie,

I have been not knowing what to say in the last 2 days, since probably nothing would be enough right now...
Just wanted to let you know that my thoughts are with you and wanted to Thank You for your time, explaining to me things that I didn't understand during this thread.
Definetely, GOD works in many mysterious ways that definetly proof our faith...
Phyllis

Update,
Ganirelix shot last night,
US and Blood tests this morning. 20 eggs count today
2ml menopur tonight + reduce follistim to 150 IU from 225 IU
Have to go for US and BT again tomorrow morning @ 8am + Menopur and Ganirelix in the morning before leaving.
Retrieval estimated for Monday, depending on tomorrow's visit.
Decided to freeze embrios as well, depending on the quality of course.

I am scared, I think..
P

BTW, sorry for the misspelled words...This thing is lacking of the spelling check and it happens that English is not my first language!
I caught the mistakes after I posted....:snob: hahaha :smoke:

Leslie --

I am so sorry. I hope that you get through the next couple of days o.k. as you begin your healing process.

-- Carla

a quick check in on you guys, mostly I've been catching up with life.

Leslie :sadhug: I am so sorry from the very bottom of my heart. I'll be thinking of you.

Kim, very frustrated for you regarding the donor. I just know the right person is out there and your baby is out there working its way to you. I'm sorry that this is going on now though and the holidays do, IMHO make this a much tougher time. I'm getting back to normal so if you need a little escape some day give me a call.

Phyllis - glad to hear things are progressing for you!!

I've rescheduled surgery, it will now be on the 21st so we will have a slight but not too major delay. I'll have one natural cycle then will begin supression for IVF. I am still recovering from this rash/reaction. Its been a very tough week, I look funny (or funnier) and itch like crazy. To top it off I've been using baby oil to moisturize and well I smell like a baby all the time which has been a little frustrating but I'm doing ok. Today is the anniversary of the loss of the boys. DH and I donated some baby items to a local support/home for families in our area undergoing cancer treatment in their memory. We feel good about that and I think doing something positive helped us to plan how to best get through the anniversary.

Take care all!

Leslie - I'm very sorry.
Judy - My heart is breaking for you. You are a kind and generous person to remember your boys by helping others. I hope the surgery goes well and you can move forward.

Amanda

U/S and blood work..
Found 21 eggs today but only one was size 20( whatever measuring unit they use), the others were around 15 ..about 7 of them...
I just realized I gave myself the wrong dose of Menopur last night and this morning!
:twister: :doh: :doh: How stupid..!!!

Will be back to the clinic tomorrow morning...

I feel like I am never going to be able to relax & just be pregnant. This week I had to keep coming back for HCG's until it was doubling every 2 days. Yesterday, it had doubled so the nurse scheduled my US for next wednesday. Today, I had some bleeding. It was a nice gush & that's been it so far. I talked to the nurse & she said to drink lots of water, limit activity & lay around a lot, and WAIT! She said that it's too early to confirm the pregnancy by US anyway, so all we can really do is wait. Please pray for me. I am afraid that's the only thing that wil help right now.

Carla

Leslie, Sweetie, I am so very sorry about your negative :tear:... I am so very sad to see your hard strugle and all you´ve been through in this search... Life is so UNFAIR!!! It´s unbelievebale that with everything going so well... at the end this would happen :sadhug: My heart goes out to you and DH and I pray God will give you the understanding and serenity you both will need to overcome this healing process.

Carla, Lots of prayers your way, for good news on your upcoming US :pray: :bighug: PS. One thing is very true is that multiple pregnancies "usually" come with continued bleeding the first couple of months :crossfing so lets hope it is your case...

Phyllis, Happy to hear things are moving along well... don´t worry about the size right now, b/c they grow over night and all you really need is for them to be over 17 :bighug:

Judy, Oh darling, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and the boys on their first anniversary since their loss :sadhug: I am hoping and praying that this surgery will bring only satisfaction your way!

Kim, So sorry to hear that you are still having problems with the donor :disbelief My goodness, when are we going to final get to the end of this rollercoaster :pullhair:??? Prayers your way to soon find the right donor for you, so that you can get on your way again :hug99:! Thank you for your nice words...

Sorry if I missed anyone, but I am hoping for lots of success to you all!!!

UPDATE:

Well, the girl ACCEPTED to be my SURROGATE :rahrah:, so at least that part is covered!!! Will be doing all the legal paperwork in the next couple of weeks and she still has to go through the blood work and U/S, to make sure everything is okay with her to do it. At least the hardest part is covered! I don´t really see any health problems, b/c she has a 28 month old baby and she is pretty healthy and "young" (21)... if I only had her youth :lol:! Now, all I have left is to reconfirm with the donor that she can do it in January:dunno:, since she was ready for December, but I decided it would be best to wait for the holidays to pass. I am happy with the progress... but until I have everything done and my surrogate gets a BFP... I do not want to get overly excited, but I thank the Lord for giving me so far what I need for my next try :pray: I need to work on my patience... I want everything done in a blink :awink: !!!

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

Update..
Tonight I have to trigger??, BUT DH is not in town! HOW the hell do I get the courage to do it myself!!!! SOS!
Scheduled for moday morning for retrieval :~
Wish a could practice with the huge needle in case I wont be able to do it with the medication! Really don't know what to do?

Phyllis --

That's great that you are triggering tonight. I hope that everything goes well with the retrieval. I gave myself one of the IM shots for the first time this week. Thinking about it was much worse than actually doing it. I could certainly do it again if I had to. You can do it!

Do you have any friends who are nurses? I have several friends from church who are RN's that have given me shots before since my husband travels quite a bit.

Good luck!
-- Carla

Phyllis, :secret:I´m sure you did it just great last night! Best of luck tomorrow on your retrieval :bighug: Hoping for lots of mature and healthy eggies!

If you don´t mind... could you please send me your email address? There is something I´d like to ask you privately.

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

I did It, I did it and I did it!!
It didn't hurt at all/....and have to say taht time caught me while driving so..I was prepared and froze my hip with ice, sprayed some anesthesia type of thintg!! ( sorry for being so exagerated; however, I was soooooo scared !! and did it...ha!! so Iwent today to the doctor and I am ready to go tomorrow at 9am for retrieval...I will keep you guys posted.
Sure Vyonne, you can write to me at phyllis_motta@yahoo.com
Talk to u later.
Phyllis

Ahhh BTW, don't forget to type the underscore sing (_) between my name and last name.
Cheers,
P

Hello girls,
Retrieval went well..they got 17 eggs, just waiting for tomorrow to get the call in order to find out how many fertilized and waht quality they are..
I have to say that I was a bit dissapointed with the service today at my clinic...I guess they were really busy today...7 retrievals and 3 transfers this morning..so needless to say, assistants and nurses had their head UP their "a...s"...DH freaked out thinking they would mixed up my eggs with someone elses..LOL Hope that does not happen..haha
Until then, nite nite...I am a bit sore :~
P

Where Did Everyone Go?

Phyllis, Great retrieval number! Lots of prayers your way for an "eggcellent" fert report today :pray:! BTW, don´t worry about the clinic mixing up your eggs... it happens all the time... NOT :lol: (just kidding)

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

Thank you Vyonne,

Actually I just got the fert report today..
We have 11 that fertilized.
Out of the 5 through IVF, we got 3 that fertilized
10 were done through ICSI and we got 8 that fertilized.
They told me that we have to wait until thursday ( Day 3) in order to find out if transfer will happen that day or if we will wait until day 5.
Until then, we wont know the quality of the embryos?

Carla,
Just to send you good vibes on your US tomorrow...
Keep us posted and hope you are feeling great!
P

Phyllis -- That's a great fert report, I hope you get more good news on Thursday. Thanks for the good wishes. I am nervous, but hopeful. I had some more bleeding yesterday, which stressed me out. Then I had what felt like morning sickness this morning, which was very reassuring. I am glad that my US is in the morning!

-- Carla

buuuuuuuuu!! I cannot stand the pain on my right ovary! it is just terible..i called the doctor and said that maybe yesterday i was ok since I ahd leftovers from the anesthesia, but today I woke up almost crying in pain!! they jsut told me to take tylenol xtra strenght...
They said that I had more eggs on the right ovary, that is why it is hurting on that side only!! BUt cannot even put my right leg straight without crying in pain! Has anyone felt this way??

Phyllis have you weighed yourself? Have you gained weight (5-10lbs) quickly since the retrieval? Have you gained 2 or more lbs in a single day? Do your clothes feel tight? Is your belly distended? Are you having shortness of breath? Bloated feeling? Reduced and/or darker urine? If you answer yes to a few of these things, you need to be seen by your RE IMMEDIATELY. This sounds like possible OHSS to me...

Listen to Suzi! She knows what she's talking about. Hope you feel better Phyllis!!!
Carla - Any news???

Amanda

Phyllis -- I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling so rotten. I hope that you are feeling better soon.

The good news is that we have a nice strong heartbeat on my little "size of a grain of rice" baby. The bad news is that I have a subchorionic bleed, which means that I'm on bedrest until my next US next Wednesday. I really don't know much about that, but have been doing a little reading on the internet. The information on the internet really varies, so I'm not quite sure what to think. Does anyone know anything about a subchorionic bleed? I was supposed to be going to Boston for a work Christmas party with my husband. So now I have to make arrangements to finish all my Christmas stuff from my recliner. At least I can return the outfit I got for the party & use the money to buy maternity clothes!!!!

-- Carla

Hi Girls, i am back from the clinic...I really couldn't stand the pain by noon and called them for a stronger prescription or something else...Suzi, thanks for the advice, at the clinic they did ask these questions you mentioned , but as I said to them, I am peeing like a "race horse", lost 1 pound since I couldn't eat anything because of the pain; however, I did feel bloated, not very much but a bit...
So anyway, i called DH to drive me there...I didn't think I would make it on my own, I could not get my right leg straight!!
They did blood tests, US and everything seemed to be fine, just way too many pokes on the right ovary ( that is what the doctor said the US showed) but to be on the safe side, the performed all type of tests to discharge the possibility of me starting with an infection...( so far have NOT had any fever either or nausea, well I did feel like throwing up but it was when I was hit but the very strong cramps)
They prescribed some stronger tylenol and complete bedrest to avoid the chances of OHSS and most likely they will push my transfer to saturday-day 5-. I will let you know tomorrow after I get back from the clinic..
Once again, thank you so much for your advice...
Phyllis

Glad you saw a heartbeat Carla! I think a few people here have had subchorionic blees... :dunno: Continued prayers for a healthy baby!!!
Phyllis - Glad everything checked out so far!

Amanda

Ok got back from the clinic..here is the report...Transfer scheduled for Saturday morning..
My clinic rates the embryos from 1 to 4 , being 4 the "eggcellent" quality ones.
Out of the 11 that originally fertilized we have at day 3:
5 Grade 4 embryos which are 3 that have 8 cells, 1 that has 7 and 1 that has 6 cells so far.
and 6 embryos that are Grade 3 with 2 of them with few fragmentations...whatever that means...I really forgot to ask...i was excited just to hear that the doctor said we had excellent news...
AMEN I guess we jsut have to wait for the transfer and pray that they will stick like spiders...
Regarding the pain, it is not bad at all....actually it is half of what it was yesterday...so i am over that bump on the road.
Carla, how are you doing?
Vyonne, where are you?
Will keep you guys posted..
P

Phyllis -- That's great news! My RE told me that Grade 3 & 4 both have the same implantation rates, so that's a wonderful number to work with.

I am doing fine today, though already a little bored. I had a few projects that I could finish from the recliner, but I am afraid that I will be out of things to do by Saturday. I am also continuing to have worsening MS, which is very reassuring. I think that I finally believe that this worked!

Carla

Thank you Carla!!
It is amazing the things that can be done these days...I look at the pics and they look pretty much like bubble wrap to me...but thinking that they can turn into a human being is jsut amazing!!
I am feeling better today and with a lot of faith as everyone else that goes through this process..!
If i would be in your place, i would probably try to start a scrapbook of all the good things that happened this year that is ending!!
Honestly i bought everything needed to work on a scrapbook, but haven't found the time to start it? In any case, I promised my stepdaughter ( age 10) that lives with us, that we would work on a scrapbook and it will show all the good and fun things that happened to us during the year that is ending! so there..that is a project that I would work on...LOL
Hope that helped!
xoxox
Phyllis

To top it off I've been using baby oil to moisturize and well I smell like a baby all the time which has been a little frustrating but I'm doing ok. Today is the anniversary of the loss of the boys. DH and I donated some baby items to a local support/home for families in our area undergoing cancer treatment in their memory. We feel good about that and I think doing something positive helped us to plan how to best get through the anniversary.


Judy~Thanks for your kind words. :bighug: Your donation is such an awesome idea. :thumbsup: And I wish you and DH much comfort during this sad anniversary. Just a mention about the baby oil, and I know it will sound funny, but have you tried straight olive oil? It's a much better moisturizer. . .and what's so bad about smelling like an olive? :heee: Honestly though, I've used it and by the time it gets on your skin, it's not as strong as the baby oil smell and it works fabulously. I'd love to take you up on your offer although it seems that every single day is completely full. . .I'd love to catch up with you after the Holidays.

Carla~Take good care of yourself sweetie. :rahrah: I totally understand what you mean about feeling paranoid during this time. . .I think that all of us IF girls feel the same way when we find out we're pregnant.

Vyonne~:clap: Good for you! I'm so excited that you found a good surrogate. :woo: I was daydreaming about getting on this thread one day in the not so far away future and reading your posts about your new baby. It's gonna happen girl. I have every confidence!

Phyllis~I'm so glad that you're feeling better. I'll be thinking of you on Saturday and wishing you well. :crossfing

Leslie~My sympathies are with you and your husband. :sadhug: I only hope that in these next few weeks, your spirit will return and that you both can come to a decision on the next steps (whatever they may be) that will be best for you both. Take good care of yourself. :hug99:

So, I called upon another donor! She is Jamaican (see, I've widen my search) and lives in NYC. Well guess what??? The clinic contacted her only to find out that she now lives in NC, totally hates it and is moving to Atlanta. The clinic basically told me that she wouldn't be a good donor at this point in her life because she is in so much transition. Yeah, duh. :duh: I go back and forth from crying to laughing about the craziness of this search! In the meantime, I'm trying to my best to be Merry :blah:

Kim

Oh Kim! That's so frustrating!!!
Carla - Glad you're feeling better.
Phyllis - Great news!!!

Amanda

Wow lots to catch up on in here!!

Vyonne - fabulous news :ura1: I'm so excited that everything is coming together for you!!!

Carla, glad that you are feeling a bit more reassured, as Kim said I think it is very common after IF to be more concerned. I'm sorry about the m/s worsening but its nice to have that on some level to keep reminding you your hormone levels are up!

Phyllis - the fert report sounds really positive and I'm glad you are feeling better!!

Kim - man I'm sorry that this is so discouraging. I do really feel good for you though that this will all come together :pray: crazy to think that Christmas is next week!!! yikes! Definitely when things slow down we need to get together and have a nice relaxing afternoon. Thank you for the tip on the olive oil - is funny, I actually wondered about that as I have heard it can be used as a hair conditioner! I'm going to try it today!!

Hello to all!

I'm definitely recovering and feeling more myself, the RE rescheduled surgery for this Thursday so I will be happy to have that behind me and then will begin supression following a natural cycle. We'll of course give it the ole college try during the natural cycle but..well I'm not holding out much hope for that. So things for me should be moving along fairly soon. In the meantime just focused on all my shopping and wrapping!

Hello :wavey:

I thought I would come introduce myself. My name is Jackie, my DH is Ben. We've been TTC for 19 mos and just found out Sat our last (3rd) attempt at IUI failed. Because of male factor issues, our next step is IVF. Our consult is scheduled for December 26th. I'm familiar with the overall process, but it would be nice to have some ladies to chat with that have already been through (or are going through) the process.

Hi Jackie,

Welcome !!!...:headphone
It is always nice to see our family grow:up: ...Here, I can assure you that you will find the support you need and all the answers to the questions and worries that may arise along the way...:hi5:
May yor stay be short and sweet with all of us..

Phyllis

Quick update..
Transfer went smooth on saturday..Had my 2 days of bedrest where I literally ran out of movies to watch..
NOW, how the heck do we deal with these 2 weeks wait?
I know all about the: shouldn't test with HPT before the blood tests, however, that is not an if? I will definitely test before, just not sure when?
Hmm..honestly I rather get a negative at home and have the good news of a positive from the clinic than just have my hopes high and get a negative over the phone? I am sure you all understand waht I mean..
Any suggestions?

http://www.theafa.org/newsletter/images/oesnew.jpg (http://tornado.sparklist.com/t/2471660/4530573/43511/0/)


We at The American Fertility Association are committed to helping you get the information and support that you need to help you create family. Throughout the remainder of 2006 and into the next year, we will be bringing you online educational sessions that we hope provide guidance, give you up to the minute information on options, as well as emotional support. We welcome your feedback on these sessions, as well as your requests for session topics. Please feel free to send your thoughts/suggestions to corey@theafa.org (corey@theafa.org).


Tonight’s Online Educational Session: (outbind://92-000000001A1495147D80C5499914A0EA3E32B84704E43E00/#1)

If I Get One More Holiday Card with a Picture of a Cute Baby on it I Will SCREAM—How To Get Through The Holidays With Your Sanity Intact (outbind://92-000000001A1495147D80C5499914A0EA3E32B84704E43E00/#2)



AFA Online Educational Session


Don't forget to join The AFA for an online educational session, part of our Connections program. This is a wonderful opportunity to get your questions answered by leading physicians and professionals in the field, learn something new, and find support.

www.theafa.org/connections/chat.html (http://tornado.sparklist.com/t/2471660/4530573/43518/0/)

Date: Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Time: 8:00-9:00 PM (ET)
Guest Speaker: Dr. Andrea Braverman, Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey
Topic: If I Get One More Holiday Card with a Picture of a Cute Baby on it I Will SCREAM—How To Get Through The Holidays With Your Sanity Intact





http://www.theafa.org/newsletter/images/braverman.jpgAbout Andrea Braverman


Dr. Braverman is a licensed psychologist with a specialty in infertility counseling and third party reproduction issues. Before joining RMA, she spent 15 years at Pennsylvania Reproductive Associates of the Women's Institute for Fertility, Endocrinology and Menopause. She became interested in infertility while in graduate school and completed her dissertation on public attitudes towards donor insemination. She received her M.A., M.S. and Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Braverman has conducted research and published numerous articles in medical journals about the psychological aspects of infertility, attitudes of parents of children born with the use of ART, issues involved in the decision to end treatment, and psychological issues involved in using third-party donors. She has also lectured internationally on treatment issues in reproductive medicine before medical and patient audiences. In addition, Dr. Braverman has been active with the American Fertility Association and Resolve; in 2001, she received the Family Building Award from The American Fertility Association. She is the past chairperson of the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and past president of the North American Society for Psychosocial Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Braverman is an Assistant Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.









We look forward to your presence!


Warmly,
The AFA Staff






Mission Statement: THE AMERICAN FERTILITY ASSOCIATION (AFA) is a national organization dedicated to educating, supporting and advocating for men and women concerned with reproductive health, fertility preservation, infertility and all forms of family building.

The American Fertility Association, 305 Madison Avenue Suite 449, New York NY 10165.
Support Line: 888-917-3777. Fax: 718-601-7722. www.theafa.org (http://tornado.sparklist.com/t/2471660/4530573/43511/0/)

Where did everyone go??:tease: Are you guys hiding?:bringit:


I cannot stand this wait!! it is horrible...Does anyone know when can I do a HPT?
I just cannot wait until my beta, it is insane!!:sigh:
Phyllis

I'm here! Just been reading, not updating. Congrats on your transfer.

I started lupron on Sunday. That wasn't a very interesting update. Definately not worth the wait.


Hmm..honestly I rather get a negative at home and have the good news of a positive from the clinic than just have my hopes high and get a negative over the phone? I am sure you all understand waht I mean..
Any suggestions?
See, I was the exact oposite. I wanted news, good or bad to come from the doctor's office. I knew whatever the results of an HPT, I wouldn't trust them. I never did an HPT until I had rec'd confirmation from my doctor's office.

Mrs. F I'm on 'the other board' as well. Happy to see you here too!

Hmmm i am just so nervous..this is the worst part of the whole cycle..Having to wait and having some cramps and feeling like AF will come?? I had a 5dt on saturday the 16th, could that be possible?
buaaaaaaaa!! :(

Phyllis - The big problem with testing early is that you can get both false positives and false negatives. The HCG shot that you took before your transfer can last in your system for up to 14 days. Usually it's gone before that but you can't be certain. That's why they don't recommend testing early. Now that I've said that.... I always started testing very, very early so I could see when the HCG shot was out of my system. I figured that if I got a negative first, that would mean the HCG shot was gone.

Amanda

I think it's exciting that you're starting Dana!
Good luck Jackie! I've seen you at the "other board" too.

Amanda

Jackie -- Welcome! This is a great place to get info & support. Hope your stay is short & sweet!

Phyllis -- I agree, the 2-week wait is the hardest part of the whole process. It is enough to make you go CRAZY! As far as taking a HPT, I've done it differently for different cycles, sometimes doing HPT & sometimes not & I would not recommend it. If it's positive, you just wonder if it is HCG from the trigger shot or real or just a chemical pregnancy. If its negative, you are depressed & try to get yourself psyched up for a disapointment the next day. Or you do things that you wouldn't if you were pregnant -- its hard to keep trying if you are depressed about it not working.

That said, my sister had a positive two days before her 2 weeks (I think she started testing 3 days before her beta,) but I had a negative the day before my beta which turned out to be positive.

So, my advice is to wait if you possibly can -- I know that it is hard. Good luck!

Carla

Good morning girls..
Great to read you again!! I started to feel playing solo here for a few days..
Well, I did the HPT this morning, 4 days after my transfer and was Negative..of course..well, i would have fainted if + at this point...So I know that HCG is NOT in my system anymore..My beta is scheduled for the 26th , think is a bit before the 2 weeks, but might be because I had a 5 day transfer? really don't know..In any case, you know that the testing might continue probably until the day of my beta, every other day..
I am redy for any result, I think? This is my first IVF, therefore we have no history to compare with and this could go one way or the other right? agggrr!!!
I will keep praying and hoping to show BFP..
will keep you guys posted.
xoxo
Phyllis

My beta is scheduled for the 26th , think is a bit before the 2 weeks, but might be because I had a 5 day transfer?
Actually it is one day late - were it not for Christmas, your beta would likely be the 25th. FWIW, today you are 4dp5dt (4 days past a 5 day transfer), or day 9.

I'm another who will STRONGLY caution you against HPT. I have known too many women who have tested negative at home and been VERY upset only to test positive on the blood test. If you can bear it, don't do the HPT. JMHO

And by the way...best of luck!! :crossfing

Thank you Suzi for the explanation..A have a question...?:oncouch:
My understanding is that an embryo will take about 24 to 48 hours to implant if transfered at blastocyst stage and obviously, a few extra days if transfered after 3 days, correct? :crossfing
Now, I also understand that embryos won't start producing HCG until they are implanted in the uterus.. :nightf:
Having that said, I am assuming that mine must have implanted sometime in between sunday and early monday ( unless they had a different agenda than mine):zooom: of course!! which would mean that, maybe and just maybe, they have not produced enought HCG that would show when doing a HPT?!?:talking:

U see!!!:roseglass ?? I already sound paranoid!! :firefox:
Thanks for your feedback or anyone's that know about the subject! ?
thank you
p

Ahh BTW,:dunno: I was wondering which one was the other forum you guys talk about so much?!?:eviltongu Am I missing something?? :shhh:hmmmm :feedback:
:waiting: haha I love these emoticons! I really do LOL
Phyllis

Phyllis, you are correct that implantation usually happens around day 6-9, depending on the stage of the embryo (it cannot implant before the cells break through the zona pellucida). Typically, hCG will be around 95 on day 16 (after ovulation or retrieval, also the same as 11dp5dt). HPTs also vary in sensitivity...some are 25mIU/ml, most are 50mIU/ml.

Another variable is the embryo itself...it may take a little time for it to start producing hCG or it may produce immediately. Case in point: while the typical beta result for 16DPO is around 95, the NORMAL RANGE is from 33 to 233. That's HUGE!!! So while you will get a negative at home on a test that measures 50mIU/ml, you will get a positive on the blood test that you take in the lab (it measures 5mIU/ml in the blood).

Is that as clear as mud?? :giggle:

shhhhhure! I will jsut keep praying then! ahahha

thanks a million!! will pee in a cup again on friday and see how it goes..
xoxo
P

Good luck Phyllis! The 2ww is definitely very hard!

Amanda

I had my US today & got to see the heartbeat beating away. It is amazing how much growth there is in a week. The bad news is that I still have a subchorionic bleed, even though it doesn't seem to be actively bleeding right now. Which means I will spend the next week on bedrest & my husband will have to finish all the stuff for Christmas & cook Christmas dinner. I am excited that things are continuing to go well, but just frustrated at the timing of all of this!

Phyllis -- I took a HPT the day AFTER I'd had my positive beta & it was only faintly positive. I know that they do work, but they are not an effective way to detect early pregnancy.

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!
Carla

Merry Christmas to you all!!! I lvoe this time of the year....and my stepdaughter has brought so much joy and laughter throughout these days!! I shall wait and pray that it works...the Dr. called and said we got 4 embies frozen..for anything that may come around...BUT, will try not to think about it right now..I will cross that bridge whenever I get there...
BTW, Carla you had a negative HPT the day before ur beta right? and the positive HPT after??...geeez! I am soo happy for you and your pregnancy..:bliss:

Phyllis

Phyllis -- That is great that you have those frozen ones! Yes, my negative HPT was the day before my beta & it was only faintly positive the day after. My theory is that I just drink so much water that I have very diluted urine. I don't know if that's really possible, but I do wonder. My HCG on my beta was 95 & HPT are supposed to detect levels of 25-50. Mine should have been at least that the day before a 95. Anyway, good luck surviving the next couple of days!

Carla

Hola Hola !! I was determined NOT to test until tomorrow again after my negative yesterday, BUT i couldn't and jsut peed on a stick and got a verrrrrrrrry faint line..! I mean, so faint that I went outside but it is there...Could it be that I am seeing things that I want to see instead of what it is!?!? BUT i am still looking at it, doesn't get any darker but it is there! Will try agian tomorrow but first thing in the morning ..I drink sooo much water that I pee every day like a recehorse! well, that is what Dh says ! How charming right? LOL
I had never seen that extra line!

Glad things are still good Carla!
Keeping my fingers crossed for you Phyllis!!!

Amanda

Phyllis- I did a hpt several days before my beta draw and there was a verrrry faint line and I'm now six months pregnant with twins. I bet you have a positive if I had to guess.

Carla- I also had a succhorionic bleed during my first trimester. It got worse for me before it got better and then I did bedrest per my doctor for one week and it healed.I haven't bled since( knock on wood). Actually it didn't heal quickly until I did strict bedrest for a full 7 days. I wish I would have done that from the beginning.
Melanie

:santa2: MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Good morning ladies,
I tried 2 HPT this morning and they were both +. So unless something happens from now until the 26th, my first Beta should be positive as well..Told Dh and think he didn't know if he should laugh or what? At this point I think he is more excited about it than what i thought he would be...He already has 4 kids, therefore this feeling is not new at all..BUT, also has been a while since he has babies around. DH is 50 and i am 33 and he has 4 kids from a previous marriage ( girl 27, boy 25, girl 20 and Sabrina 10 which lives with us..I am even a Grandma already hahhaa!!
FYI ept was fast and clear! first response came out + but so npt clear that it would confuse u if done for the first time..
MERRY XMAS TO YOU ALL..! Have the grandchildren around today on MY day off! BUt i will enjoy it!!

Congratulations Phyllis!!!

Phyllis -- Congratulations!!!! What a wonderful Christmas surprise!

Hi Girls...Hope you all had a wonderful Xmas day and May all your wishes come true for the coming year..:peace:
I feel really lucky and blessed at this point...we just received the call from the doctor confirming that we are pregnant and I still cannot believe it, even though we had BFP with the HPT... My HCG level was at 235, which my nurse said was pretty high, however, we jsut don't know, until january 10th, if we have 1 or 2 babies..Needless to say, I am super excited, either way..!
I really want to thank you all for all the support, understanding and patience during these weeks..You have been great and cannot thank you and God enough for having the luck of finding you all through this website...
I will keep being here for a looooong time....and Lots of Baby dust to you ALL! Is that how you say it?? hahha:ok:
XOXOX
Phyllis

Suzi , Carla! One question...please!! so NOW i should be how many weeks pregnant!?! According to me it would be 2 weeks after the eggs fertilized..is that how you count? Some people talk about 4 weeks by now! i am lost and honeslty forgot to ask at the clinic!! anybody help?
thank u

Phyllis congratulations!!! :bliss: excellent news regarding how many weeks, you are about 4 weeks yes the way they calculate means that you would be pregnant on CD1 - I think this is because typically due date is calculated from LMP (last monthly period) but go ahead and check this calculator out you can use retrieval date

http://www.ivf.ca/calcu.htm

Great news!!!

Thank you! thank you! I am just so excited...BTW, DH almost had a nervous breakdown ..HE laughed and sat in front of the fish tank and said! geeez! what if we have twins!?? Poor thing, I am sure he thought, a few years ago, after his last kid from previous marriage that he was done with the kids factory!! LOL

Good news from my doctor's office today! The bleed is shrinking & looks more opaque on the US, so I can get up! I am still supposed to take it really easy, but I can do something again. I am sooooooo glad. It was also fun to see the baby again & get the reassurance that everything is still o.k. & that everything is moving along o.k. I think that I can finally believe that this worked!

Phyllis -- Congrats again! I hope that things continue to go well!

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!

-- Carla

Congrats Carla!! I am glad that things a heading the right way for you ..:)
cheers!
Phyllis

Great news Carla and Phyllis!

Amanda

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!!!

Carla, I am so glad to hear that the baby is still doing well and that your bleeding is decreasing :bliss: I send my prayers for a continued healthy pregnancy!!!

Phyllis, :bfp: What wonderful news and what a perfect timing! I am so happy for you and DH and wish you a nice and healthy pregnancy!

:bteddy: CONGRATULATIONS!!!:pteddy:


Well, as far as me goes... my surrogate had all her blood work and u/s, and everything checked out "perfectly" :clap: Now we just have to wait a couple more weeks to start stims on the donor and preping my surrogate´s endo :crossfing Hope the New Year will bring me the best gift of all... a baby :pray:

I wish you each and everyone all the very best for 2007 :awink:!!!

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

Vyonne!! Good way to go and great to hear from you!!

Wishing you a happy New Year to all of you!!!
Phyllis

Hi ladies! :wavey: This has been a busy time for me and although I haven't posted much, I've been keeping up with your stories.

:cheer: CONGRATULATIONS:cheer: to Phyllis and Carla. :yippee: Carla, I'm so glad that you're back up on your feet again and at least, can try to enjoy this pregnancy. :)

Jackie~:welcome: You've come to the right place. I'm sure that with the experience of all of us here, you'll get your questions answered, your fears calmed, and all the support you need. I wish you all the best. :bighug:

Suzi~Thanks so much for the great information. Now I have yet another website bookmarked. :awink:

Dana~Well I think that starting on your next cycle is VERY exciting! :ura1:

Vyonne~That is so awesome that things are moving along for you. :banana: I can't wait. . .baby, I can't wait! :heee:

I wish that I had some exciting news on my end. :raincloud I'm not trying to be a debbie downer here, but if I'm to look at the silver lining, I guess no news is better than bad news. :dunno: My donor egg quest has been put on hold during these holidays. . .I've been too swamped to consume myself with that and in the end, I probably needed a break. I did make a phone call to Social Services just to check into the "procedures" and perhaps start in that direction. I'm going to continue with the donor egg search (after New Years and the post Holiday visits with the In-Laws) and hope that a perfect donor pops up somewhere for me on one of these websites. In the meantime, I'll at least feel like I'm pushing forward in setting myself up with Social Services. We'll see.

On that note, I wish you all the best in 2007 and that every single one of our dreams come true!

Kim

Hi everyone! Well, little Jack will be one month old tomorrow. I never posted for his arrival. He was born on 11/30, 8 lbs, 20 3/4 inches. All is very well here. Still adjusting to no sleep and to my gigantic, sore, leaky boobs. Sorry. Probably too much info... I guess I forgot some of this, since the girls are 4 and 5 1/2 now. Anyway, just thought I'd let you know!

Congrats to Carla and Phyllis! Carla, I had bleeds with my first two pregnancies, one was ivf, one was not. Scary stuff and I don't remember being put on bedrest!!! I would have liked the excuse to get out of going to work!!

Vyonne, you go, girl! I love how this is working out for you. Kim, best wishes in your search. I hope it is speedy and very productive. I wish I could help in some way.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Thanks for the update!

Judy~I just realized that I forgot you in my last email!! :eek: I hope that Christmas was good to you. Have you tried using the olive oil by any chance?

Kim

CONGRATS on the arrival of little Jack!!!!
Kim - I hope the New Year brings you a wonderful new donor.

Amanda

Congratulations on Jack's safe arrival!! Glad to hear!!!

Thanks Kim, I did actually use the olive oil and it was a great tip! Still using it actually..crazy huh? Just still very very dry. I'm sorry the search has been so frustrating for you, I hope 2007 brings us both much better luck!!

I think I actually forgot to post about surgery which as you can guess means everything went well, I see the RE 1/2 for follow up. Not sure if I need another peek in there :rolleyes: to make sure all healed well but he seemed happy with it at the time.

Carla - thrilled that you are doing well!!

Vyonne - yippeee :bliss: Glad to hear things are progressing for you!!

Amanda :secret: I think I often forget to mention this but I love that you continue to follow us all

Phyllis, Thank you sweetie :hug99:

Kim, I can´t wait either! Things are starting to look good... but I don´t want to get too excited until the 2ww is over and I get a big BFP... so all I can do for now is send my best :vibes: and I will sure be sending lots of those for you :bighug:! I am sorry that your donor search has been so bumpy :rolleyes: but I trust the year 2007 will have great surprises for all of us that have been in this roller coaster until nauseated (sp?) :lol:
Rho, CONGRATULATIONS AND WELCOME... BABY JACK:bteddy: Thank you for sharing his arrival with us... its always so wonderful to hear good news when they finally are a true reality in your arms!!! Enjoy him and enjoy your lovely family :bighug:

Judy, So nice to hear from you and know that everything went well... which means.. that in no time you´ll be trying again :yippee: As I mentined to Kim, I sure hope and trust that this New Year will be our year :aok: All the best for your next and final peek :hug99:

Well, there are only a few hours left of this year that brought some tears, some good laughs and some wonderful news from some members of our "IVF Family". May the New Year, bring to all of us that did not accomplish our goal at being moms... the satisfaction of posting our most desired 3 letters: BFP! And to those that achieved their pregnancies, may the year 2007 continue your pregnancies with success through the arrival of all the new little ones in our forum!

I know due to adversed circumstances, I´ve had some delays on my return back home... but I promise you all that once I am there, we will have our first annual IVF meeting in Las Vegas as once discussed this year... you bet!:grouphugg

Love you all and thank you for your continued support,

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

Glad things went well Judy. (and thanks!)
Vyonne - I hope and pray for you to get your miracle in 2007!!!

Amanda

Amanda, Thank you sweetie :kiss:!!! Nothing would make me happier... :sigh:

Vyonne
THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS!!!

Hi ladies,

Sorry I have been around lately but had a few scary moments during the last few days.., hopefully everything is fine and I will continue with a normal pregnancy..

Here is my quick update..

On Tuesday I had to go to ER since my cramps were basically kiiling me..Realistically, they were pretty similar to the ones I felt before my transfer when we suspected I had a OHS..
So I spent in ER for 6 hours…! After all the rounds of Ultrasounds and blood tests, they told me at Aventura Hospital that they couldn’t find any gestational sacs in my uterus!! What a joy!! Pregnancy levels are high, but no babies to be seen!?!?! So they diagnosed a possible ectopic pregnancy!! Yesterday morning my doctor called me in order to run tests and Thanks GOD he found , not only one, BUT 2 sacs hidden in my uterus!! SO YESSS!!! No ectopic pregnancy and everything is fine!! The pain is a result still from the stimulation hormones, but if pain is what I have to deal with! It is all worth it!
To make a long story short..YES we have TWINS cooking…hopefully they will both make it, however, I am only 5 weeks and 2 days pregnant and it is too soon for them to have a heart…which means that until we do not listen to the heartbeat from both of them in a week or two from now, I guess I should be cautiously happy...
Vyonne , how is everything going? Are you finally going to have a cycle at the same time as your surrogate ?
Carla, how are you doing?
Is anybody going to take over the duty of updating where everyone is at? I would be more than happy to do so, but i don't think I am very familiar with everyone's cycles here...Updates please?
Hmmm, I really do not have any symptoms so far, jsut the cramping, and have lost 5 pounds in the last 2 weeks...Surely not because morning sickness or anything like that! weird isn't it?
The only thing that I think has happened is that my waistline has grown, i think? just feels like it though..
Looking forward to hear from guys and TONS of good thoughts!!!!

Glad everything was ok Phyllis. Good thoughts and prayers for your 2 little ones!!!

Amanda

Thank you Amanda!! With this infertility deal, honestly you don't die from anything else rather than a heart attack!! What an emotional roller coaster!! geez!
Phyllis

I've been there myself many times Phyllis!!!

Amanda

Wow Phyllis! Congratulations!! And I'm sorry you had such a wild ride the past few days. Look forward to continued good news from you!

I met with my RE on 1/2, we're doing some additional testing (thrombophelia pannel and DNA kareotyping sp) as well as redoing CD 3 bloods. I was for some reason discouraged to hear this. Its not delaying anything but I was sort of puzzled. When we lost the twins we had genetic testing done on them and they were normal so I don't know I didn't think additional testing for us would be required. But enough moaning form me, its done and hopefully we will have good results. We're on a rest cycle and assuming all is good with the testing will begin suppresion with my next AF

Hope everyone is doing well!!

Hi all, I am posting news I saw on another site about Kerri (Kaybee) don't know if the update is in her journal here but wanted to share this:



THE BABIES ARE HERE!!!!


Sam was born at 1:37 PM and weighs 4 pounds 13 ounces. Amelia was born at 1:40 PM and weighs 4 pounds and 11 ounces. Mark said they were doing well. I spoke to Kerri briefly and she sounded good although she said c-sections suck! :welcome: Sorry I don't have the best details. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. Keep them coming!





:scratchch :greenstar Happy Birthday Sam and Amelia!:greenstar :scratchch


I believe they made the decision to have her have the babies today (I think she was around 34 weeks so please keep everyone in your prayers that they are ready to go home soon!!

Thanks for the update Judy! Prayers for Sam and Amelia!

Amanda

Congrats! It is always great to hear when you get a Happy Ending.!!

Thanks for your good wishes!! Wish you all the best!! About the tests, I am sure that is all protocol and routine...
Keep us posted...
Carla, Where are you hiding?
Vyonne, Suzi? hello!!!
On my side, not much to be posted.. No symptoms at all, which is weird since I am entering my 6th week, cramping has gone down a lot, no bleeding or spotting whatsoever, jsut one a few weeks ago..!! I guess I should consider myself lucky right? Although, to be honest with you, some symptoms will give me some reasurance I must say...
Hope you all had a great weekend..
P

Hi! To tell the truth, my activity has been "liberalized" & I can actually get up & do things again. As a result, I haven't been spending near as much time on the computer lately. I am behind on most everything in my life after spending 2 weeks on bedrest. I am feeling pretty good. I have found that my MS is a lot better if I am up moving, so that is helping. Phyllis, I wouldn't worry about not having symptoms yet, mine didn't really hit until about 8 weeks & that nausea is very reassuring!

Congrats to Kerri & here's hoping that they will all be home soon!

Carla

When we lost the twins we had genetic testing done on them and they were normal so I don't know I didn't think additional testing for us would be required.

Judy, the testing on the babies was likely for genetic abnormalities and that testing wouldn't give any information about you and possible problems. Doing recurrent pregnancy loss panel could give a great deal of info regarding any underlying medical condition you may have. This is GOOD news! :nod:

Thanks Suzi!!! That helps!! Why can't my RE's office hire you?

Just wanted to let you ladies know that I started a new thread. . .Jan/Feb/March IVFs. Come on over!

Kim

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! Vyonne

Vyonne,
Can you tell me more about the Viagra Suppositories?? I've read about them helping embryos implant better. I'm scheduled for my IVF with donor egg transfer on March 25th, so I'm taking my prenatal vitamins, supplemental baby aspirin, magnesium, and L-arginine. :bitenails (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)I'm nervous about the implantation. Any advice re: the viagra??
Thanks
Terry

hi, everyone,
i'm back after several weeks away. just had my first IVF last week. made it through the retrieval though it was pretty rough. we had about 3 good looking embryos to transfer so we went for it. only have one or two to freeze, so it's a bit scary right now, knowing we don't have that many more chances remaining. i had a few questions, though, for anyone who is out there...i wonder if it's safe to use a heating pad after transfer---not super hot but warm enough to relieve the cramps i had. i did use one and am now worried that i've somehow affected an outcome. does anyone have any advice? i still have a week to wait til my blood pregnancy test and am so nervous. i'm trying to take it easy, stay somewhat distracted. thanks for any advice or tips. jeniOR