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Hi Sara,
I am sooooo bummed to hear your news!! Aaaaaarggh!! :wall: It just makes me angry and sad at the same time...why does crappy things happen to good people?? I am really sorry you have to go through this and I hope you get your break soon. Take care of yourself and if you need to vent...we're here and feeling it with you!!
:grouphug:
Thank you Tigga, how did your scan go - hope you have made a decision that you're happy with.
Sara
Hi everyone
Sara- :hug: to you. Im so sorry to hear it was a BFN this month, I was really hoping that your blastie was to be the one. Its nice to see you are already moving forward with a new plan.
Regarding the flare cycle you were asking about- I have done 2 and my next cycle will also be a flare, all cycles were without the OCP. I had my best results to date with the flare cycle and my worst cycle to date also with a flare, it takes a little under 4 weeks beginning with synarel on day 2 and FSH jabs on day 3. My clinic ALWAYS tests my FSH on day 2 and those results determine whether I can cycle. My understanding of a flare cycle is this- It is named a flare cycle because of an initial "flare up" response of FSH & LH from our own pituitary gland usually within 3 days of synarel administration. After this time, the synarel actually prevents the release of FSH & LH from our brains. The FSH (Gonal F) is started on the following day. The idea is that the synarel will stimulate the release of a large amount of FSH (& LH) that will "flare up" the follicles so that we might have better stimulation results.
In regards to EFS (empty follicle syndrome)- My first flare cycle produced 9 follicles in total. When the nurses rang after my stim scan, they actually only gave me the size of 4 of my follicles being 17, 16, 14 and 10mm with the rest all being under 10mm. My problem seems to be that the majority of my follies just arent reaching a big enough size to yield a mature egg, rather than all of them being empty. I have asked why and what we could do to get them to grow at a more even, steady rate and again I was met with "we dont know" ( I get that a lot). Whether it is related to high FSH, I just dont know.
I hope this all made sense and was of some help to you.
Tigga- Im with Sara, I would try to get the smaller follicle to maturity as well as it isnt far behind your biggest follie. Wishing you luck for your upcoming epu Ill be thinking of you
:hello: to BDT, CP and Buliej- thankyou for explaining the antagonist for me. As I said Im not sure why the clinic wont try an antagonist with me but TBH Im really tired of trying to figure out what to do next what we should try, what we shouldnt, Im just going to go with the flow, leave it in their capable hands and trust that they know what they're doing
Dutchie, Thank you very much for the explanation of the flare cycle, that is very helpful.
About the empty follicle syndrom I think what you are talking about is something different, it is quite normal that a number of follicles are not big enough, but I actually had about nine follicles over 16 cm but only two mature eggs. About the problem with the different sizes I have heard about a protocol called estrogen priming that they do in the US and that is supposed to help with this problem.
Please don't take that the wrong way but when reading your comments I was becoming concerned about you and wondering if you're in the best hands - i wouldn't be happy with this answer "I don't know" - sometimes it makes sense to consult someone for a second opinion or even to change FS - I am currently considering this. I think Buliej has just changed from Melbourne IVF to Monash.
Sending lots of :bluedust:
Sara
Hello everyone
Tigga- any news yet? Have you had epu? Wondering how you are doing, I hope ok.
Sara- Thankyou for your concern, its touching and totally not taken the wrong way. Im not so happy either with the "I dont know" answer to most of my questions. I also asked about EPP ( I too have read about it) and was told that going on the pill in a down reg cycle was the same as EPP and basically dismissed it as I responded so poorly on a down reg cycle.
Getting a second opinion or even changing clinics to MonashIVF is definitely something I have considered before now, its just that now is not an optimum time to change clinics because of other reasons ( I suppose I could get another opinion) but I wouldnt be able to cycle with them until the issue resolves, until then Im prepared to stay with MIVF. I am going to insist though that Im listened to and that my questions are answered to the best of their ability at all future appts with current FS.
On another topic, baffled as to why you only got 2 eggs out of 9 mature size follicles. I havent read a lot about EFS.
:hello: to BDT, CPie and Buliej
Hi All,
Here's my update:
Wednesday 22/4: Scan showed I had two follies (one in each ovary)...the smaller one had caught up and was 17mm and the other one was 19mm (est was 2869).
Friday 24/4: At EPU we got two eggs and decided to do ICSI.
Saturday: Clinic rang and told us one had fertilised. We had one perfect 2 cell! The other one was too immature so they didn't even inject it.
Sunday: After an anxious wait, clinic called and said it was a 4 cell.
Today: Had an 8 cell embie transferred. :clap: Had acupuncture after and feeling really relaxed and hoping to keep it that way until all is revealed with PBT on Fri 8/5.
I'm wrapped I've made it this far - now I am going to :pray: for a positive outcome. And :pray: for positive outcomes for all of us on this ride.
Dutchie - I hate when clinics give us the "I don't know" - I too cop a lot of it.
Hi to everyone. Where is everyone at at the moment?
Tigga - that's fantastic - good luck and sticky vibes.
Hi to everyone else!
...and Dutchie - I agree - "I don't know" is just not good enough - they don't have to know for sure but they should be able to give you some reasons why it may be! That is very frustrating.
Tigga, that is really great, keeping everything crossed for you.
Sara
Tigga, so glad you've made it to TWW, everything is crossed for you!
:hello:
Tigga- Absolutely fantastic :happyforyou: enjoy your TWW with lots of R&R and Ill be :pray: with :crossfingers: for your BT I am just THRILLED for you Tigga:dance:
:hello: to Sara, Buliej and CPie I hope you are all well
AFM- Well, my CD2 FSH this month was a good 6.8 :clap: quietly very happy with that. Still hoping to cycle again in June when AF arrives. Have just been trying to be as healthy as possible, take my wheatgrass etc in the meantime.
:hello: ladies,
Just wondering how everyone is going?
Tigga- How are you going? I hope the TWW is treating you kindly and DH is spoiling you rotten. Are you going to POAS? Ill definitely have my :crossfingers: for your BT on the 8th :goodluck::goodluck::goodluck:
Sara- Firstly, I just wanted to thank you for posting your FS response to your brilliant list of questions in the IVF/PGD thread. It was extremely helpful and provided me with some info to ask my FS about at next appt (ie- flare cycle with the pill). I havent completely stopped being proactive with my treatment just not obsessing about it, thanks again it was great. Are you going to do a flare cycle? Hope you are traveling ok.
:hello: to buliej, CPie and BDT I hope you are all well
Hi Dutchie,
Good that you foudn my FS's Answers helpful. I've though about it and I'll go with an antagonist cycle. I think going into a flare cycle with the pill beforehand would most likely mean that I would be understimulated and I don't want to risk a cancelled cycle, it's just so disappointing. Hope everything is fine with you - wehn are you thinkign of starting you next cycle?
Tigga: Everything is crossed for you :goodluck:
:hello: to everyone else
Sara
buliej, Sara69 & Cuddlepie - thanks for your well wishes and sticky vibes!! I sure hope it's worked too this time. :pray: All will be revealed tomorrow. :pray: Hope you are all well.
Sara69 - June will be here before you know it and you'll be in a new cycle - it's already May...I can't believe it.
Dutchie80 - I heard same thing from my FS that going on pill before my antagonist was like EPP. Hey! FSH of 6.8 that something to celebrate :dance: :dance:. Hopefully it's a good sign for your next cycle.
BDT - Hi. Hope you are well too.
AFM, haven't POAS yet. I've been mildly tempted...maybe I'll succumb tomorrow morning, so I can get a peak at what the BT might reveal? Now 1 sleep to go for me and the TWW will be over. I feel suprisingly calm and patient. Daily Meditation and 3 x Acu Visits a week is working wonders on my head space. I'm :pray: :pray: :pray: for a positive result tomorrow!!! I'm ready to receive a miracle.
OMG, Tigga, you have been quite and didn't know tomorrow is the b/t day, everything is crossed for you for a BFP!!!!
Tigga! Best for luck for your BT tomorrow, we are all behind you praying for a BFP.
Dutchie, Sara, CP and Julie, hope you are all doing well. x
Hi Tigga :goodluck: and everything crossed for you.
BDT - haven't heard from you for a while - where are you up to?
:hello: to CPie, Dutchie, Julie
Tigga - best of luck today !!!!
:hello: everyone,
Tigga- Good to hear that you are so relaxed, I was a nervous wreck during my TWW. Wishing you buckets of :goodluck::goodluck::goodluck: for your BT tomorrow. I really, really hope its a BFP for you. Ill be thinking of you.
Sara- Just want to wish you good luck for your antagonist cycle. I think I finally realized why my clinic havent tried an antagonist with me, I believe from reading other posts, antagonists seem to produce less eggs although better quality eggs and, for me, that is probably not optimal as I already get such a low number of eggs at EPU. So I think Im now content with doing another flare which I hope to be starting in mid June when AF arrives. Perhaps we'll be cycle buddies.
:hello: to buliej, CPie and BDT, I hope you are all doing well.
Hi Ladies.
I have to laugh...seriously!!!...what did I expect?...nothing has been straight forward so far for me...so why would the PBT be any different...
I can't officially post a happy dance just yet...the BT is inconclusive :wall:
My HCG is 33 and Progesterone is "at a good level".
At Day 15 they like it to be around 100. I'm Day 14 today.
So I need to wait until Monday and do another BT.
I'm putting myself in an emotional "holding pattern" until Monday's results. Life as normal until then! There's nothing more I can do. I actually feel ok about it...kind of neutral!
OMG Tigga- I was holding my breath while reading your post. Ill be praying your numbers have tripled by Monday. Good on you for carrying on with "normal" life until then, I know I would be an absolute nervous wreck especially knowing that something HAS happened. I have all my fingers and toes crossed for you.
Hello to Sara, buliej, CPie and BDT
Tigga :hug: keeping everything crossed for you - is there any chance you could do another test tomorrow - might be better then having to wait the whole weekend.
Sara
Hi Tigga, I am quietly excited for you, crossing my fingers you get a nice rise in your levels by Monday.
Sara, thanks for thinking of me, just waiting to O and waiting for AF to start again, so likely still 2 weeks away, sigh...
Hi to Julie, CP and Dutchie. Hope everyone has a great weekend. x
BDT Good to hear from you. We may be cycle buddies again depending on my FSH levels, I am expecting AF around May 24. Really hope I can start :pray:
Julie: have a great holiday.
CPie: hope you are well :goodluck: for upcoming cycle.
Dutchie: I dont' think that there is a difference in egg numbers between Flare and Antagonist, only between down-regulated and antagonist - I've asked my FS about Flare cycles and she is very opposed to them unless I'll take the pill beforehand - as I think I'll get understimulated if I take the pill beforehand, I'll go with antagonist - I am sure she would have pressed me to go for Flare if she was expecting higher egg numbers as especially in case of PGD it's a numbers game - there is also some discussion about this in the PGD thread as CPie was considering a flare cycle as well. Sorry for constantly bugging you, please just tell me to back off. :redface:
Sara
Sara- I dont think you are bugging me at all. All of the info you have provided me (including last post) has been of real use for me, thank you. Obviously Ive mis-read or mis-understood some posts :redface:, Ill have to have another look in the PGD and other threads and sus it all out. I also still intend to ask FS about antagonists and if they would consider doing a cycle or 2 with me. Thanks again.
BDT- 2 weeks will go by in no time. Best of luck with your upcoming cycle.
Hi to everyone, have lovely weekends
Hi ladies
Discussions have kinda moved into general cycle chat in here and as you know we have a couple of AC general cycle chat threads for you LTTTC/AC and LTAC.
I know most of you post in either or both of these threads. Please move all your general cycle chat to these threads for now, so this thread can remain open for any questions on high FSH.
From a moderating perspective it becomes too difficult to moderate across so many general chat threads and Gargy and I can't be everywhere and we don't encourage double up across threads.
Thanks for your understanding.
If general chat continues in here, we will have to close the thread.
Tigga, hoping you have the stickiest bublet and wishing you all the best with your pg :bluedust:
Tigga- Have my :crossfingers: for your follow up BT today. Ill be thinking of you. Wishing you loads of luck
Tigga :hug: thinking of you
Sara
good luck tigga!
Hi All,
It wasn't good news yesterday. Sorry I didn't post, I cried a mountain of tears.
My HCG dropped to 25 (was 33) and Prog 43 (was 69), so now I just wait for AF to come.
Where to from here I'm not sure? I always suspected that my high FSH levels (which have bounced around from 44 to 6) impacted my egg quality and the Blighted Ovum and this result would testify to that. Age is not on my side, so I will be seriously thinking about donor option and ruling it in/out over the next month. I haven't given up on it all yet - but I would love my old life back - the one where I was ok about living child-free (before TTC consumed it and my mind).
I noticed the moderators are asking that we take general chat elsewhere, but I think it's important that we continue to post our updates here, because as sufferers of high FSH (which I think we all are)...it's a good place to record treatments and outcomes for others to read. I know that when I first found out I had high FSH, I searched and searched for a group in similar situation, but this is the only place I found. Perhaps we can keep posting here any updates regarding our FSH levels and treatment outcomes?
Thanks so much for everyone's support and encouragement! I sure do hope success comes for all of us at some point!
I am so sorry to hear that Tigga :hug:. It is a tough journey for us LTers.
I haven't closed the thread so FSH specific questions and discussion can continue but I ask that all cycle specific discussion and support move to the general LTAC threads.
If you would like to journal your personal TTC journey we have blogs available that you can peronalise and post whatever you like in and the ladies can follow and support you. There is also a Older Women's TTC Buddies thread you may like to jump into. A few of the ladies in here are also on there.
Hi tigga - I'm so sorry. It is like an emotional roller coaster.
Dusty's suggestion about the older women thread is a good one. That is my usual posting place.
While we all might not have very high fsh I thinkmost have egg qualitity and/or quantity issues (my fsh is always below 10 yet I can't get a good egg)
I've posted details about by treatment as well as all the supplements I am taking in that thread.
Tigga, :hug: I am so sorry to hear that. Please take some time and be kind to yourself.
I think we may be at a very similar point in our journey as I just emailed yesterday to a friends saying similar things about TTC and egg donors as you are writing. Please join the older Women thread and lets keep track of each other there.
Dusty - I understand what you're saying and agree that there is a lot of general LTTC discussion which probably repeats things said in other threads - I am one of the "Offenders":redface:.
But if we don't do this, there will be much less postings and this will probably make it really hard to find this thread for others. FSH is a really big problem when it occurs and I've seen it coming up in other discussions - it's also one of those things where noone can give you guidance - could you perhaps consider to make this thread a sticky which then really only looks at FSH questions and treatment outcomes for women with high FSH? There were a number of posts here which would be helpful for other girls facing this problem.
Sara
Hello,
Tigga :hug: Im so sorry hun, IVF is such an emotional, hard path to travel. Take care of yourself and DH.
Dusty- I too was worried that this thread would become quiet and was also wondering if this thread could become a sticky? I am also guilty of "general cycle chatting" and wouldnt like to see this thread closed but I would still like to keep in touch with women in a similar situation to me.
I have looked at high fsh threads on other forums but BB is by far the best so I wonder if we could have a permanent thread for high fsh that we could post fsh updates and treatment results in (as Tigga suggested too)
Hi Ladies,
Thanks again for the support.
I'd like to continue to stay in touch and share treatments and outcomes, so I will pop my head into the other thread and only post major relevant updates here.
Still waiting for AF...again!
I too would still like to post my fsh updates and ivf treatment outcomes and will continue to post in the LTTTC/AC thread. Is this ok?
Just a quick question- just wondering if anybody knows if it is worthwhile stimming for a few extra days say 12 instead of the usual 9 days I have in the past to try and get a few more eggs to maturity. I intend to ask FS at next appt but wondered if anyone here knew? TIA
Hi Dutchie, it depends on the size of the eggs, see my last cycle in the IVF & PGD thread.
Sara
Dutchie - I stimmed for 15 days in total on 450 gonal-f (got two follies/one mature egg/1 fert but chem preg). I am going to ask about a lower dose. I've been thinking more and more about that fact that if naturally high FSH levels = poorer egg quality...then wouldn't high doses of injecting FSH further compound the problem down the track?
Ladies, I have made this a sticky. Thanks for your understanding on not making this a general cycle chat thread. Please keep conversations based around issues of high FSH. We will rely on your commitment to do this so as to keep the thread an active sticky.
Thank you Dusty!
Girls, what about if we all talk about cycles and keep track of each other in
https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...-2009-2-a.html
It's located in the same forum as this sticky. Sorry Dutchie, I had't realised that you can't post in the Older Women's forum.
Sara
Hello everyone,
Yay this thread is a sticky!!!:dance: Thanks heaps Dusty.
Tigga- Thanks for the info. Ive only ever stimmed for 9 days, Ill definitely be asking FS about stimming for a few more days and you bring up a great point about high doses of gonal f further compounding the problem of high fsh. Im also on 450iu gonal, something to also ask the FS about thanks heaps.
Sara- Ill be sure to look over your last cycle results, I know we've both had similar issues with having a decent amount of follicles but then only getting a limited number of eggs at EPU, so I just wondered how many days your FS had you stim for. Ill check out the PGD thread again.
Also, I wasnt sure if my age meant that I couldnt/shouldnt post in the Older Womens thread. Ill definitely be posting again in the LTTTC/AC thread as Im gearing up to cycle again soon (maybe even when next AF arrives). I havent yet posted in the LTAC thread as Ive havent quite been cycling for 12mths+ - very soon though. Look forward to chatting with everyone there.
Have a great day!!!;)