New thread, new year. . .and hopes for many babies. . .

I'll be back with more updates. . .


Kim

Ok girls where are you!!!!

:whistle:



:tapfoot:


Not much new cycle worthy here, we are in the midst of our natural cycle and I have a Kidney Infection which is killing me! I think I've used up my quota on sick stuff at this point. Hoping this will be gone and I'll be 100% before AF comes and I start supression

Hi there!

I am here! Could it be that the rest of us do not know that there is a new thread and they are still looking at the old one? Oh well, it happened to me until I started playing with the site and found you guys here! LOL:peace:
Anyway, quick update, things seem to be moving along well, I am comencing my 8th week now and we listened already to the heartbeats about 10 days ago!
I was referred to my OB now which I will see this wednesday..
I will catch up with you guys later this week, I just got back from a business trip to Brasil and the flight just killed me!! I am exhausted!
Looking fwd to hear from you guys soon..
Regards,
Phyllis

Glad things are going well Phyllis!
Sorry about the kidney infection Judy.
How are things Kim?

Amanda

I'll be the first to admit that I haven't been here in a while. . .but gosh, not much going on here. :scratch: In this case, I hope that no news is good news. :crossfing:

As always, apologies for my absence. I'm gradually starting to see the clearing in my busy life. :sunny: :awink:

Phyllis~Nice to hear from you. I hope that things are continuing along well. :bighug:

Judy~I think I've used up my quota on sick stuff at this point.

What the heck Judy? :eek: I'm going to have to agree with that statement! A kidney infection now? I hope it's clearing up at this point and you're enjoying doing a cycle the "old fashioned" way. :awink:

I don't even know where I was the last time I posted, but here's what's happening so far:

•Because I was having so many problems finding a donor that it wasn't even funny anymore :banghead:, DH and I decided to put that on hold for up to a year and start learning about and preparing for adoption.

•DH and I met with a woman from DSS. She came to see who we were, where we live and make sure we're not monsters before we go ahead and send in an application to begin the whole process. I have filled and sent out the application and the next step would be for DSS to call us and set us up for a mandatory 8 week course called MAPP.

•I realized that I was scared with going the DSS route and that I still ultimately want to become pregnant. I knew that although the bottom line is that we want to have a family, I needed to get the whole "pregnancy" idea out of my system.

•We decided to continue with the DSS thing, (there's nothing wrong with learning and getting prepared), but to also resume the donor search.

•Finding a donor who lived in MA with my ethnicity was absolutely elusive (I see many women in my daily life who would be perfect matches ethnically speaking, they're just not with any agencies), so DH and I decided we just needed to chalk up the money to pay for an out of state donor.

•I have my eyes on two women. One who lives in NC and another who live in VA. Both are 23 yrs old. The agency is trying to contact both to let them know someone is interested and to make sure they are still interested.

Now I'm waiting in anticipation again :bitenails One of these women just has to come through for me or I'm going to go bezerko :crazy:

If anyone is still out there, I'd like to ask that in your next post, you remind us all where you are at in your cycle. . .I will compile them all into one list and one post. . .and from there we can hopefully get this group started again 'cause we all need someone to cheer us on when things are good and comfort us when we're blue.

Kim

Judy -- I am sorry to hear that you have been sick again! You have been through sooooo much already!

Kim -- Wow, you have really been through it all. I really hope that one of your donors works out for you.

My update is short & sweet. I am now a "normal pregnancy," at about 12 1/2 weeks. I switched over to my regular OB at 11 weeks & everything looks great. My due date is August 8, though I will probably be schedule for the last week of July. I probably won't post too much for a while, but will definitely be checking in to see how everyone is doing. I think that the new year will bring some good luck here!

Carla

Great news Carla!
Kim - I hope one of these donors works out for you. I'm sorry that you've had such a difficult path. Your persistance is such an inspiration!

I'm mostly a visitor here these days. We have one IVF baby and one injections with IUI baby. I also had a chemical pregnancy from FET between the 2 pregnancies. We're thinking about #3 but can't start treatment until the summer. I seem to be (occasionally) ovulating on my own for the 1st time ever. Not exactly normal cycles but more normal than I've ever had. In the meantime I'm here to offer hugs when needed and a big congrats whenever possible!!!

Amanda

Great news to hear from all of you.!!
Carla it is awesome that you are having a normal pregancy! Finally, congrats!!

Judy, I agree that you are OVER the quota limit for sickness...i am sure that in 2007 you wont even catch a cold ! haha you will see!!

Kim, amazing everything you are going through..but I am sure, at the end, it is all worht it! Keep us posted..

Vyonne, where are you hiding lately?

As far as for my update, I entered my 9th week of pregnancy this week..So far it has been great, I think? I haven't had any type of sickness whatsoever, isn't that weird? I thought that with twins and , at this point, i would have had something? I mean, it is not that I want it, but I jsut thought it was strange..My doctor was surprised as well..
The only sign that I can say I have ( besides my breasts hurting, but that began when I started stims..sooo )is that my waist is growing..has grown 1 1/2 inches and gained about 2 pounds, which is still not my for my height 5'9".

I was referred to my OB after the 6th week when we saw the heartbeats, then I had to travel to Brasil for work and it wasn't until the 24th of January that I was able to go to my OB. He said that everything was going great..one baby was 8 weeks 1 day and the other one was 8 weeks and 2 days... I have scheduled a perinatal test , think called the sequential screening at 11 weeks in order to know more about the babies health?

Other than that, all Thanks GOD is good..
Looking fwd hearing from you..
Phyllis

For those of you experienced with IVF, I have a question. I have a friend who just did a cycle with very puzzling results. On day 3, 5 of her 8 embryos looked great, so they went for a day 5. On day 5, they were ALL behind on growth. None of them had made it to blastocyct stage, one was the equivalent of day 4 & one was almost day 4. The others were even farther behind. The doctor was completely puzzled. He has never seen that happen before & neither have the doctors at the huge clinic that he is affiliated with. Have any of you heard of this? The did the transfer, but aren't holding out a lot of hope. My friend is incredibly discouraged & not sure where to go from here. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

Carla

Hi Carla. I tried to do a 5-day transfer once and none of my embryos made it to blast. I wasn't led to believe that this was uncommon. In fact my dr. didn't really want to try the blastocyst transfer, it was at my suggestion. All of my embryos were of good quality.

How are you doing?

Phyllis - Glad things are going well!
Carla - I don't think that's uncommon at all. My RE didn't let us wait until day 5 on my 1st IVF because of that risk. He spoke to us at length about the fact that waiting until day 5 involves a significant risk of losing all of the embryos.

Amanda

Hi Girls, I have a question then? What are the chances of success for an Embryo transfered at 5 days but didn't make it to blastocyst?
Has any of you actually gotten pregnant with a transfer under these circumstances?
Amanda, could it be that it depends on how many eggs fertilized for the clinic to recommend if you should wait to a 5 day transfer? In my case, we did have about 9 that were in great shape at day 3 so they basically told me to wait until day 5, but I was never told that there was a chance that they might not make it? :~

Thanks. . .I'll start the updates now and as people post, I'll add on. . .

Carla~:bfp: A GRADUATE :bfp::knitting: Now in her second trimester! :party2: :bighug:

Phyllis~:bfp: A GRADUATE :bfp::knitting: 9 weeks pregnant and no MS! :party2: :bighug:

Amanda~Mother of two beautiful children via IUI & IVF and big supporter and cheerleader for all of us here. :bighug: :awink: Thinking about turning her family of four into a family of 5. :nana:

My current update unfortunately is that I'm not feeling so groovy right now. :raincloud Just another setback to add to my list of the downright rotten luck I've been having. :headbang: I had selected two donors I liked and the agency called me back yesterday and let me know that one of the donors (the one from VA) was available and fine with having to travel to Boston. I put a great big smile on my face and thought, "Finally!". No more than twenty minutes later, my phone rang again and this time it was the IVF clinic. My first comment to the woman who called was that I was just getting ready to call there to start setting up my donor cycle 'cause I had just found a donor. This was the financial contact I had been dealing with and her news to me was that the insurance agency (the secondary insurance that DH and I were paying $300+ on per month because they would cover a DE cycle) stopped covering DE cycles as of January. :wtf: The financial woman apologized profusely and said that she just found this out herself. How crazy is this? Am I in some sort of dream? :hopmad:

Kim

Phyllis - I don't know the answer to that. When I did IVF I had 9 embryos make it to day 3. Almost all were 8 celled embryos and they still recommended that I do a day 3 transfer. They may have seen something funny because when we went for an FET (almost 2 years later) my embryos didn't thaw well. We were definitely told that waiting until day 5 meant risking that we'd lose all of our embryos. :dunno:
Kim - That's unbelievable. I just can't believe that. I'm sorry!!!! I hope things work out somehow.

Amanda

I hope Dana (danaknight) doesn't mind me posting her news here. She's on another website where I visit. She got her BFP yesterday!!! Her HCG was nice and high. I believe she had a chemical pregnancy during the last DE cycle so I'm sure she'd appreciate all the positive thoughts and prayers. I hope she leads the way for some more BFPs!

Amanda

Hi everyone! Hopefully you old timers will remember me. I've been lurking keeping up with everyone, but not posting, as I didn't have much to offer to the forum! After not responding to the stimulating drugs during my last round of IVF and finding out that I have a really high FSH, we decided to go the adoption route. We decided to adopt domestically, and we began the process on December 13th when we had our home study. On January 19th our agency called to tell us our home study was approved, and then later that day we received another call to ask us to come down to the agency. A birthmother that already given birth and terminated her rights had chosen US to parent her newborn son. So we picked up our son that night. He was two days old and perfect. I became a mother overnight. Although this didn't happen the way I thought it would, it still feels so very right and I can't believe how quickly you can fall madly in love with a little person. I just wanted to share with all of you who were so very supportive during my trials and tribulations with IVF. Also, if anyone has any questions regarding domestic adoption, or my agency, I'd be happy to help in any way possible.

I continue to wish all of you the best of luck. I'll be following each of you and praying for BFPs!!!!!

Kristen

Congratulations Kristen!!! What an inspiring story..It really sounds like a beautiful Christmas miracle to me...To be able to have your son so quickly!
Thanks for all the good wishes and keep us posted on how are yo u doing!
Phyllis

Hi everyone!:newbie: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)

I'm new here....just found your site recently and enjoy the individual stories. Just wanted to pass on a website that might be useful for some of you out there who are wanting to conceive but have found it to be too expensive in the U.S. DH and I are traveling to Zlin, Czech Republic on March 17th for IVF with a donation egg. Go to: www.ivfvacation.com (http://www.ivfvacation.com) to see what we're doing. We feel very comfortable so far and I'll keep you posted as we go along. We'll have a 10 day European vacation, IVF with DE, airfare and hotel/spa for less than 1/2 what one IVF would cost here![/url]:bliss: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#) (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)

Anyone else know about this?? Any advice on the IVF? I've never done this before. I have 4 older sons from my first marriage, ages 26, 18, 16, 14. After we divorced, I married DH who has no children of his own. I had a tubal reversal surgery 3 years ago, but am now approaching age 50 and no doctor will use my own eggs for IVF, hence our need for DE. I start my pre-transfer hormone protocol February 12th with my Lupron injection, then start taking the Estriol by mouth on March 1st.

Any encouragement will be appreciated! [url="http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#"]:thankyou: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)

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http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/images/statusicon/post_new.gif Today, 01:41 PM #318 (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/showpost.php?p=992798&postcount=318) Terry (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/member.php?u=4981) vbmenu_register("postmenu_992798", true);
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vyonne Rousel
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

I hope Dana (danaknight) doesn't mind me posting her news here. She's on another website where I visit. She got her BFP yesterday!!! Her HCG was nice and high. I believe she had a chemical pregnancy during the last DE cycle so I'm sure she'd appreciate all the positive thoughts and prayers. I hope she leads the way for some more BFPs!

Amanda
I don't mind at all. :)

Brief history: One son, Owen, concieved via IVF. Born 8/8/2003
When we went back for IVF #2 in 2005 we were told DE was our best (really only) shot.

First DE cycle December 2005 - Negative
Second DE cycle (new donor) June 2006 - Chemical pregnancy (which is a hell of a lot worse than a negative). First beta was high 20's second beta was 8.
Third DE cycle January 2007 - Positive January 30! Beta on Jan 27 was in the 150s. Beta on Jan 30 was in the 650's.

I know we aren't out of the woods, but I fell pretty confident about this.

Hi everyone! Hopefully you old timers will remember me. I've been lurking keeping up with everyone, but not posting, as I didn't have much to offer to the forum! After not responding to the stimulating drugs during my last round of IVF and finding out that I have a really high FSH, we decided to go the adoption route. We decided to adopt domestically, and we began the process on December 13th when we had our home study. On January 19th our agency called to tell us our home study was approved, and then later that day we received another call to ask us to come down to the agency. A birthmother that already given birth and terminated her rights had chosen US to parent her newborn son. So we picked up our son that night. He was two days old and perfect. I became a mother overnight. Although this didn't happen the way I thought it would, it still feels so very right and I can't believe how quickly you can fall madly in love with a little person. I just wanted to share with all of you who were so very supportive during my trials and tribulations with IVF. Also, if anyone has any questions regarding domestic adoption, or my agency, I'd be happy to help in any way possible.

I continue to wish all of you the best of luck. I'll be following each of you and praying for BFPs!!!!!

Kristen
I think that has got to be the quickest adoption I've ever heard of! Congratulations!

DH and I are traveling to Zlin, Czech Republic on March 17th for IVF with a donation egg. Go to: www.ivfvacation.com (http://www.ivfvacation.com) to see what we're doing. We feel very comfortable so far and I'll keep you posted as we go along. We'll have a 10 day European vacation, IVF with DE, airfare and hotel/spa for less than 1/2 what one IVF would cost here![/url]:bliss: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#) (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)
It is amazing how much cheaper IVF and DE cycles are outside of the US.

Anyone else know about this?? Any advice on the IVF? I've never done this before. I have 4 older sons from my first marriage, ages 26, 18, 16, 14. After we divorced, I married DH who has no children of his own. I had a tubal reversal surgery 3 years ago, but am now approaching age 50 and no doctor will use my own eggs for IVF, hence our need for DE. I start my pre-transfer hormone protocol February 12th with my Lupron injection, then start taking the Estriol by mouth on March 1st.
I just finished my 3rd domestic DE cycle.

Any encouragement will be appreciated! [url="http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#"]:thankyou: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)
Good Luck!

I haven't seen Yvonne in awhile. I hope she shows up again soon. I'd love an update from her.

I didn't use Viagra sups, but they are used to help with your uterine lining. Mine has never been an issue (at least we've had *that* in our favor). I've always used accupuncture in conjunction with my cycles, which is supposed to assist with the lining.

This was the financial contact I had been dealing with and her news to me was that the insurance agency (the secondary insurance that DH and I were paying $300+ on per month because they would cover a DE cycle) stopped covering DE cycles as of January. :wtf: The financial woman apologized profusely and said that she just found this out herself. How crazy is this? Am I in some sort of dream? :hopmad:

Kim, I am so sorry! That is just unbelievable! Can't the universe give you a break, just this once?

CONGRATS Kristen!!! What wonderful news!!!
Welcome Terry and good luck.
Dana - Sending lots of sticky vibes for you!

Amanda

Just popping in to see how everyone is doing. You get a lot of computer time when you're on bedrest.

Carla- We had planned on doing a day 5 transfer originally and then we got a call from the Arts department that we needed to come in the next day for our transfer. It would be a day 3. Our RE said that we only had 3 good embryos and the others were poor. I begged him to put all 3 back in because he normally only puts two in and he tried to cancel on me and change it to a day 5 again. That made me really nervous to wait because there must be a reason they called us in so my DH said well since we're already here let's just get it done and they agreed. It was very confusing to me and I was sure that it was going to be a failed cycle. He put in 3 embies. They don't look at them on day 4 but on day 5 the remaining embies were at day 4 stage and they said their growth had stopped.I didn't think the 3 in me had great odds at that point. It ended up that all 3 took but one vanished. I wish your friend the best and I guess you never know it could still work.

Kim- I think it's crazy that the insurance changed like that as soon as you finally found a donor. Crazy! Will the insurance cover the IVF part forgeting the part that it's donor? Maybe then you'll will just have to pay for the donor? I'm excited for you that you found a donor!!

Judy- I hope that you get well soon.

Hi Vyonne!
Hi Phyllis!
Is Kelly still logging onto the site? Wonder how her surrogacy cycle went?
Hoping for many BFP's this round!
Melanie

Dana~ Congratulations!!! I am sooo happpy for you!! Any possibility for twins??

I am still praying for everyone here to get there BFP, if they haven't already!!

For those of you experienced with IVF, I have a question. I have a friend who just did a cycle with very puzzling results. On day 3, 5 of her 8 embryos looked great, so they went for a day 5. On day 5, they were ALL behind on growth. None of them had made it to blastocyct stage, one was the equivalent of day 4 & one was almost day 4. The others were even farther behind. The doctor was completely puzzled. He has never seen that happen before & neither have the doctors at the huge clinic that he is affiliated with. Have any of you heard of this? The did the transfer, but aren't holding out a lot of hope. My friend is incredibly discouraged & not sure where to go from here. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

Carla

Carla, this is not at all uncommon and if I were your friend, I would find a new RE IMMEDIATELY. Either the RE is not being honest with her when he says he has never seen this happen or he flat-out doesn't have any experience with 5-day transfers. Either way, this scenario is HIGHLY suspect to me. :bs:

Not much to update on me... We completed our training for public foster/foster-to-adopt/adoption and now I am dragging my feet on getting paperwork and medical completed. The whole revelation of children being SO affected coming from the state really frightens me - is it fair of me to potentially subject Julia to that? I just feel so angry sometimes. I'd give anything to have a private adoption story like Kristen but that's like winning the lottery. So for now, nothing...and time keeps passing.

And I forgot to mention...congratulations, Dana!! Beta numbers sound great - make sure to keep us posted!

[QUOTE=BusyBee]Carla- We had planned on doing a day 5 transfer originally and then we got a call from the Arts department that we needed to come in the next day for our transfer. It would be a day 3. Our RE said that we only had 3 good embryos and the others were poor.

BusyBee,
I'm still confused re: day 3 vs day 5. If my doctor gives me a choice, which should I choose? My translator-laison said that the doctor prefers to do day 3 transfers but sometimes chooses day 5. Is that because quality at day 3 is good or bad??? It seems if quality is bad at day 3, then day 5 would be a moot point, but if quality is good at day 3, then why not transfer then?? :silly: Makes me crazy!!

Anyone know anything about the Viagra (Sildenafil) suppositories? I want to make sure my uterine lining is as good as I can make it. I've heard of acupunture being helpful, and also arterial massage to increase blood flow.
I'm trying everything I can think of!!

Good luck to everyone, and those of you with the recent adoptions, Hurrah!!
Kiss those little babies for me!! :congrats:

Terry

[QUOTE=BusyBee]I'm still confused re: day 3 vs day 5. If my doctor gives me a choice, which should I choose? My translator-laison said that the doctor prefers to do day 3 transfers but sometimes chooses day 5. Is that because quality at day 3 is good or bad??? It seems if quality is bad at day 3, then day 5 would be a moot point, but if quality is good at day 3, then why not transfer then?? :silly: Makes me crazy!!
There seem to be two schools of thought on 3 day vs 5 day. Some re's or embryologists believe a three day is better, as the best place for those embies is back in the uterus.

Other's believe that if an embie won't make it to day 5 out of the uterus, it won't make it to day 5 inside the uterus. Also, in natural conception, the embie isn't in the uterus until day 5 - its in the tube, so on day 5 they are placing it where it "should be".

In my experience, if you don't have a high number of embies on day 3, its best to transfer them at that point. If you have several strong embies on day 3, its hard to tell which are "the best". The thought is only the strongest will survive until day 5.

With our cycle in June, on day 3 we had 7 (or was it 9?) embies growing strongly on day three, so we waited until day 5 for transfer. On day 5 we had only 2 viable embies. That cycle resulted in a miscarriage (a "chemical pregnancy).

This past successful cycle, we had two embies which looked very good on day three, and several which were iffy. We transfered those two. By day five, three more had made it to blast, and were frozen.

I've probably confused you even more. :heee:

Anyone know anything about the Viagra (Sildenafil) suppositories? I want to make sure my uterine lining is as good as I can make it. I've heard of acupunture being helpful, and also arterial massage to increase blood flow.
I'm trying everything I can think of!!
Here is a short thread on IVFC about viagra sups:
http://www.ivfconnections.net/board/showthread.php?t=61485

We thought we'd probably do a day-5 transfer but when my RE talked to the embryologists, they recommended day-3. It worked! One advantage to a day-5 transfer (at least as I understand it) is that you can get away with transferring fewer embryos. That wasn't an issue for me because we never intended to transfer more than 2.

Amanda

Thanks to everyone who responded about my friend's problem. I think the thing that puzzled the Dr. was that the embryo's looked so good on Day 3 & then ALL 5 stopped growing. Anyway, tomorrow is her beta, so we'll know soon!

Dana -- congratulations! I agree that a chemical pregnancy is worse than a negative. I had one last summer & I felt robbed that I should lose something that I had worked so hard for.

Kim -- That is absolutely unbelievable about your insurance! I hope you get some good news soon!

Kristen -- Congratulations! That is the most amazing adoption story that I have ever heard. I am so excited to hear that things worked out so well for you.

Phyllis -- I am glad to hear that everything is going so well for you. Don't worry about not having MS -- you aren't missing much! My sister is a month ahead of me & she didn't really have much MS either.

Things are going well with me. After already having 2 weeks of bedrest & now having some other problems, I have a paranoia that I am going to end up on bedrest again during this pregnancy. So, I am doing major spring cleaning to try to get my house in order. It is keeping me very busy!

Carla

Carla~ A :bfp: GRADUATE :bfp: :knitting: Now in her second trimester! :bighug:

Phyllis~ A :bfp: GRADUATE :bfp: :knitting: 9 weeks pregnant and no MS! :bighug:

Amanda~Mother of two beautiful children via IUI & IVF and big supporter and cheerleader for all of us here. :bighug: :awink: Thinking about turning her family of four into a family of 5. :banana:

Dana~Finally! :jump: :bfp: From her 3rd DE cycle. :bighug:

Kristen~Became a mom on Jan. 19th via adoption. :clap: :balloons: :bliss:

Terry~:welcome: Heading to the Czech Republic on March 17th for a DE cycle. Wishing her all the best! :thumbsup:

Melanie~On bedrest, but doing well. :bighug:

Suzi~Completed training through DSS for a potential foster/adoption. :thumbsup: Legitimately anxious about taking this next step. :hug99:

I had a sad day today and left work a bit early. :blue: My coworker is pregnant and starting to show. This normally moody woman is laughing and smiling all the time now and as happy as I am for her, I'm so jealous of her happiness. As it so happened, another co-worker left the job to be a SAHM and the guy who took over for her, his wife had a baby on the first day he was supposed to be at work (which was Monday). When he came to work today, a few co-workers had balloons and other celebratory things for him when he arrived. I couldn't be part of this and it just sucked for me. I just wasn't in the mood and I just stayed in my office and continued working while everyone else was just celebrating.

More later, when I'm feeling better.

Kim

:bighug: Kim, I'm so sorry. I've been there, and it hurts.

Oh Kim, I'm sorry. I think we've all been in that spot at one time or another. :hug99:

Thanks ladies. . .I'm feeling better today. . .not much, but I'm getting there. :thumbsup:

We're still working on trying to make this donor egg thing happen. We may have to rob a bank, win the lottery, or take out a loan, but we're going to persue this. Additionally, I'm waiting for DSS to get back to me regarding my application and starting us up for classes. I've also been checking into the costs of private adoption. It's pretty much a balancing act at this point, weighing monetary costs against which route would most efficiently and peaceably have us on our way to starting a family. . .

Suzi~I wanted to comment earlier regarding your concerns about Social Services. Having not taken the class, we're going through the same questions and concerns ourselves. Just from my own research, I know there are a lot of happy endings going through DSS as much as there are really many difficulties going through DSS. Before I filled out the application, a woman from DSS came to visit Kent and I and it was really a nice visit. . .but she was also very honest, with her basically telling us that her job was tough in that she sees so many wonderful couples and knows first hand how many children need homes, but does she want to place a "firestarter" or a child who abuses animals in our home? We had a conversation about newborns who may have to go through a detox process, and older children who may need to be in life long therapy. Of course I'm friggin' scared. I've not had any experience raising a child and there's a chance that we could be placed with one (or two) who need so much additional help???? :pullhair: I know that I may sound insensitive but I'm at a point here where I'm still feeling so angry about my luck that it's hard to even imagine a happy ending to my "baby" story. I will PM you and I've been meaning to do it. . . .:blue:

So where is Vyonne? And Judy? I hope they are both well. I'm still here :wavey: You are not alone. :awink:

Kim

Kim, it's a tough spot - this adoption through the system. I have discovered that you don't know what you are getting, it's kinda like you get what you get and then you wait 2/3/4 years to find out what you REALLY got. The woman who came to talk to us at our DSS classes adopted through the foster-to-adopt program and she took a placement for a 19 month old little girl. The girl never went back to her birth family so she'd been with the gal and her husband since she was 19 months old and then they adopted her. At the time she was an average toddler, nothing significant. Down the road she started having troubles and at 6 years old, the little girl threatened the mom with a knife. A KNIFE!!! The little girl only spent NINETEEN MONTHS with her neglectful family before she was pulled from the home and never went back. The little girl is now 9 and she regularly rages against the mother and trashes her room (breaking toys, ripping up the walls, etc.). How is it I am supposed to feel good about potentially introducing this situation to my home? How is that fair to Julia? And we were told that this situation - while it is extreme - is not unheard of. We've been told that a good 50% of children in the foster/foster-to-adopt/adopt programs are challenged in some way: behaviorally, emotionally, physically, mentally, etc. I just don't know what to think...

As always I've been thinking of you...don't hesitate to call me, either! I'm here! :bighug:

Jenior- I was told by my OB not to place a heating pad directly on my abdomen but that it's okay to put it on a low setting on my back for short periods. They don't want your overall body temp to be greater than 99.5

Kim and Suzi- When I was a child we had a foster child that we were going to adopt. I loved her like anyone would love a sister. However, my older sister and her didn't get along and she had problems with rage. She tried to hit my sister with a hammer in the head when she lost her temper one time and it scared my parents so bad that they decided not to adopt her. This broke my heart and I still think about her often. Supposedly, she came from a neglectful home, not a particular abusive one. Anyway, I think it's real hard when it doesn't work out but I can also bet it would have been great if it did. After that life experience I wouldn't want to have a temporary placement but rather a permanent one because the loss was too great for me.
Melanie

Hi all.

A quick post to let you know where I am. Currently waiting for AF to begin supression. I alternate between being terrified this won't work and being confident it will (I'm sure you all know what I am talking about) The plan this time is to try to go to 5 days for ET and to stick with the plan of putting back only 1.

In the interim, DH and I both had karyotyping done and I had a complete thrombophilia pannel done. We already knew I had a positive APA so I have been on lovenox with past pregnancies. This testing showed a MTHFR mutation on one gene which impacts how your body absorbs folic acid. I am beginning an RX folate supplement and that should do the trick. Evidently if it occurs on 2 locations that puts you at risk for clotting but one does not but I will be on the lovenox regardless. Dana noted to me that this seems common and I found a stat that noted about 60% of the population has this its just that you wouldn't know since it doesn't impact you unless it is tested so I guess its not a bog concern.

Judy- I didn't know until I was 3 months along that I have MTWFR and then I was started on extra folic acid and vit B. Glad you found out early. I think putting back one embryo is smart because twin pregnancies are high risk and take it from me very painful and difficult.I wish you the best and am looking forward to positive results.
Melanie

Hello everyone. :wavey:

I posted an intro in the old thread, but didn't notice the new thread until now.

I'm Jackie, my DH is Ben. We've been ttc #1 for going on 2 years. We have borderline male factor, but everything else seems good. We tried several IUI cycles, but decided to move onto IVF.

I started BCP in January, and took my last one today. I've been on Lupron and baby aspirin for the past five days and will be starting stims (follistism) on Friday. I had the mock transfer and saline ultrasound last week....RE said everything looked good. It looks like ER will be sometime around Feb. 26th, with ET either 3 or 5 days later (depending on embryo quality).

Melanie~Thanks for your story. I have a lot to think about. :scratch:

Judy~:bighug: It was so nice to hear from you. You know I'm always here wishing you all the best.

Jackie~:welcome: We'll be routing for this cycle. :thumbsup:

Kim

hi, melanie,

thanks for replying to my post. i'm pregnant after my first IVF but have a very low hcg test--it was in only the twenties on day 14 after my retrieval. 48 hrs have past, and now my hcg is in the thirties. i'm feeling depressed about it, just trying to stay as detached as best i can. i wish i hadn't wanted this so badly, but i had so much hope and now those hopes are gone. no good embryos frozen, so it looks like if we want to try again, it will need to be another IVF.

i'm wondering, does any one out there have info about ICSI. what is the controversy around it? my dr did conventional fertilization for my eggs and less than half fertilized, with only a handful making it to maturity for transfer. i'm wondering if a second IVF with ICSI on all the eggs retrieved would make a difference. i'm curious to know as much as anyone can tell me about ICSI and the benefits/downside. i'm 40. time is not on my side, so i feel like we need to do everything we can as soon as possible.

thanks,
jen

Jeni, sorry about your low hCG - I hope the very best for you but also know the likely outcome. :hug99:

ICSI...it is all we have ever done. The embryologist will select a sperm and inject it into the egg to "force" fertilization. Fert is typically better with ICSI although on occasion I have seen worse results with ICSI (not common). The possible downside to ICSI is that less than the best sperm may be chosen to fertilize less than the best eggs and there is a slightly higher - and I mean SLIGHTLY - chance of birth defects. The numbers are something like 2% chance of birth defect in normal birth and a 3-4% chance at a birth defect using ICSI ("run of the mill" IVF actually has about the same incident of birth defect as a "normal" birth). These are not the exact numbers but they are VERY close to this.

If you have more questions feel free to ask! Please keep us posted on your hCG numbers and how you are doing. :hug99:

Hi Jen,
Sorry to hear about your low HCG- I wish you the best outcome.
According to my experience, in my clinic they will do both procedures, if you happen to have a significant amount of eggs retrieved. In my case, and looking at my charts, I had 17 eggs retrieved and they did ICSI on 10 of them and IVF on the remaining 7.
I had a 5 day transfer, however at day 3, we had 11 that were worth to keep an eye on for a day 5 transfer. Out of these 11 embyos that were developing at a good pace ( mostly grade 3 and 4), 8 were fertilized with ICSI procedure and 3 with IVF.
They transfer 2 embryos on day 5 and froze 4 of them...NOW I really don't know if the ones they tansfer were fertilized with ICSI or IVF! guess I will have to ask and get back to you on that.
So, what was explained to me at the clinic was that with ICSI they will force fertilization and you will have more options from where to chose from.... More embryos that fertilized, not necessarily they will develop afterwords BUT at least you would be another step ahead...
Hope this helped you in any way...You are in great hands! These women here were the best that could ever happen to me while I was going through my IVF cycle and for them I am endlessly grateful

P.S has anyone heard from Vyonne? Her not posting, is not like her...Hope everything is well Vyonne!! All my good thoughts for you...

Phyllis

JeniOr~I'm so sorry about your hcg. :sadhug: I've been there more than once myself before and it's not easy. Take good care of yourself. (I've never done ICSI, but it sounds as if the other ladies answered your question).

Phyllis~I am also concerned about Vyonne and I hope she is doing O.K.

Vyonne~ :bullhorn: If you're out there, please let us know that you're O.K.




No much going on with me. We're still trying to work out some monetary issues, still trying on our own, still waiting for DSS to get back to me about starting classes. :wait:

Kim

Jenior,

I'm really sorry to hear about the hcg levels. I know what a let down it is. My first IVF cycle I got pregnant only to miscarry at 9 weeks and I had to have a D&C. However, I decided it was a fluke and I was going to try again. On my 2nd IVF, we only had 8 mature eggs on day 1 and by day 2 there were only 7 left. By day 3 we still had 7 but 4 were poor quality and 2 were excellant and 1 was good quality. Well I think the 2 excellant quality embryos are possibly the twins. I was afraid it wouldn't work and was very upset that we once again didn't have any frozen embryos either. I know how disappointing it is and how emotionally trying it is but like I told myself maybe the next time it will happen. All I know about ICSI is that it increases the fertilization rate. However, if a egg isn't mature it won't fertilize properly and continue to grow so it's helpful only with male factor infertility. I wish you only the best of luck!
Melanie- 32 weeks

Well it looks like this has become a slowly dying thread. :blue:

I'm still here however if anyone needs support or a place to vent.

Kim

We didn't rob a bank and I didn't win the lottery, but we did take out a loan in order to go forward with a donor egg cycle. My sister thinks I'm crazy (she doesn't have children, doesn't want children but sure does love shoes and pocketbooks) and at some points, I've also had to question my decision. I still haven't heard back from DSS regarding classes, private adoption costs just as much, so this is where I am now. All I can do is cross my fingers, pray, and stay positive that this will have the end result that my husband and I want.
Kim

:hug99: Kim, I think you are doing the right thing, it's something you want! and as far as I am concerned a baby is way more important than a new pair of shoes :awink:

I am hoping this is the donor that will work for you!!

I'm still here Kim!!! Excited you have made a decision about next steps are you looking at donors or is the one you previously had in mind who you want to go with?

I've been lurking a lot. I am on BCP in preparation for the next cycle. I almost can't even talk about it. What will be will be right? Meds arrived today so I am getting there!!

You and I need to grab some girlie time to chit chat soon

I'm still here, too! We're probably going back to the RE over the summer. Nothing else happening here. Just cheering on everyone else!!!

Amanda

I'm still here! Obviously not in treatment but still running my Fertility Challenges Support Group locally and also pursuing adoption (albeit rather slowly).


Also.... :fyi: The Infertility forums have been closed to non-subscribers.

That isn't entirely true, Suzi. Non subscribers can read to their hearts content. They just can no longer post.

Isn't that just a case of semantics Sheila? The support that paid subscribers have been able to get when going through an IVF cycle has just been cut drastically and to say (elsewhere) that the decision to remove registered member's access to the IF forum does not affect subscribed members is a little insensitive in my opinion.

Look....I am not bashing you for making the decision, I can appreciate as well as anyone that you want to be paid for people being here. All I'm saying is this decision DID affect the members who use this forum and it would've been nice to have a little warning before our support network was cut off at the knees.

Definitely has been quiet around here, I'm probably partially to blame I've been on and off for so long. Anyway, I started lupron so we're in the midst of the suppression stuff. Targeting a 5d of 1 embryo/blast if everything looks good that far down the line. So many little milestones between here and there!

Hope all are doing well

Wow Judy! I'm thinking of you alot and hoping that this works for you!!!

Amanda

Yay Judy~:yippee: I'm so glad you're on your way. :crossfing

We've just finished up with the legal paperwork for this donor cycle and our loan came through so we're just still in a waiting process for a while. I hope to hear from the clinic in the next week regarding timing. The donor needs to have some testing done here in MA and then if that all goes well, the donor and myself will need to get our cycles in sync before we can truly get going. I am soooooooo ready! :banana:

Kim

GREAT news Kim!!!!

Amanda

:bliss: Great news Kim!! Waiting, well of course you've done enough of that but I am hoping that this is the beginning of a happy ride for you guys and worth the wait

Kim, that's terrific news! I hope "the process" moves along swiftly and that you are on your way soon! :nod:

Kim, i hope the day of getting going is here before you know it!!

Kim, what great news! I'm trying to catch up on everyone's progress! I'm keeping you in my prayers!

Any progress is exciting news!!!

I hope everything that needs to get done is done FAST. :hug99:

How cool, Kim!! :hug99: I'll be praying with everything I have that this one is the ONE and you'll be :puke: in no time! :hug99:

Yes, I'm in a better mood these days. :sunny: I still have some waiting time however between the donor getting her testing done and us getting our cycles synced up. I can do nothing else but stay positive about this. :crossfing :pray:

Kim

So lets make an effort to keep this thread active and keep your spirits up!! We definitely should have a lunch or something soon I'm actually open a few weekends in the next couple of weeks (after the 24/25)

As for me, I completed BCP and had my supression check yesterday I will get the date to start stims today - evidently embryology sets that now - I don't recall that from previous cycles but will hopefully get the information today. I didn't get AF after BCP which I think happened one time before and the nurse said it may or may not come. So more to follow...

I think Judy is starting stims today so GOOD LUCK!
I hope this new donor is the miracle you've been waiting to have for so long Kim.
I'm starting clomid to make myself feel like I'm doing something while waiting to return to my RE this summer. ;)

Amanda

And I promised Judy I'd do my share in keeping things active here! :lol:

Amanda

Thanks Amanda :lol: I did indeed start stims Friday so far so good, I did wind up getting a very light AF and getting to have a long conversation with my nurse coordinator who reviewed all my questions about protocal. I feel much better now, E2 will be checked Tuesday and we'll go from there.

so :whistle:

Exciting stuff Judy! I hope your first E2 check is good and you aren't having too many side effects from the stims. I got confused and started clomid on day 2 instead of day 3. Duh! I'm sure it won't matter much - maybe it'll even be the thing that makes clomid work for me!

Amanda

Maybe it will!! Actually I can't remember but I know there was some date fluxuation when I took Clomid, I want to say though that I heard the earlier you take it the earlier you ovulate

Good luck, Judy. :hug99:

Amanda, I did clomid CD2-6 :aok: Worked twice for me that way!

Thanks Deb!

Well things are moving right along for me - hopefully not too fast, after 4 days of stim (yesterday) my E2 was 588 so they had me come in for an u/s today, we saw about 9 measureable follies and she said about 20 just under. I'd love to have numbers on my side but I don't want to get sidelined by OHSS - its a fine line and I worry about quality being sacrificed with the quantity.

So thats my update

It sounds like good news overall Judy! I finished my clomid. Some hot flashes but otherwise I'm doing ok.

Amanda

Yay for finishing the clomid! Are you charting or using OPK's to track O?


I had my first follie check yesterday and they are watching my E2 level closely. Yesterday it was 947. I had another check of bloodwork today. Hoping it won't go too high, I think I am ok that number was for 5 nights of stim.

I'm charting.
Sounds like stims are going well. How are you feeling???

Amanda

Hello Everyone!!:hithere
This is Jennifer from last year. PTI on your thread, but I'm back starting my next round of IVF proabably in May or June. I really need a support group and you girls have really helped in the past. I've tried to post a few times over the last couple of months but I see things have changed around here and a subscription must purchased. So, I hope to be around for the next six months or longer.

Heres the update:

Last August 8 eggs, none fertilized
Doctor could not explain why
They did not perform ICSI:down: even though we paid and signed off on it
Changed doctors...LOVE HIM
We are starting from scratch with him. Turns out my DHs sperm is beautiful and perfect except for binding issues. Only 16% bind, which is probably why none of my eggs fertilized the first time. It was a more thourough test for $400.00. I can't believe the first RE didn't offer that test before we did our cycle! I still feel totally ripped off. I also did an AMH (egg quality) test on my eggs, the result was a 2.2. At my age they look for a 1.1 or higher, the RE was happy about that.
I did an HSG yesterday unfortunately my right tube is hydrosalpinxed! The left was removed last year due to hydrosalpinx. At the time of HSG in 05, the right had no indication of a hydro so I am a little confused as to how it happened. The RE says maybe because of the Fertility drugs from last August?? The new RE wants to snip it, not necessarily remove it but just snip it before we start meds. This should take place in April. In the meantime DH & I are trying to figure out where to get more finanacing to pay for IVF which weighs so heavily on my heart. It's so much money. The insurance still will not play a part in covering anything. So needless to say I'm worried about the $$$$ and concerned about getting chopped up. My time is running short as I am now 37, so the pressure is on.
I didn't mean to be so long winded, but I wanted to catch everybody up and I'll be catching myself up on you ladies as well.
I look forward to hearing from you.
:grouphugg
Jennifer

Jennifer!! Welcome Back!! Glad you sub'ed and that you found a new Dr who is taking so much care!!! I've never heard of the egg quality test but you have gotten really great news!! Sorry about the hydro but way better to find it now!

Amanda - thanks for asking, I'm feeling like I have softballs in my abdomen and that someone is doing this :handbags: lol but all for good and I keep thinking ER will be Monday so no too much longer!!

Welcome Jennifer!!!! I'm sorry for all you have been through already. It sounds like your new doctor is GREAT and you've gotten good news. Good luck with your upcoming cycle. We'll be here to cheer you on!!!!
Judy - Egg retrieval in only a few more days!!!! That's great!

Amanda

hmm not sure what to think now, my E2 is 1546 today, pretty high I think and if my calculations are right, figuring follies grow 2 mm a day they will only be around 17mm tomorrow so I think trigger won't be until Sat...just worried about OHSS thresholds.

Off to google...

My E2 levels were higher than that Judy. You should be ok. How are the follies growing???

Amanda

That is very reassuring Amanda!!! Thank you!!

I didn't get an u/s today I will have one tomorrow.

Thank you Judy and Amanda for helping keep this thread alive. :woot2:

Judy~Wow. :wow: Time flies when you're not paying attention. :silly: I'm so glad you're starting stims and I'm going to be sending you tons of positive thoughts and vibes for the next few weeks. :crossfing I'm heading West this weekend but I'm going to Amherst to help my mom with stuff around the house. Will you be in the Boston anytime soon? Of course, there will be no boozing for us. :awink:

Amanda~On the baby rollercoaster again! :eek: You know how I feel. . .all the best to you.

Jen~It's so nice to hear from you again. :bighug: Good thing you changed Drs and got some questions answered. You mentioned an AMH test. . .I've never heard of that. How is it done? How does it measure egg quality. I can empathize with you about the money. I admit, that I was very lucky to have my IVFs covered, but that's come to a stop. :blue: DH and I just took out a $30,000 loan to get this DE cycle covered. It's very scary and it's been very stressful. . .for example, our car was having problems recently and we realized that we just don't have the option of spending money on anything that isn't absolutely neccesary at this point.

On that note, the DE agency and the IVF clinic have our checks and our credit card numbers. . . and our legal forms. . . . and our signed consent forms. :pullhair: We are waiting for the donor to turn in a medical questionaire to Boston IVF. The IVF clinic would then make arrangements to have the donor to fly to Boston for an overnight stay for a day of medical screening. So. . .just waiting as usual.

Kim

Wow Kim!!! A lot going on for you. It all sounds very, very promising. I'm always thinking of you and hoping for everything to finally work out!

Amanda

Thanks Amanda!

I was just thinking . . . .:idea:

If Jen wasn't able to post for a while due to changes on the website, perhaps Vyonne is going through the same thing. :scratchch: If you see this Vyonne, email me kpgern@yahoo.com

Good thinking Kim!

I don't have any plans right now but I'd happily make some to meet up with you and have a good chat. I hope you have a nice weekend with your mom the weather should be beautiful.

Amanda there were a bunch on u/s today most are in the 14-17 range so, I'm ready for trigger they say...

Retreval will be Sunday 8 am. E2 was 2330 so I think I escaped the OHSS threshold and hopefully we will have a nice fertilization rate and all that.

I'm crossing all crossables for your retrieval tomorrow Judy!!!! Thinking fertile thoughts for you.

Amanda

Thank you everyone for the warm welcome back!

Judy~My fingers are crossed for you for tomorrow :up: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)

Kim~ I love that we can post pictures of ourselves! Maybe I just noticed because I am a subscriber now, not sure, anyway you are so pretty!!
The AMH test is an egg quality test that, from my understanding, is fairly new here in the states. The new RE sent it to London where they measured my egg quality trough bloodwork. I got a 2.2 and at my age (37) he was happy with that. I needed some relief on unanswered questions concerning our first fertilization failure, the RE suggested it so I did it along with extra sperm testing for DH. (He has binding issues) How convenient the first RE didn't check for that, I'll never understand why they weren't more thourough with these tests??? Very baffeling to me. I wish I would have done these tests in the beginning.
I'm keeping in mind that this infertility is BIG business, I just want to be extra special careful, no suprises for our next cycle.
It seems as though there are less people on this thread. It's probably due to having to subscribe. Kind of a bummer. When is the last time anyone heard from Vyonne??
Sorry you have to wait so long on your paperwork. It's always something.
:sigh:
Amanda~Where are you in your cycle?

Jennifer

Jennifer - I'm CD 10 on clomid. Just charting and hoping that I actually O. I'm pretty ok with things either way. In a few months I'll be able to return to my fabulous RE and start "real" treatment. How do you like living in Ft. Lauderdale? I was just looking at a job in Hollywood, FL.
Judy - i'm thinking of you!!!! Hope the retrieval goes/went well and your fert report is awesome!!!! When you get a chance, let us know how you're doing.

Amanda

Just a quick post, retreval went well but from the 31 follies they did only get 15 eggs - which I'll admit bumed me out, I have been reminding myself though that 15 is a great number and we were lucky to get that and hopefully we will have good fertilization. I'm hurting so back to the couch I go.


Very glad we are getting more active here :ok:

Just wanted to stop by and wish you all good luck. I am not going thru IVF but I am dealing with my own issues of conceiving. I hope you all get your miracle soon. :hug99:

15 is awesome Judy!!!! That's what I had with my IVF cycle. I hope your fert numbers are great. Thinking good thoughts for your developing embryos!!!

Amanda

Thanks Melissa for popping in, hey just a thought but since there are fewer of us now and all, would it make sense to make this thread more of an IF support thread? I mean I think it sort of is anyway but to make it official?

Jennifer regarding Vyonne, I think the last time she posted was back in January in the old thread. Hopefully things are going well for her! Interesting stuff about those tests. We recently had some chromosomal panels done to rule out anything and I was sort of shocked that they were doing it after 2 fresh and 2 FET cycles - you'd think that would be done upfront.

Now I have to ask you guys your honest opinions, So I had 31 follies, they got 15 eggs, I didn't expect 31 but I was thinking the actual number would be closer to 20ish you know? Then I asked for pain meds since I was really uncomfortable before the ER, the Dr said he would give me a script, then he forgot so the nurse had to go find him. Then we get to the pharmacy and he hadn't put a dosage on the script. So I wind up calling my nurse coordinator because I didn't remember his name, she mentions that he is from another group that they are affiliated with, not the clinic itself. Well all that got me going and I wondered if it is an overreaction to think that maybe he wasn't as experienced you know? Oh that and I overheard him talking to a couple that was there for transfer saying "so you sure you only want to do one? Because you have a better pregnancy rate if you put back two" which I thought was totally inappropriate 1 to be having the conversation where other people are in earshot and 2 to say something like that on transfer day. I know if someone said that to me, given my history, during that time when you are stressed as it is, I would be pissed and tell him to read my flipping chart. So my longwinded rambling questions are..Would you say anything about those 3 experiences with the Dr to the clinic?

And I know 15 is a good number I am lucky to have but I feel cheated that he didn't get more. Am I overreacting?

Hmmm. I don't blame you for feeling frustrated. On the other hand I think it's not uncommon to get fewer eggs than there are follicles. I think it can be hard to get all of those eggs! Just because he's covering from another group doesn't necessarily mean he's less experienced. After my failed FET we switched to an RE who was in solo practice. He was awesome and very experienced. He sometimes covers for the "big group" that I went to initially. Anyone who got him would be lucky! I know it's easy to 2nd guess everything but I think you're in very good shape.

Amanda

Just dropping in to drop off some support to you all. I hope good news abounds here soon!!

Delurking just to say that I've been reading and rooting for you ladies for a long time. I keep up with my good friend Kim in here, so I'm familiar with many of your stories. Wishing you all success!! :)

First I wanted to just say, I noticed that more people were posting and lending support and its awesome, its very much appreciated. I realize I'm the only one cycling right now and I don't 'know' most of you because I tend to stick to this thread but it really means a lot that you popped by :nod:

And Amanda, I ran across your post bringing people's attention to this thread and thank you. I think you did a great job explaining the process (not that I'm one bit suprised!) Anyway thank you very much.

So I got my call, apparently with my clinic for a day 3/5 flex which is what we are doing, they plan for you to go in on Day 3 and on day 3 embryology will assess whats developing and if they should be taken out to day 5. So right now the plan is for me to come in at 11 for a noon transfer.

Numbers are eh. Disapointing to me actually. We have 6 embryos, I don't know what quality as they don't release that information. I know 6 is a good number its just hard to make the transition from 31 to 15 to 6 and then it makes me worry about what will be there tomorrow.

Regardless I am trying to be positive! We are only putting back one embryo so 6 puts us in a good place.

I'm sorry that the numbers aren't better. I totally understand what you mean about expectations vs. reality. I had a similar experience with my IVF cycle. Even though we ended up with very good numbers, I expected more so I was disappointed. I would think that since you're only transferring one embryo, a day 3 transfer would be a good idea? I don't know everything about the day 3 vs. day 5 so I'm not totally sure of the decision-making process.
Having 6 embryos total is awesome because it means you have SIX chances to get pregnant. Those are very, very good odds!!!
Sending the stickiest of sticky thoughts for you, Judy.

Amanda

Thanks Amanda.

The thinking behind the day 5 vs day 3 is that by day 5 what they are selecting is a 'stronger' embryo so therefore more likely to implant. But the risk of course is that some will be lost between days 3 and 5. And I have gotten pregnant before on a day 3 so I definitely know it can work!!

Mine were all day 3. I just worried about the embryo "loss" between day 3 and day 5. That's why we did a day 3 transfer. :dunno: It was probably the right decision for us in retrospect. We had a disaster time with our FET because the embryos didn't thaw well. I wonder if something like that would have happened if we had waited until day 5.

Amanda

Thinking of you Judy!!!!! Praying this is it!

Hey Judy,

I just wanted to stop in and tell you that I am sending lots of positve thoughts your way. I hope that everything goes really well and that you get some awesome news soon!

Hey Judy, another delurker here to send all the possible positive vibes your way. :vibes: Good luck - six chances to get pregnant is so great!!! I really really hope this transfer ends up in a miracle for you. :hug99:

Wow, Judy! I'll be thinking about you tomorrow and sending as many good & sticky vibes your way as I can. :vibes:

Another de-lurking here! Best of luck, Judy!!!

I'm thinking that we did a 5 day transfer with our last IVF since we did PGD. This was the one that ended up with Amelia :) . Our previous two IVFs + one FET were all three day transfers.

Hello ladies! I know I haven't posted for a while, but I haven't had much news to share. After we had to cancel our 1st IVF cycle in October, I got into a bit of a funk, but I'm doing much better now. I actually started on microdose lupron today and will start on stims for cycle #2 on Thursday. We are looking at an ER on 4/9 or so. For those who don't remember/know me, DH and I are working with a surrogate. We will be using my eggs, DH's sperm, and our surrogate's uterus. After 10 days of stims last time, we discovered that our surrogate had an infection in one of her tubes (which had to be removed.) So, now that she is healthy again, we are back at it.. and it's good to be back!

I read through this thread and I can't believe yvonne isn't posting... anyone heard from her? Is she going the surrogate route?

Good luck tomorrow Judy!

Best of luck to you, Judy! :vibes:

Thanks for posting and for the good vibes everyone! I do truely feel more positive with more support!

Kelley, I don't think anyone has heard from Vyonne since January. I miss her and had a thought that she had posted an email address a while back but was unable to find it. I think she was going the surrogate route :nod: Very glad to hear you are doing better and gearing up for cycling!!

I am keeping you in my prayers Judy. I pray that you get your precious miracle.

Judy~~WOW 6 Embies!!!, that's great!!!! My fingers are crossed for you.

Amanda~~ I love lliving in S. Florida. Actually I live in Hollywood LOL LMK if you have any questions about the town.

Jennifer

:vibes: 6 good embryos. :crossfing

First I wanted to just say, I noticed that more people were posting and lending support and its awesome, its very much appreciated. I realize I'm the only one cycling right now and I don't 'know' most of you because I tend to stick to this thread but it really means a lot that you popped by :nod:
Since I've been lurking in here forever, I was glad to be prompted by Amanda to post here. I hope this brings you ladies more into the rest of the board too. :)

I'm cheering you on tomorrow, Judy!

Welcome back Kelley! I hope this next cycle does the trick for you!!!
Fingers crossed Judy. I'm really hoping for a sticky baby this time.

Amanda

Kim, I see you haven't posted in here so I am off to your journal to see if there is any news on your donor and your cycle sinking up etc etc.

Judy, good luck, I hope that this is THE one! :hug99:

Kelley: Welcome back :hug99: I am sorry that your last cycle was cancelled, but thrilled that it's all back on track. Good luck!

Good luck once again Judy!!! :crossfing

Best of luck, Judy!! :vibes: for a sticky baby!!!

Thinking baby thoughts for you today Judy!!!!

Good luck Kelley - so glad you caught the problem last time and are on the path again. Hopefully we will have two success stories in here in the near future!!!

Loving all the vibes :ok: I got good news today, based on the quality of the embryos they decided to push me out to a 5 day transfer so instead of today, it will be Friday. The thinking behind this is that they will be better able to select the strongest embryo as we are only putting back one due to a previous loss of twins. So according to the lab everything is looking good!

Kim, I am setting up before and after transfer acu at the Domar Center, have you ever gone there?

De-lurking to wish lots of baby dust to everybody :hug99:

That is such great news Judy!!!! Thinking of those growing embryos.

Amanda

That is great news Judy!!! Good luck!! I'll keep ya in my prayers!!! Stick little embies stick!!!

Judy, What great news!! I hope but nothing but more great news for on Friday!!

Are you in MA?

Loving all the vibes :ok: I got good news today, based on the quality of the embryos they decided to push me out to a 5 day transfer so instead of today, it will be Friday. The thinking behind this is that they will be better able to select the strongest embryo as we are only putting back one due to a previous loss of twins. So according to the lab everything is looking good!

Kim, I am setting up before and after transfer acu at the Domar Center, have you ever gone there?

:woo: That is such great news!!! Grow little embryo's grow! You can do it!!! :bb:

Wow :wow:. . what the :scratch:? It's a party! :balloons: Amanda, where did you post? What did you say? Thank you Amanda :dude: and thank you so much everyone for coming by and checking in on us and cheering us on. :rahrah: It really means a lot. :grouphugg

Jen~Thanks for the information regarding AMH. I sure wish that this was around a few years ago. It's too late for me now, but I wish that I really could find out more about my egg quality.

Judy~All the BEST TO YOU for your transfer tomorrow. :vibes: :pray: :crossfing :bighug: The same reason that you're doing a 5 day transfer is the same exact reason that my RE plans on us doing a 5 day transfer with the donor egg. I think 6 is a very good amount. :aok: And since you plan on putting only one back, you should have several chances. :awink: No, I haven't gone to the domar ACU Center but I think that's great that you're doing it. :thumbsup: Before they had that available, I was going to my acupuncturist the evening before transfer and an hour following transfer. The clinic is in Waltham and my acupuncturist is in Needham, so they're not far from one another. Since I have my own acupuncturist, I still go to her, but if I didn't I would definitely recommend using the domar clinic. . .and so, it's great that you're doing it. By the way, I'm starting acu again to prepare for my cycle. . .whenever that's going to be. Regarding one of the concerns you had about the RE. . .I honestly didn't feel like I'd be offended if the RE asked me about putting one or two back on the day of the transfer. The reason why is because the couple and the RE may have discussed putting more than one back before the transfer occurred, but remember that you don't know the embroyo quality until the day of the transfer. Perhaps the couple found out the embryo grade/quality was better than they had assumed and wanted to take their chances and only put one back. It's just an example, but there could be many reasons why the RE might ask that. . .on the hand, saying it so loudly that everyone can hear is not a good thing. :down:

Kelley~Welcome back :welcome: and good luck to you with your cycle :crossfing:

I left my email address in a post and Vyonne hasn't gotten back to me. Last we knew, she was preparing for a cycle using a surragate and a donor egg. I would love to know how she's doing.

Judy had a good idea about opening this thread up as general IF support instead of who's in the middle of an IVF cycle for any given month. Since a new thread needs to be started soon, what would you think about it just being called IF support. . .for anyone going through any sort of treatments towards getting pregnant.. . .(or something like that).

I'm hanging in there. I have my good days :sunny: and bad days :blue:. With Spring beginning and life coming back, I can't help but think about fertilization, growth, re-birth, etc. Don't get me wrong, I love Spring. I guess the fact that I was pregnant this time last year and had the m/c soon after, is also filling me with some strong emotions. The donor has turned in all her paperwork so now I'm waiting for BIVF to review everything. They should be in contact with the donor soon for her to come to Boston for her medical workup. So I'm still waiting and trying very hard to enjoy each day and stay positive that this will work. :pray:

Just trying to get things more active here!

I can totally understand having good and bad days, Kim. You have such a fighting spirit about everything. It continues to amaze and inspire me!!! I hope the donor stuff comes through quickly.

Amanda

I've lurked in here before, and always impressed by the strength that you all have. Even on days that hadn't gone how you wanted, you are still strong.

Judy, good luck with the transfer tomorrow!

Kim, glad you're hanging in there though the good and bad. Hoping that things continue to move along with the donor.

Judy - hope it all goes well tomorrow. :crossfing (I didn't realize you were a New England girl, but based on recent posts, it seems you are!)

Kim - I thnk of you constantly, and am excited to cheer on the process for you once all the paperowrk is done. :)

Good luck tomorrow Judy! :cheer: We're cheering for you!!!

Stick baby stick!!!!!
Sending lots of gooey, gluey, sticky thoughts for your best little embryo Judy. I hope this is finally IT for you!!!

Amanda

Good Luck Judy! I'll be thinking sticky thoughts :)

:vibes::crossfing

Judy, I'm praying for a sticky baby for you!! :pray: Come on baby, you can do it!! :bighug:

Kim, positive thoughts being send your way so things with the donor keep smoothly moving forward :bighug:

Good luck Kim. I hope everything works out and you get your little one soon!

Kim, heheh.. Amanda posted a thread in the Town Hall, and we all just want to support you guys in any way possible. I hope you get good news soon.... :)

Judy, how's it going? I'm thinking about you today :)

GOOD LUCK JUDY!!!!

I am going to quote Amanda Schwanda because I don't think I could say it any better!!!

Stick baby stick!!!!!
Sending lots of gooey, gluey, sticky thoughts for your best little embryo Judy. I hope this is finally IT for you!!!

Amanda

Kim, we are all here sending :vibes: and :cheer: for you. Hoping for quick paper processing and minimal red tape!

:pray: Just stopping by to say I am thinking of and praying for you guys...

Thinking nothing but good thoughts for you, Judy!!!!

Kim I hope that spring and the renewal of the season brings as much sweetness as the bitterness that does come with the reminders of last year :hug99: I'm in agreement with your proposed name for the next thread. BTW I did the acu at Domar today and what a beautiful place! So peaceful and nice. Its only 10 minutes from my clinic so it worked out wonderfully and turns out the acu was actually a teacher of my acu when she was in school - small world huh?

I am definitely a NE girl, MA in fact. :nod:

This will just be a quick post so I can go lay back down but...

It went very well I think, we put back 1 expanding blastocyst which basically means the embryo is on its way to hatching and just before implanting - the embryologist and the Dr both seemed please so then of course we are too Both of us have a really good feeling about this. I hope we are on target.
We don't know how many other embies made it to 5 days we will get a letter sometime next week letting us know if there were any to freeze.

Glad to hear it went well, Judy! I hope that there is more good news on the way.

Judy had a good idea about opening this thread up as general IF support instead of who's in the middle of an IVF cycle for any given month. Since a new thread needs to be started soon, what would you think about it just being called IF support. . .for anyone going through any sort of treatments towards getting pregnant.. . .(or something like that).

Would it help at all to combine the IUI, IVF & High Tech forum into the Infertility forum? I just feel like this thread is buried, and it feels weird. :dunno: Wherever you want to be is ok with me. :aok:

Judy-I'm sending sticky vibes and many prayers your way!!!!

Kim- So glad to hear that you're on your way! You're in my thoughts!

Vyonne- If you're out there reading this...I hope that you're well!

XO,
Kristen

Judy, so glad things are looking good!!! :clap: I hope the good news continues :)

Judy all sounds good to me. Hope the good news continues!

Sticky, sticky thoughts Judy!!!

Amanda

Question: How long after transfer is the wait until you find out? Just curious.

It depends on the clinic and depends on what day the transfer is (day 3 vs. day 5). The day of retrieval is equal to O day. Judy had a day 5 transfer on Friday so day is approximately 8 DPO. It takes at least 1-2 weeks for the hcg shot to be out of your system so it's still early to test. A positive test as this point is most likely from the hcg shot and not a true BFP. I don't know what day the blood test is scheduled for Judy or if she's planning to take a HPT. Most clinics discouraged hpts but I always did it anyway.

Amanda

Thanks Amanda.

Good luck, Judy!!! Lots of sticky thoughts coming your way!!!!!

Good luck Judy! I didn't realize you were a MA girl either!

My blood test is actually scheduled for the 11th, I was kind of suprised I figured they would count from ER/O but I guess they do 12 days past ET regardless.
I think all clinics discourage POAS, I've done it in the past though..thing is it can make you nutty(er) :silly: since sometimes the stick will be negative and the beta positive or both positive but the beta lower than what they want to see on that day..DH and I figured we'd discuss testing at home closer to the date. I'd like to wait it out if I can.

I'm in Central MA :nod:

11th can't get here fast enough! I'm so anxious for you, Judy...

Kim: I am so glad that things are moving along, I know that this is torture for you, but it's definatly positive news to hear that your donor is on the ball and doing her side of things :nod: My fingers are crossed.

Judy: I am sending you a gazillion sticky vibes, I am glad the dr's are really pleased with the transfer and teh state of the emby! :aok:

I'm a huge POAS addict but I would discourage you anyway! With my FET I had a positive HPT but my blood test was low and never went up. We got all excited that it had worked and then I had a chemical pregnancy. It was a horrible feeling, worse than if I had never thought I was pregnant.
I'm thinking lots and lots of sticky thoughts Judy!
Kim - When do you expect to hear more news?

Amanda

Judy, I'm thinking good thoughts for you!! We'll keep you busy until the 11th rolls around. :)

Kim, of course I'm following along and hoping beyond hope that this is the right one for you. :hug99:

Would it help at all to combine the IUI, IVF & High Tech forum into the Infertility forum? I just feel like this thread is buried, and it feels weird. :dunno: Wherever you want to be is ok with me. :aok:

Yes, I think that sounds like a good idea. :thumbsup:

Judy~:crossfing :vibes: :pray: :crossfing :vibes: :pray: :crossfing :vibes: :pray: :crossfing :vibes: :pray: You know I'm right here with you. :bighug:

Thanks everyone :grouphugg

Still a lot of waiting. . .but at least something is happening. :aok: At this point, the donors paperwork has been reviewed and approved by the IVF clinic, and so now, the donor agency (via communication with the IVF clinic) must book the donors first (overnight) trip to Boston where she will have a medical workup/testing at the IVF clinic. After those test results come back (which I'm told takes about a month) :rolleyes: , then we can start syncing our cycles for the retrevial and transfer. My guess is late May/early June. :yawn:

Kim

Glad to hear things are moving for you Kim. To bad it can't go quicker! Hang in there.

Judy: I am new to the IVF information but from what I have read I don't think I would POAS...a false positive would really suck. It's almost the 11th...hang in there. I have all crossables crossed and have prayed for you many times.

Great news Kim! I know another month of waiting is frustrating but not if this is the right donor for you.
Judy - Thinking of you and your little embryo.

Amanda

Judy~~~~O, how I am thinking of you!!!! I'm keeping my fingers crossed and praying for you too!!!


Kim~~Hang in there

I received news from my RE concerning my hydro. They will remove it on May 11th. I was hoping to start the cycle sooner, but not to be. We'll be a month behind for our IVF cycle, but this will buy me more time so we can figure out where the money will come from. I'm anxious to ge the ball rolling. I should actively be in the next thread, so see you there!!

Jennifer

I'll be right there with you! :thumbsup:

Kiim

Happy Easter everyone!!


Kim very glad to here there is some progress even thought it feels like slow going. I am getting a good feeling about this donor for you. Thank you for all the prayers thoughts and vibes I'm soaking them up!

Jennifer, sorry to hear about the delay but glad that you have a positive outlook on it.

As for me, hanging in there, of course obsessing about little thing and going from :bliss: to :raincloud I'd think it was a positive sign but it could easily be all the meds :) Very much appreciating all the positive thoughts!!!

Kim, I am glad your donor's paperwork was approved. I am :pray: that the medical exam/blood work goes well too!

Judy, you are in my thoughts too. I am thinking of sticky babies!

Jennifer, we will be here :rahrah: you on in the next thread.

By the way, I am not from Boston, but I went to MIT, so I lived in Cambridge for a few years. My ex went to grad school in Cambridge, too, so I returned there after college for a few years.

Boston is different from my hometown of Chicago, but it's a great place. I loved even more after having Kareem and Khalila...I know you will find it a wonderful place for kids!

Kim: I am glad that it is still rolling along, every step is a tick off the list that gets you closer to your final goal. My fingers are crossed her medical goes well and you can start syncing!

Judy: I still have my fingers crossed tightly for you. I bet you are just on pins and needles as the days inch closer to the 11th! Good luck! :hug99:

Jennifer: Sorry for the delay but you have an awesome attitude :aok: I hope it goes fast! it will be great you and kim can do it together!

Jennifer - Sorry for the delay. I hope the surgery helps make your next cycle a success!
Kim - Thinking of you!
Judy - I hate the roller-coaster ride that is the 2ww. Sending sticky baby thoughts for you.

Amanda

:wavey: Hi gals. Just dropping off some positive thoughts today! So much strength and courage here... :bighug:

Still crossing my fingers for you Judy as we creep closer to the 11th!

Thanks! I'd post more but I'm just a basket case :silly: I decided not to test so I will just wait for official results.

Judy.. :pray: :hug99:

I hope that this it for you Judy!!!

Hey ladies, just popping in to wish you all the best. Amanda encouraged us to support this forum, so here I am. I haven't had time to read the whole thread yet, so I'll update on what's happening around here and offer some prayer and thoughts to you.

I hope this is it for you Judy!!! :pray:

Good luck Judy!

Good luck Judy!!!

Amanda

Best of Luck, Judy!

Thinking positive thoughts for you, Judy!! :crossfing

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

Kim :heart:

I can't thank you all enough for dropping by. It really means so much to us. :cheer:

I have a little news. . .

The donor has been scheduled for her testing in Boston on Monday, April 23. :clap: It takes about 14 days for the test results to come back. If everything comes back good, I've been told that it's approximately about 6 weeks from that point where we'll be ready for retrievel and transfer. Things are moving along like a snail. . .but at least they're movin' huh? :thumbsup:

Kim

Thats moving in the right direction Kim!! :woot: And really when you think about it the 23rd is what 2 weeks away? And once you are :airquote: doing something the time seems to fly right by it seems - at least to me!!

and thank you :bighug:

Kim, that's awesome news, having solid dates gives you something to look forward to!! :hug99: I hope the time goes by quickly.

Judy: Good luck tomorrow! I am sure you are beyond basket case mode right now, but hopefully that will be turning into happy expecting mode as of tomorrow, my fingers are crossed.

That's great Kim! That means you could be less than 2 months away!

Good luck Judy! Thinking of you...

That is great news Kim!!! :cheer:
:pray: the next 8 weeks fly by!!!



Good luck Judy!!!! Thinking of you....

Judy.....thinking of you today and :pray: that the results are good.

Kim, that's great news!! :woo:

Judy, crossing everything for you today!

Hi there..

Judy just emailed me.

I am so sad to tell you all that her beta was negative. She said she will be on later and she will be okay...but is just really bummed.

I am so sorry Judy.

Oh Judy. I'm so very sorry :hug99:

I am so sad and sorry for you Judy. :hug99:

:hug99: I am so sorry Judy.

:hug99: I'm really sorry, Judy. :(

:( Oh Judy... disappointed doesn't even scratch the surface, does it. I'm so sorry. :runtear:

:disbelief (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#):dunno: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)
It's not fair!!! I'm sending a big hug to you Judy:sadhug: (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=131#)

Jennifer

I am so sorry, Judy. :sadhug:

Judy I am so sorry. That just sucks!! :hug99:

I am so sorry, Judy! :hug99:

I'm really sorry Judy.

Amanda

:hug99: Judy.:(

I am so sorry Judy...

Judy, I'm so sorry :sadhug:

I'm so sorry, Judy :hug99:

Judy I'm so very sorry :hug99:

It is so unfair! :blue: I am sorry, Judy :hug99:

:( Oh Judy... disappointed doesn't even scratch the surface, does it. I'm so sorry.

no it doesn't - said very well though :nod:

Thank you all very much for the support, it really does help. I'm meeting with my RE later today to discuss next steps. At least for me I usually feel better when there is a 'plan' in place so I'm thinking that will help me to be in a better place.

Thank you again.

My heart bleeds for you. I don't know what else to say except that I'm sorry.

Amanda

I am so sorry, Judy. :hug99:

Judy, words cannot express how sorry I am. You'll be in my prayers.

Kristen

Judy~:disbelief :pullhair: :cry: :sadhug: I know there are no words. . . .:consoling
You can contact me at home tonight if you need to cry, vent, or let loose.
617-298-9031

Kim

I am so sorry judy. You are in my thoughts.

I'm so sorry, Judy. :hug99:

Oh Judy, just getting back online to see this. I am devastated for you. I am very very sorry. :hug99:

Thanks everyone and thank you Kim for the offer to let loose. I did some in my own way and feel better. Preping for a cycle now actually doing BCP. Dr proposed a new protocal with no lupron but adding ganirilex around stim day 6. So essentially I could be cycling in May which I at this point have some mixed feelings about like maybe giving it one more month might give my body a rest etc..but I can decide when to do this.

Thank you everyone for the support it really was a help.

I'm glad that you got some time to cope. That's exciting that you're starting a new cycle so quickly. Thinking of you.

Amanda

I'm going to read up on the IVF meds and terminology so I can better understand the process and offer more support.

Judy, it sounds like you are gearing up for another round...but you are considering the possibility that if you wait (and give your body a rest) you'll be more mentally and physically prepared? Or is it likely to be more successful if you wait?

Sorry for the dumb questions, I want to understand better.

Either way, it sounds like you have a plan...that always helps me, too.

I am glad that you are getting the ball rolling for the next round, Judy. I am crossing my fingers that this is the one!

Judy, it sounds like you are gearing up for another round...but you are considering the possibility that if you wait (and give your body a rest) you'll be more mentally and physically prepared? Or is it likely to be more successful if you wait?

Exactly :nod: just want to make sure that timing is going to be the best possible to give myself the best odds.

Judy, I'm like you, I need to know what's happening next. I think it's great that you've got wheels in motion and have an idea what's coming up, and that's there's at least one change being made that could increase your chance/make the experience better. And you're still in control, it's still up to you whether to go through it immediately or wait-there is no wrong choice, you know in your heart what's best. :hug99:

Hello everyone~~~

My upcoming consultation w/ RE is on May 7th to discuss removing my right tube. I was wondering if anyone in this group had had both tubes removed? My right tube is patent (dye does flow out of it, although it is still hydrosalpinxed), I just started thinking if I remove it then I would definately have NO chance of concieving naturally, there would be NO chance for a miracle. HMMMM...I'm just brainstorming and was wondering if anyone could give some feedback.

Thx

Jennifer

Hey Jennifer! I haven't had tubes removed but I can totally understand where you're coming from. I keep hoping for that miracle baby!!! My advice would be to discuss it with your RE. I would ask what if you keep the tube. How does that affect your chances of pregnancy with or without IVF? What are the risks of keeping the tube? How does it change your risk for ectopic, etc.?

Amanda

Judy~:bighug: I'm so glad that you're feeling better. :hug99: I'm wondering, what would adding ganirilex to change the cycle. (I don't even know what ganirilex is).. .:scratch: May does seem really soon to me. . well, it's about 6 days away. Like Kristen said in so many words. . .listen to your heart. You'll know what you should do. :hug99:

Jen~I have not had my tubes removed, but I agree with Amanda in that you should ask as many questions as you can. Write them down as you think of them. My first question would definitely be, based on your prognosis, how would this affect your chances of pregnancy?

Kika~Yes, very often between a failed cycle, the clinic will usually have you wait until one more full period before you start the next cycle. . .and yes, to let your body rest physically and emotionally.

Kim

Hey there ladies! In one of the magazines here in SA there is an article this week about a woman and her journey through infertility. She has her own blog and I really recommend that you visit it. She calls a spade a spade, is extremely witty and writes very entertaining stuff. She also thinks that after her long infertility journey she's now "addicted" to infertility treatment! Her story is very encouraging. Here is a short quote from her blog:
After being So Close for so long, I have finally arrived. Life after infertility.

Biography

My name is Tertia and I am 38 yrs old. I live in Cape Town, South Africa.

This blog started off as a chronicle of my journey through infertility. Amazingly, nine IVF’s and a few losses later I managed to get knocked up and keep the babies this time.

My twins, Adam and Kate, were born January 2005.

So that part of my life (the horrible, soul destroying infertility part) is over. The next chapter talks about finding the balance between mothering, working, wife’ing, all while drinking copious amounts of lovely chilled white wine

This is the heartbreaking, exhilarating, devastatingly funny story of Tertia Albertyn’s battle with infertility. Tertia wanted a baby so desperately, that she went through nine IVFs. Most people give up after the third.
I don’t think I am being brave at all. I am just too terrified not to try again.

In her worst nightmare she could never have imagined that making a baby would take her four years, each treatment bringing her and her husband Marko closer and closer to making a family.

During Tertia’s journey everything that can go wrong does go wrong. Until, finally, everything goes just right.

Tertia is as hilarious as she is irrepressible, as approachable as she is knowledgeable. If you are struggling with infertility, have triumphed over infertility of have felt empathy with someone who is going through this experience, you will find a friend in Tertia.

The website is http://www.tertia.org

Hey Ladies!

Thanks Kim and Judy for answering my questions.

I just received both of my packets from two different REs/fertility clinics this afternoon and it is a LOT of info to wrap my head around.

The brochures bring up many options, procedures, and other tests...I have much homework to do with my partner this weekend. I hope he is up for it!

Browsing through the info, I saw something called "IntegraMed Shared Risk Refund"...it promises a 70% refund if IVF treatment is not successful (with successful being defined as bringing home a baby). You have to agree to a 6-cycle treatment package. It doesn't cover meds though.

It is an intriguing concept, and makes the possibility of IVF seem less out of reach. Does anyone have any experience, knowledge, or info about this program? Appreciate your thoughts!

I am at the beginning of all this, so I have no idea what road this journey will lead me down...

I do want to be more supportive, though, of everyone's journey to conceive in both CB and IF :grouphugg.

Haydee~Thanks so much for forwarding the blog. I'm definitely going to read through it. I really enjoy reading stuff like that. . .I mean, I don't enjoy another person's pain, but it's always reassuring to know that you're not the only one and that there can be a happy ending.

Kika~This is wonderful that you're trying to learn as much as you can about IVFs. But I'm confused, are you also trying to concieve again?

I'm assuming that my everything went as planned on Monday (with my donor flying to Boston for her testing). I got a message from Village Pharmacy. . .something about billing for the donor's meds? :rolleyes: Anyway, I'll call them back this AM. I want so badly for things to go smoothly and for this to all have a happy ending. :crossfing

Kim

Kim, it sounds like everything did go well if you are getting calls to cover the expense of the meds! Good deal!

And yes, I am trying to conceive again. My children are almost 10 and 12...but I am with my college sweetheart now, and he and I would like to have children together. He does not have children yet. And I know this sounds silly, but having the opportunity to have children with him feels like it would right a really big wrong from the past. The possibility is like a dream come true from almost 13 years ago.

Trouble is, I have close female relatives with both thyroid gland and pituitary gland disorders. Most of them were not able to conceive at all, or at least not once they developed the disorders. I've known for several years that I have 30-40 cysts surrounding my thyroid gland, and have undergone semi-annual ultrasounds and blood test to ensure nothing was amiss. In the past, the doctor wanted me to take medication for my thyroid gland- although my thyroid gland function was normal- to try to shrink the cysts and prevent a problem later. I refused; I was afraid of becoming dependent on the medication. Unfortunately, now I am beginning to exhibit signs that I may be in the beginning stages the disorder.

So, I am seeing an RE tomorrow. I hope he can offer some answers and hope!

Kika~Hopefully your results will be good and you won't have to undergo infertility treatments. I commend you for reading up and getting as educated as you can with this. But just let me say, this isn't an easy road, so if you and your husband are able to concieve without ART, I will be so incredible happy for you.

But of course, we're hear for you with every step that you take on this endeavor.

:bighug:

Kim

Thanks Kim!

Same here, hon!

Kim - I hope you hear good news from your donor soon!
Kika - I'll ditto what Kim said.

Amanda

Hi ladies, :wavey:

Hoping that everything is well with you all. I'm still in the waiting process. And off to Vermont for the weekend. I'm sending all best love, positive wishes, and everything like that. :kiss:

Kim

Also, this thread is outdated. When I get back, I'll either update or figure out another thread where us IVFers should go.

:bighug: :kiss1

Kim

Gee the Pharmacy doesn't waste any time does it, Kim :rolleyes:

I hope you have a great time in Vermont :hug99: and you get some answers about how the donors medical went!

Hope you have a great trip to Vermont!!!

Amanda

Kim, I hope you have a great trip to Vermont. Have you heard anything yet from the donor's work up? Are you still looking at June as a possibility?

DF goes for his SA sometime this week [hopefully, he is stalling a bit I think :rolleyes:].

If all goes well with his SA, I am sticking with less invasive methods for ttc for now. The IVF for under $1000 is a great opportunity, but I so don't think it is necessary yet. I know there's a poosiblity that I would become pg so much faster, but it also may not work. It's a one-shot deal. And I wonder about the investigational drug used to stimulate...No telling how long it will take to get back to O'ing on my own. If it was not successful, I am worried it will set me back with ttc on my own.

Now if his SA comes back abnormal, that's another story.

I had the HSG last Thursday. Tubes and uterus looked clear. The doctor was kinda pressuring me [although he said, "I'm not trying to pressure you to have IVF" :rolleyes:].

So I am waiting for now too. :crossfing everything is cool with DF.

Amanda, how soon before you get to your RE? July or August?

Anything new Judy?

Kika: It sounds like things are moving along and alot of things are being ruled out which is fantastic in one way and confusing in another to what is going on. :hug99: I hope it all works out soon for you

Kika, I think you are making the right decision. Your gut feeling is not wrong and you should do what feels right. I hope you get pg soon :hug99:

Kika - It sounds like you've made the right decision.

We're still discussing which RE to see (I had a different RE for each child and liked both but they have different styles) and when. There are insurance issues, financial issues, and work issues which all need to be taken into consideration.

Amanda

If I can remember (with all the phone calls I seem to be getting tonight) :rolleyes: I will update this thread when I finish this post.

Thank you everyone. I did have a nice time in Vermont. It was exactely what I needed right now.

I'm still in waiting mode. :whistle: My donor had her testing done over 2 weeks ago at this point so I'm just waiting to hear back and figure out when we can start this cycle. :pullhair:

My company is moving locations. Only about a mile away. But because there are 900 of us, it's been a big deal. This was moving week for me, thus, my absence.

Here are some pictures that represent my better moments in life. . .

Here they are

Kim, Looks beautiful up there :sunny:thanks for sharing those!!! Best part of the :photo: in my opinion is your big smile...beautiful! And I see the pups are close together so can I take that they are getting used to each other more and settling in together? I'd love to plan a lunch or dinner soon so I could see your smile in person. Did you find everything where it was expected after the move? I just moved my office too but I was 1 of 3 so it was fairly routine. Hoping you have news on the donor soon!!!


Kika, less invansive will hopefully be the ticket for you! Did you get the results of the SA back yet? I am hoping it was good news Kim said it so well so I will echo her.

Amanda any news on the RE decision?

I have to apologize for my absence! My sub expired and I had no idea, I could see the thread but not post, by the time I figured it all out..well lets just say its embarassing how long it took me :blush: Anyway here I am with access again, Did we ever decide what we are going to call the new thread?

Regarding my cycle, I am waiting for AF (last BCP was Sunday) and will begin the whole new protocal after a supression check. This protocal has no lupron and will have ganirilex added around day 6 of stims to prevent ovulation. Fewer shots is attractive. I am hoping that I will have a good response. Physically I feel stronger and more postive so I hope that helps as well

Kim, the pictures are beautiful. You and your hubby look darling together.

My office just moved too. What a coincidence. My whole office didn't move, just my department- about two hundred people. More than doubled my commute.

No SA results yet. I'm trying not to stress. I am going to NYC tomorrow with DF so I am excited to get away for a couple of days.

Judy, good luck with the next round! I am praying for both of you!

Hi Everyone....just a quick update...
I had my lapop yesterday and it turns out my right tube is perfectly normal and the HSG was a false positive!! Yea....DH & I will be gearing up for IVF after my next AF which will be June, so we are looking for a July, August, or September IVF cycle. I feel very positive and hopeful.

I'll look for the new thread.

Thx
Jennifer

Good luck Jennifer!!!

Kika: Did you get the results yet??

Kim: Less shots is always good. Good luck!!