3 MC's. Starting IVF & PGD, any advice?

Oh stop that, Cuddlepie. You're giving me a big head! ;) Another thing I mean't to add about the value of this thread is that we are mostly of a simliar agegroup. So I imagine we will really be able to look at how we each go and have realistic ideas of follicle counts, fertilisation rates, PGD stats, etc. That is where things will get really interesting.

Oh that's another point (age group) I had in my head but got too excited and forgot to put in the post, :goodone:stop that WTP you beat me again...:lol: I guess there will be a lot happening in this thread before Xmas, I am excited. :leap:

About writing down everything, maybe also an age group thing, we are pedantic and thorough and I am proud of it. I also found that our thinking are very similar too, rational and reluctant to leave anything to chance... can't afford to...:D

Thanks everyone for your best wishes, this is indeed a great thread. I have posted in a few others and not had the response or support I have received from you guys. Having an U/S and blood test on Friday to see how I have responded to the Synarel so will keep you posted.

Happy dance for finding you all :dance:

Also think it's a great thread, WTH you've done us all a huge favour by starting it :clap:
Feeling so much better about the whole IVF experience knowing I have some great ladies to share it with.

Lisa, I am really sorry to hear that you haven't found much support in other threads, a support group I came across when my loss happened is A Heartbreaking Choice they also have forums about fertility but there is not much about IVF since it's mainly a american site. 11 Follicles sounds great hope things keep going so well.

Cuddlepie, thanks for your thoughts on this, yes, will check if my FS can do the procedure, will let you know when I get her reply on my email, let's see what she thinks about doing it straight away.

Meredith, good to hear you're feeling a bit better, keeping fingers crossed that things are working out for you.

Hoping for some good Christmas news for all of us! :pink-babydust:

Sara

Morning ladies,

I have responded well to the Synarel, now have 20 folicles all around 2 and 3mm. So will start jabbing soon. How exciting.

Lisa, 20 follicles that's great :bluecheer:

Cuddlepie just wanted to wish you good luck for your appointment.

Finally it's Friday, have a good weekend everyone :)

Sara

Lisa, 20 follicles sound great, good luck with the jabbing. :D

Thanks Sara for remembering my appointment today...I am now back with more information and felt a bit overwhelmed...

The consultation went really well and covered lots of topics we are interested, he was really thorough and explained in great details on our questions, such as DH's SCSA result, my m/c (Trisomy 22), he also brought a few good points which before we weren't very clear on and also discussed our strategy for the next cycle, either IVF, ICSI or even possibility with PGD.

A few points I thought it is very interesting to share:
1. Sperm DNA damage can be repaired by egg. If the egg's energy is strong, even sperm DNA damage exists, this sometimes can be repaired. However, this might happen more with younger women under 30. So I was making jokes with DH that with my glaring age, my eggs really don't have much energy to repair his DNA. He'd better taken up Vitamins to fix it

Encouragingly, he said SCSA result can be improved and Menevit has been doing very good marketings, but simply taking Vit C, E and folate will have same result.

2. View on ICSI & PICSI:
He seems still incline to go with IVF rather than ICSI due to the procedure can also cause fragmentation and damage egg structure and we don't have fertilization issues. With PICSI, he said that there is no concrete research to prove that this will improve DNA damaged sperm and seems have some reservation on if there will be any effect of the magnetic light cause any further damage on sperms. Plus the light is only to pick matured sperms, however, mature sperm may have more protection but not necessarily have less DNA damage.

3. Testicular sperm extraction
He doesn't think we need to go through this, this is normally for people whose result is very high (ie. 70%+
)

One thing he said although we don't know for sure, my m/c (Trisomy 22) is more likely caused by egg structure than sperm DNA though. That's when we start to discuss the possibility of PGD. But we will decide when we meet next time. I have search that this is the second common cause for chromosomal abnormality m/s and it is very rare to happen again. What's your view on this guys? With 1 m/c, am I jumping the gun to go down PGD road?

So the next step for us is, DH is to do another SCSA test (with ejaculation daily till the night before - I call it 'frequent flyer' program :D) on 7th November to check out his level and hopefully we see some improvement, and me to have an u/s between D6-10 this cycle. We then see him again on 20th November depends on the tests result to decide what to do. To me, that's a very logical way to approach and I am all for it.

It was a long consultation and both DH and I felt that there are a lot of new information coming through which have never been explained to us before and seems his thinking and logic is very much along the same line with us, so we are very happy to start the next cycle with him. Although we don't know exactly what the plan is until next appt. we know we can fit in 1 cycle before Xmas.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend starting now...:D

sorry posted in wrong thread..

WTH - yes, thankyou for starting this thread. Its nice to find a group to "belong" to. Hope all is going ok in your TWW. Those pregnyl shots really do mess with your head eh? I requested not to take them unless really indicated by progesterone levels. Rarely did need them. Hopefully, you won't even need to chat to us about PGD - you might just have a sticker already!

Lisa- All sounds good in there. When is your next scan?

CP - great news that your appt went so well. It is sure to help you no end, not only medically but also mentally to go into your next cycle with someone you trust.
As for PGD or not, well....? Logically, 1 trisomy m/c is well within the realms of "normal" and may never happen again so PGD may be an unnecessary expense. On the other hand, when you have difficulty concieving and the memory of loss, it may provide some comfort to at least try and avoid another loss. Although I have lost 6 babies, only 1 has been confirmed with a genetic fault (trisomy 15). However, I have lost far to many to leave anything to chance and statistics. My next cycle I have named the "no regrets" cycle. I want to do EVERYTHING I can do to not only get pg but avoid another loss. Hence, we will be doing IVF/PGD plus the various drugs to be added for possible immune causes of m/c. Realistically, if you have to go the iVF path anyway, adding PGD becomes mostly a question of money and how much you are prepared to spend.

AFM - I think it is higly unlikely I am pg this cycle. Only 7 dpo but having bad AF-like cramps. I have been pg enough times to know it is not a sign of pg for me. Would mean a very short luteal phase but I am not to suprised or concerned. The last time I ovulated on my own (almost 3yrs ago!!) it wasn't a "normal" cycle and AF came very early. I am really fine with this as i wasn't that keen on being pg without all my meds, the PGD etc. Much easier to deal with a delay in falling pg than the hell of losing another baby. I am strangely hoping AF turns up soon so i can go on the pill for 2-3 weeks until we are back from holiday and start IVF ASAP!

Wow Cuddlepie, that sounds like it was a very good move for you to change FS, he seems to make a lot of sense and it's really good to go to someone who explains things well and is on the same wavelength.

I'll keep fingers crossed that the frequent flyer brings an improvement, for my DP it brought his result down from 31 to 28 and yours has taken the Menevit as well so hopefully that's going to help.

Meredith hoping things turn out well for you.

WTH how are you holding up with TWW?

Sara

Meredith, I know you probably feel a bit down at the moment I have to agree with you that you don't want another heartache. It seems to me that having AF now and relax on your holiday and come back with all your positivity to start fresh is so much better option. I think 2009 (Year of the Ox) will be a much better year for all of us.

WTH, hope you are going well with your TWW and thinking of you.

Sara, thanks for the kind words, fingers crossed for the result.

Meredith, your logic on PGD seems to speak my mind..this morning DH and I were discussing the options, it will be too devastating after all these years and to discover sth wrong later in the pregnancy (such as down Sym. etc) we can't imagine what we will do if to be put in that kind of situation.

So just want to ask, how expensive is this PGD business? As much as our view on TTC so far is 'money is not an object', we don't have a money tree growing at the backyard. Also there may well be a 'no-embryos-left after PGD' scenario to deal with right? As much as I know FS's view on this is 'if it can not survive the PGD, it won't be viable anyway', it will be pretty hard to swallow after all the injections/EPU on our ladies' part.

Another question I have is PGD seems to eliminate the risks at the early stage (although not absolutely everything), does this translate that later in the pregnancy when we normally need to do CVS/NT scan stage, our chance of having a viable baby would be much higher as oppose to 'no PGD' process? This would also contribute to my decision whether to go down this path or not. As I think I am already a nervous wreck even just to think about those tests and I am not even pregnant yet. I don't think I can deal with the stress so far down in the pregnancy. I would rather to have peace of mind (or at least a little bit of reassurance) upfront. Does that make sense?

Cuddlepie - Wow. Your appointment sounds like time well invested :D Whether to do PGD is completely up to you. But if you want my two cents worth I am with Meredith on that option. If you are already going ahead with IVF, it is just a little extra in the scheme of things. And Trisomy 22 is one of the ones they check for because it (along with Trisomy 16) are common for recurrent MC. Typically yes, women have maybe one MC and their risk in the next PG is no greater than before the MC. I was told even after two losses I was "very unlucky". Now I've had three. I've had enough.

Redlady - thanks for thinking of me. I am doing well. Am often forgetting I am even in the 2WW because I am so focussed about starting my short cycle when AF arrives...

Meredith - "hi" hon. I feel the same way as you about being PG this cycle. I so want to be but would rather it was with the reassurance of PGD. Where are you going on holiday?

LisaK - you are an absolute champion. My what a fertile little bunny, you are! :clap:

AFM - I am 10dpo. Still feeling the what are probably trigger-induced, PG-like symptoms (tired, blocked nose in the morning, occasional light headedness). AF is due maybe Thursday/Friday. If no AF by Friday AM I will do a BT. Believe it or not I feel ok (today anyway) about not being UTD. With my history I would feel better having done the whole PGD thing, though who knows how that will go IYKWIM.

CP - Prices for PGD will obviously vary clinic to clinic but at MOnash IVF in Melb the PGD component ( aside from IVF) is just over $2000 and NO medicare rebate at all. All up, including the IVF, I think we will be OOP around $3-4000. Its a large sum up front although obviously just a drop in the ocean if it actually results in a live child. At this stage, my DH has only agreed to do it once so I will feel a lot of pressure to get success. The chance of having no normal embies left to transfer TERRIFIES me!
As for the risks in an ensuing pg.... well ,in theory, the risk of the baby having one of the "tested" genetic abnormalities should be quite slim. For example, trisomy 21 (down's) is tested for so you stand a very high chance that the baby will NOT have downs, thus NT scan should be far less stressful! PGD can only test for a very limited no. of genetic faults so there is certainly no guarrantee that the child will be "normal" - might just have some other disease that they didn't test for. My theory is that you can only do what you can do. i like the idea of at least trying to minimise the chances of the most common disorders. there is not much anyone can do to avoid anything else!
HTHs!!'

WTH - hang in there! Hoping you do get a BFP this time but totally understand the anxiety that this will bring.
I am defnitely not pg - AF turned up today along with its full force of pain! Very, very early since wasn't due until thurs/fri but I am actually quite pleased to see her. gets the anxiety over with and now i can just focus on the IVF cycle in a few weeks. I really do feel much more comfortable with how things have worked out so we can stick with"plan A"

We are off to Airlie beach on tues so will be off line until we return at the end of the following week.
GL for anyone starting cycles before this

Hi Meredith,

Sorry to hear that AF arrived but agree with you that it's probaby to the best, hope you have relaxing holiday in Airlie Beach.

Cuddlepie - I would go with whatever you FS suggests with the PGD - he seems to make sense. One point is that you need to go through ICSI ( PICSI) when you do PGD as they want to make sure there is only one sperm. About costs - for us at SIVF it was $1000 for the Mark-up with no Medicare Rebate (we only test for my genetic condition), this is a one-off cost. I am not sure but guess the whole cycle things also costs more but would be covered by Medicare Safety -Net.

Just was wondering has any of you any tips on where to by the Lycrin in Sydney - lost the list SIVF gave me (will ask them for it again) and was just asking my local pharmacy which obviously wasn't the right place - he said depending on what type it is it costs between $450 and >$1000, I knew it was expensive but was expecting $200 to $300.

Sara

Yikes! Red lady, I know each clinic does things differently, but I got mine through my clinic and only paid $150 for it. It wasn't so long ago that prices should have gone up that much!

I would think that you clinic would have some idea of which pharmacies are cheaper so ask about that too when you pick up the list.

I still watch all of you and wish you every success.

BW

Red lady - ring SIVF for the location. Most chemists can order it in but you have to wait. The chemist here (Illawarra) charges about $240 by memory for 5mls. It recently went up.

BW - nice to have yo pop in :D

Meredith - Glad things are sitting with you nicely. Not long to go until you start your cycle...

AFM - my HCG symptoms have completely disappeared. I just have slightly sore boobs. I am 12dpo and normally have cracker headaches at this time if I am UTD. So I expect AF to knock on the door around Thursday and then to start the short cycle this Friday. Bring it on....

Sara, the two chemists on Macquarie street in the city will stock Lucrin most times. You can also call them to check before you go. The other place is the pharmercist on Victoria road in Drummyone. the price is around $200. SIVF nurses can also check the locations if you ask them.

Thanks guys for answering my question. I am only just get myself familiarize with the PGD concept so there are a lot to take in. But I think I will wait until my next appt to see what FS suggests...

Meredith, kind of glad that AF came so you can get on to the next cycle quicker, enjoy your holiday and will see you nice and fresh when you are back...

WTH, you sounds quite positive, its nice to have the next cycle to focus on isn't it? Hope AF will turn up as you expected and can start the short cycle soon....

Have a good week everyone!

Cuddlepie - It sounds like a very informative session you had, isn't it wonderful to finally have some information. We are doing PGD, we are with Monash IVF and they charge $2100 on top of all the other $'s. For us it will be worth every last cent as I couldn't go through a late term termination again. It sucks that Medicare don't cover any of the PGD as I believe the cost to the health system associated with a special needs child would be far greater than covering maybe $1000 of PGD.

When I spoke to the scientist at Monash she said that a CVS/Amnio would still be a good idea but just precautionary. As they keep telling me no test is 100%, but the 98% they are offering is pretty damn good. Jabbing was a peice of cake, the nasal spray is worse.

Meredith: Next scan is this Friday so fingers crossed for continued success. Hope you have a wonderful holiday, I had my honeymoon at Airlie 2 years ago in October and we had an amazing time.

Wheres The Hope: I am quite surprised at my fertileness (?) not bad for an old bunny.

Have a great week girls
59 sleeps to Christmas......:dance: