First Time IVF at 49 years old

[Sonia321]

Hi Everyone.

Well I'm not sure what to write or know if will make sense.

Myself and my partner have been trying to conceive for some years now. Finally we are stable financially to go ahead with our IVF plans for one cycle. We tried before but we just didn't have the money.

I know a fair amount about the IVF/ICSI procedures as I have been studying them on and off for years! But now I am part of it, I'm so nervous.

I am taking my DHEA tablets along with several good herbal tablets. Although not supa dupa fit, I exercise as often as I can; my diet consists of good wholesome food with plenty of vegetables. My biggest downfall is sweets/chocolates/biscuits. I have managed to reduce the intake though. I have a physically demanding job so need to keep on top of my fitness. I don't drink or smoke.

My partner has good sperm, not sure how to put all the figures on here. I am already aware of my age, quality of eggs etc but we are not using a donor egg. One reason is that it would take too long to find anyone with my ethnicity. If we conceive this will be my first child.

I am doing the Long Down Regulation Agonist Treatment Cycle with IVFAustralia.

So I'd be grateful for any tips, advice, constructive criticism.

Thanks very much


p.s. I am about to start my Synarel sniffing tonight.

[Muppity]

Hi Sonia
Having fun sniffing? Not fun is it!
Sounds like you are doing all the right things. The only thing I might add is that I found acupuncture excellent - I'm not sure where you are (on my phone) but some people coins probably recommend an accupuncturist near you.

Best of luck

[Sonia321]

Hi Muppity

Acupuncture. I have thought of doing this but have a pathetic fear of needles.

Not sure exactly how I am going to manage self-injecting. Hoping my partner will be able to do it.

I live in the Chatswood area, so any good recommendations will be considered re accupuncture.

Thanks so much for the hello.

[Miss.B]

Hi Sonia and welcome to belly belly! It's a fantastic place to meet people in similar situations and get the much needed support. I've done 2 cycles of IVF, and have had a/c before as well, and I can tell you the needles in a/c are so fine, you can hardly see them let alone feel them! You're already going to be jabbibing away or be jabbed, so I think you'd find a/c needles a breeze. Wishing you every success in your cycle!

[Sonia321]

Thanks for that Miss.B

I've just taken my first sniff! Not sure if done it correctly but did taste a bit icky at back of throat. Both nostrils thoroughly blocked up now! Waiting to take drink some juice.

[Aussiegirl777]

Hi Sonia, Just wanted to stop by and wish you all the luck in your journey.

Also my Sister did IVF and she had a HUGE fear of needles! She doesn't anymore She also ended up doing regular accupuncture and I know she would definately reccomend it in conjuction with IVF.

Hope all goes well for you.

[Pholi]

Hi Sonia,

Just wanted to wish you the best of luck, and make sure you know there are several specific Assisted Conception chat threads where you'll find other girls going through the same kind of things here

Here, have some

[ferrals5]

Hi there is an older womens trying to concieve group in the Conception-TTC Buddies group under Conception and general disscussion they are awesome ladies in there and few are pregnant some still trying and some on IVF check it out the encourage ment from them is fantastic.

Good luck.

[MummaSue]

Just wanted to wish you luck in your IVF journey!

[Sonia321]

Hi
Just to update. I am taking my synarel sprays and so far no problems. But tonight my stomach feels crampy like I've started my period. Keep checking myself, as I know that I would be way too early.

If I am, not sure what to do apart from contacting the nurses.

Thank you to MummaSue, ferrals5, Pholi and Aussiegirl777.

I'd love to get a recommendation for Chatswood or even Northern Beaches for an acupuncturist.

[MummaSue]

Ah, the whole IVF cycle is a complete mind &^%&. Cramps and hot sweats were my main symptoms when I was sniffing the synarel. Also, just not feeling myself, like feeling really upset and agitated. It all went away when I stopped sniffing.

Always contact your clinic if you're unsure or need reassurance about anything.

[Pholi]

What CD were you on when you started the synarel, and what day are you now? I started synarel on CD21 of the previous cycle to my stim cycle, and my period came about 10 days after starting it, on CD31, which was pretty normal for my cycles. (That was the last 'normal' thing that happened!) I had headaches, no cramps, but I understand some ladies get crampy, too. If you're on a similar schedule, you period would be due in a few days anyway, wouldn't it?

I'm with MummaSue, give your clinic nurses a ring today, and see what they have to say. Don't go for days torturing yourself with worry, there's enough stress in this process without stressing about things can can probably be easily explained and understood.

Re the acupuncture, I'm afraid if the ladies who have responded here don't know, you'll have to post it as a specific thread elsewhere (the AC forum, or in general conception, maybe?) or introduce your self in the AC chat thread and ask the ladies there.