IVF Anyone?

[islandgirlsj]

Ohhh!
Capecod04, I'm so sorry for your outcome. It was exactly as mine went, and I kept hoping all weekend, that you would beat the odds, and have that postive result. :(
I got my period about 3 days after I got the news that my numbers were not doubling, actaully on both failed tries I did, so I'm not sure if that is normal or not... but that is what happened with me.

Sending a very warm hug to you today
(((( SQUEEZE ))))

[kat]

Oh, dammit, capecod. I'm so very sorry -- I know how horrific that "maybe pregnant" time period can be, and I wish no one ever had to go through it!

When I was pregnant last fall (not through IVF), I know that I didn't start to actually bleed full-on (I'd been spotting) for about a week after the numbers had dropped from 115 to 55. Hopefully you can move on and get through this even more quickly than that.

Again, I'm sorry and will keep you and your DH in my thoughts. Take care!



***********
Edit to tell islandgirl that if she wants to fully update my stats she could add my due date (3/2/06) and the fact that it's boy-girl twins. But I'm not sure whether you want to add that stuff or not, so I'll just leave it up to you. Doesn't matter to me.....

[Jad]

capecod - I'm so very sorry. I know how hard it is to have this "almost" work. And what an awful way to start your Monday. (((hugs))) To answer your questions, I got my period 4 days after my last PIO shot, but my HCG never got above 8.

Sandy - I don't need my willpower for another month, so I'll lend it to you if you'd like. Help keep you from testing early. :) And to answer your question, I tested the day of my beta but not before. I don't know if I'll do it again this time as it was a pretty unpleasant experience.

mrselle - Glad you're starting to feel back to normal. Must feel gooooood!

queen - Good luck!

[islandgirlsj]

Kat~
Updated you, with the wonderful details... of course we want to know that stuff! :p

mrselle ~
I'm glad that you are finally feeling better, and that bloating is slowly going away. It is such an awful feeling!
I understand how you might go back and forth trying to decide on when to do your FET cycle, my only advise, is to wait until you feel completley ready, relaxed and in a good place again.

angelgirl8 ~
Going to update your stats right now! ;)

sandybride ~
I know you have heard this already, but I was actually SCARED to death to attempt the HPT with all the false postives they give. It would have totally played with my head. However, I'm keeping you in my thoughts today!!
Lots of ~*~BABY STICKY VIBES!! ~*~

[Jad]

Just thought I'd give a little update on myself. Tomorrow marks two weeks until the baseline u/s and b/w. I know it'll go by fast, which is good. And I'm trying to think positively. I keep telling myself that I *will* be a mommy next June. Of course, I can't keep the flip-side of that out of my brain completely. And if I'm not? And if it doesn't work this time? Honestly. I do not know what I will do. I mean, yeah, I'll make it through like I have every other time. But I feel so desperate to have a baby. It kind of scares me. And it makes me feel like there's no way it'll happen -- that I want it too badly.

I'm sure it all sounds familiar. Don't you just wish you could hit the fast forward button on your life sometimes?

[la_bride_2004]

cape- I just wanted to send hugs- I was in "maybe" land twice and it was awful, I expected it to work or not work, not be in between! I took me 2 weeks the first time and almost three weeks the second time to start miscarrying the embryo guts. Hugs again. I waited six months between my first and second transfer- it took me that long to feel ready again.

sandybride- stay away! If I could have one "do over" it would be NOT peeing on that stick.

[la_bride_2004]

mrselle- just wanted to send you some hugs too, and yes, the bloating will go down. If you need some time off I think that would be a good thing.

[sandybride]

Thanks for the will power girls! Ok...not testing...def.

cape, I'm so sorry to hear the news. ((HUGS)) ((HUGS)) ((HUGS))

[AusMarchBride]

cape I'm so so sorry about your results. As you said, it's so unfair that you had the "maybe" part to go through for the weekend. This IVF process should be better, no "maybe's and no "no's", just yes's for everyone. I'm sending you and your DH major hugs, look after each other and take care. I hope that beer went down nicely.

Jad I understand your fears of wanting something so badly, it's almost like you feel you'll jinx yourself or something. And I think subsequent cycles get harder to deal with, the optimism seems to take a knock with a failure and it's harder to get back to being positive about cycling. Hang in there, sending you hugs also.

kat Nice to see you, hope you're doing ok.


Hi to everyone else.

[~queen~]

Don't you just wish you could hit the fast forward button on your life sometimes? Absolutely! FF me to right after delivery and holding a newborn in my arms that look just like me and DH! :D

mrselle: Glad to hear that you are feeling better and your clothes are getting back to normal. Eating is a good sign!

Sandybride: I'm happy your puppy is back safe and sound and feeling 100%. :)

Hi angelgirl & kat!

Capecod: (((HUGS))) Darn it :( I can't imagine how it feels to see those wonderful two lines and then have it taken away. I hope you and DH find comfort in each other during this time. (((HUGS)))

Hello to everyone else!

[sandybride]

Well ladies, I had a melt down yesterday...I just couldn't take the waiting anymore and I had a little pity party...crying and just knowing this FET didn't work. This morning...I did it...I tested with an HPT.....stupid, stupid, I know. It was negative. DH says to pretend I didn't do it, that it could be completely invalid... I know he's right, but how do I just forget. Now I feel evem more sure it didn't work. Today will be the longest day. I'm going to try to keep myself busy...tomorrow morning beta.... :( I'm weak.

Here's a picture of my little ones on the day of transfer:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d720b3127cce939bbef794f300000015108EZOWLdy5Zy

WHAT THE F*%#!!!!!!!!! One of the nurses just called me and said I was supposed to be in for a beta this morning!?!?!?! She's not my regular nurse. My paperwork clearly shows Sept 2, FRIDAY. She said the embryologist was claiming I had to be there today. I have a schedule that MY nurse gave me where SHE printed out the dates. Don't they think I'd be counting the seconds to my beta test? She wasn't very nice when I told her my paperwork said different and that I was told to come in on the second. Plus, I don't have a ride there now because my DH took the car to work. So, she huffed and said, fine..just come in tomorrow, I guess. Hello? They are wrong. I'm so annoyed.

[CapeCod04]

Oh Sandy - I'm sorry that the nurse was giving you a hard time - not what you need right now. I know it must be hard to think positively after the negative on the HPT. I wish I had some great advice for you - just {{{{hugs}}}}}.

[islandgirlsj]

Sandybride ~
Okay, we just need to get you to breath slowly, and think postive again, which I know is close to impossible after having that negative HPT.
HOWEVER, it IS to early to get a postive for many MANY women from that, so, don't put to much more thought into it.

I'm sending my support though and a warm ((hug))
Hang in there Hun.

[sandybride]

Ladies, thank you so much for the support. It's now the night before my beta and I've concluded that you are all correct. I need to remember that my home test means nothing right now. All will be revealed shortly!

JAN1902 - YAY for starting an FET. how many embies will you actually transfer? I liked my FET so much better than stimulation. There were still some shots in it for me but not as bad. Will you do a natural cycle or use meds? Good luck!

Capecod, island girl, thanks so much for your support. I don't know what I'd do without these boards to come to and just let go on!

[Suzlywoozly]

Arghhhh! I am so far behind with this thread! You girls move too fast for me ;). I'm on day 8 of the lupron & AF showed today. The first 5 days were a piece of cake, but the last three days the shots have been really painful. I start the follistim & baby asprin on Saturday. When I went in for my baseline sono and E2 this morning, our case nurse said if the lupron injections aren't better before I start the follistim to call her. It is causing hard lumps at the injection sites. Did this happen to anyone else? I still can't believe how fast this is moving!

Sandy- Sending you lots of good luck tomorrow!

Sorry I am so far behind on s/o's. I'll be back tomorrow!

[mrselle]

Hi All!

I just wanted to respond to Suzlywoozly - I didn't get hard lumps at the injection site, but I did notice that after about a week of taking lupron I would hit a sensitive area and the shot would hurt a little more than I thought it should. This happened despite the fact that I was alternating sides. I don't know if that is what is going on with you, but I started using those little round band-aids that way I wouldn't be hitting the same spot all the time. HTH.

[Suzlywoozly]

mrselle- Thanks! That is a really good idea. i will have to pick some of those up today and see if that helps the problem.

[sandybride]

Hi ladies! Just wanting to update you...I got a call today with my first beta result........I'm pregnant! My beta was 98 today. I have to go back on Tuesday for a second one. I'm in shock..totally can't believe it worked! Thank you for all the support!

[Suzlywoozly]

That is awesome news Sandy!! Congratulations :D

[kat]

Congratulations, Sandybride!

[mrselle]

Sandybride, congratulations!!!!

[CapeCod04]

Sandy - what fabulous news! Congratulations!

[amychris03]

Congratulations SandyBride ! :) Great news!!! Keep us posted!

[AusMarchBride]

Sandybride Congratulations and looking forward to hearing your great 2nd betas on Tuesday :D

Suzly I hope those nasty lumps from the lupron are going away, they sound very unpleasant. You are moving fast, you'll be at transfer before you know it :) Sending you good thoughts.

Jan1902 Wow, 12 frozen, that's fantastic. From everything I've read the FET seems to be so much easier on the body, not so sure about the head though :rolleyes:

queen Nice to see you, how are you holding up?

capecod Thinking of you, how are you doing?

Hi to everyone else, hope you're all travelling ok and that none of you have friends or relatives (or yourselves obviously) caught up in this nightmare in New Orleans.

[la_bride_2004]

Congrats Sandybride!!

[Astro]

16 weeks on Sunday

Cross-posted to IVF Anyone, Feb2006 Mommas, Twin Mommies, and Pregnant after Infertility.

Hi all. I do not want to retype this as we've just been through the worst 12 hours in our lives. Here's the short story.

I started cramping Thursday evening. Bled a little (not much, but red blood) on Friday morning, went to the MAternal Fetal Specialist and they could find nothing wrong. The kids were moving around, their hearts were going strong, they measured on track. The specialist checked the placentas (all good) and my cervic (long, tight, closed). The cramping died down a bit as did the bleeding (old blood spots, not new blood). Saturday and Sunday I felt better.

Now's the bad part. About 10:30pm on Sunday, I strated getting very sharp difficult pains for 1-2 minutes every 3-10 minutes. We called the OB on call that night. He was to return our call in 20 minutes. Within that time, I went to the bathroom (felt a gush), and delivered the first baby in the toilet. The Dr called, we said we were on our way to emergency. He said he'd meet us there and we'd go directly to labor and delivery. The 2nd baby was born about 30 minutes later. We waited 3 hours for the placentas, but they never appeared. At about 4am, I was taken to surgery for a D&C.

The kids (two boys) were absolutely perfect (but stillborn). They measured correct and looked so good. We named them Steven Alexander and Ryan Philip. We're currently trying to work out the details for their cremation.

Please remove me from all lists EXCEPT the IVF Anyone board. I plan to return there eventually to try again. For now, my DH (that doesn't even come close to my feelings for him at this time) and I are going to concentrate on healing ourselves. I will probably be reading/lurking, and I wish you all the best.

thanks.

[Suzlywoozly]

Oh Astro, I am so sorry! I don't know what to even say except that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

[angelgirl8]

astro...i've been staring at the screen for about 5 minutes and i can't think of anything to say. i am so so sorry for the loss of your boys. i cannot even imagine your pain. my thoughts are with you and i'm sending all my love your way.

[sandybride]

Astro, oh my...I'm so sorry, I'm don't know what to say either except that I'm so sorry for your pain and loss. You are in my prayers. I'm sure that Steve Alexander and Ryan Philip will be watching over you as well.

[CapeCod04]

Astro - I am so sorry for your loss.

[AusMarchBride]

Astro I am so so sorry for the loss of your two boys, Steven Alexander and Ryan Philip. I can't begin to imagine what you are dealing with. I send you and your DH my love and support and to let you both know you are in my prayers.

[~queen~]

Astro I am so incredibly sorry about your loss of Ryan and Steven. May you and your DH find comfort in each other during this difficult time. My prayers are with you and your family.

[~queen~]

Sandybride: CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

[Sidsou]

Astro I'm so sorry! No idea what to say except tremendous <<<hugs>>> to you and your DH....

[Jad]

astro - I am so so sorry. I know that I can't even begin to fathom how devastating a loss this is. I hope you're getting the comfort you need -- from your DH and everyone else in your life. Many many ((((hugs)))) to you.

[kat]

Oh my God, Astro....I am so incredibly sorry. Like the others I cannot even begin to imagine the pain you must be going through right now. All our best to you and your DH though this terribly difficult time. Sending huge hugs that I wish could help you heal.....

[islandgirlsj]

Astro ~
I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm truely shocked, and it has taken me awhile before I was able to post a reply. :(
I can only imagine what you are going through, and I just want send my love to you and your husband.
Please take care of yourself.
(warm hugs)

[islandgirlsj]

Sandybride ~
Wow, great numbers for you! CONGRATULATIONS.

So much emotion going on right now here.
I'm just thinking about you all, and wishing you all the best!

[sandybride]

Astro, still thinking of you and hoping you are pulling through.

[islandgirlsj]

Calling AusMarchBride ~

Hun, I'm ready to hand over control.
This has become increasingly hard for me to hold onto, and while I want to stay in touch with everyone, I think it would be better taken care of by someone still very active here.
So... when you are ready, let me know how to help you make this transition, and I will do all I can.

[Jad]

Time for my weekly update. I am now one week from my baseline b/w and u/s. I've decided that the BCPs are my favorite part of the cycle. I know that I've gotten things started, so I don't feel quite that sense of "it'll never get here." But I'm not at the stressful part yet either -- the one where you constantly worry if it's going well enough and how many eggs and how many embies and all that. BCPs feel like progress but without the urgency of stims. So that's good. I'm sure by next Tuesday I'll be itching to get going.

The feeling good may also be a result of the fact that DH and I had a little vacay over the weekend -- thus my absence. I wish we'd done it sooner. No doubt we'll be planning a little get-away for post-beta of this cycle, too. And hopefully a more timely one.

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

sandy - A belated congrats!

island - Sorry you're feelin' sad, but don't be a stranger, 'k? We'd miss you. :)

kat - Looks like you found that avatar site. I'm likin' the toaster. :)

suzly - Monitoring starts soon, right? Hope you're doing well with the stims!

[amychris03]

Astro
I am so very sorry for your loss of Ryan and Steven. You and your
DH are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Suzlywoozly]

Jad- BCP's were my favorite part too... not as much stress :p! Hope you two had a nice time away.

Sandy - Any news on your repeat beta?

Started the follistim on Saturday. What a b!tch! I sat there for about 30 minutes trying to bring myself to do it and finally gave up. DH offered to try and as soon as I saw him raise the dang pen over his head and come at me with it, I freaked. So I got in the car and drove to the hospital to have my Mom give it to me. Thank god for Moms! The stick isn't so bad since she is so fast with it and has given a gazillion shots in her lifetime as a nurse. It's the after effects of the million bee stings that gets me. Now I have totally freaked myself out with doing the lupron too. I guess I will be seeing alot of my Mom in the next few weeks :rolleyes:. I'm such a wimp!

I go in tomorrow morning for a sono and E2. Not sure where we go from there... I'll find that out tomorrow. So overall, I am totally exhausted. I sleep like crap at night and then don't even want to get out of bed during the day. I have lost my appetite, which I am not sure has anything to do with the drugs, it might just be nerves. I can't believe ER is sometime next week :eek:. You guys weren't lying when you said it goes fast!

[Astro]

sandybride Congratulations on your pregnancy. :)
angelgirl8 Did you get your bloodwork back yet? Everything still ok with your thyroid?
islandgirlsj thank you so much for responding. My DH remembers you from the other boards and was touched that you thought of us during what you are going through. Please know that we're thinking of you and your DH a lot and hoping all goes well with you guys. :) (hope that didn't sound sappy, emotions are all over the place)
Jad Glad to hear you had a little vacation over the weekend. Those weekend trips can be real life-savers during all the IVF stuff.
suzlywoozly thanks for posting your follistim story. My DH and I laughed out loud after reading about it. It was a very much appreciated chuckle. Sorry to hear it was so traumatic for you, but we enjoyed it and recognized it as normal.
Everyone Hi everyone. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. They mean a lot to my DH and I.

We're doing better now... slowly, but better. The priest who married us is going to perform the boys ceremony next week, and we're incredibly thankful. He's very good, funny, sarcastic, and suprisingly comes from my DH's hometown. :) It was a strange connection we found when he married us. The ceremony will be at the church where we were married, and they have a place to bury the boys that's near a kids garden. All in all, it's brought us a lot of comfort to know the kids will be in our family church surrounded by kids playing around in a garden. We're also starting to remind each other of all the good memories and the boys personalities. It sounds odd, but we knew their personalities in-utero. Alex (first-born) was more reserved (didn't let us know he was a boy until birth). He was kicking back in my pelvis (DH says he was laying back pretending to be in a recliner). ;) Ryan was the extrovert. He's the one who was so excited to show us his goods last friday. They both liked to eat and drink, constantly increasing demands for chocolate milk. So that's how we're going to try to remember them. Our two little rascles. :) :)

The hospital and staff was amazing. Since the boys were born at 16 weeks, they don't "qualify" by state law to have death certificates and are borderline for miscarriage/still birth (still birth is considered 20 weeks). The staff referred to the boys as our kids and consider them to be still born babies. It's a "little difference" that is actually quite huge. The staff treated our boys as regular kids and helped us through the grieving. We have memory boxes of both boys that include foot prints and measuring tapes. They were each 8 inches long. The boxes include their little hats, ID bracelets, and photos.

I will be re-entering the IVF cycle in the next few months. I'm not ready yet to change my stats on the front page or to update here regularly, but I will in a while. In the meantime, please know that I read this board often and think of all of you.

thanks

Astro

[sandybride]

Hi ladies!

Astro - Wow, after going through such a horrifying experience, it must be wonderful to have such a show of support from the staff. Sounds like you have a great gift in your church community as well. I'm so glad for you. I liked reading about their personalities. Chin up. My prayers are with you.


Suzlywoozly, I too, enjoyed your story about the shots. I was completely freaked too...but I think the freaking out beforehand is actually worse than the shot itself. You'll be an old pro in no time. I'm at a point where I do the PIO shots without any ice beforehand...just go for it! I was a chicken when we started though! Try closing your eyes so you don't know when it's coming exactly...that's what I do sometimes. Hope you are ready for ER soon. Then it all starts to roll along super fast...until the 2WW!

my second beta was today. My HCG is now 344. So, my numbers are climbing steadily. I go back for more blood work on Thursday. Then my u/s will probably be next week. Can't wait to find out how many are in there!

[Suzlywoozly]

Astro - Glad you got a good laugh. I'm sure in twenty years when our kids are grown and have moved out, we will look back on it and laugh. I'm still thinking and praying for you guys.

Sandy - Great numbers!!! :D Yes, the 30 minutes of freaking out is a lot worse than the 5 seconds of the injections! I'm counting down the days that they are over!

[AusMarchBride]

Astro Much love still winging your way from downunder. It sounds like the hospital staff were very supportive. That kids' garden near your church sounds lovely, just the place for your boys to be. You sound amazing, I have such admiration for your strength and courage. May you and your DH find great comfort in each other and the support of your family and friends.

Sandybride Numbers are sounding great, is it sinking in yet ? :D

Suzly The panic before giving yourself the 1st shot is far worse than the actual shot, I promise. But I'm glad your Mum is able to do it for you if you're not ready. I'm sure your sono and bloodwork will go well. Try and get yourself some extra rest if you can, I know it's hard though what with the brain going at 100 mph. Yes, this part goes reasonably quickly, but the 2ww will make up for it :rolleyes:

amychris How are you doing?

Jad I'm so glad you had a nice break away with your DH. It's really important to do that after the end of a cycle I think, lets you process things too, whatever the result.

kat Probably a stupid question, but why are you a toaster :confused:

islandgirl Ready, willing and able to takeover threadmistress duties from you. Just email me (ausmarchbride@hotmail.com) and let me know what I need to know to update. I've never been a threadmistress before, oh the power (maniacal laughter can be heard in the background ;) )
I'm sorry that you are not able to continue but I completely understand your reasons and I hope you will continue to post here, your advice is invaluable.

If everyone is ok with it, we'll just continue on as we have been with you ladies putting your updates in red in your posts and I'll update as soon as I can. Won't be instant (cos I'm sleeping when you're all posting :) ) but should be within a day or two.

And if I've posted and not updated your stats, point it out to me cos I'm not real bright and I've probably missed it. (Nappy brain isn't helping much at the moment either :rolleyes: ).

[~queen~]

BFN

Please remove me from the roster.

[angelgirl8]

queen...i'm so so sorry. i wish i could say anything to ease your pain.

astro...you are an amazing person to remember my silly bloodwork. the endocrinologist called yesterday to say that the numbers are improving. she wants me to just do another panel with my obgyn in a month and that's it.

sandybride...congratulations! the second beta sounds wonderful.

suzly...dh did my shots for my injectibles cycle and first IVF, but if my mom was a nurse i so wouldn't have trusted DH. as it was, i barely did!

i did do my shots (except for PIO) for the 2nd IVF. the first shot took me about 10 minutes of looking at my belly, looking at the needle, looking at my belly, looking at the needle and so on, wondering how i would ever bring myself to do it. i eventually did and it did get easier after that. although i never was able to just do it...there was always a few seconds of convincing myself to do it!

jad...i hear you on the BCP part. for some reason, that part was like a nice holding pattern. no appointments, no worries, no numbers to contend with.

[Jad]

queen - I'm so so sorry. I've been thinking and hoping for you these last few weeks. I hope you find happiness in whatever path you may take to be a mommy. (((hugs)))

astro - I second Ann on the major admiration. And I'm so glad you're getting such good support. I hope it continues for as long as you need it. We'll welcome you back here when you're ready. (((hugs)))

suzly - I think my first shot took me at least 20 minutes, so you're not alone! As for your DH, he raised the needle over his head? Man! That would have freaked me out, too! I only let my DH do one of the sub-Q shots last time, and that was just so he'd have given at least one shot prior to the trigger. This time I know he's a pro, so I won't have him do any. I'm much better with him doing the IM shots because I don't have to watch. Have you done your own follistim yet? I did gonal-f, but it wasn't bad at all (after that first one, of course.)

sandy - Nice beta! What's your bet? One or two?

As for me, last night I had what may have been my first ever dream about having actually had a baby. Don't know why I don't dream about it more since I think about it constantly, but there you are. I know it doesn't really mean anything, but I'm going to take it as a good sign.

[kat]

queen, I'm so sorry. I wish there was something I could say to make you feel better - as it is, the best I can do is offer lots of cyberhugs.

Ann, I chose the "I am a Toaster" avatar for several reasons: first, it just cracked me up as being super-silly (I didn't do anything to it; it already said, "I am a toaster"); second, my sister and I have a long-running joke about toasters.....don't ask (it wouldn't translate well into text anyway); and finally, I am cooking two babies right now (and feel hot much of the time), so I thought it was appropriate. :)

Betcha didn't expect such a complicated, yet silly, answer, eh? ;)

Jad, you've never had a dream where you've had a baby? Now how bizarre is that -- *I*'ve had a dream that you've had a baby (and I'm sure I will again, during this 2ww). Pssst....start eating your pineapple core when you start the shots. It's on sale now at Jewel. :)

[mrselle]

Astro ((((hugs)))))

Sandybride, congratulations and hurray for the steadily rising betas!!!!

queen, (((hugs)))). My thoughts and prayers are with you.


~~~
AF arrived last Wednesday and she is STILL HERE. Relatively light, but still red bleeding. Not sure if this is normal after IVF or what, but I may call my RE’s office today just to see what they have to say. Anyone remember what AF was like after a cancelled transfer or failed IVF?

[islandgirlsj]

Mrsell ~
When I got mine, both times, it was extremely heavy for the first 2 days... like *REALLY* heavy, then it was light for a day or so. That was it.
It was weird.

My guess is that it is different for everyone, depending on what their levels were, what drugs they were on...etc.

I'm sorry that it has dragged on for this long though. Ugh. :(

Queen ~
I feel so sorry for you Hun. I'm sorry it didn't turn out better, and hope you will return to us when you are feeling stronger. Take care of yourself.
(hugs)

[CapeCod04]

I'm probably going to miss someone with S/Os - but I'll give it a shot.

Queen - I'm sorry to hear your news.

Astro - I'm so glad you have wonderful people helping you to heal.

Sandy - wow - great numbers!

Mrselle - AF arrived Saturday night for me post failed IVF. She's pretty much gone now. I started back on BCP last night.

suzly - when I first started the shots - I would have to gear myself up and then I would look at my belly for a minute or two then just do it. And it was never as bad as I anticipated it would be. Heck - I even started to be okay with the PIO shots.

~~~

As for me - it's been a tough few days. I may have posted somewhere before that my husband is a NYC firefighter. I went up to the Cape to visit my mom for Labor Day. He stayed behind because he had to work. Late Sunday night - like 11:30 - he called to tell me that he was leaving for New Orleans at 3 am. The FDNY was sending 300 guys down to help the New Orleans Fire Dept. I knew that he would go if asked - just didn't expect it so soon. There was no way I could get home to say goodbye before he left. So - I've done my fair share of crying the last few days. I am incredibly proud of him, but also a little scared. He's down there for two weeks.
So now - this afternoon - I go to meet with our RE to talk about what's next! I figure that the stress of DH being gone will be over before I'm starting to stim - so it shouldn't interfere with the cycle. Hopefully we'll just jump right back in and have a truly positive result this time - not the "maybe pregnant" of last cycle.

[Suzlywoozly]

Just got back from the dr. After 4 days of the Follistim, I have 11 follies on the left and 8 on the right plus a whole bunch of little ones that she didn't measure. The largest is at 16 and the smallest is at 8. The nurse said they would call me this afternoon to tell me what dose of follistim to use now. I am assuming that they are going to reduce it. So what is normal to have after 4 days of stims?


Queen - I'm sorry!

Cape - That is very brave of your husband! I say a prayer that he is safe and returns home quickly!

Jad - I almost wish I had a picture of DH raising it over his head! I'm lucky I was able to grab his arm before he poked me. No, I haven't been able to work myself up to do the Follistim yet. After my traumatic incident with DH on Saturday, I don't think I will ever be able to do that one. I hope your dream is a good indication of what is to come :D

Angel - I don't think I will ever be able to just do it either! How are those babies?!?

AusMarchBride - I'll be back later to update my stats. Thanks for taking over!

[angelgirl8]

suzly...do you mean, how many follicles and what size are normal for 4 days of stims or what dose of follistim? sounds like you're responding well!

capecod...i'm sorry DH had to go down to NO just when you need him. you are one brave family. and your DH is one of the people who keep me safe here in NYC, so thank you for sharing him with the city!

jad...i never had pregnancy/baby dreams. always thought i would, but i never did!

[amychris03]

Queen
I'm so sorry. ((hugs))

Astro
What an amazing attitude you have. Im so glad that you were
able to get the Priest that married you to do the service, it sounds
like it will be very nice.

CapeCod04
How'd your appointment with the RE go? WIll you be on the same
protocol this cycle?

Suzlywoozly
So you will have some mother/daughter bonding huh? ;) How was
your ultrasound today?

Jad
Enjoy the low-stress period of the cycle :) Im glad you and DH
were able to do a weekend getaway!

---
Well Ann made me realize that ive been MIA lately. I started
back to work, and I have to say, it is EXHAUSTING. Not that Im even
doing *that* much at this point in the year, but just being awake and
on my feet 8 hours is not fun! The good news is that I will most likely
quit at the end of October. It is now fairly likely that we will be
moving in November, though we wont find out WHERE until Oct. 31st :eek:.

As for the baby, things are going well. Ive been less gaggy this last
week, which is wonderful. I have my very last Progesterone shot
next week, and the size issue has seemed to resolve itself. In fact,
at my 10w appointment with my OB, I was measuring a week ahead,
so all seems good. The dr did a 3D ultrasound (he's training so he just
threw it in as a freebie) and it was so cool! :D That's about it!

ETA: oh yeah, I do totally have a belly already. 2 nurses
at my RE office have commented on it but say that Im so tiny, it
has no where to go but out. Its a bit ridiculous.

[mrselle]

Suzlywoozly, I'm not sure what is "normal" after four days of stims, but like angelgirl8 said, you seem to be responding very well. After 7 days of stims I had around 18 measurable follicles and several tiny follicles. More than likely they will cut back your follistim so you won't be at risk for OHSS.

[Suzlywoozly]

Angel - I meant how many follicles and what size are normal on day 4. Sorry, I guess I wasn't very clear on that one :)

amychris - It's a little too much bonding. I love the chick, but she drives me up the wall and seeing her everyday just confirms that for me. I know I should just be grateful that she is there to give the injections. Maybe I will invest in some earplugs :D

[amychris03]

See, I cant keep up, two people posted while I was writing my last
post!

Suzly I had about that many follies on Day four, but they
were a heck of a lot smaller. I think they were around 6-8 at
that point? It may be that you are just a fast responder though,
I remember Jad didn't have to stim for very long at all...

[Jad]

We *are* chatty today, aren't we?

suzly - I didn't get #'s for the first scan, but after six days of stims, my largest follie was already at 18. So I was probably about where you are after four days. It's a little faster than "average" but still "normal." Doin' good!

amychris - Hey, stranger! How've you been? So you find out where you moving, what, like the day beforehand? How stressful! I'll keep my fingers crossed for somewhere good!

angel - Glad to hear I'm not *totally* wierd. ;)

kat - I'm still around 10 days out, so hopefully the pineapple will stay on sale. :)

mrselle - I think my AF was more like island's. Only about three days, but pretty heavy.

cape - Hope you had a good appt!

[sandybride]

Hi ladies!

Queen - I am so sorry! Hugs going out to you!

Capecod- sorry to hear you couldn't say goodbye to DH. He must be very brave. And you have reason to be proud of him because he's doing a wonderful thing. My DH's law firm is offering to sponser anyone who wants to volunteer for the red cross for 30 days. He's already requested to go but it has to be approved by the firm...etc...etc. I don't know if they will let him go because his department is pretty small. Even though I don't like the idea of him leaving, I think it's an incredibly sefless act and I want to be supportive. I hope all goes well for your DH when he goes down.


I want to do more SO's ladies but I'm so EXHAUSTED. I'm a teacher. School started back up and the students were in for their first day today. I'm wiped out! I have a private student coming in at 7 pm. I think I need a nap before she gets here. Making a little human being is hard work!

[CapeCod04]

Well the appointment with the RE went well. The only issue is that I have a business trip where I'll be leaving 10/10 & returning 10/11. If things go like they did last cycle, we would be looking at a transfer on 10/10. So - he's going to look at leaving me on BCP a little longer or else I would wait a month. They are looking at doing a slightly different protocol - adding hcg to the daily shot mix. All in all, it went well.

Then I came home and had a meltdown. It started over a stupid fantasy football league draft that won't let me in - but it's really the stress of DH being in New Orleans. Maybe waiting a month on the IVF wouldn't be such a bad thing.

[Bastille]

Is anyone cycling with SIRM and in particular with Dr. Sher? I had a phone consult with him and was really excited to hear some of his thoughts on Estrogen Priming and antagonist protocols which are supposedly good for poor responders and "mature" woman. (I had an IVF cycle with Zouves in July which was cancelled due to poor response - Sher's protocol is totally different than Zouves') I'd love to hear about your experiences as I am SF, CA and if I want to cycle with Sher it is in New York. Thanks for your help.

[angelgirl8]

suzly...i was never really given full information on the follicle numbers and size early on, but i found my protocol and this is what i have:

after 5 days of stims: biggest is 10mm
after 7 days of stims: 7 follicles on right (biggest approx 11mm); 13 on left (biggest approx 12mm).

they were always worried that my follicles were too small, just for reference!

bastille...i didn't cycle at SIRM but i've heard really good things about them. there are many women on ivfconnections.com on the NY board that have cycled there and with dr. sher, so i think that's a good place to get some opinions and information!

[Suzlywoozly]

Angel - Hey thanks for the info! It gives me something to compare to.

Our case nurse call yesterday afternoon. She wants us to stay at 225 Iu of the Follistim and 5 Iu of lupron. I go in tomorrow morning for another sono & E2 and then meet with the RE for a pre-op visit. I was beginning to wonder when the heck I was going to actually see the guy since the last time was at our re-consult. So, they are looking at Tuesday for the ER. I finally have my first bruise, a big fat black and blue mark. DH calls it my war wounds :rolleyes:.

Hope everyone else is doing good :)

[Sidsou]

Hi all!

I'm officially back. I started the BCP today. I'm nervous/excited/anxious about starting IVF again. I'm still waiting to hear what my protocal will be this time around since my FSH numbers are a bit high. I know regardless, I'll have a few weeks of the BCP before things really get started. Whoever thought I'd be so anxious to start giving myself shots...

[Jad]

Hi, sidsou! Welcome back! And hooray for starting the BCPs. We can't wait for you to start giving yourself shots either. :D

Ann, my friend. Can you change my stats? I am now 34. :eek: Also we should add IVF #2: September/October 2005. Or something along those lines. Thank you, thank you!

cape - I know when my first cycle failed, at first I wanted to go again right away. But I ended up taking a month off and it was unquestionably the right thing to do for me -- both mentally and physically. I feel like I'm approaching this second cycle from a much better place than I would have been otherwise. All that is to say that there's nothing wrong with deciding to take this month off if it feels like the best thing to you.

suzly - Good luck at today's appt. Hope everything is growing nicely!

Bastille - Sorry I'm no help! Hopefully angel's recs will get you some good firsthand experiences. Regardless, new protocols are exciting! And I suppose there are worse places to cycle than New York.

[Suzlywoozly]

Just got back from the sono... 11 follicles on each side. They think the ER will be on Monday now. I go back tomorrow for another sono. I am not a happy camper though... I was told I was going to see my RE for the pre-op visit so that put my mind at ease a little bit. I get there this morning and they tell me it's going to be with this female RE, who I hear is a real b*tch. Everything I have heard is defintely correct! First she tells me I can't do an ER because of my seizures. Hello, I just spent $13,000 and now you are going to tell me this, especially after my RE and I discussed this at great lengths. Then she tells me that the seizure meds I am on are not safe for pregancy, which is crap because I had done extensive research on this before we even considered IVF. Then she wants me to sign a consent form for selective reduction. I can totally understand that, but she wants me to say I give permission for them to transfer more than 2 embryos and if I become pg with more than twins I am bound to do selective reduction. This is something else I had already discussed with my RE. I told her it is my decision that I don't want more than two embryos transfered and whether or not we do selective reduction (unless under certain circumstances) and she gets ticked off at me and rolls her eyes. I just can't get over the nerve of this chick. I hope this isn't an indication of how the ER/ET is going to go! I will totally freak if I have to see her again! Sorry for the long rant... the hormones may be getting to me finally! :mad:

Sidsou- That's great news about getting things started!

AusMarchBride- - Here are my updated stats! Thanks!
Suzlywoozly
Me: Sue (28)
DH: Jeff (31)
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 my left ovary/fallopian tube to adhere to my uterus
02/05-04/05: Two additional clomid cycles with failed IUIs
06/05: Pregnant on an unmedicated cycle and miscarried
8/05 IVF #1 - 8/25 Beginning Stims
9/05 - ER/ET week of Septmber 12th

[islandgirlsj]

Just wanted JAD and Suzlywoozly to know that I updated your stats.
AusMarchBride has not taken over yet, and when she does, a new thread will be started. That is the only way to change moditors, which I personally think
stinks. I wish there was an easier way.
We will be transfering data over though and link back to this one when we get going.

Suzlywoozly ~ Wow, you have come up so fast! Your numbers are looking great, and soon you are going to be in the home stretch! ;)

Sidsou ~ Welcome back, and I'll keep my fingers crossed for you this round! ;)

[Suzlywoozly]

Oh, thanks islandgirlsj! I didn't realize she had not taken over yet since she asked us to post our new stats. Yes, I hope I am in the home stretch soon! I can't stand another injection in my stomach! Hope you are doing well :)

[AusMarchBride]

Hi ladies, sorry have had pc issues for a couple of days so was not able to get on.

Thanks to the wonderful islandgirl for updating you guys here.

I've started the new thread, if we're all ready to post over there it's good to go. Please disregard the thread heading that it is closed, the thread title can only be changed by a moderator.

Then islandgirl can close this thread off and post a link to the new one in here as the last post.

New thread is here IVF Anyone Part Two (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?p=177000#post177000)

See you on the flipside :D

[islandgirlsj]

Thread has moved Here (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?p=177000#post177000)

Wishing everyone the best of luck!