IVF Anyone? Part 3

[IVFIVF]

IVF Support & Friendship Part 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our Thread Members:

alo
Age: 30
DH: 32
Married: 10/01
TTC: 2003
DX: balanced translocation chromosomes 1 and 4
4 m/c (3 chemical pgs, and 1 loss at 10 weeks of triplets)
IVF with PGD #1 unsuccessful due to genetically abnormal embryos
IVF with PGD #2 October 2005, unsuccessful

amychris03
Me: Amy, 29
DH: Chris, 35
Married: 6/21/03
DX: PCOS, lack musculature along outside of tubes
Ectopic PG: 9/04
Status: PREGNANT
EDD: 3/26/06

angelgirl8
me: angelgirl8, 28
dh: also 28
married: 7.6.03
ttc: 1.04
testing: cd3 and 7dpo blood tests fairly normal
5.04: SA normal
9.04: HSG-tubes clear
9.04, 10.04, 11.04: clomid, IUI, trigger, progesterone
12.04: gonal-f 150iu, IUI, trigger, progesterone
3.04: IVF#1 (all but 1 of the 22 fertilized eggs multinucleated and fragmented; transferred 1 4-celled embryo on day 3)
5.04: IVF#2; added metformin: (18 retrieved, 13 fertilized, 4 low quality embryos survived and transferred on day 3)
6.02.05: Pregnant with TWINS! EDD - 2/8/06

Applebee
Me: Lori Ann (39)
DH: Ted (36)
TTC: Oct 04
DX: Unknown; All tests ok; SA ok
M/C: Jan 1997 @ 7 weeks
Two snowbabies: 6 day blastocysts; over 100 cells each
IVF #1 APRIL 06: BFN - 3dt w/AH, Grade 1 - 8 cell, Grade 1 - 7 cell
IVF #2 JULY 06: Antagon Protocol; 6/11 BCPs, 7/5 Evaluation, 7/8 Start Stims, Antagon to begin sometime after stims, 7/20 est. egg retrieval, 7/25 est. egg transfer

Asha
Age: 29
DH: 29
Married: 8/03
TTC: june 04
DX: possible pelvic adhesions due to ruptured appendix as a child
3 months of clomid
starting IVF cycle sometime in november

Astro
Me: Astro age 39
DH: DH age 36
TTC since Sept 03
Laporoscopy June 04
Polypectomy October 04
DX: unexplained infertility with a touch of endo and fibroids.
Clomid/IUIs/Progesterone since July 04
Pregnant with Twins
Status; Miscarried at 16 weeks.

AusMarchBride
Me: 39
DH: 42
TTC: Mar 2003
DX: Unexplained IF
IVF#1: Jan 05, unsuccessful
IVF#2: May 05, PREGNANT
BFP: Jun 14, 2005 Sarah born by c-section, 27 Jan 06, 5lbs 2ozs

Bellefior
Age: 37
DH: 36
Married: 5/03
TTC: 5/05
DX: Male Factor Infertility (DH Dxed with varicocele, 6/06)
IVF cycle expected to begin mid-October, tentative ER/ET sometime around the first week in November

Cath
Me: Catherine, 32
DH: 34
Married: 11/01
TTC: 11/03
Dx: PCOS in July 2004
4 failed IUIs
1 chemical pregnancy a month we were taking a break(10/05)
Frozen egg cycle - Sept. 06
Pregnant - EDD May 23, 2007

donm425
me: Donna (35)
DH: Mike (36)
TTC: Nov 04
DX : High FSH (14/20/11.5) and one blocked tube

gator97
Me: 30
DH: 30
Married 11/04
Off BCP 12/04 (started charting 12/04)
8/05 - lap- endo
1/06 - HSG-clear
1/06 - SA normal
4/06- IVF#1- BFN
7/06-IVF #2- BFN
10/06- IVF #3- Pregnant!

Gymwidow
Me: 29
DH: 30
Married: 6/03
TTC: 6/05
DX: PCOS, mild male factor (borderline motility, morphology)
Clomid - 11/05-3/06, 3 with IUI
natural ovulatory cycles - 4/06, 6/06, 1 with IUI
Gonal-F - 5/06, 7/06, both with IUI
IVF - 8/06-9/06
Pregnant!

Happy1
Me: Nikki, 27 (7/17/78)
DH: Tim, 35 (11/2/69)
Married: 6/08/02
DX: Male factor
Status: Just starting out

islandgirlsj
Me: Lisa (37)
DH: Ken (41)
Married: April 26th, 2003
DX: Tubes tied, had tubal pregnancy which took a tube.
IVF#1: Unsuccessful,6/5/05 - We have 10 frozen embries, so we move onto a FET cycle next.
IVF#2 -FET, 7/25/05 - Unsuccessful 8/3/05
Currently taking a break. May try another FET in the New Year.

Jad
me: 34
DH: 33
married: 9/02
DX: male factor
IVF #1 June/July - Chemical Pregnancy
IVF #2: September/October 2005
Twin boys, b/d February, 2006

jon'sgirl
me: 29
DH: 31
married: 5/02
DX: male factor
IVF: currently doing our first IVF cycle.

Jude
Me: Emma (37)
DH: Richard (40)
TTC: July 2005
DX: Low sperm count following chemo, & PCO.

JulesP313
Me - 34
DH - 39
Married - 03/03
TTC - 12/04
Diagnois - high FSH (11.3), possible dysfunctional fimbriae
BFP - 11/05
M/C - 12/05 at 5w5d
06/06 - IVF

Kat(FKA MIPG?)
Age: 36
DH: 40
Married: 9/02
TTC: 12/03
DX: unexplained (HSG, SA, bloodwork all fine)
10/04: miscarried at about 6 weeks
11/04 - 3/05: four rounds of Clomid + trigger (and timed BD) -- all unsuccessful
IVF #1: June '05 (transferred two 8-cell, grade 1 embies)
Status: beta was 6/23
PREGNANT with TWINS!
EDD: 3/2/06 - Boy / Girl Twins!

kemorr
Me: 29
DH: 31, 32 in Feb.
Married: January 5th 2002
TTC: September 2004
IF Info: Grade 2 endometriosis, mild male factor, classified as "unexplained"
3 Clomid cycles, 2 with IUI - all BFNs
4 Gonal-F cycles with IUI - all ultimately BFNs
Possible chem pregnancies on 1st and 3rd Gonal-F cycles, may just be booster HCG at 7 DPO - RE doesn't seem sure!
Laparoscopy 10/05 to remove mild endo
Hysteroscopy 10/05 all clear
Starting IVF Feb/Mar 2006
pregnant! BFP - 2/27/06, EDD 11/03/06, singleton

kischer
ME=Kischer (31)
sway=DH (31)
Married- 10/6/01
TTC- 5/02
HSG- tubes clear
SA- normal
Off BCP- of course
M/C's - 7/04 & 12/04 & 12/05
Two ectopic, one 6 weeks
RE - since 9/04-
Clomid - 7 cycles, 2 OBGYN, 7 RE, I think
HCG - 2 cycles
Acupuncture - yes- 4 cycles
back at the RE - 10/05
Letrozol/Femara - 10/05
1st IVF cycle 4/06 BFN

KLo
Me: Lois (31)
DH: Kevin (36)
Married: May 11, 2002
TTC: July 2003
BFP: October 25, 2004 (officially)
EDD: July 1, 2005
IF Info: Bilateral distally blocked Tubes
IVF#1 – Transferred two 8-cell Grade A embryos – Successful!!
Pg with twins - one lost at 8wks.
DD: 6/16/05 - Matthew Michael George
TTC #2 with IVF - some time in 2006

la_bride_2004
Me: 33
DH: 37
TTC: 2/04
DX: male factor, high DFI
IVF #1- OHSS/ chem. preg (Dec 04)
IVF #2 - FET - chem preg (June 05)
varicocele repair surgery, 8/05, 13 found and repaired
11/05 chem preg.
1/05 normal hysteroscopy, no uterine septum
Status: SCSA testing Feb 06, if normal, on to injectibles/IUI
04/06- Injectables/IUI #1- cancelled, wrong med. dose
05/06- Injectables/IUI #2- 8 follicles- positive beta
Pregnant- due 2/14/07

Ladybug777 (formerly Scorpiobride on WC)
Me: Jazmine (27)
Dh: Taft (30)
Married: 6/15/02
TTC: 3/03
DX: Bilateral removal of tubes (8/05); initially dx w/ left hydro but lap showed both tubes dilated; mild male factor
11/04: IUI #1 w/ Clomid- unsuccessful
2/05 & 3/05 : IUI #2 & #3 w/ injectibles- unsuccessful
IVF #1 (1/06): chemical pg
FET #1: May 2006- BFP! Baby #1 due 2/12/07

Lola9404
Me:Lauren (or my nickname, Lola!) (29)
DH: (30)
TTC since September 04
Diagnosis: Severe Male Factor
IVF #1 - Nov 2005, BFN
Diagnosed w/early stages of cervical cancer Jan 2006
LEEP procedure - Jan 2006
ALL CLEAR! - March 2006
FET #1 - ET scheduled for 6/5/06

Mooshie
Age: 38
DH: 38
Married: 02/03
TTC: since late 2003
DX: Male Factor
I've never been pregnant before
3 IUIs, 2 with gyno, 1 with RE with 100 mg of Clomid on days 3-7 on the 3rd try
Completed our first and only IVF cycle in March and we're PREGNANT Due: 12/11/06 (my bday)
Gender prediction: girl

mrselle
Me: Jo (30)
DH: Ed (35)
TTC: February 2003
5/2004 - Pregnant!!!
6/2004 - Miscarriage at 7w5d
DX - Unexplained
IVF# 1 - Aug. 2005. Transfer cancelled due to OHSS.
FET# 1 - Dec. 2005. PREGNANT
EDD 1 September 2006

MrsR
Me - Jessica, 32
DH - Matt, 33
TTC since: June 2005
Testing results: 4/06 bloodwork normal, HSG clear, SA normal
Treatment:
5/06 - clomid 50mg
6/06 - clomid 50mg
7/06 - Injectibles (follistim)/trigger/IUI
8/06 - Injectibles (follistim)/trigger/IUI
9/06-11/06 - IVF

[IVFIVF]

Our Members Continued

paisleydays
Age: 34
DH: 32
Married: July, 2002
TTC: January, 2004
DX: High FSH & Severe Male Factor
Status: IVF/ICSI #1 Jan/Feb 2006

Sandybride
FET - 8/05
Status: 9/2/05 - PREGNANT!

Scooter
Me: 29
DH:32
Married:8/01
m/c 8/02 at 5.5 weeks
TTC: 4/03
Unexplained Infertility, possible immune issues
3 cycles of clomid & progesterone
2 cycles of clomid + IUI
1 cycle of letrozole + IUI
using acupuncture & on Folgard & baby aspirin
status: on 2nd cycle of letrozole + IUI
next cycle: Bravelle + IUI, and then moving to IVF
Status:8/19/05 - Pregnant

Sebski
me: Sebski (30)
DH: 31
TTC: May 05
DX : High FSH (May = 12.3 / July = 16.1)
7/25/06: 1st RE appt

Sidsou
Ann - 34
DH - 42
DS - Kyle - 8/31/2004 - IVF success story!
Original DX - male factor infertility
New DX for TTC #2 - male factor and high FSH
Status:TTC #2 with IVF September/October 2005
Status: Oct 05 IVF converted to IUI - unsuccessful

Skb
me: 31
dh: 33
10/04: TTC
03/05: hormone levels, US, SA normal
11/05: HSG uterine abnormality
12/05: MRI septate uterus
01/06: septate resection
02/06: HSG normal
04/06-09/06: (6) clomid/US tracking/HCG

Suzlywoozly
Me: Sue (29)
DH: Jeff (33)
TTC: October 2002
10/02: 1st Lap-Found ovarian cysts and endo
4/04: Started Progesterone supplements and 25 mg clomid
8/04 - 11/04: Clomid and IUI's
01/05: Surgery to remove mass on left ovary. Turned out to be endo which caused left ovary/fallopian tube to adhere to uterus
02/05-04/05: 2 clomid cycles with failed IUIs
06/05: Pregnant on unmedicated cycle and miscarried
8/05 -09/05: IVF #1 BFN
10/05- FET-BFN
12/05- HSG shows tubes opened
04/06- FET cancelled due to fluid in left tube
05/06- Lap to remove both tubes. Both were blcoked, filled with fluid. Tubes and ovaries were stuck to uterus.
05/06- Hysteroscopy to make everything look sparkly clean

Tandis
Me - 30
DH - 31
Married- 4/26/03
TTC - 5/04
Known issues: one fallopian tube, half of one ovary (left side), severe scar tissue, assumed poor responder
5/05-8/05 3 IUIs with 50mg Clomid & trigger shot, all BFN
5/05 - Laparoscopy: removal of scar tissue and freed up tube and ovary
11/05-1/06; 5/06-currently - Acupuncture
5/06 - Clomid challenge: Failed CD3 - 8; CD10 - 13.8
7/06 - IVF #1 w/ICSI & AH, using Flare protocol -- BFP!
EDD: March 29, 2007

Tigerest
Me-29
DH-30
Married 7/6/02
TTC 7/03
1/05 - Laparoscopy and Chromotubation - Endometriosis, both tubes blocked
4/05 - Laparoscopy #2 a success! Both tubes surgically repaired.
12/22/05 - HSG #3 - Both Tubes Still Blocked after surgery and Clear Passage
2/06 - IVF #1 w/ femara, 1 embryo transferred, Chem. PG
3/06 - IVF #2 w/ half dose follistim/menopur, 2 embryos transferred, Chem. PG
3/31/06 - Laparoscopy #3 - Tubes, cyst, Endo Removed
FET #1 6/06 BFN (Chem. PG)
IVF#3 8/06 LA3 Protocol

Twinkletoes
Age: late 20's
TTC: 2003
Starting BCP late Sept. 2006
First IVF cycle Oct./Nov. 2006

[IVFIVF]

TTC/IVF Abbreviations

#dp3dt : Number of days post 3 day tfr - That is the number of days since your egg transfer assuming they did the ET 3 days after the retrieval. So, 18 days past retrieval would be 15 days post 3 day transfer, 15dp3dt
#dp5dt: Number of days post 5 day tfr - That is the number of days since your egg transfer assuming they did the ET 5 days after the retrieval. So, 18 days past retrieval would be 13 days post 5 day transfer, 13dp5dt
2WW: "2 week wait"; the approximate time from transfer to menstruation due date/Pregnancy Testing
AF: "Aunt Flo"; your period; Menstruation
BBs: "boobs"; breasts
BCP: Birth control pills
BD'ing: "baby dancing"; baby-making intercourse
Beta: Blood test performed to confirm pregnancy. This is not just a yes/no test but gives levels of the pregnancy hormone HCG and progesterone to confirm that the pregnancy is viable
BFN: "Big Fat Neutral" or “Big Fat Negative”; Negative pregnancy test.
BFP: "Big Fat Positive"; Positive pregnancy Test
CD: cycle day; a particular day in your menstrual cycle. Example: CD1 is the first day of your period
DH: "dear husband"
DPO: Days Past Ovulation; number of days from your post-ovulatory temperature rise. Example: 1DPO is the day after your ovulation
E2: Estradiol; the level of estrogen. Used to determine the quality & maturity of developing follicles
ER: Egg Retrieval
ET: Egg Transfer
FET: Frozen Egg Transfer; same as ET but the eggs were retrieved and fertilised during a previous cycle and have been frozen for use in a later cycle
FSH: Follicle Stimulating Hormone; a hormone which promotes egg growth. Measuring FSH levels can give an indication of ovarian reserve. FSH in a manmade form (Gonal F and Puregon/Follistim) is also used as the trigger shot to cause the ovaries to produce multiple follicles
HCG: human chorionic gonadotropin; the hormone that is present during pregnancy and what the HPTs and blood test measure to determine if you are pregnant
HPT: home pregnancy test; a urine pregnancy test you can take at home
HSG: Hysterosalpingram; a diagnostic test where dye is injected into the uterus and then is traced through the fallopian tubes to ensure there are no blockages that could stop an egg from getting through
IMHO: "in my humble opinion"
IMO: "in my opinion"
IUI: intra-uterine insemination
IVF: in vitro fertilization
MFI: Male Factor Infertility
OHSS: Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome; a rare and dangerous complication from the body being overstimulated by fertility drugs
PIO: Progesterone in Oil; synthetic progesterone self administered by injection daily after egg retrieval until a positive pregnancy test. Usage can be continued further into the pregnancy if natural progesterone levels are not deemed high enough to support the early pregnancy
PCOS: polycystic ovarian syndrome; a fertility problem
RE: reproductive endocrinologist
SA: semen analysis
Trigger: An injection of HCG given to trigger the ovaries to ovulate and release eggs
U/S: ultrasound

[IVFIVF]

Some Useful & Helpful Information - Links and such

Our First IVF Anyone? thread on CC (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=671&page=1&pp=10)
IVF Anyone? Part 2 thread on CC (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=6388)

IVFer's HCG Levels (http://ivfer.com/hcg.htm)
IVF Pregnancy Due Date and Timeline Calculator (http://www.ivf.ca/calcu.htm)
IVFer's Pregnancy Calculator Page (includes embryo measurements, heartrates and fetal weights) (http://www.ivfer.com/pg_calc.htm)

[ladybug777]

OMG, am I the first one to post! Whoo Hooo!!!

Threadmistress...when you get a chance, can you change my FET date to May 2006. Minor details...

Had my appt today w/ the RE. My lining is @ 11.1. FET is scheduled for thursday @ 10:40.

[IVFIVF]

Whoo hoo Ladybug! Will update you now.

Ladies, we are ready to go with our new thread. I moved everyone's stats over even though we have many inactive members. Pleaes advise in RED if I made any mistakes or if you have any changes. Thank you!

[la_bride_2004]

Hi ALL!!!!!!!!!!

[Suzlywoozly]

Suzlywoozly
Me: Sue (29)
DH: Jeff (33)
TTC: October 2002
10/02: 1st Lap-Found ovarian cysts and endo
4/04: Started Progesterone supplements and 25 mg clomid
8/04 - 11/04: Clomid and IUI's
01/05: Surgery to remove mass on left ovary. Turned out to be endo which caused left ovary/fallopian tube to adhere to uterus
02/05-04/05: 2 clomid cycles with failed IUIs
06/05: Pregnant on unmedicated cycle and miscarried
8/05 -09/05: IVF #1 BFN
10/05- FET-BFN
12/05- HSG shows tubes opened
04/06- FET cancelled due to fluid in left tube
05/06- Lap to remove both tubes. Both were blcoked, filled with fluid. Tubes and ovaries were stuck to uterus.
05/06- Hysteroscopy to make everything look sparkly clean:D


Had my hysteroscopy yesterday. Everything looked fine. They fixed a few minor things and it looks like everything is in tip-top shape now to do a FET. I should hear from the RE tomorrow about what our next step is.

LadyBug- Good luck on Thursday!!!

[gator97]

Thanks for the new thread, wonderful threadmistress! When you get a chance, could you please update my stats:


gator97
Me: 30
DH: 30
Married 11/04
Off BCP 12/04 (started charting 12/04)
8/05 - laparoscopy- endometriosis
1/06 - HSG-clear
1/06 - SA normal
4/06- IVF#1- BFN

kischer- I never got the chance to say I'm sorry. You have such a positive outlook!

ladybug- good luck on Thursday!

Suzlywoozly- glad to hear you are now in tip top shape!

[kischer]

Ohhh, it's so pretty in here! Thank wonderful, masterful threadmistress! :D

gator-Thanks I'm trying!

tiger-That's ridiculous, there has to be a way in. I'm hoping that your doctor will be able to work you into the June schedule. They just have to.

I had some deflating news of course, but I'm still trying. Went into the RE to discuss our options she went though her schpiel of the differences between a FET and a fresh, blah, blah, blah. DH and I thought that we made a decision, FET here we go! Then she told us that we had to find out what insurance covered. Ok, no biggie. Then we started to think more about the chances of thawing and how many to put back and whatever else. We have 17 frozen BTW and with my age they think it's best to only put 2 back. 28% for ongoing delivery. 3 back 30%. That two percent, means the world to me, it also meand 33% of twins, which we are fine with. I kinda want to do three. Anyway, that's not the issue. We decided that coverage would make the decision for us. We go to talk to billing and they let us know that it's $3900 for a FET. Ok, that's doable, for the end result anyway. We decide that we can pay for an FET because insurance only covers 2 attempts per lifetime. Let's pay for this next cylce and we can use insurance for fresh cycle when we need to. Then we find out the with Blue Cross Blue Shield whether we pay or they pay 2 attempts are 2 attempts. that confused the whole issue!! We were pissed! I know that there are definately people that have it worse off, some aren't even covered and I'm sorry I know that I am being selfish. that just makes me so mad. I don't think that's fair! With insurance, it's never really fair is it. So, because of that revelation we have decided to go with another fresh cycle. which is going to be so much more of a toll on me. I'm nervous again and just so, well, you all know. I'm not so bright-eyed anymore. Here we go again...

ETA: Thread mastress, would you please update me...
1st IVF cycle failed

[AusMarchBride]

Thank you wonderful threadmistress for the new thread. Just one little thing, there's no links behind the "Some useful and Helpful Info" section. (When you copy from the old thread, it only takes the actual text, not the links. Silly huh :rolleyes: )

ladybug That all sounds good, all systems go for Thursday. Good luck!

Suzly Hope your RE comes up with a great plan this time. Glad to hear everything sparkly clean on your insides ;)

kischer Firstly, I didn't get to post earlier, but I wanted to say I'm so sorry about the BFN.

From my viewpoint (being upside down as I'm in Australia ;) ) I soooo don't understand US medical insurance, and it seems to get even odder when it comes to infertility stuff. For the life of me I cannot work out what business it is of your insurance company if you pay for 100 cycles out of your own pocket. As long as they decide that they cover 2 cycles (and that's so wrong for a start), where do they get off telling you how many you can pay for yourself, it's just beyond my (admittedly limited) comprehension.

Hang in there, and it's completely normal to lose a little of that "bright-eyed bushy-tailed" thing when a cycle fails. It makes it harder to be positive for the next cycle. Look after yourself and your DH.

[Lola9404]

waving hi to everyone!

Ladybug - SO exciting, I have my fingers crossed for you on your FET. I'm right behind you with an estimated ET of June 5th!

Here are my updated stats:

Lola9404
Me:Lauren (or my nickname, Lola!) (29)
DH: (30)
TTC since September 04
Diagnosis: Severe Male Factor
IVF #1 - Nov 2005, BFN
Diagnosed w/early stages of cervical cancer Jan 2006
LEEP procedure - Jan 2006
ALL CLEAR! - March 2006
FET #1 - ET scheduled for 6/5/06

[Suzlywoozly]

guess what, guess what, guess what?!?!? The RE called and said I can do a FET with my next AF, which should be here in the next few days! That puts us for a ET date on or around our anniversary. This could be a really good sign since we know everything is sparkely clean:D

[tigerest]

Ok so….as my mom said, "sometimes the squeaky wheel gets the grease"!

I left the coordinator ANOTHER message today repeating that I WAS SUPPOSED to start my FET this cycle and to PLEASE call me back. I wait. And wait.

Finally I get a call, "Ok you start birth control tonight, and we'll see you tomorrow". UM? OK? So when will I be having my ET? She said the 9th or 10th!!!!

I have been REALLY upset and on edge for 2 days thinking I wasn't going to get to do my FET this month and then they just call like its nothing!!!

So I am a little confused originally my Dr said I would be on lupron and estrogen. Now I am going on BC for 7 days!

I have a question…I am on antibiotics right now still until Friday, do you think this will be an issue with the BC? I am going to wait until I am there in the office before I bring it up!!!

UGH…what a way to start off a cycle….all stressed!

[tigerest]

Suzly - Awesome!!! Lots of luck this cycle!!!

Lola - ...and you are a couple days before me! Good luck!!!

kisch - Wow sounds like a bit of a rollercoaster too! Insurance sucks, FSA sucks, I find that I have to fight for everything. Its so stressful! So are you starting your fresh cycle right now? Craziness!

ladybug - Wishing you a perfect ET tomorrow!!!

LA_Bride - HI! How ya feeling?

JAN - THanks for the new thread!!! :)

[Cath]

Hi everyone!

The new thread looks great...

Tigerest - wow, that's a crazy way to start a cycle.

Suzly - happy you can do a FET w/this next cycle.

Lola - Hi!

Aus - You're right, US medical insurance, etc. really doesn't make any sense.

Kischer - Hi. Sorry about the bfn and the difficulties with the insurance. I don't know the ins and outs of the Maryland mandate, but it might be worth talking to your financial person to get their thoughts if your insurance is complying (I'm guessing that your insurance is required to comply with the Maryland mandate).

Ladybug - Good luck on Thursday.

As for me, cd1 was Monday, I start bcps on Sunday, May 28 and I should be getting my protocol in the mail today or tomorrow. I haven't picked my meds up, but the list that I've looked at is impressive. I really don't know how I will keep everything straight.

I do have an HSG scheduled for Wednesday, May 31 since it's been a couple of years since my last one. I still think I need to schedule an injections class (I can give myself a follistim shot, but that's about it) and IVF orientation.

Take this one step at a time.

Have a good day, everyone.

Catherine

[ladybug777]

Suzly: Thanks. Great news regarding your hysteroscopy. Sparkly clean!!:D Awesome news about your FET. You're on your way!

Gator: Thanks. I'm so excited.

Kischer: Regarding your insurance, that doesn't really make sense at all. Have you called BC/BS directly or is this what the peopel in billing at the RE's office are telling you? I just ask b/c I've been told wrong info by the billing people before. If your insurance covers 2 IVF cycles, it wouldn't make sense for them to count a cycle that you pay for completely out of pocket. I'd definitly give them a call to verify. Why go through the time, expense and emotional toll of a fresh cycle if you don't have to, when you have so many frozen embies? As for the number to transfer, I wish I could help ya there. But you're right, that extra 2% chance of success is enough to make me stand on my head, if that's what they told me to do. :D

Lola: Your FET is coming up soon! How exciting. June 5th is my beta, so it will be a big day for both of us.

Tigerest: I wouldn't think your antibiotics would be a huge deal w/ the bcp. Especially since you're on the tail end of therapy. Not sure what to make of the whole thing w/ the IVF coordinator. Crazy! If it makes you feel any better, with my FET, I went straight from bcp, to AF, to estrogen shots. There was no Lupron in my protocol at all.

Cath: Good luck to you. And good luck w/ your hsg. Those are always fun. :rolleyes: Yeah for getting the go ahead to start your bcp.
***************

ET is tomorrow and I'm freaking out a bit. The last 2 nights, I've woken up with a horrible sore throat. I don't feel like I'm sick (as in having a cold), but my throat hurts and I have some sinus pressure. I have an appt w/ my MD tonight to make sure I don't have strep or a sinus infection. Of course, this totally worries me w/ the ET being tomorrow. I called my RE and he said that if I do have an infection, to make sure they give me antibiotics that are safe during pg, and that we'll go ahead w/ the FET. It just drives me nutty. Just when I thought everything was going along so smoothly.

[IVFIVF]

***Updated to here

P.S. Ann, I figured it out. :D

[kischer]

ladybug-Thanks for the advice, I did call and you were right. They will not count it as long as NOTHING is billed to them. As long as we pay for everything. Which is fine, but I started to think about it, this is the best time for my eggs and I know that I can do it. So, here goes. Standing on my head, might try that one too. Wishing all kinds of implantation vibes possible!!! I hope that it all goes well and the sore throat is gone soon.

tiger-I'm so glad that it was all that easy. The stress sucks, but the good news is so much better, very happy for you~ :D And, yeah, fresh new cycle, started BCP today.

Cath-Thanks. Where are you in the burbs of DC? Good Luck on the HSG next week! Yeah, when I got my sack of drugs, I was like HOLY SH!TE!! But when it comes down to it, you try to take as much control as you can. It's be easy.

SparklyClean Suzly-Hooray for AF???! ;) it just always seems so weird saying that.

Ann-I think that I caught it some past posts, but you're in Melbourne right? It's not quite upside down, just different. I was actually just there in March, well not there but closer to there than here. Sydney, my dad lives there. I loved it. Insurance is very very different down there. So far we are surviving.

As I told ladybug, we could essentially pay for our own FET cycle, but if one thing is accidently sent or charged to the insurance company they will void and then it counts as an attempt. Honestly, I don't trust anyone that I don't know with that kind of responsibility. So, here goes another fresh cycle. Starting BCP today and then wait until next cycle pretty much. UGH. But it will give me time to kind of chill out. I think, we'll see. That's it for me.
Well, I started the BCPs today. We'll go from there. that's it for me

[tigerest]

Cath - Congrats on getting started! :) Good luck with the HSG and your cycle as well!

ladybug - Hopefully by now you are at home and resting and your embies are settling in! ;) Good luck!

kisch - Its always fun to deal with insurance...not! Glad you are getting started though! Good luck!

Well nothing is ever simple now is it? So things have changed a bit! They REALLY are full and trying to squeeze me in. SO now my ET will not be until June 19th....about 10 days later than originally planned. So I think that explains the change in protocol. I will be on BC for 7 days. I start lupron this Sat. and I will be on that for 2.5 weeks. I also start E2 shots in 2 weeks. Confusing! Anyway, I think they are just controlling my cycle and pushing it out a bit...so its sort of a compromise. I guess it works out for the best because now I will not be having ET on DH's 30th b-day and I can celebrate it with him! :)

[Tandis]

Tigerest - Wow, they're really giving you quite the run around with this FET aren't they? Hopefully this will be it. Did they say anything about the BCP and the antibiotics?

Kisch - I'm so sorry to hear the first IVF didn't work out, but it sounds like you have a good plan going. I wouldn't trust the Dr's office not to screw it up and send a bill to the ins. either, so it's probably for the best that you're just biting the bullet and going to a second fresh cycle. Have they given you a timeline yet?

ladybug - How did the ET go? Hope you're feeling better.

Cath - Good luck with the HSG next week!

Suzly - Yea for AF and being sparkly clean! :D You really needed some good news, so that's fantastic!

**************************

Today is CD5 for me, so I just started the Clomid for the challenge. Dropped off the sperm sample yesterday for the frozen backup. DH and I are on vacation this week, so it worked out great to get this stuff done.

My RE and his staff have the best sense of humor. I dropped off the sample yesterday, and he happened to be standing there with the IVF nurse and the receptionist. We were all laughing about DH hiding in the car and sending me in to drop it off because he was embarrassed. My RE said he needs to get stickers like they have at the voting booth (the kind that says "I voted today!"), but have them say "I gave today" or "I came today" for all the men after they "deposit." :D LOL

We'll have more of an idea of the timeline for this process after we get the results back from the test, but currently we're right on with the prelim. schedule of ER on 7/6 and ET on 7/9, with supression starting around 6/11.

[Suzlywoozly]

Thanks to everyone for thinking happy thoughts for me and my sparkly clean self:p

Tandis- That is totally funny about your RE. I should have a shirt made for DH that says that! Are you totally excited to get your cycle started?

Tiger- I'm sorry you have to start off your so so crappy! At least you get to celebrate with Dh for his b-day.

Kisch- Doesn't insurance suck?? Have you tried calling Blue Shield yourelf to make sure it is totally true? I'd ask for something in writing. It doesn't make any sense that they would count an IVF attempt that you paid for.

LadyBug- How did the ET?? Crossing my fingers for you!:)

Cath- All the meds and protocol seem totally overwhelming at first, but you will get in the groove of things. They should write every little detail down for you.

Hi to Gator and Ann (and anyone else I missed!)!

It seems totally weird that so many of us are going to be cycling so close together this time. It must mean good luck is in the air this next month or so:D

I think AF is playing tricks on me. I totally feel like she is coming but she keeps hiding out from me. If things go as planned, the ET should fall on our anniversary. That should be a good sign ( I hope :rolleyes:) Now as long as my RE isn't on vacation for the 100th time this year, everything will be great.

[Tandis]

Suzly - DH was dying when I told him what the RE said. He couldn't believe a Dr. would actually say that! :D I'm excited, but DH, however, said he'll be excited when it works. We balance each other out that way - I can't remember the last time we were both excited about something at the same time ;)

When is your anniversary? Keeping my fingers crossed your RE won't be on vacation :)

[Applebee]

Hi everyone! Well, I'm on CD31. AF was due yesterday, according to FF. It weird b/c she is always here on my due date or test date (usually two days after due date) so if she's not here by Tuesday, I'll call my nurse to see if they want to give me something.

Kisch, I don't see how that can count against your attempts if you're paying out of pocket. They just wouldn't submit to insurance. Weird.

Tandis, too funny about what your doc said!

Tiger, sorry they moved you again but at least you can celebrate DHs birthday!! Do you have any plans for him?

Suzly, I totally know what you mean about AF and her tricks. I thought she was coming this entire week, but nothing. I'm doing the AF dance for us!!

Ladybug, how are you? How everything go? I hope you're feeling better.

Hello to everyone I missed!!!

[la_bride_2004]

HI all! Wow, lots of ladies cycline around the same time!

ladybug so hope the transfer went well and you are taking it easy!

tigerest hooray on the upcoming cycle.

suzly the white pants/new underwear trick always seems to summon AF for me. How exciting you may be cycling soon!

tandis best of luck on your upcoming cycle.

cath best of luck to you too- you'll be surprised at how quickly it all becomes "routine."

[la_bride_2004]

Me- I see there are lots of new people here, so I will preface this by saying we did IVF and FET for severe male factor and I ended up with chem pregnancies, plus a suprise chem preg afterwards, so we pursued varicocele repair surgery and are now trying iui/injectables. Our male factor was so severe we went straight to IVF. I am remaining on this thread, cuz, heck, I have been here a long time and it's a second home.


That said, I triggered last Mon and went in Wed for the IUI. We could see six big follicles and two collapsed ones. The RE wanted to turn it into an IVF cycle but I was not willing, so we proceeded to an IUI. Holy moly, I can't even tell you how painful it was to ovulate 8 eggs. I could hardly walk.

I was on OHSS watch but luckily I didn't get it this time, but the side effects from the drugs are super strong. Bleah. Beta is sometime mid-June so I will be hanging out until then.




(Ann- I know you asked, there are a lot of reasons why I didn't want to do IVF again that I am not writing about, but chief among them are 1) we only did IVF for male factor- I have no IF issues and 2) We aren't really willing to drop another $15k on IVF b/c of reason #1. We have no state mandate for IVF coverage, hence our insurance pays nothing)

[Suzlywoozly]

suzly the white pants/new underwear trick always seems to summon AF for me. How exciting you may be cycling soon!"

Girl you're on crack.... you think I could squeeze my big ol' ass into a pair of white pants after 2 years of fertility drugs?:eek:

Now the new underwear trick might work! I came to the realization the other morning when I was getting ready for work... you know you have been on fertility drugs too long when it's not just your pants that don't fit anymore, but your underwear too:o

[Applebee]

I've been trying the new underwear trick for two days...nothing :( Damn witch. :mad:

LABride, I hope this IUI cycle works for you!!!

[ladybug777]

Hey all, thanks for all the well wishes.

copied from lj:
So....the FET went really well. We transfered all 4 embies which was a miracle in itself. When we did our fresh cycle, we had 1-8cell and 4-4cell embies left. When we went to transfer, we transfered 1-8cell, 1-7cell, 1-5cell and 1-4 cell. So it looks like they not only survived the thaw, but started growing a bit as well.

Truthfully, I couldn't have asked for things to go any better. All 4 embies survived the thaw and the transfer was a breeze. The only down side to all of this is that I've been sick and coughing ever since. And even though, rationally, I know it's not true, I'm convinced that I've coughed all 4 of my embies out by now. :rolleyes:

My beta is on 6/5. So, now we wait....

La bride: Glad to hear that everything went well w/ your IUI. I can only imagine the pain from O'ing 6 eggs. Ouch!

Suzly: What is w/ RE's always being on vacation? We'd originally planned to do our ET earlier this monht, but of course, my RE was going to be on vacation. Hoping the timing works out for you.

Tandis: Having an RE w/ a good sense of humor is half the battle. I like the idea of the little buttons. Not a bad idea at all....

Tigerest: Glad you were finally able to get things squared away, but my goodness...

Kischer: I'm so happy you were able to get things clarified. Completely understandable about going w/ the fresh this time around. What are the chances that the people in the office would do everything right and not bill your insurance? :rolleyes: Yeah, right! Good luck to you.

I'm sure I missed a few people, but know that I'm thinking of everyone. Good luck!!!

[amychris03]

Ladybug
It does sound like a great transfer! Try not to worry yourself
too much about the coughing. I forget what exactly, but I
had some fear like that when I was in the 2ww and my dr
told me once those little embies are put in there, there is no
way they can come out! Fingers crossed that they get
nice and cozy in there;)

[gator97]

Hello all! I have been faithfully reading along but didn't have to much to add. I started BCP on Sunday. We have a tentative ER around 7/4. Hoping this is the one.

Ladybug--yeah for all embies surviving the thaw! Take it easy these next few days. I hear where you are coming from with the coughing. I was scared to cough, sneeze, etc! Hope the 5th is here before you know it!


labride---glad everything went well. . but ouch!

It does sound like we are going to have a bunch of people cycling at the same time!

Hi to everyone else!

[tigerest]

Tandis - That is a funny story about your RE joking about the SA. Your poor husband! ;) Glad you have your timeline! How are things going so far?

Suzly - Hope AF showed up for you! It is cool that there are a lot of us cycling!

Applebee - Another one waiting for AF! Hope she shows soon for you!!! AF vibes to you!! Are you wearing WHITE underwear!!!

la_bride - How are you feeling? Hope you are doing well!

ladybug - Good luck! I hope your beta gets here before you know it!

gator - Glad you got your ER date! Lots of luck!

I am just hanging out. Having a bit of nausea in the mornings, but the headaches have gone away, so that is good. Thursday I stop the BC and cut my lupron in half, so that will be nice. :) Oh and I have been doing my lupron shots myself...I am so proud. Except I think I caught a vein this morning because I bled a lot and now I have a dark bruise there.

[Lola9404]

I hope you all had a nice long weekend, it was relaxing (thankfully) for us.

Ladybug - yay for an easy transfer! I'm crossing my fingers for you. Your beta and my ET are on the same day, so that HAS to be good luck, right? ;)

Waving hi to everyone else!

As for me, I had my final u/s yesterday and they said my lining looks 'great', so that is a good sign. All systems go for the transfer on 6/5. Keep your fingers crossed for us that our two little blasts make it through the unfreezing process!

I start PIO and prometrium suppositories tomorrow (yuck).

[Suzlywoozly]

Okay, so the new undies trick hasn't worked. I refuse to try the white pants thing, but I did try Khaki capris... no luck! I even tried new white sheets!!
AF still isn't here... It's like it gets to the point where it's going to start and it goes away. I am wondering if I should give it a few days or call the RE for some prometruim. ARGGHHHHH!

[kischer]

tiger-Happy Birthday to DH, when is it? Have fun celebrating! Glad the headaches are gone!

Tandis-No timeline yet. I ovulate late on the norm, so they are just going to wait til the next cycle to break it down for me. I like the "I came today" one! That's hilarious! :D Good luck on the clomid.

Suzly-I did actually call the insurance and they disagreed, but if one thing was charged or billed to them. I'm done, I don't think it's worth the risk! Stupid AF, I hope she hurries already! I mean come on, white sheets?! :p

Applebee-AF yet? yeah, I don't get insurance either, or billing departments.

la_bride-Holy Crap, 8?! Whoa, yeah walking, not so much. Glad that part is over. How are doing other than that?! Mid-June huh, that's not too far. :rolleyes: Oh, and we like having you around, so, there. Thanks for explaining to those that didn't know, it helped to get to "know you".

ladybug-Hooray! Sounds good, nice job embies!!! I know what you mean about "coughing out". When we were waiting to leave, me laying there, DH sitting there, he made me laugh sooo hard and I couldn't stop. I thought for sure that I had laughed those embies out! :D
I'm excited for you! Come on June 5th!!!!!

Lola-Hooray for good lining, BOO for suppositories and PIO!

gator-BCP for me too. It looks like we are around the same timeline, even though I don't have on yet. Maybe we can cheer everyone on this month (June) and then cheer each other on next in July!

I hope that everyone else is doing well. Not much going on with me. Just found out one of my good friends is pregnant. So very happy for them, but well, you all know. I mean I am truly happy for them, but I just wish that the first one worked, even more now. I'm especially happy if they never have to go through any of this.

Hope that everyone else had a great weekend and I will check in again soon!! ****smooches!*** :)

[gator97]

Tigerest- yeah for doing the Lupron shots yourself. That is fantastic! Glad the headaches are going away.

Lola- sounds like all systems are a go. Good luck to your blasts through the thaw. 6/5 will be here before you know it.

SuzlyWoozly- how frustrating! Why is it she always shows up when we don't want her, but doesn't when we do.

kischer- hope you get a timeline soon. I had a friend who just announced she was pregnant. It was all the talk at work for days on end. It's hard to be excited for her while at the same time sad for me. I'm currently feeling like a bad friend due to my lack of excitement. Ah well.

Jan1902- hope you get your birthday gift just a little late.

As for me, I've now learned to assume nothing in this IVF game. I hadn't been given a true timeline with this new cycle--just assumed based on my last time. well, I was wrong. I stop BCP on 6/12, start stims that Friday for a tentative ER on 6/26. A whole week earlier! I'm so excited.

Hope everyone had a great long weekend. Have a great week!

[Tandis]

Jan1902 - Happy belated birthday!

kischer - It's never easy to hear that someone you know is pregnant - especially if they had an easy time doing it. My SIL told us at Easter that she was three months pregnant, after trying for the first time. She's trying to be considerate of us, but it's still not easy to hear about it.

Suz - Still no luck with AF?! Gee, if the new undies trick doesn't work, the new sheets *always* does it! How about running out of, or having no access to, tampons? That seems to work too. ;)

Lola - Good luck on the 5th!

tigerest - Good job on giving yourself lupron shots! Are they like the other shots, i.e., is the tip small? I don't remember from my instructions, and I won't be receiving my meds until next week.

ladybug - Your FET sounds really promising! Especially since they started growing again. The 5th is just right around the corner, so you don't have long to wait now. How is your 2WW going?

la_bride - I don't blame you for not wanting to convert to an IVF cycle, but wow, eight :eek: I can't even imagine how much that must have hurt!

gator - Yeah to moving it forward! That's so exciting
**************************

As for me, I just got back from the SHG and the second blooddraw for the clomid challenge. My nurse gave me the results of my day 3: FSH is 8 and estradiol is 30. I'm happy with the numbers. Due to only having about half of a left ovary, I was a little concerned that because it was doing double the work, the numbers wouldn't be good, so I was quite relieved. I'm supposed to call back this afternoon to get today's results and get the new schedule if necessary.

Also paid the money for the IVF - wow, does that ever hurt! But hopefully it will be worth it in the end.

ETA: Just spoke with the Dr., and he said my FSH level today at 13.8, so, yeah, I went up a bit. He's not too concerned though, since I'm only 29, just doesn't expect to get a lot of eggs, which is what I expected also. He needs to speak with the other doctors to determine the course of action for me, so I'm supposed to call back later this week to talk to the IVF nurse to get the info on when to start the meds and whatnot.

[ladybug777]

Tandis: Things are going well. I'm having a few FPS's which is a bit annoying, but otherwise, I'm good. Glad to hear that your lab work came back within range and you're on your way to getting started. Writing that check for our IVF was enough to make me break out in a cold sweat.

Jan: It's funny, my RE used the same analogy of a peanut butter sandwich. I keep trying to tell myself that. I'm hoping that you get a GREAT late b-day present!

Kischer: June 5th will not get here soon enough. The nice thing about IVF though, is that the 2WW, isn't really 2 weeks. I think mine (from the time of ET) is 11 days. At this point, I'll take what I can get.

Suzly: Okay, I'm officially doing the "AF make a visit to Suzly" dance....

Lola: My beta and your ET being on the same day most definitly HAS to be a good sign for us! Yeah for a "great" looking lining. Just a few more days.....

Tigerest: Just one more bcp and then you're finished tomorrow. Good for you for being able to do your own injections. Just think back to how scared you were w/ your first IVF.

Gator: Yeah for having a ER date. It will be here before you know it!

Amy: Thanks for that. I think I just need to hear people say that every so often.


Things are going well so far. Just waiting, waiting, waiting...

[Applebee]

Hi Everyone!!

I promise to come back tomorrow for personals.

White underwear, brand new white sheets, a thin pair of light blue capri's and nothing!...I still am waiting on AF. I spoke to my nurse Tuesday and if the witch isn't here by Monday, I'll go in for an u/s and b/w. They will then determine if they want to give me something to bring her on. Monday will be CD40, which is by far the longest cycle I've ever had.

It seems I had EWCM two times. Two days during my FF fertile time and then two days last week. I started temping Friday and then got a spike on Saturday, so maybe last week was my real O time. Who knows.

Ok, gotta get to bed. TTYL!!

[tigerest]

Lola - :) Wow, ET is coming up quick!

Suzly/Applebee - UGH! I am sorry AF won't come! Very frustrating I am sure! Hope it comes for you in the next couple days!!!!!


kisch - DH's birthday is a week from Friday!!! Soon! I know what you mean about your friend. {{HUGS}}

JAn - I am not sure if I am on them so long because of immune issues, or if this is their standard protocol. Happy belated birthday!!! Hope you get a late b-day present!! ;)

gator - Thanks. Whoohoo for your ER a week earlier! Thats always a plus!

Tandis - Thanks. These are super tiny needles. They are insulin needles, with a short tiny tip!!! :) Not so scary. HM....your results sound pretty good for only half an ovary! Hoping you get lots of follies in there!!!

ladybug - Yep just took my last BCP! YAY! Oh I remember how scared I WAS!!! SO it does make me feel good! Wishing you a fast couple of days!!!


Feelin' a little blue tonight, having issues dealing with a PG friend, them not understanding what its like to be on my side, and her upcoming shower. :(

[Lola9404]

Hi everyone! not a lot of time but just wanted to check in...

Ladybug - how are you holding up? Have you POAS yet?

Tiger - i totally understand how you feel, one of my good friends just had a baby two days ago and it was a weird mix of emotions (happy for her, sad for me) that I felt when I went to see the baby in the hospital yesterday. I think you just have to allow yourself to feel what you feel and give yourself space from your friend if you need it.

Jan - happy (very) belated!!

As for me, only 3 days until my transfer. Please cross your fingers for our two blasts to thaw out well! I'm very nervous. Started PIO last night and my ass is hurting me this morning! I forgot how sore those shots can make you. :rolleyes:

Hope everyone else is doing well, and I'll check in later!

[Cath]

Hi ladies -

Sneaking in between meetings, so i will have personal shout-outs later today or tomorrow.

I had my HSG yesterday (a repeat from my first one two years ago), everything is still fine with my tubes and uterus. I started bcps this past Sunday and have an estimated ER date of July 6.

I picked up all of my medications over the weekend and also have my protocol. I'm feeling much more comfortable with everything.

DH and I went to our injections class this morning. There was one other couple there, also doing IVF. The nurse teaching the class immediately said there was a problem, she only teaches the injections class for IUI. Therefore, she couldn't go over the protocol in detail, but could only teach us technique. The really annoying part of this is when I called to schedule the class, I specifically said I needed an IVF injections class and scheduled it during the same call when I scheduled my mock transfer.

Obviously, I will be going over my protocol with my nurse and raising this with her. But I have a questions, especially for you ladies at Shady Grove - what did you go over during your IVF injectsion class that I might have missed. Any questions I should be asking that I can't think of right now?

Hope you are all doing well!

Catherine

[Tandis]

Cath - Glad your HSG went well. I don't know what all your class went over, my mine was just the IVF nurse showing me the basics of administering a shot, measuring the dose, etc. She let me practice on a little "dummy tummy" that they had, so I would get the feel. I've never done an IUI w/inj. but I can't imagine that it would be that different.

I'm sure someone with more experience than me can give you a better answer though :)

Lola - When do you find out how well your blasts thawed? It's not on the day of the FET is it? Sorry to hear about the PIO shots. On IVFconnections, I noticed there were a few threads about the shots and how to lessen the pain. It might be worth checking it out.

Tigerest - {{HUGS}} sorry to hear about your PG friend and her shower. Is there any way you can get out of going?

Applebee - Have your temps stayed elevated? Do you still think you might have O'd last weekend?

*********************************

As for me: I called the IVF nurse this morning for a follow-up on the decided upon protocol and my meds. Unfortunately, she returned my call while I was at lunch, so I really won't be able to find out the particulars until tomorrow, but it sounds like they're going to go with the flare protocol for me, i.e., not starting Lupron until my next cycle. So who knows what this means for the prelim. dates they gave me for the ET and ER.

They only thing that has me a little worried is that from the little research I've done, it is recommended that BCPs are given a month beforehand to lessen the chances of corpus luteum cysts, which can flare up with the lupron. Since I'm on Clomid this month - and it has been known to produce cysts with me - I wonder how it's going to effect everything.

Guess I'll find out tomorrow :)

[Applebee]

Hi again everyone!!

Ladybug - I'm sending you tons of sticky vibes!!!!

Tigerest, yayy for doing your own shots! Sorry about the nausea, hopefully that will go away soon.

Lola, glad to hear your ET is Monday!!! Thaw perfectly embies, thaw perfectly!!!!

Jan1902, Happy belated birthday!! That was very nice of your DH to bake you a cake, albeit making a mess!

Gator, WOW! that's fantastic they moved you a week earlier!! I'm just wishing I could get started.

Tandis, first I've heard of a flare protocol. What does that entail?

Cath, yayy for starting BCPs. Glad to hear you have an EER date!! Oh, you know what...I have a video tape about the IVF injections!! I keep forgetting to return it when I go to the office! That is very strange this happened b/c SG is so particular in making sure your scheduled correctly. What office did you go to? Anyway, I can mail it to you if you want. Do we have PM on here? If so, PM me. If not, I'll post my email addy. I had the class at the Columbia office (but go to Annapolis). You basically used a "dummy tummy" like Tandis said, to practice "jabbing". Also, the nurse takes you into a separate room and DH actually gives you a rear injection! They go over how to mix the meds too. It's good if you have your protocol so they can show you exactly what you'll be doing.

Hello to everyone else!!!!!

[julesp313]

May I join? DH and I have just decided to move onto IVF, at the suggestion of our RE. I'm scared and excited and more scared... I've been over in "Still at it" for some time now but I figure with this move onto IVF, I would be better off over here where there's more information and I can learn more.

JulesP313
Me - 34
DH - 39
Married - 03/03
TTC - 12/04
Diagnois - high FSH (11.3), possible dysfunctional fimbriae
BFP - 11/05
M/C - 12/05 at 5w5d
06/06 - IVF

My RE said due to the high FSH and possible issue with the fimbriae (or as DH puts it, the sticky wiggly things that are supposed to catch the egg and get it to the tube), IUI isn't recommended as that won't help in the slightest if my egg isn't getting to the tube. It's been a frustrating 18 months so I'm glad we're moving onto getting some help finally.

[IVFIVF]

JulesP313 I added your stats. Welcome to the thread!

[ladybug777]

Applebee: Thanks for the sticky vibes. Keep em comin'! Not to sure what to make of your cycle. I know my first cycle after IVF was really long. I'm usually 28-30 days, and we're talking almost 40. I think it was my body just trying to reset itself. Hope things happen for you really soon.

Cath: For IVF #1, we went over how much of each med to draw up, when to give them, and which site to give them. We briefly went over my protocol to make sure I understood everything. That was pretty much it.

Lola: This week can't be over soon enough. Nope, I haven't POAS yet. I think I'm gonna on sunday. But we'll see. I may chicken out. :D I'll be thinking about you on monday. Praying that those beautiful blasts of your thaw w/ flying colors!!! Will you be on bedrest after your ET?

Tigerest: Thanks! Hope you're feeling better.

[Lola9404]

Well ladies, just saying goodbye for now as I'll be off next week for ET on Monday and then bed rest until Weds. I'm going to see if my old laptop at home will work so I can check in next week.

Ladybug - GOOD LUCK at your beta and I will be thinking of you on Monday!!


xoxo to all :)

[Suzlywoozly]

Just wanted to say "hi" really quick and tell everyone thank you for the AF dance.... It worked (and I killed the white sheets :o. Thank god for bleach!)!!

Be back later to give lots of s/o's :)

[tigerest]

Lola- At first when I read "saying goodbye" I was like WHAT WHY??? I forgot! Good luck with your transfer!!!! :)

Cath - Yay for starting your cycle!!! :)

Tandis - Thanks. I think we are going to "be on vacation" for the shower. Good luck and I hope you dont have any cysts!

Applebee - Thanks!

julesp313 - Welcome! sorry you have to get to this point! But this is a good place! Lots of good info!

ladybug - Thanks! Hope your cough is getting better!

Suzly - YAY!! FINALLY!!!! She must have gottens tuck in traffic.

I am doing a little better today. I have never been on lupron before and boy...talk about emotional!!!! Apparently, I handle stims better than suprression! ;) But like I said...I am feeling a little better, and trying to find a little humor in all this....bleep!

[Applebee]

Suzly, excellent! Now, send her my way PLEASE!! Sorry you killed the white sheets, but I had to laugh.

Tigerst, glad you're handling the stims good.

Ladybug, yeah, I figure it's resetting itself but I'm just so impatient. I hate waiting on things.

Lola, GOOD LUCK!!

[Bellefior]

Hi everyone. Just got back from the RE and I'm afraid it was not what we had hoped to hear. She is recommending IVF with ICSI because of the male factor is quite severe (the numbers were so low that I don't even want to think about it). Our insurance covers no IVF procedures whatsoever, maybe possibly the drugs but that's it. It will cover all the preliminary testing, so we will be doing that in the meantime. Everything else will be about 12-15K. Not what we were hoping for and not the best way to start our weekend. This really sucks. So I guess at some point when my head gets together, I will be moving over from the SAI thread.

[tigerest]

Bellefior - {{HUGS}} So sorry about your news!

[gator97]

Lola- Thinking of you this weekend and next week! Hope the ET goes well on Monday.

Tigerest- Hope you are feeling better! I haven't done Lupron either.
I do think that my body is getting used to having the hormones out of whack. The BCPs are going much better this time.

Welcome Jules! I'm sorry that you have to be here--but these ladies are a wonderful support!

SuzlyWoozly- glad that the AF dance worked.

Ladybug- Hope the weekend flies by for you.

Bellefoir- Sorry about the news you received. You'll get lots of support in here.

To everyone else I missed, hello!

[julesp313]

Thanks for the welcome - it's strange for me to join a new thread, but also provident - the day we got the suggestion from our RE to try IVF was the day this new IVF thread started. My DH said it's fate - I said it's just the old thread was too long! :)

I called the RE's office last week and we are "go" for their next cycle, which starts at the end of the month. I was told to remain on BCP so I have to get my butt to Walgreens today and get another pack - who'd have thought to get pregnant, first you go on birth control? I don't know what protocol my RE will use for me, but DH is already dreading giving me shots - are they really painful? I don't do well with needles but I figure there has to be ways to make them less unpleasant, right? :)

ETA: Bellefior - sorry to see that you may also be leaving SAI to come here, but I think once we make the decision to move onto IVF, this thread and these ladies in it will be a much greater information and support source than the SAI ladies, only because it's such a different thing to deal with. Y'know? Hugs to you...

[gator97]

Jules- Yeah that you are a go already! Things will really start to move fast now!

I do the stims shots myself. For some reason I would rather do it to myself. There might be a little sting but I found certain spots on my stomach didn't hurt as much. Then, I just stuck in that area. I pinch my skin---and often I will sit down b/c it makes it easier for me to pinch an inch. I've heard some people do the shots in their thighs but if you are given a choice--go for the stomach. From what I understand, stomach is a lot less painful then he thigh.

The first shot was the worst. I spent about 30 minutes just staring at the needle pointing at my stomach. The anticipation was far worse than the reality. It honestly is not that bad. . .and is just second nature now. Not fun, of course, but no longer a big deal.

I do find the PIO shots kind of painful. These my DH does. He is a trooper about it but I know that it really bothers him to cause me pain. He hates giving me the shots. I ice the area beforehand and then make sure I walk around after. I lay on my stomach on the bed with my feet touching the floor and I pigeon toe my feet. Something about that relaxes the muscles. I've heard to put a warm compress on it afterwards but that never really helped me. Sometimes they hurt, sometimes they just felt like a little prick then not too bad. The first shot, I was shocked and surprised that it really didn't hurt that bad. I jumped up and gave DH a kiss b/c I was so excited it didn't hurt. I didn't do that the next night and realized that he really needs that validation that I'm okay. So, that is now the routine. Ice the spot, lean over on the bed, get the shot, kiss the DH, walk around for awhile.

Hope this month flies by for you!

[Applebee]

Jules, welcome! I did my own stims shots. It would burn once in a while when injecting, but other than that they were a fine. PIO was a breeze for me. Absolutely no pain at all. DH wasn't "happy" about doing the shots, but he did a fantastic job.

Bellefoir, sorry about your news {{HUGS}}. I remember at my initial consult when the RE said he felt the best option for me was IVF. I about fell of the chair.

How is everyone else doing?

I go tomorrow morning for an u/s and b/w. I guess this will determine if they are going to give me something to bring AF on. I'm going to tell them I'm pretty sure I O'd late and see what they say.

DH took our old love seat to his cousin's today so we are sharing the sofa. Not liking this at all!!

Here's the sofa we'll be getting Thursday (love seat too but can't find the pic anymore):
http://www.vcf.com/en_US/images/full/MontegoCS_SofaS_1040103LG.jpg

Here's the coffee table (end table to match also):
http://www.vcf.com/en_US/images/full/TS_SltRun_Cktl_785164LG.jpg
Here's the sofa we'll be getting Thursday (love seat too but can't find the pic anymore):

http://www.vcf.com/en_US/images/full/MontegoCS_SofaS_1040103LG.jpg

Here's the coffee table (end table to match also):
http://www.vcf.com/en_US/images/full/TS_SltRun_Cktl_785164LG.jpg

[kischer]

just a quick drive by post. I will do shout outs and all that tomorrow.

ladybug-Hoping the best for you! May June 5th be a day to remember, in a good way! :D Just wanted you to know that I was thinking of you and wishing the best for you!!! ;)

[ladybug777]

Lola: Good luck today!

Kischer: Thanks! I'm so anxious!

Applebee: Good luck at your appt today. Nice couch! And I LOVE that coffee table.

Gator: The first shot is always the most difficult. After that it's a piece of cake!

Jules: Yeah for getting a start date! The shots aren't that bad. Your stim shots will most likely be a small needle and one that you give in your belly area. The progesterone in oil (PIO) are the shots after ET. Those you get to get in your tush. The liquid is thicker and they tend to leave you a bit sore. My advice- use ice to numb the area before every shot. It really helps.

Bellefior: So sorry that you didn't get better news. The cost of IVF can be daunting. But I'm a firm believer that things will work themselves out. Good luck!

Tigerest: Are you feeling any better now that you're off the bcp and have cut the Lupron dose in half?


My beta is this morning @ 7:20.

[Tandis]

Ladybug - Good luck with your beta today! Keeping my fingers crossed for you

Applebee - I have a reclining sofa and a loveseat like that - only mine isn't leather. They are so nice, I really hope you enjoy yours. Love the coffee table. Good luck with your b/w and u/s today!

jules - Welcome! :D

Suzly - Yea for AF's arrival!

Tigerest - How's it going with you?

********************************

So after playing phone tag with the IVF nurse, I finally got a hold of her today. Basically, once AF arrives, I'll get my baseline u/s and b/w, then start the microdose Lupron. Two shots a day, 20 iu's each, for I don't know how long. On the second day, I'll start giving myself Follistim injections also, twice a day, for a while also.

That's four shots a day. My tummy's going to a pincushion!

She said there are also some other meds in there that she'll explain to me later. Doesn't want me to get confused with everything else I'll be doing.

So our prelim timeline is totally out the window now, since I know AF isn't going to wait until the end of June to start. I'm assuming a late June ET/ER, but we'll just have to wait and see.

[tigerest]

Jules - Whoohoo on getting to go next cycle! :) I am totally needle phobic! And thankfully these needles are mostly tiny. Some I don't feel at all, sometimes just a little prick, not too bad. The PIO after ET sucks…but hopefully it leads to a healthy PG! Good luck!

Applebee - Glad you are getting seen today! Good luck. Yay on the new couches!

Ladybug - Crossing everything for you today that you get super high numbers! ;)

Tandis - Glad you finally talked to them. Sorry you have to wait longer, but hopefully AF will get here soon for you.


I am doing much better. Ever since Friday night I am back to feeling like my normal self….thank goodness!!! But I did get AF sat night. They told me to expect a light period. However, its been nothing but light. Super heavy and pretty painful. Should I be worried?

Anyway, I go in for my baseline tomorrow!!!! YAY! And I start my E2 shots tomorrow…boo! ;) But I am getting excited.

[Tandis]

Tigerest - So glad you're back to feeling like normal and that AF has arrived. Yay for the baseline tomorrow! :D

Actually, this new protocol has us doing everything sooner than what we were initially told. The old protocol had us at the beginning of July for ET/ER - now we're looking at the end of June. So really, I'm pretty excited about it, but I'm a bit anal about planning stuff, so not having a concrete timeline is kindof driving me nuts ;)

[Bellefior]

Hi everyone. Well, we did a lot of soul searching over the weekend and have come to a decision. To suck it up and pay for at least one cycle of IVF, once all the preliminary testing is completed if the urologist can't find a specific reason why DH's counts are so low. We're still hoping that it might be either a hormonal imbalance, or something that can be corrected surgically, but we've also prepared ourselves for the possibility that they may not be able to give us a reason for the low counts.

Once you get over the shock factor over what it costs, then the decision is actually an easy one. Yes, it hurts to pay out of pocket when you live in a state that provides mandatory IVF coverage but work for an employer (Fed Govt.) that is exempt from the rules, but what are you going to do? Maybe we'll be lucky and it will work the first time around. If not, then we'll reevaluate our options.

We're hoping that once DH's passes the bar and gets a job, his benefit plan will cover it and we'll dump my Federal Blue Cross Plan. We looked into dumping my insurance anyway and purchasing our own, but it was something like $1200 a month, $5000 a year deductible, and a 180 day wait for coverage (longer for treatment of a pre-existing condition) so it would end up costing the same anyway. At least my insurance covers the drugs (at least that's what they told me).

All of our preliminary testing will take place in June/July, then we meet with the RE again at the end of July, right after DH takes the bar exam. We're hoping the meeting with the urologist will give us some answers and some solutions that might change the current game plan. At least we can hope. And if not, at least we have a plan. Somehow, having a plan makes me feel somewhat at peace with this--or as much at peace with this situation as one can be.

So threadmistress, please update my/our stats as follows:

DX Male Factor Infertility
RE Appointment 6/2
Preliminary testing to be completed June/July
Urology consult at end of June
Follow up with RE July 27th

[Bellefior]

Oh and we did get one very good piece of news. MILs surgery for breast cancer was successful. They got it all, nothing in the lymph nodes, no follow up surgery or radiation needed. They just need to monitor her every six months and will have her on tamoxifen for the next 3 years. We needed some good news for a change!

[julesp313]

Gator - I'm not too worried about the pain, though I had read the PIO shots are often painful, but I guess I'm more worried about DH and I actually being able to give the shots. I'm just worrying myself before I need to, I think! I'll remember about the ice and walking - bending over the bed sounds like a plan, too, though I'll need a step stool as our bed is pretty high!
Applebee - my only concern is that the RE said the shots will be either in the thigh or the hip. I have plenty of padding on both areas but I'm not sure how well I can reach the hip part - I guess we'll find out! I love that coffee table you posted - that would look great in our living room! ;)
Ladybug - good luck with the beta results!
Tandis - yikes, that's a lot of shots!
Tigerest - now that we've made the decision, I want to start yesterday, y'know? My type-A personality doesn't let me wait!
Bellefior - I'm glad you guys came to a decision. It's definitely hard - I know we went back and forth a few times, but ultimately we don't want to look back and say "What if..." which is my biggest fear. Now that we've figured out how to pay for things and work the IVF schedule around my client schedule, we're both (strangely!) raring to go! Glad to hear you got good news about your MIL too. :)

Me - just waiting. I went back to the gym this morning after a far-too-long hiatus. I'm working on shedding about 50lbs of long-term flab so it's imperative I get my butt into the gym on a regular basis. I'm also working on quitting caffeine, which is proving to be much harder!

Does anyone do acupuncture? My insurance covers me for discounted rates so I'd like to try it. Any thoughts?

[Lola9404]

Hi everyone, i'm checking in on my old laptop so hopefully itwillnot crash on me :rolleyes:

Ladybug - I have been thinking of you today and hoping that you get good news! Keep us posted.

As for my news, we had our ET today and it went amazingly well. I was so nervous that something would go wrong but we got really lucky. Both of our 5 day blasts thawed perfectly and in the photo that we got of them you could actually see one of them hatching. It is amazing to look at it. The embryologist said that he was really happy with how well they did and that the one was already hatching. So we were able to transfer both embryos and now comes the hard part - waiting. My beta isn't until June 19th - SO late. So I will def be POAS before.

Suzly - yay for AF! Finally...

Tiger - glad to hear you're feeling better and yay for baseline!

Jan - I'm sending you lots of "thick lining" vibes! It is disappointing that your ET got pushed back but think of how great your lining will be when it finally happens!

Hi and Welcome Jules!

Bellefior - I wish you lots of luck with your IVF, it sounds like you have had a lot going on and I'm glad to hear that your MIL's surgery was successful.

Hi to Gator, Kischer, Applebee (cute couch!),and Tandis

[ladybug777]

Well, without further ado.....

Beta was 100 & progesterone was 57.5

:D

[Mooshie]

Hooray Ladybug! Congratulations! A happy and healthy 40 weeks to you!!!:)

[Applebee]

OMG!!! CONGRATS LADYBUG!!!!!!!
WOOHOO!!!!! YIPPEEEE!!!!!

:D :D :D :D :D :D

[gator97]

Ladybug- :D :D Yeah! I'm so excited for you!!!!

Lola- Glad both the embies survived the thaw and that one was an overachiever already starting to hatch. Hope this 2ww flies by for you!

jules- you will be amazed at what you can do :) I never thought I'd be able to give myself shots--and now I don't even think twice about it.
I had a very hard time not having a hard schedule. I really had to let go. . and it was hard. I'm a scheduler. I really like to have things worked out way ahead of time.

Tandis- not having a concrete timeline does stink but that it awesome you will get started earlier!

Bellefior- hope the urologist finds something fixable. best of luck with all of your testing.

Jan1902-Hope the extra week helps your lining and you get good news at your next visit.

[gator97]

Acupuncture- forgot to chime in on this. I go once a week and have for several months now. I hope that it is helping me fertility wise--but I notice that I do feel better afterwards---even emotionally and mentally. I love it.

[tigerest]

This thread is jumping!!!

Tandis - OH!!! A week earlier...then that is cool! ;)

BEllefior - Well it looks like you are really looking at all your options, but that sucks about your insurance coverage! Great news about you MIL!

JAN - Yep steroids all throughout...seems like forever! I hope everything turns out ok with your lining! I think my ET will be on the 19th....a few days after you!

jules - Oh yea, I totally know what you mean! I felt really good about it and excited once I knew for sure this was the route! I have been doing acupuncture for a while now and love it. I find it very relaxing, helps with pain as well. I go before and after my transfers!

LOLA - I am so glad your blasts made it, and even started hatching!!! Stick embies stick!!!

ladybug - YAY!!!!!! I hope you start a wave of BFP's in here!!! Congrats!!!

[Suzlywoozly]

AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! Congratulations Ladybug!!! It is about damn time we get some good news in here!! Looks like you are leading the way for all us girls who are cycling right now!

Real quick beofre I fall asleep on the keyboard...
I went for my post-op with Dr. McHottie (whoever called him that in my LJ, thanks... the name is here to stay! :p) and he said everyting looks great. Based on him making sure everything is sparkly clean, he said there is NO reason why this FET isn't going to work and he knows he is going to see me back next month. I sure freakin hope so. I am trying not to get excited because I am afraid of the let-down and hurt again... but hell, at least this time everything is sparkly clean and ready to go!

I a going of on a tangent and meant to ask... I can't remember but does the estrace make you really tired? I feel like someone has given me super-duper strength benadryl.

[AusMarchBride]

Ladybug Woohoo and congratulations!!! Fabulous news :D Wishing you a happy and healthy time ahead.

Suzly Dr McHottie;) Love it. Yes, this IS going to work, just keep on believing.

gator97 I'm with you on the scheduling thing. That was very difficult to cope with during my cycling, the "I need to have definite dates" gene that I also have drove me nuts. Hang in there

tigerest Hopefully June 19 will roll around quickly for you

Lola So glad your ET went well. Must be amazing photographs of your little frostie starting to hatch. Roll on June 19:D

Julesp Welcome and I hope your stay here is a short one.

Jan Here's hoping your lining is in a sensational condition for your ET. Sending loads of "grow lining, grow" vibes your way ;)

Bellefior I'm glad you have a plan. It always makes me feel better if I have an idea of what's coming up. And I'm very glad for the news about your MIL's surgery, that's got to be a load off your minds too.

Tandis Yeah that whole "having plans changed on me" sucks, but at least they're bringing you forward not pushing you back. So that's a positive thing.

Cath Sounds like you have a plan in place too, good stuff.

Applebee Did you get any more info from the nurse on your protocol and dates?

Hi to everyone else, sorry if I've missed anyone. This thread is soooo busy, and it's great to see many cycling around the same time.

[Lola9404]

Ladybug - YAYYYYYY!! I am SO excited for you! H&H 9 months :D

thx for all the good wishes everyone, I'm on bedrest until tomorrow and then I'll be back at work and trying my best not to POAS until at least the middle of next week.

[Bellefior]

Ladybug Congrats! (toss some of that baby dust this way, will ya?) It makes me very hopeful when I hear a success story.

Lola wishing you all the best. Fingers crossed!

I did find out doing my research that there are currently several bills pending which want to mandate IF coverage like any other medical condition. One deals with coverage for everyone, another deals with coverage for Federal and military employees (which would cover me). Of course, they've been sitting in committee unchanged for the last year so I'm not very hopeful that they will get passed anytime soon. However, I did settle for writing a letter to the head of my agency in Washington regarding the benefits issue, and one to the head of the agency that determines and administers the health benefits for all Fed. Govt. employees. I still can't believe that the reason they don't cover it (at least this is what I was told) is because they consider it something voluntary, because this most definitely is not a condition you choose to have, any more than you would choose heart disease or cancer. We're not talking about freaking plastic surgery here! It should be something covered no matter who you work for.

Anyway, I know writing to the heads of these agencies will probably not have any effect, but boy, was it cathartic to put down everything on paper. When I get some free time, then I'll probably start with letters to my senators and reps, and to the people on that committee where the bills have sat for the last year. If nothing else, it will make me feel better telling them this is not right, and it will only cost me a stamp and the time to set up a computer program to do it all for me. (It's also probably a lot cheaper than seeing a shrink, since my insurance also limits the number of mental health benefits per year as well--figures).

[Tandis]

Congratulations Ladybug!!! H&H nine months to you :D

[julesp313]

ladybug - congratulations! Always wonderful to read a post like yours... :)

Me - I have an appointment with an acupuncturist at 4 today. My insurance gives me a discounted rate so I figure why not take full advantage of it? It also gives me discounted massage therapy so I need to find one of those to go to, too - any relaxation has to be good, right? :)

[Suzlywoozly]

Thanks to everyone for the good lining vibes, I appreciate it. :)

Suzly I get credit for Dr. McHottie. Go me!!!

Damn straight!! I give you all the credit in the world!!:D MMM, MMM, GOOD!! Nuttin' like a little eye candy to liven up a Monday afternoon!

[tigerest]

No cysts, estrogen level good. DH gives me the E2 shot tonight and the cycle is a go!!! :) YAY!! I am getting excited! For some reason right before the appt I got nervous...thinking for some reason it would get cancelled. Silly me!

[Suzlywoozly]

Yay Tiger!! That is great news! I was just sitting here thinking how excited I am getting and had the thought that I have my sono on Friday and what if my cycle got cancelled!?

I want so badly to be excited, but I am so afraid of being let down again. For some reason I think a negative beta this time will be the worst of them all since we know that everything is "sparkly clean" and has been given the seal of approval by "Dr. McHottie" (to bad it's a "seal of approval" and not "sealed with a kiss"!!) :o I a such a bad girl!!

[ladybug777]

Thanks for all the congrats! :D I have my repeat beta on thursday, so fingers crossed!

Suzly: You'd think that as time goes on, the thought of getting a BFN would get easier, but it's just the opposite, don't you think? I'm thinking lots of positive thoughts for ya! Now about this Dr. McHottie......:D P.S.- would you mind friending me over in lj? I have the same user name over there.

Tigerest: YEAH!! Great news!

Bellefior: Eagerly tossing right now! :D

Lola: Thinking lots of good thoughts for ya! When is your beta?

[Suzlywoozly]

Ladybug- Sure, I'll do it right now! The BFN's are never-ever gonna get any easier at this point!

[Lola9404]

Ladybug - my beta is not until 6/19 :mad: I will definitely POAS before then there's no way I can wait that long.

Tiger - that's great news !

Suzly - keep thinking positive - I know how hard it is, believe me!

hope everyone is having a good day, it's my last day of bedrest here:)

[Bellefior]

I'm wondering about something and hoping that all you ladies who are Catholic and have undergone/will undergo some type of assisted reproductive procedure can answer. How do you feel about the Catholic Church's position on assisted reproductive procedures (basically from what I understand, the Church is against it, especially with IVF)?

The reason I ask this question is because I am Catholic and was kind of surprised at their stance (maybe I shouldn't be considering how conservative they are about many things). I guess they would rather have you suffer and continue to remain childless than have a beautiful child by some artificial means. It was fairly easy for me to reconcile the issue within myself by saying who are they to tell me what to do with my life in terms of bringing a child into this world, and if a priest actually told me what I was doing was wrong, I'd walk out the door and look for another church (we don't plan on letting our parish priest know what we are going through). I'm just afraid of the reaction of certain close family members (people who we will have to tell or who will have to know at some point) who are super Catholic when they find out what we are going through--though I guess we could always tell them what I said above...who are they to tell us what to do with our lives in terms of what we need to do to bring a child into the world.

PS. Hope this didn't offend anyone, because that is not my intention. It's just something I've been trying to wrap my mind around for some time and would really like to know how others in this situation have resolved this conflict between what the Catholic Church says and their own situation.

[CapeCod04]

I haven't posted here in a while because we are no longer doing IVF, but I saw the post about the Catholic Church's stance and decided to stick my nose in. I am Catholic, born and bred. I do not agree with everything the Church says. I used to have a bit of a snooty attitude about all the WWJD (what would Jesus do) signs and such - but I have really begun to make that more a part of my life when considering Church rulings, etc. So - WWJD? I think that Jesus would be completely supportive of using assisted reproduction. I think that it is humans who say it is wrong and they are every bit as fallible as you and I are. Now - judgment time may come and I may be wrong, but I am comfortable with the decisions we made to do IUI and IVF and nobody in Rome is going to shake that.

[Applebee]

Hi All! quick post then I'll be back later for personals...

AF is arriving - finally! CD1 will be today or tomorrow!!! IVF #2 here I come.

[Bellefior]

Thanks for the thoughts ladies. We have already decided that any embryos not used for the first attempt will be frozen in case either the first time is unsuccessful or we want to have more children even if it is successful. Under no circumstances, even if it worked and we decided we wouldn't want to have any other children, would we have them destroyed, donated, or experimented on. I don't care if we have to pay storage fees for the next 50 years. DH and I already talked about it, so at least we are comfortable with that. I just can't believe the church frowns on stuff even like IUI where embryos aren't even an issue.

We are hopeful that maybe after the additional tests and the upcoming urologist appointment, they may find something fixable or correctable and we may be able to change the game plan to something other than IVF.

Now I'm going to step off my soapbox but I wanted to mention something weird that happened. I was supposed to go to the dentist today and start work for a crown. When I called to confirm, I asked them if x-rays were involved because even though its not likely, we are still in the 2ww. They asked if I was pregnant and I told them I wouldn't know until next week. We ended up cancelling and bumping the appointment to next week instead, but now I'm thinking I might just put the whole thing off for a while. It's not urgent that it be done right now, and my cousin, who is a dental assistant, told me just to put it off if it wasn't absolutely necessary and deal with the other stuff first. I think she's right. Like I said, its not likely, but I keep wondering, what if? I've also made a decision when it comes to temping. I don't temp during AF, temp and use OPKs until I know I've O'ed for sure, then put my thermometer away. I'm done overanalyzing every change in my chart.

Applebee good luck!

[la_bride_2004]

I'm cautiously peeking in for an update.

I started POAS 10 days after IUI, and they started turning positive. However, I really wanted to see the beta.

I have a strong positive beta!!

I can't think of a better b-day present. (My bday was 06-06-06).

Believe me, I about fell over when I got the numbers. It's still not real yet.

Still praying for doubling vibes and an ok u/s in 2 weeks. Hopefully I will be able to exhale then!





la_bride_2004
Me: 33
DH: 37
TTC: 2/04
DX: male factor, high DFI
IVF #1- OHSS/ chem. preg (Dec 04)
IVF #2 - FET - chem preg (June 05)
varicocele repair surgery, 8/05, 13 found and repaired
11/05 chem preg., SA results now show normal count
1/05 normal hysteroscopy, no uterine septum
Status: SCSA testing Feb 06, if normal, on to injectibles/IUI
04/06- Injectables/IUI #1- cancelled, wrong med. dose
05/06- Injectables/IUI #2- 8 follicles- positive beta

[gator97]

la_bride- a cautious congrats for you!!! Yeah!! Congratulations on the positive beta. . sending you lots of doubling vibes!!!

Alright ladies. . . let's keep this great news coming!

[Suzlywoozly]

Bellefior- I don't know if you ever go over to IVFconnections.com, but I bet there is a whole discussion over there about this and you might get some more advice over there.

[IVFIVF]

**Updated to here**

With best wishes to la_bride_2004 (very exciting to update your stats BTW) and ladybug777!

[Applebee]

Hi everyone! Well, AF is here TODAY!!! I'll start my BCPs on Saturday. My tentative start date for shots is July 4th. My nurse will be sending out my protocol tomorrow or Monday.

LA Bride - cautiously congrats!! Sendings lots of doubling vibes to you!

Tigerest - excellent news!!

[ladybug777]

LA_Bride: Congrats to you!!! I'm so excited for ya!!!!!:D What a great b-day present!

Applebee: Yeah for starting AF!!!

I had my repeat beta today and it was 416! I have another beta on monday and then possible u/s on tues or wed!

[gator97]

YEAH!!!!!! Ladybug. . . keeping lots of sticky vibes going for you!!:D :D :D

[Suzlywoozly]

Yay, Ladybug! That is great news :D

Applebee- Isn't it a great feeling when she shows??? ;)

Holy Crap... I just realized that I never started taking the baby asprin last week when I started the estrace!! I go in for my sono in the morning and I am hoping everything will be okay. Yikes!!!

[Lola9404]

labride - BIG CONGRATS! I hope your beta doubles quickly :D :D

ladybug - great news! Sounds like you have a nice strong embie in there! :D

I'm hoping this good news rubs off on me. I'm dying to POAS but it's way too early at 9DPO. I'm going to wait until 12DPO if I can hold out. I've felt great which is weird since last time I felt terrible (but got a BFN). I definitely had cramping all yesterday and a little the day before so I am crossing my fingers that maybe it was one or both of my little guys implanting.

[mrselle]

I just wanted to peak in a say a big congratulations to labride and ladybug777!!!! Hope all continues to go well for you guys!!!

I don't get to post too often, but please know that I am thinking of every single one of you and sending many positive vibes.:)

[Mooshie]

Hooray LA Bride! Cautious congrats to you!

[julesp313]

LA Bride - congratulations! More good news in here... :)

Me - frustrated at the IVF nurse who said on TUESDAY that she was sending me my schedule and protocol. I have to schedule some client site visits that will mean I can't go to the RE's office for b/w and the like, so I need to know what days they need me there. And to add to that frustration, despite being on BCP, I'm spotting like AF is on the way. Should I call the RE's office and tell them that or wait and see if I really start AF? Sigh... things to think about. And I'm off to LA on Sunday for a week with work so that'll make it tricky to talk to the RE's office. Hmph.

[angelgirl8]

coreen...congratulations! i'm so happy for you! and happy bday!

[amychris03]

Congratulations to Ladybug and labride! Keep the good
news coming ladies :) I'm rooting for ya, just not much time to type
these days!

[Suzlywoozly]

Had my sono and E2 this morning... everything looks good so far. They changed my protocolthis cycle and the ET won't be for another 1 or so. I go back on Wednesday for another sono and E2.

I'm off to bed... it's 1:40 am... we just drove 6.5 hours to Disneyland... Gotta love having a laptop and getting free wireless internet!

[Tandis]

Suzly - So there wasn't a problem with not starting the asprin? That's good. Have fun in Disneyland!

Jules - It wouldn't hurt to call them about the spotting. Sorry to hear about your frustrations. This is the first time I've done IVF and I've already learned that schedules don't mean much when it comes to this. :rolleyes: Of course, it makes it really difficult when planning for work and life. Hope you hear from them soon!

Lola - Good luck with holding out. It's got to be really tough, especially when you get to these last couple days of the 2WW.

ladybug - Those numbers sound fantastic! Congrats again! :D

la_bride - Congratulations! What a fantastic B-Day gift :D

**********************

As for me, I'm just sitting around twiddling my thumbs. We not starting any meds until my cycle starts, and since I *just* O'd a couple days ago, I have a little while to wait. I did get all my meds in though, which was fun. Not as much as I thought there would be, but since my Dr. doesn't do PIO or, heck, any progresterone at all, there isn't that much medication to take.

[amychris03]

SuzlySo glad that the lack of baby aspirin didnt affect anything!
Have fun at Disneyland!:)

[julesp313]

I got my schedule and apparently the IVF nurse didn't listen to a thing I said as she schedule my mock transfer for next Wednesday after I told her I'm in LA all week. Pah. So now I have the mock transfer on the 19th, our injections class on the 24th, and I start stims on the 30th. I'm due to take Follistim in the morning and Menopur in the evening - anyone have any comments on either of those meds? Anything I should worry about? I have my appointments for b/w and ultrasounds and if all goes according to plan (and when does that ever happen in real life?) the ER is scheduled for July 11th. Now I'm waiting to hear from the pharmacy for the cost of the drugs and to get them shipped to me. Then, hope hope, it's a go. :)

[Applebee]

Hi everyone! I received my protocol, which changed slightly:

6/11-7/4: BCPs
7/5: Evaluation b/c & u/s
7/8: Start stims after b/w & u/s monitoring; Antagon sometime here too
7/20: Est. ER
7/23: Est. ET (I have to call my nurse b/c the doc said I would definitely be doing a 5dt this time so that would be 7/25)

Has anyone done the Antagon Protocol (Ganirelix it's now called)? The way I'm reading my sheet, I'll start Bravelle and Menopur before the Antagon.

Suzly, glad to hear everything is ok and no problems from not taking the baby asprin. WOOHOO Disneyland! Have fun!!!

Jules, sorry the nurse didn't pay any attention to you about your schedule. I've seen that happen to a few people. Really frustrating.

Tandis, waiting is the worse. Hope you can keep busy and it goes quickly for you!

Lola, I didn't POAS with my first IVF, but I'm 98% sure I will this time. Good luck!!!

[amychris03]

jules
I had Follistim- for me, at least (though everyone is different) I never
had any side effects whatsoever from the Follistim, and the injections
were a breeze with the Follistim Pen (never got a welt from them at all).

[la_bride_2004]

Ladies- I just wanted to say thank you all so much!! I have been on this thread for more than 2 years and it feels more than a little unreal to be posting about positive results for a change!

My first beta was 187, my second (a little less than 48 hours later) was 406 :D

I think this one may stick, hopefully!!

[AusMarchBride]

Driveby from me

Just wanted to post a huge Congratulations to Coreen I'm so thrilled for you and wish you a happy and healthy pregnancy.

Good luck to Lola for your upcoming beta

For everyone else who is cycling or getting ready to cycle, good luck also and I hope everything goes beautifully.

And here's my little pumpkin Sarah (http://static.flickr.com/52/159013259_30f134481e.jpg?v=0)

[Lola9404]

I can't believe I'm going to post this but here goes:

This morning I got my first ever BFP!!

I'm 12DPO right now. I tested at 10DPO and nothing, I've been having cramping for days now and so I tested this morning and there it was! It's faint but definitely there. OMG!! :eek:

I just called my RE's office to see if they'll let me come in for a beta earlier. My beta isn't scheduled until 6/19.

[Bellefior]

Congrats Lola!

PS. Can you PM me where you are going for your treatments and who your RE is??? I'm also in the Boston area, and am currently being seen by an RE at one of the hospitals, and would like to compare notes as to what you've heard about the different places!

[gator97]

:D :D This thread is on a roll!!! Congratulations Lola! Hope your RE lets you get your beta early. :D

Had my baseline today and got a gold star. . .barring anything weird, we start stims on Friday!

[ladybug777]

Lola: OMG!!! Congrats!!! That is so wonderful! I'm so happy for you. I told you June 5th would be a lucky day! :D :D

Gator: Great news. You're almost there!

La_Bride: Congrats on a 2nd great beta. I think this little one (or two ;) ) is getting nice and comfy!

Applebee: Don't have any insight into your protocol, but just wanted to say YEAH for getting ER/ET dates!

Jules: I was on Follistim for my fresh cycle. I didn't have any problems w/ it. The pen is very easy to use. Hope you were able to work out those scheduling difficulties.

[tigerest]

LOLA!!!! WOW, congrats! :)

This thread is on fire!!!!! :D

[Tandis]

Congratulations Lola! That's so fantastic :D H&H nine months to you, and I hope they let you come in early for a beta. :D

[Lola9404]

Re's office said the earliest they'll let me come in for my beta is Saturday, which will be 17DPO :rolleyes: Oh well! I'll just keep POAS until then and cross my fingers that the lines keep getting darker...

[julesp313]

Lola - congratulations! Another piece of wonderful news in here... :)

Can I ask a question? I don't think my protocol includes anything to suppress ovulation (like Lupron). What's that all about? I think from my Internet reading, I'm taking two FSH stimulants (Follistim and Menopur) but aren't you supposed to also suppress ovulation? Confusing... but I'm very excited to go on the 19th for my b/w and mock transfer.

[gator97]

Jules- I don't do Lupron in my protocol but I'm on minimal stimulation. So, if you are doing traditional then this won't be all that helpful. I did Gonal-F and Menopur. The stims were actually fairly kind to me so nothing to report.

AusMarchBride- somehow I missed beautiful Miss Sarah before. What a beautiful smile!

Applebee- I used Ganirelix with my last protocol. They started Gonal-F and Menopur first, then added Ganirelix as I neared ovulation to keep me from ovulating before they were ready. Yeah for having a schedule.

[ladybug777]

Jules: I did a traditional protocol and I was on Lupron. I started it before I went off bcp and continued it throughout most of the time I was stimming. Definitly ask your RE about this.

Lola: Darn it! But just think, if you're already getting BFP's, your beta is going to be out of this world!!! :D How are you feeling so far?

Tomorrow we go in for our first u/s. FINALLY!

[Lola9404]

Took another FRER test this morning and the line came up DARK! I'm very excited and now i'm just waiting for Sat for the blood test.

I also found out today that TWO of my friends are also pregnant and also due in February and I can't get over it. I'm really hoping this little bean sticks...

Ladybug good luck at your u/s tomorrow! It seems like everything is happening so fast, doesn't it? This board is on a hot streak, let's keep it going ! :)

[Bellefior]

Lola, way to go! (also check your PMs!)

[gator97]

Lola- yeah for a dark line! Hope that Saturday gets here quickly!

Ladybug- yeah for your ultrasound! Can't wait to get an update.

[julesp313]

Quick update - I just got a call from the pharmacy that my meds were ready for shipping. Turns out I do have suppression meds (Ganirelix) but for some reason, my schedule from the RE doesn't mention them - only Follistim and Menopur. When I go for my mock transfer on Monday and pick up my meds, I'll talk to the RE about it - obviously I need to make sure I know exactly what I'm supposed to be taking and when.

Now, for some excellent news - my insurance doesn't cover anything IVF-related, so I assumed my prescription coverage would also not cover anything IVF-related. The pharmacy called my Rx insurance and because none of the meds are solely IVF meds, they covered EVERYTHING with just co-pays! So instead of $4,000 for meds, I just paid $250. I am beside myself with happiness! Now if I can just get a decent schedule out of the IVF nurse, I'll be happy - they really need to give me a chart of what to take and when!

[Applebee]

Threadmistress, please update my stats, thanks!

Me: Lori Ann (39)
DH: Ted (36)
TTC: Oct 04
DX: Unknown; All tests ok; SA ok
M/C: Jan 1997 @ 7 weeks
Two snowbabies: 6 day blastocysts; over 100 cells each
IVF #1 APRIL 06: BFN - 3dt w/AH, Grade 1 - 8 cell, Grade 1 - 7 cell
IVF #2 JULY 06: Antagon Protocol; 6/11 BCPs, 7/5 Evaluation, 7/8 Start Stims, Antagon to begin sometime after stims, 7/20 est. egg retrieval, 7/25 est. egg transfer

[Applebee]

Jules, congrats on the med coverage. Great news!!

Ladybug, looking forward to hearing your report from your 1st u/s!!

Lola, that's fantastic!!!

Thanks for the Antagon info Gator!

AusMarch, Sarah is adorable!

[tigerest]

Hello. I have been following along but haven't had much time to post! I will be back later for S.O's.

Had my appt today...with U/S and bloodwork! Started out exciting....my lining is 10!!!! So as far as my lining goes I am ready. However, my E2 level is still low. So I have to increase my E2 injection again tonight. And go back in for more bloodowrk on Fri. They think by Fri everything will be ready....but then for some reason since I have day 5 embryos my ET will not be until 5/6 days after Fri.....SO it looks like my ET is scheduled for 6/22.

[Suzlywoozly]

Hello. I have been following along but haven't had much time to post! I will be back later for S.O's.

Had my appt today...with U/S and bloodwork! Started out exciting....my lining is 10!!!! So as far as my lining goes I am ready. However, my E2 level is still low. So I have to increase my E2 injection again tonight. And go back in for more bloodowrk on Fri. They think by Fri everything will be ready....but then for some reason since I have day 5 embryos my ET will not be until 5/6 days after Fri.....SO it looks like my ET is scheduled for 6/22.

Hey... we are suppose to be transferring on the same day... you are going to throw my luck off ;)

Jules- That is awesome news!!! I'm all about saving money, especially when it comes to IVF bills:D

[ladybug777]

Threadmistress, can you update me please!

Ladybug777 (formerly Scorpiobride on WC)
Me: Jazmine (27)
Dh: Taft (30)
Married: 6/15/02
TTC: 3/03
DX: Bilateral removal of tubes (8/05); initially dx w/ left hydro but lap showed both tubes dilated; mild male factor
11/04: IUI #1 w/ Clomid- unsuccessful
2/05 & 3/05 : IUI #2 & #3 w/ injectibles- unsuccessful
IVF #1 (1/06): chemical pg
FET #1: May 2006- BFP! Baby #1 due 2/12/07


Our first u/s went well. Looks like we'll be having one baby in Feb!

Lola: Whooo Hoooo for another dark hpt! I can't wait until your beta! Any feeling on how many you're carrying? OMG, it feels like everything is happening in slow motion. If things continue at this pace, this is seriously going to be the longest pg in history. :rolleyes:

Jules: Awesome news on your med coverage. The cost of meds for IVF is staggering! Definitly call your RE's office and check on your protocol. With my fresh cycle, the nurse that called in my perscription, forgot to order my HCG for trigger.

Tigerest: I'm getting so excited for you!

Suzly: Two of your transfering on the same day. This is a good thing! :D

[tigerest]

Lola - Glad your HPT's are getting darker! :)

Jules - I didn't use lupron in my fresh cycle. But I did use follistim and menopur. Later on they added ganirelix for suppression. I think they tell you to start using that when your follicles get to be a certain size. It wasn't too bad, I am finding that my frozen cycle has been harder. Awesome news about the drugs!!!

AusMArch - Love the pics of sarah!

Suzly - I should tell my RE....wait you are messing up the plan, I was supposed to have my ET the same day as my IVF buddies! :p

ladybug - Love the new stats!!!! :)

I was doing great from last thurs until yesterday! But I have had some bad heartburn and a headache ever since lunch yesterday and I didn't sleep to well last night. I am cramping like crazy and suddenly getting a lot of CM. I really hope all this is normal.

Its going to be a busy week in here next week though....with all the ET's, U/S's, blood work! I hope everyone has a perfectly smooth week next week with lots of good news! :D

[Cath]

Hi everyone –

I know it’s been a couple of weeks, but I just had our big annual event at work last week and then was traveling for the past couple of days. To top that off, my internet connection at home has been down (cable modem died, but is fixed now).

First off – Congrats to Lola and Ladybug. That is wonderful news.

I’ll be back with more shoutouts later, but wanted to update. I had my mock ET this morning, and sat down with my nurse after. We start lupron tomorrow. Is it as bad as everyone says it is?

I hope everyone is doing well.

Catherine

[IVFIVF]

***Updated to here***

[Applebee]

Cath, I was on Lupron for two weeks and had no problems with it. Good luck!!

Jan1902, yayy for your lining behaving! The 20th will be here in no time.

[Lola9404]

Hi ladies, hope everyone is doing well. This board has so much going on!

really quick check ins:

Ladybug - How wonderful that you are having one!! I'm SO happy and excited for you :D :D :D

labride- how are you feeling?

Cath - good luck with starting Lupron. I took it for my IVF and FET cycles and it was really no big deal. I had no side effects from it at all and the injections are a breeze.

Tiger - how are you feeling today?

Jan - ET is so close!! it will be here in no time! I have my fingers crossed for you.

Waving to Bellefior, Applebee, Suzly, Gator, Tandis, Ann, Kisch, Jules and everyone else!

I'm doing well, 3 more + HPTs so I've stopped testing and now I'm just waiting until my beta on Saturday. It can't get here fast enough!

[Tandis]

Lola - That beta is going to be really high, with all these dark HPT's you've been doing :D That's super fantastic. How many do you transfer back in again?

Jan1902 - Well, it *is* exciting! Especially when all these people around here keep getting pregnant with FETs! ;)

Cath - No experience with lupron here - just wishing you good luck!

Tigerest - Sorry to hear about all the S/E. Are you feeling any better today?

Ladybug - Yay for one baby!

Jules - That great about your ins. covering the pharmacy. Mine does to, which has saved us a ton of money. I was amazed at the actual cost of the Follistim, compared to what we had to pay. It's crazy what they charge!

**************************

As for me:

Don't you just love it, when you bought new summer pants last year - that you only got to wear twice - and were loose on you then - but you put them on this year and they're so tight you're afraid of having a permanent button imprint, all due to a horrible craving for sweets, due to the fertility meds?

And don't you also love it, when you tell your parents that you're doing IVF, but you really don't want anyone to know, because you haven't been broadcasting the whole IF process, but they ignore your wishes and tell people anyway "Because they asked, so what was I supposed to tell them?"

And how about when you do tell a couple people about it, and the next step is adoption they say either "Well, I know lots of people who got pregnant when they started the adoption process?" (my MIL) or "After we told X about you doing IVF, she said she had to do IVF also, and got pregnant on her first try with her son! And then, she got pregnant again, naturally, with her daughter because the first pregnancy 'opened things up'" (my Mom! of all people, which is why I'm a little pissy today).

I saw a perfect word for that, when I was randomly reading some IF blogs - it's called assvice, because it's advice given out people's @sses.

** Sorry to vent. I'm a little crabby today, due to not getting enough sleep last night, but also these darn tight pants, that were just too darn expensive to stay sitting in my closet.

[mrselle]

I saw a perfect word for that, when I was randomly reading some IF blogs - it's called assvice, because it's advice given out people's @sses.

I LOVE that word. I got a ton of assvice from my Mom when we were going through IVF. My all time favorite..."Just look at each shot as one less shot you have take." Clearly she never had to do PIO shots twice a day.:rolleyes:

[julesp313]

I'm still giddy over saving all that money on the meds... :) And then today, pay day, I got a "recognition award" that I wasn't expecting, so that was another bonus! (literally, ha ha!). DH said "Great, let's go shopping" and I said "Um, hon, we have $12k in medical expenses coming up, let's say we save it...". Men!

My meds arrived safe and sound at the RE's office so I will pick them up on Monday when I go for my b/w and mock transfer. DH is coming with me as we have to sign our consents, and I also wanted him to be in the room with me for the mock transfer so he gets some small clue as to what I go through. Just so I can milk it when I need to... ;)

I put my appts into three calendars so I can make sure I let the appropriate people know. 6/19 - mock transfer; 6/24 - injectables class; 6/25 - stop BCP; 6/30 - start stims; b/w and u/s on 7/3, 7/5, 7/7, 7/9; possible pre-op 7/10; planned ER 7/11; planned ET 7/17; and then a beta sometime after that (not been told when). Phew! When I go on Monday, I plan to ask them to give me very detailed specifics on what I need to take, when, and how - and I shall refuse to leave without all that information!

It sounds like a lot of us are cycling around the same time, so I'm looking forward to going through this experience with others and hopefully getting good news from everyone. :)

ETA: Tandis - my mother, who is usually pretty smart and doesn't say stupid stuff, tried both "just relax" and "you know so-and-so spent years trying to get pg and then adopted and boom, got pg"... and my response was "Exactly how does that help me in the slightest?". I don't give a crap who got pregnant, how, when etc - that doesn't affect me in the tiniest way. So don't bloody tell me! So, my sympathies are with you... :)

[Bellefior]

"Assvice" --I love it, and will have to keep it in mind for future reference!

We went in for more bloodwork today--CD3 for me and a whole battery of things for DH (hormones, genetic testing and a lot of other stuff), and another SA for DH. We didn't have any breakfast, since DH had to fast for his bloodwork and I thought it would be cruel to eat in front of him. So after all the poking and prodding, we went to the hospital cafeteria to eat and included a huge slice of chocolate cake. Nothing like chocolate cake to make you feel better.:D

DH has one more test tommorrow (ultrasound) and then all we have from now until end of July are meetings with the urologist, geneticist, and RE at the end of July. DH takes the bar on 7/25, so we're kind of glad that we've gotten as much out of the way as we possibly can before then.

[ladybug777]

"Assvice"- the perfect word!

Bellefior: Sounds like you had a busy day, but were able to get a lot done. Ummm, chocolate cake!!!

Jules: Congrats on your recognition award. Definilty bring your DH w/ you to all the "important" stuff. ;) You never know when you'll need that amo! :D

Tandis: Oh boy, I think we've all been there. My mom, who is usually pretty understanding, said to me (after I told her we were having trouble TTC) "I never had a problem getting pg." Yep, that was exactly what I needed to hear. Hang in there. It definitly takes a while for people to really "get" it.

Lola: I think you are officially pg! :D

Jan: I'll stay w/ my RE until I'm 12 weeks. After that, regular OB.

[Bellefior]

This is going to be a quick drive by post because I just got into work and am swamped, but DH had his ultrasound this morning and the radiologist told us what we were starting to suspect...that he had a varicoecle on his left side. He also said to DH that it is "100% fixable with surgery". Now I know the radiologist is not a urologist, but the fact that it is something that we know can be improved/fixed with surgery makes us very hopeful. Maybe we won't have to go down the IVF route at all.

In any event, the appointment with the urologist is 6/28 and we'll schedule the surgery for sometime after the bar exam on 7/25. It sounds strange to say it was good news since it means surgery, but it was a lot better than hearing them tell us that they couldn't find any problem. At least now we have an explanation. When DH came out and told me in the hallway, I started crying from relief--I'm sure the people in the ultrasound area were wondering what kind of bad news we had that made me cry. And since it was lunchtime...we treated ourselves to another piece of cake in the cafeteria...chocolate coconut this time !

Will update more later. Good luck to everyone cycling and testing!

Threadmistress, please add to our stats: DH Dxed with varicocele, 6/05

[tigerest]

Jan - I don't know how you can be excited about the PIO!!! ;) Almost time for you though...thats exciting!

Lola - Good luck tomorrow!!!!

Tandis - Sorry about your frustration. But I can sooo relate! If only we could all get a quarter for every piece of ass-vice!!! ;) Hope you are feeling better now.

Mrselle - Hi! How are you doing?

Jules - Wow, looks like some things are falling nicely into place for you! That's great! YAY, on finally getting your schedule! My mom used to say those same exact things to me too…drove me nuts!

Bellefior - That is great that you guys are getting some answers and solutions! Hope everything works out.


Well FINALLY have an official ET date and time! My ET will be Thurs. 6/22 at 12:30 PM!!! So the good news is no more lupron, but the bad news is that I start PIO shots tomorrow!!!! :( (For my fresh cycles I didn't start the PIO until ET day.) But I am excited, nervous, anxious, all those things! And my stomach has been a mess (heartburn) for the past couple of days. So I am trying to stay relaxed as possible.

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

[Lola9404]

First beta results are in - at 17DPO my HCG level is 257!! :D

The nurse said it was right where they want to see it and also said that it's likely I only have one in there - 2nd beta will be on Monday!

[gator97]

Lola- congrats on some official beta results! Yeah!

Tigerest- the 22nd is just around the corner!


mrselle- it's great to see you in here! Hope that you are doing great!

Bellefior- glad you got some answers.

HI to everyone else!

As for me, started stims yesterday! Ready to get moving on this cycle already. Soaking in some of the good luck happening on this thread.

[ladybug777]

Tigerest: I'm sooo excited for you. Thursday will be here before you know it!!!

Lola: YEAH!!!! Congrats!!! So happy for you.

Gator: Yeah for starting your stims. Things will just fly from here!

[Lola9404]

Beta #2 results just in - 629 @19DPO! That means it more than doubled. VERY relieved :D

Our first u/s is scheduled for next week.

How is everyone doing this week?

[gator97]

woohoo, Lola! That is awesome news. and an ultrasound next week? That is great.

As for me, doing fine. First blood draw today and I'm pretty sure my veins are revolting. I usually have no trouble giving blood---but today it hurt. And this is just the beginning :) First follie scan on Wednesday.

[Bellefior]

Minor IF related vent here about the RE's office. Called the RE's office to let them know the radiologist had found during DH's ultrasound that he had a varicocele and suggested we call the RE to let them know. So I left a message for the nurse and told her exactly that. I also asked if that changed anything and did we need to do anything other that follow up with the urologist, geneticist, and RE at the end of July.

When she called back, she sort of chastized me (could be my overly sensitive ego talking here) about not wanting to do the AF scan and the mock transfer before meeting with the RE again. I was like, wait a minute, doesn't it make sense to talk to the urologist first and see what he suggests before jumping straight into IVF? What if he suggests surgery for my husband to try to bring his counts up? Shouldn't that be done first, because that might change our options (as of right now, we are looking at IVF with ICSI)? She was like, well I don't know. :eek: WTF do you mean you don't know?

I reminded her that my insurance covered nothing related to an IVF procedure, but did cover all the IF testing/diagnosis. She then said, well this is part of an IF work up, we both needed to be tested. When we first met with the RE, she said that all of my tests (hormonal, bloodwork) looked good. I then told her again that I had had all of the additional testing done that the RE had ordered (most of which was genetic stuff), all of the blood work they had ordered, so did DH, and the only thing we had not had done was the mock transfer (which is strictly IVF related) and the AF scan (which is a predictor of how you would do with IVF). Did they really need to have those 2 things in order to have a complete IF workup on the both of us because I didn't think so? I think she was under the impression that I had not had all of the other testing done, then she told me that she could not find my day 3 bloodwork. I get the impression that she doesn't even look at my records before she talks to me--I was like, I had CD3 bloodwork done 2 months ago by my OB/GYN, and again last Thursday, don't you have it? All she needs to do is look in the damned computer. The RE never has a problem finding it.

Then she was like, well you can go how quickly or how slowly you would like it's up to you? Sounds like you have it under control. I was like WTF again? Doesn't it make sense to see what the urologist says first before you set us on the road for a very expensive procedure that my insurance won't cover? Don't try and make me feel guilty about wanting to talk to the urologist first before we'll consent to IVF! I told her that if the insurance did cover it, they could test me until kingdom come, but since it didn't, we would talk to the urologist first and see what he suggested. Obviously, if surgery is not an option, then we know we have to go down the IVF route.

I kind of wished that the other nurse I spoke with last week when my doctor's nurse was on vacation had answered--she is an absolute sweetheart. The one that is regularly assigned to my doctor -- and this could be me being overly sensitive--always seems rough around the edges. I have enough guilt about not being able to get pregnant on our own, and I don't need her adding to it.

Any suggestions how to deal with the nurse if it happens again? I've had two dealings with her, and both times she came across as somewhat unsympathetic. My doctor, on the other hand, I have no problem with. Contrast this with the other nurse in the office who was a sweetheart, or the nurse in my OB/Gyns office, who was very sympathetic when we first got the news, and told me while she knew it was hard, to try to view all of the upcoming appointments as just another step on the road to motherhood.

[julesp313]

Lola - excellent beta results! Congrats again... :)
Bellefior - ugh, what a pain. I really don't have advice on dealing with the dr's office because so many times, I just bang my head against a wall while talking to them. Thank goodness my RE is fabulous or I'd be out of there. I think you're right to at least see if surgery is an option - we are doing IVF only because we've reached the conclusion that there are no other options. Don't let some nurse sway you or make you feel bad - as long as you're making informed, educated decisions, feel good about the choices you make and stand by them. And if that doesn't work, tell her to bugger off! :)

Me - um, screwed up my appt today. I thought it was 2:30pm, turns out it was 10:30am. Thank God they got me in at 2:45 instead - I was like OMG, OMG... ack. Silly me. So after I hand over my pre-emptive first born - I mean, pay for the IVF cycle... I'll go over all the other appts with the scheduling nurse and make sure we don't have any more mistakes. Really - 10:30 sounded like 2:30! DH is meeting me there to sign the consents and help me willingly hand over two credit cards... bless him. Plus he needs to get used to the exam rooms with all the machines and stuff - he's pretty clueless when it comes to all this girl-doctor business, as he calls it. Will report on the mock transfer when I get home.

[Mooshie]

Bellefior - more important than how to deal with your RE's office is what to do with the info that your DH has a varicocele. LA Bride's DH had that, had it repaired and his counts came up to normal after 6 months. And now she has conceived w/an IUI.

So I'm wondering if your insurance covers varicocele repair? Are you willing to wait 6 months? And an IUI is a lot less expensive that IVF. Things to think about... Good luck to you.

[Bellefior]

Mooshie I'm going to just cut and past what I put in the SAI thread.

DH and I both decided that if he needs surgery then he needs surgery and that should be the next step not jumping right into an IVF cycle. Its not like we can exactly do IVF while he's recovering from surgery, KWIM? He'll probably be lucky if he can walk the first few days afterwards. And if we can get his counts up to normal, that leaves us with a with a lot of options that are a lot cheaper than IVF, like an IUI...My insurance plan is quite clear about this...they cover diagnosis and treatment of IF, but not any ART procedures. In other words, they won't pay for IVF or IUI, but they would pay for my husband's surgery.

So if the urologist recommends surgery, then that is what we are going with first. If we have to wait 3-6 months, then we have to wait 3-6 months. Neither of us want to wait, but then again, we've waited this long, and we can't see the point of paying out of pocket for IVF if the surgery can change things to such a degree that we have other options open to us. As it stands right now if things cannot be changed, we're looking at IVF with ICSI. The RE was pretty clear. All of my tests are coming back normal, so they know the issue is not with me. Yes, I was aware that Labride had this same issue, and that surgery was able to help them and her husband's counts came up to normal after the surgery, so I am hoping that maybe the same will happen for us. It just doesn't make sense that we don't at least explore that option first before going down a more expensive road.

[Mooshie]

I totally agree, Bellefior. Having gone thru something similar myself, I'm glad you know all of your options.

[ladybug777]

Lola: Yeah! Great beta #'s. Good luck next week! How are you feeling?

Jan: Good luck tomorrow. Thinking of you.

Bellefior: Unfortunately, there probably isn't much you can do regarding this particular nurse. If she's been like that w/ you on two seperate occasions, my guess would be that she's like that w/ everyone. My advice would be to talk to your RE directly about what the next step should be. The nurse would only be able to give you limited advice anyway. Can you set up another consult/meeting w/ your RE?

Jules: I've been there before. It's hard to keep everything straight when the craziness that is IVF begins.

[la_bride_2004]

Bellefior I do have more info on this if you'd like to message me. I really have not posted our whole story here for privacy issues.

I will say, out of experience:

1. Most RE's are NOT well informed about male factor. You are doing the right thing by consulting a reproductive urologist first, rather than proceeding with IVF. (I wish we had done this.)

2. I am not saying this to be a downer, but the radiologist absolutely should not have told you that it's "100% fixable". Varicocele repair surgery is successful.....only part of the time. It may well be, if your DH has only one varicocele, that it's not worth it to proceed. It's not a simple procedure, in fact, it's kind of grisly. Only a urologist can make the determination in your particular situation.

3. If RE's don't know much about male factor, the nurses know even less! Stand your ground. It's a skill that unfortunately is going to serve you very well.

[Bellefior]

Labride I'd be greatful for any information that you can PM me (especially about the surgery and recovery time). Thanks for offering.

I did tell DH that we won't know anything until we meet with the urologist and not to get too excited---that I was taking what the radiologist said with a grain of salt--especially the 100% fixable part-because a radiologist was not a urologist nor was that his specialty or expertise. I know we won't know more until we meet with the urologist next week, but at least we have a diagnosis. Plus we they will have all the results of DH's bloodwork (genetics, hormonal) then too, so we should know exactly what we are looking at for him. They've already pretty much figured out that is where our problem is.

In any event DH has already decided that if the doctor says surgery, he wants the surgery first. His varicocele are very noticable to the naked (no pun intended ;) ) eye and I don't know if that makes a difference, but they have to be pretty big if you can see them. I just got very annoyed with the nurse yesterday for being so gung-ho about IVF (even though we still have to meet with two more specialists first to discuss test results) and getting on my case yesterday about holding off on two tests that are strictly IVF related and not needed in order to have our IF work up complete. To me, it seems like she wants to put the cart before the horse, so to speak. We don't have all the pieces of the puzzle yet, and their office is the one that set us up with the urologist! Why bother doing that if you don't want to hear what he has to say.

She also said to me (and this kind of set me off because she seemed very snippy saying it) "well, its unfortunate that your insurance probably won't cover it". I told her, "no it's not a probably, they definitely won't cover it, my insurance coverage sucks (and yes I used the word sucks), I told you all that when I met with you." Then she wanted to know why my appointment with the RE was not until the end of July, getting on my case about that, and I was like, that's the appointment your office game me because all the specialist appointments won't be complete until just the week before.

When I told DH what had happened, I asked if it was just me being overly sensitive. He wanted to know why she was getting on my case about holding off 2 IVF related tests when he hadn't even met with the urologist yet? He then told me that the nurse's attitude had rubbed him the wrong way too when he came in with me for the first consult. I've also heard similar things from a couple of other people in the same program. So I know its not just me. But when we do meet with the RE again end of July, I may mention something about the nurse wanting me to do these IVF tests even before we met with urology. We like the doctor a lot, and that's probably the most important thing.

We definitely plan on standing our ground on this one, and will be making no final decisions until after we meet with all of the specialists first (not just the RE).

Apologies for being so long-winded in my reply!

[Cath]

Hi everyone!

Bellefior - i'm sorry you are going through this with your nurse. Nurses can make a bad situation unbearable. Quite honestly, is there any way you can talk to your RE about switching nurses? The reason I ask is that I talk to my nurse much, much more than my RE. If she was difficult, I probably would have changed clinics by now. However, good for you for standing up for yourself. To be completely honest, I just had my mock transfer and this was almost two years after the initial infertility workups. I don't see the need if there is any possibility you will be pursuing a different treatment option.

Good luck, I don't know much about male factor.

Jules - How was the mock transfer? That's great you have insurance coverage on your meds.

Gator - sorry the blood draw hurt.

Lola - Those are great numbers!

Tigerest - Good luck on Thursday!

Tandis - assvice, I love it. I think we might read some of the same blogs. And I hear you on clothes that are a little tight. The suit I'm wearing today isn't the most forgiving!

I think that's everyone! Hi to anyone I've missed.

Thank you all for the advice on lupron - The shots are easy and I seem to only have one side effect - itchiness at the injection site that goes away after an hour or so. I've got a call into my nurse about that.

My mock transfer was last week and it was easy, except for waiting for my Dr. for 45 minutes.

Today seems to be CD1, so here goes nothing!

Catherine

[Bellefior]

The nurse from the RE's office called back and left me a voice mail message at work. Basically, she told me she had talked to the doctor, for my husband to definitely keep his appointment with the urologist next week, and there was nothing more we needed to do in the meantime for their office since all the tests had been done (except for the AF Scan and Mock Transfer, last step before IVF), and we would see the RE again at the end of July. Gee, isn't that exactly what I told/asked her yesterday?

Her attitude was a complete 360 and she seemed rather nice during the message-I still can't figure out why she gave me such a hard time yesterday, but its nice to know that the RE's plan meshes with what DH and I were thinking and we are all on the same page now. Now we're just hoping that the appointment with the urologist next goes well.

Thanks everyone for being so patient and thanks for listening and all the advice!

[Lola9404]

So we had a little scare last night. After getting our great beta #'s back, I suddenly started spotting late last night. It wasn't much but it was enough to scare me. :(

Went to Re's office today and had an ultrasound to make sure everything was ok. Ended up being able to see the sac - just one! - even though the doctor thought it would be too early to tell. So that is good news.

He said I may bleed a little more on and off esp after the ultrasound.

whew. very stressful.

[Bellefior]

Lola, glad to hear it all turned out ok!

[gator97]

Lola- so glad that you were able to get an ultrasound and see the sac. that must have been such a relief.

Bellefior- sounds like things are all worked out. Infertility is definitely a lesson in being your own advocate.

[julesp313]

Lola - glad to hear things are OK and that you got to see the wee one on ultrasound - that had to be very reassuring!
Bellefior - man, you're having some ups and downs with this! I feel for you... I think you're making the right call by exploring the other options before jumping into IVF. Even though I'm excited to get started, I'm also still bitter about the cost and angry that my body won't do this on its own and terrified about the pain and side effects and outcome... and that's enough emotions for anyone!
Cath - glad to hear the shots are going well for you. I'm torn between excited to start mine and horrified at the thought... especially now I've seen the size of the needles!
Ladybug - craziness is a good way of putting it!

Me - well, I hate to say it because I have been SO lucky so far, but yesterday's mock transfer HURT. And I bled - my RE called it spotting, but no, it was bright red blood. Only lasted for a couple of minutes but still - owee! I'm not sure why it hurt me but I've been cramping since. My RE said that my uterus is probably ready to shed its lining after being "on hold" for six weeks, thanks to the BCP, so it's easily irritated (kinda like me, being kept waiting for 40 minutes). One funny is that I went to the bathroom and on the way back, the blood tech caught me and did the draw. When DH saw me with the band-aid on, he said "What, do they do the draw while you pee, to save time?" - funny man. He was completely freaked out by the blood after the procedure but I think it was good for him to see the sort of thing I go through. But in good news, the RE said everything is "perfectly aligned" and the transfer should be "a breeze"... let's hope so!

I took my meds home and went through them - the IVF nurse said I could leave them at the office til Saturday's class but no, far too Type-A for that! I was happy to see the Follistim pen - at least that's one thing I don't have to mix up and syringe. My mother, who's staying with us for a week, said "Maybe you should label the pills that go in your mouth and the pills that go in other holes"... um, I think I can tell a suppository from a pill, thank you! Freaked out totally at the size of the needles for the PIO then realized those say "to draw up PIO" and presumably the slightly smaller ones are for shooting up. Still, very freaked out at all the needles - man, those things are LONG. I'm just happy that I have some pills and patches and things to shove in other holes instead of every single thing being an injectible! We go on Saturday to our injections class and the IVF nurse said they'll go over every med, how to prepare and store it, how to shoot it, and tips for helping with the fear and pain. Good - we'll need those. ;)

[Tandis]

Jules - Sorry to hear your mock transfer hurt. Did your Dr. hit the top of your uterus, do you think? Or was it putting in the catheter? I remember my IUIs really hurting, but I could barely feel the mock transfer. It's good that your DH sees all the *fun* that we get to go through. Makes them appreciate us more ;)

Lola - Yay on seeing the sac, but I'm sorry to hear you had a little scare. Hopefully that was the last one and the rest of your pregnancy will go totally smooth.

Bellefior - Glad you worked it out with your RE's office. I wouldn't see why you wouldn't try everything else first before going to IVF.

Cath - Yay for CD1! AF should be here for me either tonight or tomorrow morning, so we're going to be cycle buddies! :D When's your ER?

*************************

As for me:

Still waiting for AF. I was hoping she would be here yesterday - even wore white pants and underwear for the occassion! - but she stood me up. Looks like a no show for today also, which really stinks. I can't remember the last time I was so looking forward to her arrival! Um, okay, actually I do. It was ten months before my wedding, and we, um, you know, fooled around with no protection. If only I would have known then, what I know now, I wouldn't have to cover up quite so many grey hairs! :p

[Suzlywoozly]

As for me:

Still waiting for AF. I was hoping she would be here yesterday - even wore white pants and underwear for the occassion! - but she stood me up. Looks like a no show for today also, which really stinks. I can't remember the last time I was so looking forward to her arrival! Um, okay, actually I do. It was ten months before my wedding, and we, um, you know, fooled around with no protection. If only I would have known then, what I know now, I wouldn't have to cover up quite so many grey hairs! :p

Screw the white pants and undies... white sheets are the way to go:p

I have to be quick since I am at work...
I had the ET yesterday. Everything went great and I should be at home resting today, but I had no choice but to go to work. DH is so mad because I didn't stay home today.

I'll be back later for some s/o's.

[Tandis]

LOL, I don't think I own white sheets! Do you think cream sheets would work instead? ;)

Wow! I didn't realize your ET was already here! Sorry to hear you had to go in to work today (don't they realize you have better things to do!), but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that your "Sparkly clean" interior will do the trick! :D

[tigerest]

I'll be back later for complete S.O.'s.

Lola - So sorry about your scare! Glad you got to have an U/S this morning though and you were able to see the sac.


Ok, so I am a bit out of it. I took the morning off, and realized I was supposed to take flexural last night. (Its a muscle relaxer that my RE gives me since I find ET to be painful.) Anyway, I have taken it before with little to no problems. So I took it at lunch today...and that was not a good idea. I could barely stay awake, let alone walk straight. (Someone at work even asked me if I was ok.) I took an hour nap in my 100 degree car and that helped enough that I can probably drive, but I only worked like 2 hrs today. :(

[AusMarchBride]

Absolute driveby from me, its 12.30am here and I need to go to bed.

Lola Just wanted to post about your spotting. Happened to me at around 5weeks (I think) and I had a few more episodes over the next month or two. Without being too graphic, it's better if the spotting is brown rather than red. That means it's old. Also, spotting on its own is not such a problem, if accompanied by cramps/pain that's more of an issue.

Regardless, if you have spotting call/go to your RE or obstetrician. My RE was fantastic about doing an ultrasound and bloods after any spotting episodes. The ultrasounds were very reassuring.

Suzly Congrats on the ET being done, now we want those sparkly insides of yours to get down to business ;) My RE has no problem with a patient working the day after an ET, so try not to worry too much about that.

Hi to everyone else. Hope you're all doing ok.

Am off to bed :)

[Lola9404]

Thanks for all the support, girls, I really needed it! :)

So far so good, the spotting seems to have stopped although Re said not to be surprised if it came back again and also not to worry too much unless it was red and followed w/cramps. So,Ann, basically exactly what you said! Thanks for that info, btw, it's good to know I'm not the only one! Re says it happens a lot, apparently.

Jules - so sorry your mock trans hurt!! :mad: I have heard this from other people but when I had mine I didn't even feel it, same with ET. Do you think they somehow hit your uterus?? Try not to be worried about the ET, I'm sure it will not be like the mock.

Cath - hooray for CD1!!

Tandis - I'm sending you AF vibes. Go get some white sheets ;)

Suzly - CONGRATS on your ET!! I am sending you lots of baby dust.

[julesp313]

Drive-by - trying to wrap up work so I can take tomorrow off to spend with my mum and celebrate her birthday...

Tandis - no clue what happened with the mock transfer. I had no pain at all with the HSG and sono so this was a bit of a shock but I'm hopeful it was a fluke and the real transfer won't be an issue.
Tigerest - I've taken that drug before and it totally knocked me on my rear... so I'm surprised you managed to do anything at all today!
Lola - glad to hear the spotting is gone. I wish I knew why the mock transfer worked but I'm just figuring it was one of those things and it won't happen again. Plus, the real transfer will be so much more exciting than just taking measurements!

Me - nothing going on. So very ready to start this cycle - I'm not very good at waiting! In fact, I suck royally at it so I'm having to learn patience... not doing well so far!

[mrselle]

Lola, I spotted off and on until I was about 10 weeks pregnant. Its nerve racking, but my RE's nurse said that it is very common with IVF patients. Take care of yourself and I'm glad to hear all is well.

Suzlywoozly, glad to hear the ET went well. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Tigerest, hope you are feeling better and that your ET goes well.

[tigerest]

Bellefior - Glad you got things worked out with the nurse. You definitely have so stand your ground, with so many patients they often get confused.

jules - Sorry to hear that you mock transfer was uncomfortable. I have always found the actual transfer to be pretty uncomfortable. But I have been able to minimize it with acupuncture/muscle relaxers/tylenol. Hopefully, it was just a one time thing for you. Good luck with the shots....its pretty daunting at first, but then you get used to it.

Cath - Whoohoo on starting your cycle! Lots of luck to you!!!

Tandis - I hear ya on the worrying about getting PG all those years for nothing! *rolleyes* I hope AF shows up for you soon!!!!

Suzly - Sorry to hear that you DH was not happy with you. Hopefully everything went well at work and you embryos are snuggled in tightly!

Lola - Glad the spotting has stopped. It does seem pretty normal for some women to spot, scarey, but normal. Good luck, hopefully it will stay away.

mrselle - Thanks.

Ladybug - How ya feeling?

I CAN'T believe it, ET is finally here....well tomorrow at 12:30! I am excited! But I feel like I have been running around like crazy....and in a fog from the muscle relaxer. But Hey...I hope it knocks me out tomorrow and I can just sleep during ET. ;) My throat has been hurting the past few days, I am hoping its just allergies. My mom was going to come hang out with me while I was on bedrest but she has strep throat. I am just glad I don't have to work the rest of the week! :)

[Applebee]

Tigerest, thinking of you today and sending you tons of sticky vibes!!!!!!

Jules, I know what you mean. I hated waiting to start my next cycle. Then with AF being delayed, it drove me even more crazy!

Suzly, sending you lots of sticky vibes! As others have said, don't worry about not having the following day off.

Hi to everyone else! I'll try to bbl for more personals.

Quick question for you ladies...have you ever spotted on BCPs? I have NEVER did this, but I've noticed the last 2 days when I wipe, there is a discolored discharge. Not a lot, not much at all really, but it's there even still. It started around CD13 (today is CD15, I think)

[Sidsou]

Hello! I'm an "oldtime" IVFer. I don't think I know many of you. I haven't been around in awhile since we were taking a break and even just trying to decide if we'd give it another try. I do have a happy healthy IVF toddler now - he'll be turning 2 at the end of the August. We tried for #2 last fall, but I didn't respond to the meds at all. Strangely enough, I ended up getting pregnant on my own somehow, but miscarried at 9 weeks (just when I found out I was pregnant). Anyways, I'm going through the workup again. Had my hysteroscopy and mock transfer this past Monday. Just waiting to start on the BCPs.

Applebee - Yep, I spotted on BCPs. In fact the IVF that worked, I practically had full blown AF on the last couple of days I was taking my BCPs. I think they give us fairly low dose BCPs (?).

Tigerrest Enjoy the bedrest after your ET. Hope you feel better soon. I know in the New England, allergies have been kicking my butt these past few months.

Suzly A familiar face...Fingers crossed for you! Don't worry about not being able to do the bed rest. My RE said that bedrest is truly optional - he's had plenty of success stories without it.

Lola Just to further support what was said about spotting - it truly is common. Think of it as an excuse to get a few extra peeks (via ultrasound) at your little one :)

Aussie How's motherhood treating you?

[AusMarchBride]

tigerest Good luck for today, hope it all goes wonderfully. Enjoy the rest of the week off. Although I think it's sometimes easier to work and be busy, keeps the mind occupied :D

Sidsou/Namesake ;) Hi there, nice to see you again :) Hope the upcoming cycle does the trick for you. Motherhood is pretty good, we have a very good baby who is doing all the right things. She's 5 months old and lots of fun :D

jules Sorry to hear your mock transfer was uncomfortable. I didn't do a mock transfer but when I had my first transfer it was awful, really really painful. When I was doing my 2nd cycle, I mentioned the pain I'd had to my nurse and she said I could always have sedation for the actual transfer. I said I thought that was a little over the top for an ET, and she said strong pain during transfer was not uncommon, more than 10% women have it. She also said that she felt it was better to take something to calm/relax/sedate you and have the ET done that way, than be stressed and in discomfort during the procedure. I opted not to do anything, and strangely, the ET didn't hurt the second time.

Applebee I've never spotted on BCPs, but as Sidsou said, it's not unusual.

mrselle How are you doing?

Lola Glad the spotting has stopped for you, hopefully it won't happen again. But if you are ever unsure, call your doc. I felt it was better to be a bit of a nuisance (to them) and get the reassurance than stress myself out wondering :D

Tandis Hopefully the cream sheets have done the trick!!

Bellefior Sounds like a good plan that you, DH and your RE have. Why go down the IVF route if it may not be necessary, better to explore the other options firs, especially given the insurance issues.

Suzly Hope you're hanging in there :)

Cath CD2 now I guess. You're on the road, transfer will roll around pretty quickly

gator Hope your first follie scan was good

Hi to ladybug, mooshie, Coreen and anyone else I've missed.

[Tandis]

Just a quick driveby post because I really should be working :)

Finally started spotting last night, with AF arriving full blown in the middle of the night (no white sheets needed!) - only three days late :rolleyes: Anyway, I went in this morning for my CD1 b/w and u/s and the Dr. said that he really didn't think my period had started yet because my uterine lining is still too thick. I told him that I was late, and I never get a heavy flow until day 2 anyway, but he said that he's going to postpone the meds until at least tomorrow, pending the results of the b/w.

I thought it was kind of interesting. I've never had an u/w on CD1 before, so maybe what I always thought was CD1 was really just super heavy spotting and AF didn't really arrive until the following day. :confused:

Anyway, I might or might not now be in my IVF cycle. So I might or might not be starting my MDL tonight. Guess I'll find out this afternoon.

Tigerest - Good luck today with your ET! :D

Suzly - How are you feeling today?

[Lola9404]

Real quick drive by from work...

Tiger - Fingers crossed for your ET today!!!

Sidsou - welcome (back) !

and thanks again for all the advice about the spotting - it really does make a difference knowing that it's a fairly common occurance. All I want to see is one little heartbeat next week and my stress level will go down - a little. ;)

[julesp313]

Tigerest - maybe I should ask about drugs I can take for the transfer. The weirdest thing is I had barely a cramp with both my HSG and sono, and I really didn't expect the mock transfer to be any different, so it was a bit of a shock. The pain was no worse than AF cramps but still - I felt so cheated!
Applebee - I never spotted on BCPs when I was on them for 8 years, but this time, I spotted several times - mostly it was more brown-tinged CM but I did have a couple of instances of red/red-brown spotting. My RE said my body is probably rebelling against being supressed - it's just like my body to do something stupid like that. :)
Sidsou - welcome back - I hope things work out perfectly for you this time. It's always good to hear of IVF success stories and I would say your son qualifies as great inspiration!
Ann - my RE hasn't mentioned anything about drugs during the ET but after that mock transfer, I may ask if there's something I can take. I'm like you - I don't think I need to be sedated, but possibly a mild painkiller (well, not mild but not kick-ass) would be a wise move.
Tandis - good luck on starting your cycle today!

Me - la la la, nothing doing. I'm off work today and tomorrow, which is a delight. My mum is here visiting so we're going to spend some time hanging out and doing stuff in the early morning before the temperature hits 100+. Getting excited about stopping BCP on Sunday because my boobs are killing me and I sincerely hope they get a break between BCPs and the shots - otherwise I'll be wearing a sports bra 24/7. Ugh. Ah well, the things we do!

[Suzlywoozly]

Dang, I am so far behind... you girls move way too fast for me!

So my hips are killing me from the PIO and I woke up this morning feeling like I am going to throw up. My stomach is doing some serious backflips right now.
I did wake up in the middle of the night with some crampiness, but I am not reading into any symptoms anymore.

thedoorchick- I did five IUI's before we moved onto IVF. All were with clomid, but by the time I went to the RE to do injectables with an IUI, he told me that it was too late to work (my ob/gyn did the IUI's). I know the urgency to keep cycling is there and it may seem so far away until you can afford IVF, if it doesn't really cost too much to do an IUI, then try one more. Good luck!

Jules- I am so jealous that you have the next few days off! Yay for going off the b/c pills. I am sorry that the mock transfer didn't go so well! Just think... it's one more thing behind you now;)

Tandis- Dang, no white sheets? Where is the fun in that one? I am glad she finally showed. I was always told that CD1 of AF was the first day of full flow, not heavy spotting.

Lola- Sorry about the spotting. How scary!

Sidsou- Welcome back!:D Hope you get to start the pills soon!

Applebee- I have never spotted while on BCP's, but I have heard that is totally normal. It has something to do with the change in your hormone levels that irritates the lining (or something like that :D ).

Tiger- Good luck today!! Hope you get lots of rest! I am crossing my fingers for you:D

Hi to Ann, Cath, Bellefior, Gator and everyone else I missed!

[Bellefior]

Hi everyone,

Sorry to make this a quick post, but I've been in a funk the last few days over the whole IF issue. Just when I think I've got it all under control, then something happens and wham, it hits me like a ton of bricks again. My latest obsessions are actually a combination of two--what if the urologist says next week that its not worth it to do surgery and just to go straight to IVF, or what if we do the surgery, wait a few months, then either a) it hasn't helped us or b) my age starts to come into play??? I know its crazy to worry about all this stuff when a) we have not even met with the urologist yet and b) all my tests are excellent and the concern right now is not me.

Maybe DH is right and I need to stop thinking about all this because I am going to drive myself totally crazy. Yet I somehow can't seem to adopt his attitude which is one of "trust me, everything will work out, I promise".

Reading all of the success stories here is the one thing that keeps me going and gives me optimism and hope that it will work for us too.

Good luck to everyone cycle and waiting to test.

[Lola9404]

thedoorchick - no IUI's for me, we went straight to IVF because DH's count was so low.

[gator97]

Tigerest- Hope the transfer went well today. Enjoy your time off!

Suzly- belated congrats on the transfer! Sorry the PIO is giving you trouble.

Lola- Glad the spotting stopped. You have another u/s scheduled next week? Yeah!

Cath- yeah for CD1!

Sidsou- welcome back!

Tandis- yeah for being able to get started (either tonight or tomorrow).

Jules- my RE gives Valium for the transfer.

thedoorchick- no IUI for me. I have residual fluid related to my endometriosis. IVF is the only thing that will bypass that fluid--so we didn't try IUI.

Bellefior- so sorry for your frustrations. I think all of us can relate to worrying about the "could be" problems. It's hard not to obsess. Your husband sounds like mine. He is very good at staying grounded, not worrying until we need to, and staying calm and focused. Most of the time, it is good that he keeps me grounded. Other days I admit I find it annoying (totally my flaw, nothing against my wonderful DH). I have no advice to help you from worrying as I am a full fledged worry wart. Just wanted to empathize. Hope you get news that has a solution!

[Cath]

Hi ladies -

Bellefior - I understand your frustrations. It's hard not to obsess about what if when you are going through this. Hang in there.

Suzly - sorry about the pain from the PIO, but Yeah on the transfer.

thedoorchick - I remember you from the SAI thread. I haven't been there much since moving on to IVF. I did 4 IUIs before my Dr. recommended moving onto IVF. His reasoning was that my chances decreased dramatically after 4 IUIs. However, if your insurance covers IUI and your copays for both monitoring appointments and meds aren't real high, I would try another one just to feel like I was doing something.

Jules - enjoy your days off. I hear you on the boob pain. Ouch! Sorry your Mock hurt. Hopefully they can give you someting for the real thing.

Lola - Sorry about the scare, but glad that things look good!

Tandis - We really are cycling very close together. I start my follistim and menopur tonight. tentative ER is 7/6.

Sidsou - welcome back!

Applebee - Yep, I've spotted on BCPs before. Typically brown-tinged fluid. I think it's pretty typical break through bleeding.

tigerest - Congrats on the ET. Hope it went well.

Hi to everyone I've missed!

As for me, I got the go ahead from my doc to start stims tonight - follistim (the pen which I've used before) and menopur, decreased dose of lupron in the morning and I go back for monitoring on Sunday. Fun, fun. My husband is laughing at me since I'm worried about giving myself three shots a day in the stomach. I'll be black and blue in a few days.

[IVFIVF]

**Updated to here**

[Applebee]

OMGosh girls! You are too quick for me here.

Thanks for everyone's comments on the BCP spotting. I didn't have this the last time, but figured it had something to do with this different pill (Loestrin24). Anyway, it's gone now - at least I haven't had any today.

~~~~~~

Cath - yayyy for starting stims!!!

Sidsou - welcome back!

Tigerest - sending tons of sticky vibes to you!! I hope all went well.

thedoorchick - I went straight to IVF, due to my age. The doc thought for sure my tubes were blocked, however my HSG was clear. They can't find anything wrong with us, except my age (40 this Dec).

Jan1902 - sending tons of sticky vibes to you too!!!

Hello to everyone I missed!

[gator97]

Question- yesterday and today when doing my SubQ shot in the stomach---I bled after I pulled the needle out. Yesterday was just a spot but today was a bit more. I never had that problem last cycle. Is this normal? My poor tummy is getting all bruised up. I hate to complain about it though b/c I know PIO is just around the corner.

Hope the 2WW is being kind to all of those who are in it.

[tigerest]

*quick post*

The actual transfer went really well, and mostly painfree. Both my blasts survived and were transfered. The only problem was my bladder, it started spasming or something and was causing me so much pain i ended up crying on the table and feeling like an idiot. :( I have been sleeping on and off ever since, i am still groggy from the flexeril. I will get to find out on 7/5, the day before our anniversary.

[ladybug777]

Wow, this thread is jumpin'!!! Sounds like there will be another batch going for ER/ET really soon. Good luck to everyone!

Since a few of you asked: Things are going well. We saw a hb at our u/s on tuesday, which was very reassuring. Still having some cramping on and off, which is always a little scary, but everyone says that's normal.

Tigerest: Glad to hear your blasts did well! That's awesome. Sorry to hear that your bladder wasn't cooperating. Having a full bladder and then having someone press down on it IS NOT fun.

Gator: You most likely nicked a capillary on the way out if you had a lot of blood. Not to worry. The same will probably happen w/ your PIO injections, just to give you a heads up.

Thedoorchick: We did 3 IUI's before moving on to IVF. One w/ Clomid and two w/ injectibles. At the time, my RE thought that one of my tubes was open, so we tried it. Then I changed RE's, and he immediately told me that he thought neither were and did a lap, which confirmed that. As for what to do...if you can't feasibly do IVF until next year, and you feel comfortable physically/mentally, why not do another IUI or two. I do know someone who got pg on their 6th or 7th IUI.

Jan: I hope you're getting lots of rest. Can't wait till your beta!

Hi to everyone else I missed.

[karlatta]

Hi, ladies! I hope you don't mind me jumping in on this thread, but I had an IVF-related question.

I saw an RE in 2004 and 2005 - we did a few IUI's, I miscarried, and after I was diagnosed with PCOS, endo, and only one fallopian tube, we gave up TTC.

We are now contemplating going through IVF. Do I just call up my old RE and get an appointment? What would I expect at that first appointment? We're trying to decide whether we want to continue doing foster care, attempt IVF, or adopt internationally. So I'm not ready to jump on board, just ready to start getting some specific information. Is there anything I should be asking his office so that I can make a better decision about what to do?

Thanks!

[amychris03]

Sorry I havent been here to cheer everyone on, we've had out of town
guests for a week!

Glad your transfers went well Suzly, Jan, and Tigerest!:)

lola and Ladybug Sorry you've had some spotting but it sounds
like things are going well other than that! I had an issue with sac size.
I guess there is always something to worry about but it will get easier
as time goes by!

thedoorchick
I skipped clomid, did one injectables cycle, and then straight
to IVF because of a tubal issue diagnosed through laparoscopy.
No issues with DH so no real need to try the IUI after we
discovered the tubal stuff.

gator
I hit a capillary once the whole time I did shots and got this
horribly large and ugly bruise... it never happened again! I just
tried to avoid giving myself shots in the bruise until I ran out
of other options ;)

karlatta
I'd just call your RE and tell them you are now interested
in discussing IVF as an option. My RE gave us our options
and then we had an actual hour appointment to talk about
the process of IVF, success rates, our chances given the
circumstances, etc. and then we had to get back to them
as to whether or not we wanted to do it and when.

[julesp313]

Doorchick - glad to see you back on the boards (wondered where you'd gone for a while). I'm afraid I'm no help on the IUI question - we went straight to IVF as the RE thinks I have a mechanical problem (ironic considering DH was a mechanic for 17 years!). I have a friend IRL who has just done her 5th IUI and is considering one more before moving on to IVF. The general consensus (taken with a grain of salt) seems to be three Clomid and three injectible cycles is about as many IUIs as are worth doing, but I say do however many you and your dr think are good. Particularly if insurance covers most of the IUI process and none of the IVF process...
Suzly - time off from my job is very precious and I thoroughly enjoy it, even though I did have multiple calls yesterday from my client and my staff! And yes, you're absolutely right - one mock transfer down, one real one to go!
Bellefior - I think it's only natural to go through all possible scenarios mentally, but try not to freak yourself out until you have answers. Easier said than done, believe me, but try!
Gator - ooh, Valium. I had that once with a dental procedure and I was one happy camper. In fact, I have some left - maybe I'll ask the RE if that would be an option. I don't anticipate the transfer being painful but I know being relaxed would help and it's not like I'm driving that day anyway... :) Sorry about the bleeding - I'm guessing that's just one of those things sometimes with shots. I'll have to warn my DH about that because he'll completely freak out if he shoots me and I bleed!
Jan - sounds like a Valium breakfast might just be the way to go - I'll ask the IVF nurse at our injections class tomorrow and see what she says.
Cath - DH is very upset at the boobs being off limits so I haven't yet told him that the shots are likely to make me put everything off limits!
Tigerest - excellent news about the transfer! Not so good about the bladder - that truly is unpleasant when you desperately need to pee and then someone puts all their weight on it (at least that's what it feels like!). Take it easy and grow those wee ones!
Ladybug - very glad to hear things are going well... always happy to hear news like that.
Karlatta - we skipped the IUI process for various reasons, but I started out with a consult with the RE to discuss a game plan. Before he suggested IVF, we went through a bunch of tests - baseline blood, CD3 blood and ultrasound, DH bloodwork and SA, sonohysterogram (already had a clean HSG). After we found out that I have high FSH levels (though strangely my antral follicle count and the FSH levels didn't correlate - which is good!) and a possible issue with my fimbriae not getting the egg into the tube, IUI wasn't really an option. We met with the RE to discuss IVF, then met with a billing person and the IVF nurse to get all the details. Sat on them for a week and then made the decision to go ahead. So far, I've had baseline blood and the mock transfer. That's the start of our cycle. I'm not sure how typical my experience has been but I think it's reasonably "normal". Good luck with whatever you decide to try!

Me - already hotter than Hades here. Temps due to hit 113 today so I'm not going to be outside much. Got a hair appointment later but luckily I can park undercover. Apart from that, just hanging out and watching all the baby shows on TLC and Discovery Health - some freak me out but some are just so inspiring. Can't wait for our shot class tomorrow - finally I feel like we're getting started on this journey!

[Tandis]

Karlatta - I would just call you RE and set up an appt. At mine, he discussed what all was involved and the cost. Then the IVF nurse did the bloodwork for DH and myself and showed me how to administer the shots. All around it took a little over an hour. Good luck!

Ladybug - Yay for seeing the heartbeat! Sorry to hear about the cramping - hopefully that goes away soon.

Tigerest - Sorry to hear about your bladder. That sounds really painful. Was it just overly full, do you think? Glad to hear the rest of the ET went well. Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

Gator - I usually bleed after I pull out the SubQ shot. I think it's recommended that you put an alcohol pad against it when the shot comes out, but I usually just grab some toilet paper and hold it there until it stops.

Applebee - Glad the spotting stopped!

Cath - My tentative ER is July 6th also! So I'll guess we'll be able to compare S/E and bruises, huh? ;)

Jan1902 - Glad the transfer went so well.

Bellefior - I think it's hard not to worry about things that could happen. You just have to try to keep in mind that there isn't anything you can do about it until after it happens. Try to deal with things as they come. Good luck!

Suzly - Sorry to hear about your hips. When's your beta?

Thedoorchick - We did three IUIs, each with 50mg Clomid and the trigger shot. My RE at the time was really more interested in IVF than doing IUI, so he just went about it kind of half-@ssed, and really didn't put much effort into getting me pregnant that way. My current RE refuses to do any more because the pelvic adhesions are keeping the tube from reaching the ovary, therefore they won't work. If you have time (and the money) to do more IUIs before you can start IVF, I would go for it. You never know what might work!

Jules - Hope you had a good time with your Mom!

***********************

As for me:

Turns out AF really did arrive yesterday - just like I thought. So I started the 20 mcg MDL last night, and added 150 units of Follistim this morning. I go back on Monday for the b/w and u/s.

I know you're supposed to give yourself the shots 12 hours apart, but what is the window around that 12 hours? I told the nurse that there would be one night I couldn't give myself the shots until 8:15 pm (I'm doing 8 & 8) because I work until 8 pm. She said that was still within the window, so I should be fine. What I'm concerned about is that I'm supposed to give myself the shots Monday morning before going for the b/w and u/s, but I have to be there at 8am. So does it mess up anything by giving myself the shots at 7:30 am, and not doing the second one until 8 pm?

[Bellefior]

Thanks everyone, I am feeling better about myself today knowing we have a plan and we'll do whatever it is we need to do. I just found out that a good friend of mine and this friend's cousin who just had babies both had to undergo IVF (didn't know about this earlier) and went to the same facility where we are going, so that makes at least 3 couples that I know of who have had success with IVF there. It makes me very confident we are in good hands and will are going end up with a baby in our arms sooner or later.

I did notice one mistake in my stats: DH's varicocele was diagnosed 6/06 not 6/05 (might have been a typo on my part). Threadmistress, can you please fix this? Thanks!

[Tandis]

Threadmistress: Please update my stats. Thanks!

Me - 29 (30 in July)
DH - 31
Married- 4/26/03
TTC - 5/04
5/05-8/05 3 IUIs with 50mg Clomid & trigger shot, all BFN
5/05 - Laparoscopy: removal of scar tissue and freed up tube and ovary
11/05-1/06; 5/06-currently - Acupuncture
5/06 - Clomid challenge: Failed CD3 - 8; CD10 - 13.8
6/06 - Start Flare protocol: 20 units MDL and 150 mcg Follistim twice a day
Known issues: one fallopian tube, half of one ovary (left side), severe scar tissue, assumed poor responder

[IVFIVF]

***Updated to Here***

Tandis I was told an hour on either side was fine.

[karlatta]

Thanks for the advice. I know I should just set up an appointment, but I'm afraid it would be considered another consultation (since it's been so long) and would cost $300. That's a lot of money to talk about something I'm not sure I want to do.

[la_bride_2004]

sidsou Just wanted to say hello. I am so sorry for the loss though. Sending you good luck vibes for your upcoming cycle. You were definitely always an inspiration to me.

karlatta I know the consultation fee bites! For me it's always been worth it to see what they had to say though. I figured we were paying for their time. Would you go to the same clinic or try a different one?


Sending a lot of good thoughts to jan and tigerest


Lola and Ladybug I've also been having the consistent spotting, so I know how worrying it is!

Me saw the heartbeat today. There is one strong bean in there. :)

due 2/14/07

[gator97]

Ladybug and La_Bride- yeah for heartbeats! That is so exciting! It is so exciting to be reminded that sometimes this does actually work!


Tandis- yeah for being able to get started!


As for me, another follie scan today. I have 6-7 follicles on each side. The right side looks ready to go. The left side is putzing out a bit. The follies didn't do much growing since yesterday. So, we'll see what they say this afternoon. I believe I will trigger today or tomorrow so it looks like ER will be Monday or Tuesday.

[julesp313]

LA Bride - that must be so great to see the heartbeat! How wonderful... :) And due on Valentine's Day!
Gator - sounds like your ER is coming up fast! That's got to be exciting news... :)

Me - had our injections class today, which was scary, informative and entertaining. There were six couples - one young (I would guess early to mid 20's), one looked in their 40's, and the rest of us late 20's - early 30's, if I had to guess. The nurse was very nice and patient with us all. She went over the meds one by one - how to store them, get them into the syringes, what to do to make the shots easier. The Follistim pen seems a breeze - the needle is so tiny, I'm worried about it not making it through the skin! DH cringed at the sight of the needle - I'm just glad we started with that one and ended with the PIO or he'd probably have left the room! I'm taking 150 of the Follistim - others ranged from 125 to 250, so I guess I'm right in the middle. The Menopur gave us some issues as we practiced drawing up the liquid, getting rid of air bubbles and then mixing it (would be with the powder but for practice, we just mixed liquid). I'm on two powders in 1cc of fluid, and that's a DH shot - right in the hip. Then we did Ganirelix which is prefilled syringes and sub-q, so I can do those. All of that went into Bag #1 - Before Surgery. Bag #2 - Just Before Surgery contained the HCG shot, which is just like the Menopur only way bigger vials. That goes in the hip as well so that's a DH thing. Bag #3 has the evil stuff - the PIO. DH freaked out completely at the size of the needle used to draw the stuff up but calmed a tad when he realized we switch that out for actually injecting. Then also in Bag #3 is doxycycline for right after the ER, progesterone suppositories and capsules, and estrogen patches and capsules. The progesterone and estrogen stuff is "as needed" - if I get pregnant, they want to wean me off the PIO as soon as possible, and onto the supps and capsules, which might be unpleasant but not as bad as the shots.

Some tips she gave us - I know someone (I can't remember who, I apologize!) suggested bending over and pigeon-toeing, and that's what the nurse said works really well. She also said with the PIO shots, use ice and Anbesol to numb the area, then rub the spot with dry gauze after the needle is withdrawn, and then slap a heating pad on the area for 20 minutes to help the oil move through the muscle. We're supposed to hold the needle like a dart and go in "fast and hard" as going in slow and soft hurts more (DH isn't sure about this but I told him we'll go gung-ho and see how that works). I'm very thankful, for the first time in my life, that I have such copious padding on my hips! I didn't realize when they said hip, they truly mean hip - I had visions of being shot in the ass but it's not, it's the side. We were told about the "safety C" - the area that's prime for the Menopur and PIO shots. You put your thumb on your hip bone and spread your fingers out and down (directly below your armpit) - the area between your thumb and first finger is the safety C. It's hard to describe but easy to find so that helps.

What else? No exercise - gentle walking in the evening is permissable, as is swimming, but no gym, no weights, no running. Swimming in encouraged so I guess I'll have to find a public pool nearby. Dark chocolate is highly recommended if I'm having a meltdown as it has all sorts of good stuff in it. Now that I can subscribe to for sure!

So, June 30, I go for b/w and u/s and if all is well, we start the shots that night, with a hopeful ER on 7/11.

Oh, get this. The clinic cycles about 50 women per cycle (50!!!) and last cycle, 40 got pregnant, with two sets of twins. I can't believe their sucess rate is so high, but I guess that's why my RE is pretty highly regarded (and pretty highly paid!!!). So I'm very, very hopeful! And now I'm off to find dark chocolate and start practising. ;)

[tigerest]

Cath - Glad you got to get started! How are they going so far?

Applebee - Glad the spotting stopped. I know that can be annoying.

gator - I think its pretty normal to bleed. Some days I would have no blood or bruising, other days I would. I think sometimes you hit a blood vessel...as long as you are not getting blood in the syringe I think you are ok. Wow your ER is just around the corner!!! GOOD LUCK!

ladybug - Are you still spotting and cramping? I hear its really common. But hopefully it will stop soon for your own peace of mind. :)

karlatta - Hello...nice to see you again. If you liked the RE you have already seen I would ask for a consult and tell them you ask IVF specific questions. Maybe they wont make you pay that initial fee. There are some RE that offer free consultations too. (Or at least I found some in my area). Good luck! Also, if you have any question regarding the IVF just let us know. We can give you some general ideas.

jules - Yikes you are in the middle of some HOT weather for sure!!! WOW, I wish my clinic has such an informative class!!! The coordinator just quickly goes over it for us. MY clinic just cycled 50 women, including myself, its nuts! It was a small clinic when I started with them over a year ago! This was their biggest month ever. Good luck.

Tandis - My acupuncturist said I probably overfilled it so it was spasming, and then once it was emptied it was probably spasming back down. Glad you get to get started on your cycle. I would double check with your RE but I have had to adjust my shots plus or minus about 20 mins before.

la_bride - Congrats on seeing the heartbeat! Love the due date!


I am doing well. Just being a couch potato today and tomorrow like the DR suggested. Had some pretty bad cramping yesterday, but I am good now! My mom and best friend visited and watched movies with me so that helped pass some time! Now if next week could just fly by....

[Applebee]

Jules - glad you had your class. DH did a test shot at our class for the PIO and that seemed to help him with the whole "stabbing" thing - and then for a day or two I had him practice jabbing an orange! Good luck!!!

Tigerest - glad you're taking it easy. That was nice of your mom and friend to come over.

Gator - did you trigger? I hope so! Good luck w/the ER!!!!

LABride - yayy for the heartbeat!!!

Karlatta - if you've already had an initial consult, maybe they won't consider it that. Also, maybe you could call and have them send you some information first. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Tandis - as long as the shots are given within a hour of the usual time, you'll be fine.

Hello to everyone I missed!
~~~~~

Nothing going on here. I need to venture out to Kohl's and the mall today. Need to find some capri pants that are acceptable for work.

[Bellefior]

Jules thanks for the info on the injections. That's the only thing that freaks me out about the whole IVF thing. I told DH I am not afraid of the shots themselves but am afraid of having to give them to myself or having him do it for me.

The urologist appointment is Weds. but we've pretty much decided if he thinks surgery isn't going to change things considerably, then to go straight to IVF. We figure why put DH through that if there isn't going to be a significant change? We're hoping that's not what he is going to say, but if it is, we've made our decision what we want to do, and are going to suck it up, pay the $$$, and forget about how much it is going to cost. We are finally at peace with that scenario.

On a related issue, I just found out that a cousin of a friend of mine had both of her children via IVF at the same place we are going. That now makes 4 couples that I actually know of with 5 successful outcomes at the fertility clinic at the hospital we are going to, and makes me more confident than ever that we are in the best possible hands to deal with our situation.

Labride I just keep repeating that mantra that you posted a while back which went something like, I will be a mother somehow, someday, someway. It helps a lot to keep repeating it.

(Slight religious slant on something that happened at church yesterday indirectly related to our IF situation. Feel free to skip if you want.)

Yesterday at church the sermon dealt with the storm on the sea of Galilee where the apostles thought they were going to drown while on their boat, asked Jesus to help them, and he stopped the storm. The message the priest gave us is that so many of us try to deal with the storm ourselves and are so overwhelmed when we try to do it on our own and despair, but that if we call on God/Jesus to help us he will. I was feeling really down in church and felt like the priest was speaking directly to me. The priest was a visiting priest and after Mass I thanked him, told him his sermon had told me something I needed to hear at a time I needed to hear it most, and to pray for DH and I because we were having difficulty TTC. He said that he would, and told me not to ever be afraid of the storm. It's very rare that I go to church and something like happens where I can so strongly identify with the sermon, but that's what happened yesterday and its helped me to find some measure of peace as well with our situation. The message I got out of it was to rely on the support of family, friends, and even God to help get through this, and not to just try to deal with it on my own because as we all know, it can be so overwhelming.

[gator97]

Quick flyby to say that my ER is set for tomorrow- bright and early! Be back tomorrow with an update.

[Sidsou]

Hi all! I must have forgotten to turn on my email notifications, since I hadn't received any and kept thinking wow, they are such a quiet bunch - which certainly isn't true :p

LABride Congratulations!! Isn't the heartbeat amazing!!! What a perfect due date :)

Jan Fingers crossed for you!!!!!

Gator Good luck tomorrow!!

Bellefior If your location is accurate on your posting, you'd be shocked how many couples have done IVF around here. It could be that most of my friends are 35+, but it seems like just about everyone we know has done IVF or may have to in the near future. It sounds like you've found a good place which is so reassuring during all of this.

Tiger Waiting is the hardest part....Fingers crossed!

Jules The shots do get less intimidating once you get started. Before long, you'll be able to "shoot up" fertility meds in a public restroom without thinking twice about it ;) I even accidentally gave myself the PIO shot with the big needle (I forgot to switch). It's amazing how comfortable you'll get. I love the doctor RX for dark chocolate! That's one smart doctor!!

Aussie 5 months! Wow, I remember when you were just cycling and you truly proved that it just takes one!

I forget exactly who this is directed to.... but valium was a very good thing before the transfer - I was so nervous so it really helped calm me, plus I always really tightened up during IUIs etc so I honestly think it may have helped. Plus (although I don't recommend this) I did have a few drinks the night before the transfer and was up a little late, so it was a great way to get over my hangover :o

I meet my RE for a consult tomorrow. Hoping my FSH hasn't risen too much over the past year.

[julesp313]

I SO do not want to go back to work tomorrow and that's after just four days off! My dread is that I have to work a full week this week, but then I'm taking the week of the 4th off, then will have at least a day (maybe two) off for the ER and then three off for the ET... I truly won't want to go back to work, will I?

Tigerest - yes, hot weather is on the cards from now til probably mid-September. We may have the odd day or two dropping into the 90's but generally, we'll be in triple digits every day. You get used to it, I swear!
Applebee - DH was having fun sticking the needle into the SpongeBob Squarepants toy ball that they gave us to practice on - I kid you not!
Bellefior - I'm only dreading the first of each shot - once that's over with, I think we'll both be fine. That was a very interesting message at your church, and quite apt, I think - something to think about, for sure.
Gator - good luck with the ER! Hope it is painless and produces excellent results!
Jan - I was expecting to do the PIO in the butt, but it's truly the hip - a couple of inches below the hip bone, directly below the armpit. There's a ton of flesh there so it should be fine but at least if it was in the butt, I really couldn't watch it... :)
Sidsou - I'm going to do my utmost not to let DH forget to change needles! My RE doesn't want us giving ourselves the hip shots - he says the likelihood of going in at the wrong angle is great, meaning it'll hurt more (not that it's dangerous, just painful). Besides, I think DH needs to take charge of the Menopur and PIO shots - those will be "his" thing and that gives him something to focus on, if that makes sense. Good luck at the consult!

QUESTION! - sorry, completely forgot when I first posted but... how long do you usually have to wait post-ER or ET for your beta? The nurse told us we will go for the beta 10 days post-ER, which I thought was awfully early - she said it's 10 days regardless of whether you have a 3 of 5 day transfer. I was expecting 10 days post-ET, maybe, but then I thought about it and figured I'd probably test 10-11 days after O'ing if I was doing this the "natural" way and if they transfer a 5 day blast, and it implants, surely they could get a positive beta five days after that. Any thoughts?

[Bellefior]

Sidsou yes the location is accurate. Even though its something I don't like to think about, I did tell DH once that if having difficulty TTC had to have happened to us, at least we are in a place where we have some amazing medical resources available. It's amazing how many people we now know, since we've been a little more open with our issues, that have undergone IVF or some type of treatment to get pregnant. Much more common than we first thought.

[angelgirl8]

jules...i think my clinic did betas 14 days after retrieval. it doesn't really matter about the 3 day vs. the 5 day in terms of beta timing, because the theory would be that the embryo would implant sooner after ET if it was further along developmentally (the 5 day transfer). but 10 days does sound soon!

[Cath]

Drive-by post -

Had my first monitoring appointment yesterday. They are guessing 7 active follicles on the left side, 4 on the right with lots of little ones as well. Estrogen was 198. I go back in tomorrow for another monitoring appointment.

Continuing on the same dosage for now - 108 units of follistim and 37.5 units of menopur in the evening, 5 units of Lupron in the morning.

My stomach already has a couple of really pretty, colorful bruises! :eek:

Hi to everyone and be back later for more personal replies!

[Tandis]

LOL Cath, my post is almost word for word yours! :D

Also a drive-by post because I'm due in a meeting in a few minutes.

Had my first monitoring appt. today. Dr. said that it's a little early to really see how I'm responding, but he did see quite a few little follicles that he's hoping will mature. "Quite a few" for me means about six or seven, so I'm happy. He's now thinking that we might be moving forward the ER date to the 4th, which would be fine with me!

I didn't get my levels when the nurse called, but I'm staying on the 20 units of MDL and the 150 mg of Follistim. Have a couple small bruises, and I think I'm running out of places to poke myself! :D

My next appt. is Thursday, so hopefully those follicles he saw will have grown. <Keeping my fingers crossed>

Waving hi to everyone and I'll be back later for SO's!

[gator97]

jules- my clinic does the beta approx 17 days post retrieval. sounds like you got very thorough injection instructions. That is one of our complaints is that I don't think they adequately prepared us for the injections. But we are old pros now!

Tandis and Cath- yeah for your first monitoring appointment. It will go fast from here!

thedoorchick- glad you guys have a plan. I always feel better when I do.

Bellefior- hope your appointment goes well on Wednesday and you get some answers. I am sure it is nice knowing you are both on the same page before going in there.

Tigerest- hope you are enjoyed coach potato time. Hope next week flies by for you. When is beta?

Sidsou- hope your consult went well.

As for me, resting after the retrieval this a.m. Everything went well. They retrieved 13 eggs--after only expecting to get 10. So, that is an excellent number (esp. since I am on mini-stim). I don't think they are all mature however. So, now we just cross our fingers they fertilize and grow! RE was leaning towards a three day transfer but said we would see how they develop. I'm a bit more uncomfortable this time than I was last, not sure what that is all about. Just laying around though.

[tigerest]

Applebee - So did you have any luck with your shopping. ;)

Sidsou - You crack me up. And got me thinking….my DR suggests DTD the day before transfer. So maybe if I got drunk, DTD, and took a relaxer the next day I might get PG. Seems to work for teenagers! :p

Gator - Glad everything went well with your ER. That’s a great number! Crossing everything for your embryos!!!! GROW!!!! :)

Tandis and Cath - You guys are moving right a long! Hope things look great at your next appts.

Bellefior - Good luck at your appt.

Jules - I hope you have an awesome air conditioner! I am cranky because it was already 80 degress at 8 am. :p I think with my first IVF I had my first beta 11 days post ER. Do they schedule you for a repeat beta?

Thedoorchick - Sounds like a great plan to me. Good luck!


….I am so sneaky! I wasn't scheduled to find out my Beta results until Wed 7/5….so far away....that would be like 19DPO. So I called them and told them that just wont work for me. And I was able to switch the days. I get my first one this Friday, Second one on Sunday. And then they will call me Monday to let me know! :) Which works out WAY better because DH and I both have Monday off. Seriously, a load of my chest because now I wont be sitting at work all day on 7/5 worrying. :)

[julesp313]

Mondays suck.

Angelgirl - I thought 10 days was awfully early, but I guess if that's what they do, that's what I'll get!
Cath - 11 active follicles sounds great! The nurse at my RE's said their goal is 10-20 eggs ready for retrieval after 10 days, so if I get lucky enough to start out with 11, I'd be thrilled.
Tandis - good luck with growing those eggs!
Doorchick - glad you have a plan in place - that definitely helps you feel more in control. Work isn't too insane except I have two clients that just will not END (one is a 12/31/04 that we have yet to issue due to FAS142 impairment problems and the other is a Nevada gaming client that can't seem to produce adequate financials) and I have planning to do for five other clients and ARGH!!!!! But it's all good... and yes, that increase in parental leave was a very nice perk! Plus the free hospital grade breast pump - now if we could just get them to do what D&T do and offer up to five years unpaid leave, that would be awesome. :)
For those of you wondering why Doorchick and I are talking work, we work for the same firm, just in different states and different areas!
Gator - very glad to hear the good results from your ER. Now rest up and get your DH pampering you!
Tigerest - oh yeah, our AC rocks. We just upgraded this year as the AC we had on the house when we bought it last year was the original - 12 years old and sucky. So we invested and we are SO glad that we did!

Me - stopped BCP yesterday and I'm anxiously awaiting AF. I'm feeling rather tender and crampy but that could be all mental. VERY anxious for my Friday appt to find out if we get to start stims on Friday - I need to start getting stabbed, I keep waking up wondering what it'll be like. I'm even tempted to take one of my needles and just jab myself to get it over and done with! Yes, I'm a bit nutty but I blame the heat... ;)

[kischer]

...I have been so MIA, so much is going on outside of IVF, I have been losing my shiznit. I'm trying to get back on track!
first off-
Super BigCongratsto la_bride, lola, and ladybug!!! I am so very happy for you all!

tiger- How are you feeling? Your beta is right around the day of my transfer or retrieval. Hoping for fantabulous results! May you have an Awesome anniversary gift! Ok, you are sneaky, good luck Friday, Sunday, and Monday.

Sidsou- It's been quite a few years, obviously, since your little one is almost 2?! Wow, but I remember you from the family planning days on the "other" site. Good luck to you!

karla-How's the fostering going?! a little boy and girl? Wow! My first appointment was kinda about the protocol, the drugs that I would take, the averages, the risks, that kind of thing. But, yeah, I would go back to that same RE if you are comfortable with them. Good Luck to you in whatever you do!

la_bride-Hooray for on bean due on valentine's day! :D

gator- Glad the retrieval went well, 13 that's great, sorry it's a little more uncomfortable this time. Good luck with the transfer!

jules-Good Luck with the shots! Yeah, my RE does the beta ten days after retreival.

Suzly-Don't you know, you are to take days off whenever possible, oh wait, I forgot, some people like their jobs. ;) Tell DH it's the transfer day you can't move and he has to wait one you hand and foot. :)

Cath-I think we are right around the same time cycle wise, hey buddy! I don't knwo what is different for me this time, but I have a few colorful ones too!

Tandis- You, me, and Cath! It looks like my retrieval will either be the fourth or the fifth. I go in tomorrow to take a look.

Jan-I hope that you 2WW is going by quickly. You are my hero, painless?! I suck at PIO shots! hopefully, I will get the hang of them this time around, now that I know all the little tricks!

As for me, I started stims on the 22nd retrieval will be either the 4th or 5th and transfer two days later. Stims and lupron have given a few bruises and I go in for bloodwork tomorrow. Then in two more days probably an U/S to see what we got and when. That's it for now. I hope that you all are doing well and sorry for those I've missed...waving "hi!" to everyone else!

[kischer]

Oh yeah, and jules- Monday's do SUCK a truck just hit my parked car!
:mad:

[julesp313]

Kischer - you win, your Monday sucks worse than mine! And that really DOES suck... I'm so sorry! I hope the truck driver stopped and you can get him/her to pay for the damage. :(

[julesp313]

OK, don't laugh at me... I think I woke up at 3am because I was freaking out about how the shots would feel. So - in the spirit of getting things out of the way - I just stuck myself with my Follistim pen (no meds, of course). Was FINE - I'm such a drama queen! I forgot that the nurse had said sometimes you bounce off your thigh - sure enough, I went in and straight back out! So I went in again - piece of cake. I even held it in there for a count of five like I'm supposed to... got a tiny drop of blood when I pulled the needle out so now I'm sporting a wee band aid! DH is going to crap when I tell him... but I needed to know so I can sleep at night! Am I crazy? Yeah, very possibly, but aren't we all, given what we're going through?

OK, off to find food to restore my sanity, or what's left of it. ;)

[tigerest]

jules - Haha...yes we are all quite crazy! ;) I am often tempted to stab DH with the PIO needle (without meds) just so he knows what it feels like. But at least now you wont be nervous!!!

kisch - Nice to hear from you! I was worried something went wrong. ;) Hope everything goes well with your appt tomorrow. Well....on the otherhand I guess something did go wrong....that sucks so much about your car. :( Sorry. Glad you weren't in it though.

[Tandis]

Kisch - Sorry about your car - that really sucks! I hope the guy had insurance, but still...how do you hit a parked car? This is so neat that three of us are all cycling at the same time! So how are you feeling? Any S/E yet?

Jules - LOL about sticking yourself with the needle :D I guess if it was bothering you that much, it was best to try it out just to lower your stress levels. Glad it wasn't as bad as you thought. Too funny about the band-aid though. If you keep that up, your stomach and thighs are going to be covered in bandages! As for the beta question, I believe mine does it two weeks after the ET.

Tigerest - So they'll draw for the beta on Friday & Sunday, but they don't tell you the results until Monday? That seems strange to me, but yay for moving up the test date! How are you feeling otherwise? I happened to see your posting on FF (I stalk the pregnancy board also ;)), so you think that might have been implantation pain?

Gator - Glad your ER went well. Yay for 13 eggs! Hope they're all mature and start growing!

Sidsou - Hope the RE consult went well!

Suzly - How are you feeling?

Waving hi to everyone I missed!

[tigerest]

Tandis - Its my Dr's policy not to tell us our beta's until after the second one comes in. It's always been that way. And since so far both times I had a 5, and then it went down the second time I guess its been for the best. So I dont mind really. But they are going to be closed this weekend, so I am getting it done on Sunday at a lab, and then they will call me Monday when they get the results. Haha...so you are stalking me. ;) Well those cramps freaked me out, and I emailed my DR and he said could have been implantation cramps. But I have had zero cramping since then.....if I have cramps I worry, if I dont have cramps I worry.....sigh...I'm losing my mind.

[Tandis]

Well, I guess that's good, since you don't get yourself all excited for nothing if it turns out to be a CP.

It was totally involuntary stalking I swear! ;) They really sound like implantation cramps, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. From everything I've read, the cramps go away, so hopefully this is a really good thing! :D

How are you feeling otherwise? Besides the lack of cramps and losing your mind ;)

[tigerest]

I am feeling great. I have more energy and feel better than other cycles. So that's whats got me worried. But I keep telling myself different is good. I have been getting a random wave of nausea about once a day, but as long as I keep food in my stomach I am good. :)

[Suzlywoozly]

Alright, I can't hold out any longer...

I POAS yesterday morning and I thought it was negative. It was one of those cheap internet ones and the line was faint and blurry. I tried to blow it off but by lunch I couldn't resist going to Wal-Mart. I was talking to Amy-grrl on my cell and she told me to try an answer test, but I knew that the EPT digital one gave me a BFP early last time. I bought both, went into the dirty Wal-Mart bathroom and took both tests at the same time. The EPT digital came up pregnant right away and then I could see the faint line on the answer. I am in total shock!! My beta isn't until tomorrow.

[gator97]

Tigerest- thinking good thoughts for you!!!

SuzlyWoozly--AHHH!!!! That is awesome. Can't wait to hear your numbers tomorrow.:D :D Wow! Can't believe you've been holding out on us since yesterday.:)

[Bellefior]

Fingers crossed Suz! I just love hearing success stories like this! Even though I am on such an early stage on the road to IVF, it makes me more optimistic than ever that we'll be blessed someday too.

[Lola9404]

Hi everyone, just a really quick drive by - I haven't had a chance to read all the posts since there are SO MANY!! Good to see everyone :)

Suzly - SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!! I can't wait to hear about your beta!!!

As for me, I have my u/s tomorrow to hopefully see the heartbeat. I'm just 6 weeks so I'm really nervous that they won't see anything but trying hard to hope for the best.

I'll check back in later when I have more time!!!

[Bellefior]

Good luck Lola! Also please check your PMs ;) !

[Cath]

Drive-by

I'm in between meetings at work - Day 6 is today - roughly 24 follicles under 10 mm and estrogen level of 811. It looks like I'm on the daily monitoring plan now. Eek. for you more experienced with IVF, should I be concerned yet?

I'll be back tonight for shout-outs, but very promising news Suz. fingers crossed.

[Tandis]

Cath - 24 follicles! Wow, that's fantastic! Did you RE say anything about moving up your date since you're responding so well?

Lola - Good luck with the u/s tomorrow!

Suzly - I'm so excited for you - I guess those sparkly clean insides came through! However could you hold off on telling us! Good luck with your beta tomorrow - I can't wait to hear the results! :D

Tigerest - Any thoughts of POAS?

[tigerest]

Real quick.....

DH is going to be late for my PIO...

do you think its better to get my PIO 40 mins late, or to attempt to give it to myself? :( Darn...

[gator97]

I think you have a little leeway on either side of the PIO shot. I would prefer to do it 40 min late vs. giving it myself. . . but only because I'm still a big whimp about it. Several ladies on here have given it to themselves without issue. Just do what you are going to feel more comfortable with.

[Suzlywoozly]

Real quick.....

DH is going to be late for my PIO...

do you think its better to get my PIO 40 mins late, or to attempt to give it to myself? :( Darn...

I do not ever give mine within a certain time frame... it is usually somewhere between 7-10pm. Does it matter?

[la_bride_2004]

Suzly- waiting on pins and needles here! : )

[la_bride_2004]

tigerest- I think the 40 minutes late is fine. My RE said an hour either way wouldn't make any difference.

[tigerest]

Thanks - Gator, Suzly, la_bride. It only ended up being about 30 mins late, and I had it all prepped for when he got here. But in a way I may have been better off trying to do it myself...it really hurt today, he decided to try something new. :rolleyes: I am sort of running out of spots though.

Suzly - Wishing you high beta numbers tomorrow. Good luck!

Lola - Good luck at your U/S tomorrow!!!

Cath - Sounds good to me. Mine would have sudden growth spurts between appts! Good luck at your next appt.

Tandis- Hahaha....I did on Monday. Way too early. I might try again tomorrow, but definitely Fri! I am the worst example of a POAS addict.

[gator97]

Suzly and Lola- thinking good thoughts for you today.

Tigerest- oh, you poor thing. . . tried something new? Tell him not to do that!

Cath- just reading back a few posts and saw that your estrogen was 198 on 6/26 and then over 800 on 6/27. Is that right? Holy estrogen jump, batman! Is that what you were concerned about? 24 follicles sounds great! My RE usually starts daily monitoring once a few of the follicles are over 13. Sounds like you are on your way! Keep us posted!


jules- sticking yourself when you don't have to. . yes, you might be crazy!:D Just kidding. I'm a firm believer that anything that makes you feel better during this process is not crazy and must be done; and if getting the first "injection" out of the way helps you sleep at night, then it is not crazy.

kischer- nice to see you around these parts. Hope all is going well with your cycle.

Hi to anyone I missed!

ETA: added the word "better"--which without the post to Jules didn't make any sense!

[Lola9404]

Good morning, ladies!

Suzly - good luck today, I can't wait to hear your beta #!

Tiger - My Re told me that even if i did my PIO injections a couple of hours before or after I usually do that it isn't a big deal, so that was good to know. I'm right there with you with running our of spots to inject. I'm one big bruise on either side of my butt :( It's for a good reason though so I won't complain!

Cath - those follies are fantastic!!

Bellefior and others - thanks so much for the good wishes for my u/s today. I hate to admit that I'm nervous to the point of panic. I have had no symptoms (other than sore bb's) for about 3 days now and in my mind I'm convinced that is a bad thing. I just hope that we can see our little peanut in there and hope to maybe see a beating heart. That would be the sweetest thing in all the world.

I'll keep you posted. My appt is late this afternoon...

[Cath]

Hi everyone -

It's finally not raining here in the Washington area. I felt like I was going to have to start taking a boat to get to work!

Talk about a great start to a day… This morning, I was about a mile away from my house, on the way to the REs office and realized that I forgot to give myself my lupron. I had to turn around and was late for my appointment.

Once I was brought back for a blood draw, they ended up taking blood from my hand in order to give my arms a rest – both of them have nice, pretty bruises from needles.

I talked to one of the REs at my clinic this morning during my monitoring appointment. They are worried about hyperstimulation based on the sharp increase in my estrogen level, so I am now going in for daily monitoring. They also lowered my dose of follistim last night. With PCOS, I always knew that this was a big concern, but didn’t realize they would mention it so early. Crap…

On the plus side, I now have one follicle at 12 mm. I didn’t catch how many others I might have – too focused on hyperstimulation.

Lola – All the best for a great ultrasound today. My fingers are crossed for you.

Gator – Those numbers are right, but with a day in between – my estrogen was 198 on Sunday and 811 on Tuesday. Holy jump, batman, is pretty much what I was thinking.

Tigerest – hang in there. Fingers crossed for you. I think two betas without any information would just drive me batty.

Jules – Nothing like lying in bed, all freaked out about something. I can definitely understand wanting to get an injection out of the way. I’ve also threatened to poke my husband with one of the needles just so he feels what its like.

Kischer – Hi, cycle buddy! We can compare notes. That sucks about a truck hitting your car. Was it because of the weather, or was he just an idiot?

Tandis – Hi, other cycle buddy! It is definitely nice having a couple of people at the same place, cycle wise.

Hi to everyone else. I’ll probably be back later today with more information after I get a call from my nurse.

[Bellefior]

Quick drive by post because I just showed up at work and have a pile of work on my desk.

We had a good meeting with the urologist, and the counts from the SA improved slightly since the first one--count and motility are both now at the lower end of normal but in the normal range. Unfortunately, the morphology is still abnormally low (albeit with a slight improvement). Even though DH has a varicocele, he is still recommending we proceed with IVF with ICSI (same as the RE) because there is no guarantee that surgery would improve DH's counts to such a degree that we would be any better off than where we are now. He is also taking the fact that we are 36 and 37 years old into account, that the surgery could not be scehduled until at earliest, August, and then it would take 6 months before we would know if it even worked.

Not what we were hoping to hear, but we prepared ourselves for that possibility walking in there. We were leaning towards IVF if that was the news we received. Now we just have to get our finances in order to pay for the IVF since our lovely insurance plan courtesy of the Federal government who I work for does not pay for it. I left a message for the financial coordinator at the clinic who, unfortunately, is not in today.

I'm still hopeful that maybe DH's next SA (they want 3 done) might show even more improvement, but then again, I am not holding my breath for it either.

Will be back later on with a longer post.

[Cath]

Today's estrogen level - 1269. I'll stay at the same low-level of medication - 75 units of follistim and 37 of menopur.

Bellefior - Hopefully the next SA will show some more improvement. Sorry you didn't get the news you wanted to hear, but it sounds like you've got a solid plan in place. Hang in there.

[gator97]

Cath- hope that you don't have to deal with OHSS. Sounds like your estrogen is stablizing a bit--not such a drastic increase. I know that you are supposed to drink lots of Gatorade. . . maybe some ladies who have dealt with this before can give you some pointers. I think there were a few listed in the last thread.

Bellefior- sorry tat you didn't get the news that you wanted, but I am sure it is nice to have more information and another opinion to help you make your decision.

[Suzlywoozly]

I knew it was way too good to be true... My HCG was only an 11.5 :(
The RE said it does not look promising and to repeat the beta on Friday. What's the point? I told him I was getting positive pregnancy tests on Monday which he said was way to early. This only leads me to believe my levels are dropping already. I went to Target and bought a CBE digital test and a cheap Target brand test just to see if I would get a BFP since the level is only an 11.5. The Target brand one came up right away, before it even got to the control line... those things must be super sensitive. The CBE came up pregnant, too. I don't know what to think except this is the same situation I was in a year ago at this time. :(

[gator97]

OH Suzly. .. . I am so sorry.

[tigerest]

Suzly - Oh no!!! Big {{hugs}}! Thats crazy that you are getting +HPT with a beta so low. I just hope that these tests are freaking sensitive, and that it does in fact go up on Friday's test! I hate that there has to be a grey area to PG, I wish you either were or weren't and that was that. The whole low beta thing stinks. Sorry. :(

Cath - Yikes about the possibility of OHSS. But it looks like your estrogen is stabalizing. Glad you RE is keeping a close watch on you. Did it hurt to get your blood taken from ou hand?

Bellefior - Thats cool that your DH's SA improved a bit. Hope they keep on improving.

Lola - Eagerly awaiting....hope your U/S went well.

[Freckles]

I am on my 2nd to last Injectable/IUI cycle{Began 3rd Year TTC this month} and I http://www.chittielounge.com/forum/images/smilies/lurker.gifhere. I just wanted to offer Suzlywoozly lots of http://www.chittielounge.com/forum/images/smilies/hug.gif. I am so sorry you're going through this, and wish you all the luck in the world.

[Lola9404]

Back from the u/s and I'm exhausted from being nervous all day!

Things look good - they have me at exactly 6 wks today and said "don't expect to see the heartbeat" - which we didn't. Slighly disappointed but everything looks good in the u/s.

We did see the yolk sac and the fetal pole and confirmed that it's a singleton!

I will go back on July 10th to see the hb but for now it looks like everything is as it should be, which is very reassuring...:)

[Lola9404]

just saw the news...

Suzly - I am so sorry. Truly, I wish I could offer some words to comfort you but I don't have them. Just know that we are all here and we're all pulling for you.

[Sidsou]

Suzly <<<Hugs>>> I still can't get over how the HPTs are so sensitive.

Belle Sorry about the news from the urologist. Good that some of the indicators are borderline normal though. Your employer really needs to have state insurance rather than federal insurance :mad: Are any of the meds covered for IVF or not anything?

Lola Yeah for the ultrasound!

Cath Glad to hear your docs are keeping an eye on you. OHSS, I hear, can be tough. It sounds like they have it under control. Sending "low stimulation vibes" to you.....

Hi to everyone else - sorry I just have a quick minute...

My consult on Monday went fine. Really I didn't have to even go, but my insurance officially wanted me to "see my doc" again. He didn't tell me anything new since all my blood work etc came back about the same as last year. FSH was only 11.5 which is lower than last year, but it doesn't really mean much since they already know I don't stimulate well on meds. I'll be doing a flare protocal to try to get things jumping in there. Just waiting on insurance approval and good old AF.

[Bellefior]

Belle Sorry about the news from the urologist. Good that some of the indicators are borderline normal though. Your employer really needs to have state insurance rather than federal insurance :mad: Are any of the meds covered for IVF or not anything?



Sidsou, sorry I didn't explain myself further because I've mentioned this before and assumed everyone knew my situation. I work for the Fed Govt. and even though we are in a state that mandates coverage, the Fed. Govt. can legally exempt themselves from providing coverage for IVF, which they have. They did cover all of the workup to diagnose the IF, but none of the more invasive procedures. Looks like they will cover the drugs, but only because the drugs that are used are not strictly IVF drugs (that is, they are not used only for IVF and not to treat other conditions).

Suz sending hugs your way. Sometimes it really sucks that this journey can be such a hard one.

[ladybug777]

Suzly: So sorry you're going through this. Still keeping you in my thoughts and wishing you the best.

Lola: Sounds like things went well. :D

[Tandis]

Drive-by post - be back later for SO's

Saw 6-7 follicles, all around 10 mm today, on the u/s, which I'm really pleased about. Now at least we have the possibility of freezing some, which I really didn't think would happen. Dr. said that it will be about another 4 days before the ER, so he's placing me somewhere between July 4 and July 6 to do that. My next u/s & b/w is on Saturday, and they're anticipating I'll begin daily monitoring then.


Suzly -- {{{HUGS}}} :( I really hope you get different results tomorrow.

[gator97]

Tandis- sounds like things are going well.

Lola- congrats on your singleton. I am sure that you cannot wait to hear the heartbeat!

Well, just got back from transfer. Well, out of 13 eggs retrieved, only 3 fertilized (and one fertilized a bit late--didn't see it the first day) :confused: So, I'm a bit frustrated with that.

We had a 6 cell Grade 1, a 6 cell Grade 2, and a 4 cell Grade 2. The RE recommended transferring all 3. My DH is a bit freaked out by the possiblity of triplets (even with a less than 1% chance of triplets). So, we transferred back both of the 6 cells and they'll keep an eye on the 4 cell, hopefully it will be cryopreserved and we'll go back for it later. While I completely understand and respect my DH thoughts and do agree with him about transferring back just two. .. I feel so guilty for leaving the 4 cell in the petri dish. :rolleyes: This IVF stuff is turning me into a nutcase. So, the transfer went very smoothly and now I'm on coach potato status for the next 5 days. Beta is 7/12.

Hope everyone is well!

[Tandis]

Well, I guess I'm doing SO's sooner than I thought, since my software program at work has spent more time down than up this week, so I have some time to kill. :D

Gator - Sorry to hear about so few eggs fertilizing - did the RE have any idea why that happened? Did you do ICSI? Good luck with the two that were transferred back! Keeping my fingers crossed for you :)

Sidsou - I'm doing the flare protocol now, and it's working really well for me, so hopefully it does the same for you.

Lola - Yay on the singleton, the sac and the fetal pole! :) Sorry you didn't get the hear the hb, but I'm glad everything is looking good for you.

Cath - Glad your estrogen level is starting to level off.

Bellefior - Sorry the news isn't what you wanted to hear. Hopefully the next SA will be better.

Tigerest - I can't believe you're waiting until tomorrow to POAS! What kind of addict are you?! ;)

[tigerest]

Lola - Yay for one good looking sac! I am sure it will be good to see the heartbeat on the 10th! Hopefully time will go by fast for you.

Sidsou - Waiting for AF when you want to get started is the worst...hope she finds you quickly. :)

Tandis - Glad things are looking good for you! Good luck this weekend. Ok you caught me, I did in fact POAS this morning....still negative... :(

gator - How frustrating. Sorry to here that only a few made it. Hopefully the ones you transferred will stick, and the last one will catch up. Good luck!

Now I am regretting my POAS addiction...because technically I am about 13 DPO and my tests are still negative, so I feel like its pretty hopeless. If I hadn't tested then at least I could be ignorantly positive for a few more days...instead of a bad mood. At least the week is almost over! :) Looking forward to 4 days off.