IVF with PGD # 11

Oh yay Elarwood! You are PUPO! Did you trf both embys?

Oh and I totally wrote my last comment wrong ha sorry...I meant to say 'praying' that we have one emby to trf and one to freeze.....no news yet on results xx

We did transfer both. DH went white as a ghost when we heard both had been upgraded. He's very concerned about twins, but I'd be happy for one or two at this stage. FS it doesn't guarantee a pregnancy, and I am a little concern about the low progesterone & praying that it goes up by Monday.

Oh I thought that was very quick for results. I now see the little praying icon. I'm praying you have at least 2 normals, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!

Yeah Elarwood! After all your dramas you certainly deserve this. Good luck with the tww! Hoping your prog levels improve. Must have been pretty daunting putting both embies back. I have heard that putting 2 back can increase your chances. Wishing you the very best xx

Good luck tomorrow Penny! We only get our results back a few hours before transfer. Last one I was literally driving down the freeway when they called to give us the results. Not sure how I would have handled it had they told me we didn't get any to transfer. I'm pretty sure from the 8 that you will get at least a couple of normals :)

AFM scan this morning showed nothing new. They are at least growing which is nice to know. Will have another scan on Monday. I suggested that we could maybe take these ones to freeze and pool with what we get from another cycle possibly in Jan. No guarantee that if we cancel this cycle & go again that it will be any better. Unfortunately it may also come down to money which I just hate. I know I should be grateful for my little treasure but it doesn't make me feel any better when this yearning for another is so great. Time will tell I suppose!

Ladies!! Can you believe that out of 8 embys we only had one normal?? So I am now PUPO! Yaaaay. I'm so glad we got this testing as we had a few embys which were at the morula stage but were abnormal so imagine if we had trfd them!!

Gosh so so nervous for the next week and a bit. Do you ladies have any tips or suggestions?

Penny...congrats on being pupo!!! Did they say what the others were abnormal for? Just wondering.

I know it is much easier said than done but you just have to try & relax during the tww & not read into every little twinge that you might feel. Try to keep as busy as you can as I find it is when I am just sitting around, my mind starts to wander & it will just do your head in. But at the same time don't over do it. Drink plenty too!

Stay positive...good luck to both yourself & elarwood xxx

Thank you so much Joe! I'm definitely trying to relax. I just can't believe all this has happened and now I have a blast in my uterus ha it's so surreal.

I tried to have a quick look at the sheet the FS had and there was a whole range of things. All I can remember seeing was trisomy something, X something, and I can't remember anything else. I didn't even think to ask to tell you the truth, I was just so relieved that we had one normal one. I think the emby was a 6BB if that means anything to you??

Glad to hear your follis are growing and yes the money side does suck big time. I don't think we will be able to afford to do another cycle if this one fails. Can you imagine trying again naturally? I'll probably have to go through a few more mcs to get a genetically normal emby :(

Penny, Yay for a normal embryo!! I'm surprised there was only 1, but 1 is better than none & you have very good chance it will work. You may have saved yourself a few frozen cycles which could add up to PGD cost anyway. I agree with what Joe said about TWW about having a balance between keeping busy & resting up. It's the most agonizing wait. What date is your beta? I find the first week okay, it's the second week that is hell. I didn't find out much about my abnormals, but most were either missing one chromosome or had an extra rather than lots of things wrong. Did any of your abnormals make it to blastocyst?

Joe - so you're continuing your cycle? Glad to hear they are growing well. It sucks that it comes down to finances, such an expensive process. Big decision to make. Will you do testing if you only get the 3 & don't do another cycle? As you know, another cycle is less than cost as the PGD!

A friend of mine who is 41 just got 3 eggs from her cycle, however none fertilized. Main reason was they were supp to do icsi & the clinic did IVF. She's fuming as she paid for the icsi as they have MFI. How can the clinic stuff that up!

I've upped my progesterone to 5x a day - 3x 400mg pessaries & 2x2 crinone (left over from all the stim cycles I have). I find the crinone works better. Also did pregnyl today so hoping my progesterone levels have improved on Monday.

Surely with all that added progesterone support this one won't have a choice but to stick elarwood! :)

Penny as elarwood said considering this blastie tested normal & you know you can get pregnant your choices should be pretty high of this one being a keeper. A 6BB is pretty good grading from what I've heard. :)

I'm thinking that we will continue with this cycle & pool with another one. I don't think it would be good to just test these 3 alone. I haven't had good odds before but hoping that the dhea has helped make healthier eggies which will help. Can't try au natural (or more so don't want to take the chance) as DP has dominate hereditary genetic disorder (Huntington's) which is kind of a mix of MS, Parkinsons & alzheimers all rolled into one. He will eventually become a vegetable & we have both decided that we would never have children & knowingly pass it on. It was one of the first pgd tests developed so we know it is very robust & accurate. Just trying to get another unaffected embie is proving very elusive!

6BB is an excellent grading Penny. And knowing it is chromosomally normal, it's a very good chance!

Joe, I'm happy you are going ahead with another cycle to pool them together for testing. It's not worth testing 3 embryos. I'm so sorry to hear about your DH's condition & why you have to do the testing. Please don't take this the wrong way, but Has donor eggs or sperm ever crossed your mind? My DH would be dead against it, but me on the other hand would consider it if came to it, considering I have pco & endo.

AFM, my progesterone is now 53 (25 on Friday, FS likes it to be over 30). So a big relief. 9 days til beta.

6BB is an excellent grading Penny. And knowing it is chromosomally normal, it's a very good chance!

Joe, I'm happy you are going ahead with another cycle to pool them together for testing. It's not worth testing 3 embryos. I'm so sorry to hear about your DH's condition & why you have to do the testing. Please don't take this the wrong way, but Has donor eggs or sperm ever crossed your mind? My DH would be dead against it, but me on the other hand would consider it if came to it, considering I have pco & endo.

AFM, my progesterone is now 53 (25 on Friday, FS likes it to be over 30). So a big relief. 9 days til beta.

Fantastic news elarwood! Sounds very positive :)

How are you going Penny?

Another scan today...same old news. Still only showing the 3 dominant follies. Will trigger tomorrow night with epu on Thursday. With only 3 my belly is feeling huge...bigger I think than my previous cycles...weird!

Have not considered donor eggs/sperm elarwood. Not that I have anything against it just never considered it. We discussed our end point tonight & have drawn the line at this next stim cycle. Not getting any younger, cycles are so very draining both emotional & physical & unfortunately we aren't made of money so the hunt for the golden egg has a finish line now. Not that it will be easy to call it quits if it doesn't go our way but we have to be realistic about it all. Not that i am feeling defeatist & I will be doing everything in my power to fulfill this dream. Staying positive!!!

Good luck for EPU tomorrow Joe. Cycles are very draining so I can understand why you're feeling that way. Between the 2 cycles, I hope you get that golden egg for a sibling for your little one.

I have one more week before beta & it's doing my head in. Remaining positive as there really is no reason why it shouldn't work.

How are you going Penny?

All went well. Only got 2 eggies...couldn't find the 3rd! Will find out later today how the fertilisation went :)

Ended up with both being mature & able to do icsi. This morning 1 had fertilised but the other 1 hadn't quite made up its mind either way. Will know tomorrow if both are good enough to freeze. FX!!!

How are you both travelling Penny & Elarwood?

Oh Joe, that's disappointing that they couldn't find the third! I hope the second one fertilizes well. When will they freeze?

5 more days til beta & starting to get very nervous. It's so hard to block out the negative thoughts & previous disappointment. It's a killer!

Only managed to get the one for freezing. Perfect day 2 four cell embie. The other one hadn't done anything overnight which was a bit disappointing. But 1 is better than none I suppose. Now to do another cycle (hopefully a few more eggies to start with this time!). Not sure if I am going to do back to back cycles or if I have to wait until January but the latter is probably more likely unfortunately.

The tww is a killer elarwood! Got anything exciting planned to try to take your mind off it? Hoping this is the one for you FX xx

Hi ladies,

Joe congrats on your little emby! Will you do a different protocol next time to try and get more eggs?

Elarwood how have you been feeling? Any feelings either way?

Afm, af arrived yesterday :cry: I had been expecting her to after 2 days of bfns so it wasn't a huge surprise. We've had the mental breakdown and now just deciding what to do. We don't know if we will do another round ivf or just stop 'trying' for the next year and see what happens.

Do I need to call in for af arriving? Or do I just wait till my bt on weds?

Penny so sorry that it didn't happen for you this time. Big hugs xx. With all the added hormones & pressure it can be a very emotional time. Take plenty of time for yourself. I would prob give the clinic a call to let them know, they may not need you to come in for bt then. Save yourself from another emotional trigger. Take care xx

I am certainly hoping they change my protocol next cycle. DP & I have agreed it will be the final stim cycle so I want to do everything I possibly can to make it a good one!

Penny, that's devastating news. I just don't understand why a tested embryo doesn't work. It's a horrible process & grosely unfair. You should ring your clinic tomorrow & let them know & also book into to see your FS. Talking with FS always helped me feel a little better & also the counsellors are very helpful. i am devastated for you, as you go through so much & more with the testing you expect it to work. My first cgh embryo was ectopic. I wonder if your nk cells were suppressed enough or if it was the embryo. Look after yourself. It's a hard decision.

I haven't had any signs of AF or vice versa, and I'm on pregnyl so I can't & won't do a POAS. Also my progesterone is at a good level (tested on friday again) so it wouldnt come anyway until i stop meds. We had good friends over last night @ they announced their pregnancy. I couldn't wait for them to leave so I could burst into tears. I had a huge meltdown after they left last night. I am literary shaking from the anxiety & not sleeping. A lot is at steak for this cycle & what if it doesn't work!

Joe, that's disappointing about the one embryo. It is better than none though. Will your FS up your dosage or try something new in the hope to get more eggs? Did you take baby aspirin or clexane? Or Menopur? Those were the 3 things that were diff in my last stim cycle & got 20 more eggs than normal! I honestly think the increased blood flow helped. Hopefully you can do back to back, I hate the waiting & although the emotional & physical journey is tough, when cycling you feel like you are doing something towards achieving the end goal.

Hurry up Wednesday & put me out of my misery!

Bfn for me. Hcg was 5. I am totally lost for words. I just don't understand how 2 cgh embryos cannot work. They were both fully hatched, graded AA. We did all the immune things which makes me even more angry as to why it didn't work. Waiting to talk to FS later on this afternoon. I am going to make an appt with a reproductive immunologist who my FS recommended. I don't think I'll do the cgh testing again, I'm scared the biopsy ruined my embryos or maybe the results were inaccurate.

Oh elarwood I'm so sorry! It's so unfair and I don't understand why your embys didn't stick either! Do you think it's a uterus/lining issue or that both embys failed to grow further? For me I think my emby failed to grow further for some reason. We also won't be doing the testing again as don't feel it's worth the extra $3600. Thinking of you sweets xx

Joe are you waiting till Jan to cycle again?

Afm, af nearly finished which is nice. Had the worst cramps yesterday and a bit today but af hasn't been really heavy or anything which was good. Hoping for a nice normal ovulation month to get back into it ourselves. We have a review appt with FS in early Dec but don't think we will be cycling again till around March.

Oh Elarwood so sorry it didn't work. Saying the obvious but you must be devastated. Your FS must be at a loss also if he has referred you to reprod immunologist. The cgh testing is very reliable so there must be something else at play (as if you need more battles!). Hoping they can find some answers for you. Take care xx

Nothing is set in stone yet Penny but prob will have 1-2 cycles to break things up & then start again. Its our absolute last stim cycle so want to do everything possible to get a good quality collection. Don't think rushing into it will help. Prob should send an email to nurses to see what they have in mind though.

Nice to hear that you seem to be doing ok. Next year will be here before we know it :)

Hi girls-

I'm poking my head in here, as our next step on our IVF journey is to undergo PGD testing.

A little bit about me- I'm 29 and DH is 33.
We have a 3.5 yo, who was conceived naturally.
We've been TTC #2 for 2.5 years.
IVF for 1.5 years.
During that time, I've done 2 x antagonist stimulation cycles, with fresh transfers for each of those and 4 FET's.
6 transfers all up with 3 chemical pregnancies and 3 straight up BFN's.
Our reason for IVF is male factor infertility, DH's sperm have abnormal heads.

After a barrage of tests, each not revealing why our embryos are not implanting- FS thinks a PGD cycle is what's needed- so here I am :)

Just waiting to hear back from the PGD nurses- but it looks like I may be able to start a down reg cycle when I get my period.
I'm coming from a FET, so should be within 1-2 days.

I haven't done a down reg cycle before, so I'm a little anxious about running too close to Christmas.
Oh, and of course- the cost!!!
Could anyone tell me, at which point do you have to pay the PGD portion?
Is it all paid together when you pay for your cycle?
From what I can find- it looks like about 13 thousand before the rebate?

Thanks for listening ladies- sorry for the novel.

I'm off to read through the rest of this forum :)

Ps hope I'll find some information on Synarel- quite nervous about a nasal spray!!!

Hi Emma!Making the cross over!! Hoping it is an easy transition for you. I have only done PGD IVF cycles so to me it is "normal".

It's great that you can start straight after you FET. Not sure how you managed to get a PGD date so quickly but very lucky so run with it! I had to wait 3 months last time & am looking to have to wait another 2 for my next. Do you know what the PGD is going to be testing for? CGH? Are you doing ICSI too?

Don't be discouraged....but Synarel is just nasty!!! Very easy to take though. At least you know that you uave taken it properly. Awful taste runs down the back of your throat & it gives me headaches. Not bad enough for meds, just annoying. Keeping fluids up seems to help though. Take it after food though as I find it tends to destroy the taste.

I have had to pay the full cost prior to collection. Bank balance takes a bit of a hit all at once but rebate comes through fairly quickly from Medicare. This last cycle where we banked to go with our next we only paid the IVF bit (~8K). I will generally only pay the day before collection just in case something goes wrong & the cycle is cancelled.

Hoping this is your best Chrissie pressie ever...good luck !!!

Hello, was just popping in to hopefully hear some good news but not the case... Elarwood I'm so sorry this cycle didn't work for you :( I can't imagine how difficult this has been... xxx Also sorry to hear about your bfn penny. Life can be so cruel sometimes... stay strong

Thanks Joe :-)

After I spoke to the PGD nurse, I discovered that whilst I have started my cycle- well I start the pill tomorrow- I won't have EPU till February!
So it's an extra long cycle :-)

Welcome Emma (my name is Emma too). Sorry to see you in here. It's a horrible journey & the PGD side of things adds another element. Secondary infertility also sucks! Although we did IVF for my DD it was our first cycle & transfer. Since then it's been a long 2 yrs & 7 cycles with no luck yet. That's a very long time before EPU.. Is it because of the Christmas closures?

I am still so angry & frustrated about this last cycle not working. FS is confident it's embryo quality, which I find so hard to believe given they were both cgh normal & 7AA but he says cgh can only test chromosomes & there are other genetic things that can be wrong & hence theres only 70% success rate & not 100%. He doesn't think it's an implantation issue since we did the intralipids etc I guess we'll never know. AF finally arrived today, we are going straight into another frozen cycle with our last cgh embryos. We have 3 left, a 6CC & 2 morulas that they'll defrost & grow out all 3 & pick the best 2. I'm not holding out a lot of hope but we have to give them a go. If not, a fresh stim cycle (no. 5) in Jan with luveris for egg quality & saizen (human growth hormone). We are undecided whether to do the cgh testing again. FS says it could be worth it since our normal rate was 40% & could save on FET's, but I've lost confidence in the testing. What do you think girls? If money was no object, should we do it?

Thanks for popping in munchkin, I honestly thought this cycle would work as we had such good odds. Such a cruel process.

Joe - it's not long at all until the new year & cycling again. 2014 will be our year!

Penny - all the best for trying naturally & hope you won't need your march cycle.

Hi everyone,

I have been reading through previous posts and thought I would introduce myself and seek support as we commence our journey with pgd.

After waiting almost 6 months we have just received a call to say our pgd test has been designed and we can commence our first ivf cycle. My DH and I have undergone many tests and I have been diagnosed with pcos and DH has abnormal shaped sperm. I'm also undertaking more tests on my thyroid and possible hormone imbalances.

At this point in time it's really challenging to not focus on all the barriers and hurdles we are about to be faced with, but our fingers and toes are crossed for a positive outcome.

I just have a few questions someone may be able to help with:
* we have been given the option of doing pgd testing on the 3rd or 5th day, has anyone else been given this option?
* with pcos how many eggs should I expect to be retrieved in a cycle?(I know this is very different for everyone... But just averages or experiences would help!)

Thanks for sharing your stories, I wish you all good luck on your journeys and look forward to sharing mine!

Hi snazzy! Welcome to the wonderful world of ivf/pgd!!! Sounds like you have got quite a bit going on. Hoping your journey is a success. Thanks for sharing your story. Its been a bit quiet in here lately but you will find plenty of support here.

In regards to your Q's I have only ever had the pgd done on day 3 embryos which I thought was standard. I also have pcos. With my first 2 stim cycles I got 9 eggs but my last one I only got 2. I think it has more to do with how your body responds to the stim drugs (I am no expert but sure there would be other things as well in determining the outcome). After my last cycle my FN said there really is no way of predicting how a cycle is going to end.

Good luck with everything xx

Welcome snazzy,
I have read that day 5 testing is more reliable, but they are very selective as to what embryos they will test. Day 3 you get more to test but could possibly be less reliable.

I too have pco, my first cycle I was on such a small dose but stimmed for a long time. I got 10 eggs but lots of follicles & hyper stimmed when falling pregnant with DD.

Further 4 cycles I've had around 11-14 eggs, but my last cycle with new FS I got 34. The first cycle they will probably start you off small & see how you respond. They usually aim for 6-12 eggs.

May I ask what your PGD test is for? It's a very daunting process, but the ladies on here are very supportive. All the best!

AFM doing intralipids today, transfer probably next Friday. Has anyone used luveris or saizen?

Thanks for your advice ladies, I find it really interesting to hear other peoples stories and it's reassuring to hear so many others are in a similar situation.

We are doing pgd to avoid passing on a genetic disorder that my DH and his father have. There is a 50% chance of passing it on, so this was the initial reason for us going down the ivf path.... Only to discover additional hurdles along the way!

I wish you all the best for tomorrow Elarwood!!

Thanks snazzy, transfer was actually yesterday. It went ok. We defrosted our last 3 PGD embryos, one of the morulas didn't survive, we put the other 2 back one was good 7BB fully hatched, the other one was ok. Anyway considering our last 2 were top quality & didn't make it you never know. I am starting on synarel soon in preparation for a January cycle of this transfer doesn't work.

When does your cycle start snazzy?

Hi Joe, not long until the new year & starting your cycle.

Fingers crossed elarwood you won't need to do a cycle in January. Keep us posted on any developments xx

Appears to be never ending waiting game this time. I got my date for nex epu as 3Feb but of course that would have to be the first day of kindy for my DD & there is no way in hell I was going to miss her first day at school so have to put it off for another week which now means it is still 2 months away. AARRGGHH!!!! Waiting for AF now to work out finer details but wishing I could just get it started already

Ladies, my best friend lost her little angel last night after giving birth to him at 24 weeks. I was always envious of her being able to fall pregnant naturally first month of trying (twice), not having to go through what we are going through and having a healthy pregnancy until now. Life is so cruel. I am so distraught for her. To make matters worse she didn't even tell me she was in hospital as she knew I was having a transfer & didn't want to worry me. I feel so guilty for not being there for her. I couldn't imagine the grief. Sending lots of prayers love & strength to my gorgeous friend & her angel. Any baby, a healthy one at that is truly a miracle and a blessing. Sometimes I wonder if there is a god! How do these horrible things happen to good people.

Joe - waiting another week does suck but I would have been the same. I wouldn't miss my DD's first day of school. A week will fly by. I am not getting my hopes up for this cycle, FS still thinks its embryo quality regardless of being CGH normal
but I sent off forms to get a complete immune work with a reproductive immunologist in Sydney to ensure there isn't anything stopping implantation given I have endometriosis & so many failures.

Thoughts & prayers are with your friend elarwood. Cannot even begin to imagine what they must be going through. I am sure they were just trying to spare your feelings considering you were cycling rather than shutting you out on purpose

Big hugs xxx

How's it all going elarwood? Any news?

Hi Joe, beta on Tuesday. I'm not feeling too confident :-( I am going to POAS with a digital on Tuesday morning so I can prepare myself. Thank you for your thoughts for my friend, she is being quite strong considering. We ordered her a 'star' from international star registry & named it after her little boy so she'll always know he's up there watching over them.

I had a phone consult with the reproductive immunologist on Friday. I'm doing a whole heap of testing if this cycle fails. However I will only just fit it in before our next cycle starts as i have to wean off the prednisone & will have to wait for results. I will start the cgh cycle on 7 jan & egg pick up is booked for 20 Jan. Just in time before I go back to work (primary teacher). Still praying for a Christmas miracle but if these cramps & pre AF feelings are anything to judge by ill be cycling in new year. I cannot wait for 2013 to be over, has been a tough one!

Good luck today elarwood!
What a wonderful way to remember your friends little boy.

Thanks Joe, but not looking good. Beta was 49 at 12dp5dt so too low. Been here 3 times before, my ectopic was 54 at the same time & the nightmare lastest 5 weeks before we discovered it was ectopic. So unfair! I wish it was 0.

That would almost be easier wouldn't it elarwood. So sorry that its not looking successful though. At least you have plans in place for the new year.

Hoping 2014 is a better year for us all!!!