Long Term Assisted Conception - 2009

Hope:
Sorry this is a v long!
Re diet, Seems it is about feeling as good as you can through the ups and downs of TTC. ie being healthy as you can without getting stressed out.

Very relevant in TTC for those who need to follow a special diet anyway. esp. if have auto immune considerations, eg PCOS, endo, Thyroid, Arthritis, diabetes, (also Autism, heart disesase).

Basic diet suggestion: what makes you feel best? is it yeast or flour in bread that yuks you? ie how do you feel if you have pasta? Food diary is a pain, but can be quite revealing, eg I can't handle coffee or decaf = headache for 3-7 days but not for 1-2 days afterwards. DH is allergic to food additive 631, shows up as breathing difficulties up to 30 hours later, but he is not sensitive to anything else!!!!!

I feel best when don't eat too much (working on that), no wheat, even a little gives me a tickly feeling in my throat, have plenty of salady vegetably things, plenty Paul newman salad dressing, bit of protein with each meal, eat regularly, fruit in morning at the moment, bit of yarra glen sparkling (couple of drinks recommended by my naturopath for me for mental health, 2 glass screamer anyway), lowish dairy, no eggs, no coffee, minimal chocolate, lot of icecream once a week. when makes you feel ****e, its easier to eat well, athough much easier in own enviroment, ate plenty chocolate and plenty ****tails on holidays

I did 97 foods blood test few years ago through naturopath few years ago, can do through GP as well, it expensive $300 but good place to start if not patience for food diary and have problem to solve. Showed eggs off chart for me, I thought they were fine and was eating a lot of them, but do seem to contribute to migraines, the usual wheat and dairy, and a few unusual ones. If not could try low GI, low carb, protein rich. I felt amazing the first time I did it, as probably my energy was suppressed by body trying to deal with things not good for it.

Butterfly warrior: thanks for info on OHSS, I didn't know about that and so will keep doing my healthy eating/ slimming efforts through the cycle as I feel better about myself doing that anyway. Also clear skin and people saying I look great which is nice.

Ladies please! talking about diets is making me hungry!!

BBL out tonight for dinner. yum

on another note, have decided to get hair blow dry each week, as makes me feel better than just about anything else! Looking very dallas today, maybe get a bit less curly next week. Also having pedicure tomorrow!!! yeah

Samandpoppy - Nick often works with my FS ( Lynn Burmeister) and see him around a bit when I have my appts with her. Have heard he is very good with PCOS patients.
One word of caution re the NK cell biopsy. I had it done with my FS a few yrs ago after my 2nd m/c and came up ok at the time but that may not have been an accurate result. The validity of the results is not about who biopsies ( most gynos and FS would do a uterine biopsy) but about the lab doing the testing. The actual counting of the NK cells needs to be done by a lab experienced with the correct procedure etc. Dr Sacks wouldn't trust a melbourne lab AT ALL to do proper NK cell biopsy analysis and I think he would want to do the biopsy himself to get his lab to do the testing.
Just something to think about. if you really want to rule it out, I would get accurate testing done by someone who is truly an expert in the field. My FS was not phased at all by me seeing Dr S for further testing and is happily following his recomended protocol for treatment.
Sorry, I don't want to sound pushy or mess with anything you are planning to do. Just letting you know what I have learnt and maybe save you from doubling up on testing

MeredithD,
Thanks so much, I kind of expected there might be a catch as no one else had mentioned NK cell testing anywhere else. Much appreciated. Will have a think about going to Sydney for test. Very interesting about Lynne Burmister happy to follow Sack's protocol. Good to know.

Sadly, no chocolate in the house right now, hrruph, sweet tooth unsatisfied!

Hello, I hope you don't mind me intruding on your tight knit relationship in here but I have a little question and I was hoping one of you lovely ladies could give me some advice. Just realised I posted my question in the Long Term TTC section instead of the Assisted Conception so thought I'd pop in here to be sure.

I am about to start my first round of IVF. I had an appointment with the clinic today and was given Synarel spray. I was told to wait until I get my blood test results tomorrow, to show whether I have O'd or not, then begin sniffing.

DH and I have been trying naturally this month and I generally ovulate quite late on a natural cycle - around CD19-22. Today is CD22 for me. The blood test I had today can in no way tell if I am pg as I would have only just ovulated.

So my question is this, if I start Synarel tomorrow and I happen to fall pg naturally this month - bearing in mind I would have only O'd in the last day or so (or even today), could using Synarel affect implantation or pregnancy if I happened to catch my little egg? The nurse said it won't have any effect but I'm concerned as she didn't seem too convincing. My next blood test is not for another 2 weeks to rule out pregnancy before I start injections so that would mean 2 weeks of sniffing that I could potentially be pg.

Does anyone have any information they can share please? I am feeling a little overwhelmed with all the information I got today that not all of it has sunk in.

Thanks you ladies and I wish you all the best on your journey. My thoughts are with you all.

:

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Hello, I hope you don't mind me intruding on your tight knit relationship in here but I have a little question and I was hoping one of you lovely ladies could give me some advice. Just realised I posted my question in the Long Term TTC section instead of the Assisted Conception so thought I'd pop in here to be sure.

I am about to start my first round of IVF. I had an appointment with the clinic today and was given Synarel spray. I was told to wait until I get my blood test results tomorrow, to show whether I have O'd or not, then begin sniffing.

DH and I have been trying naturally this month and I generally ovulate quite late on a natural cycle - around CD19-22. Today is CD22 for me. The blood test I had today can in no way tell if I am pg as I would have only just ovulated.

So my question is this, if I start Synarel tomorrow and I happen to fall pg naturally this month - bearing in mind I would have only O'd in the last day or so (or even today), could using Synarel affect implantation or pregnancy if I happened to catch my little egg? The nurse said it won't have any effect but I'm concerned as she didn't seem too convincing. My next blood test is not for another 2 weeks to rule out pregnancy before I start injections so that would mean 2 weeks of sniffing that I could potentially be pg.

Does anyone have any information they can share please? I am feeling a little overwhelmed with all the information I got today that not all of it has sunk in.

Thanks you ladies and I wish you all the best on your journey. My thoughts are with you all.

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Hi

Have replied to your thread!

welcome, i hope we are able to assist you and support you while you are TTC with AC

Meredith and Samandpoppy thanks or your reply. I agree that ones diet does need to be easy and not a stressful process. We have enough to be worrying about.

Samandpoppy you did make a few points that I think I will follow tho. I do have an intolerance (un-tested) to bread products. I don?t know if its yeast, gluten or wheat, but I find that if I avoid bread products as much as possible then I do a lot better. And can then have some occasionally. I love rice and pasta but do litit these only because of the high carb factor...

I have gotten slack over the last couple of months and now my stomach is so bloated and uncomfortable (simply put I feel yuk) and not to mention going to the loo is not very frequent (sorry if TMI) so as of tomorrow back to the wheat and yeast free bread aghhh.

I don?t eat a lot of dairy but I have started to have coffee a bit lately. Its generally only one a day from Hudsons or similar but they are made with all milk so I wonder if that has started to build up in my system and cause a problem.

Also chocolate mmmm. Although my skin has been very clear (using new face products) I think maybe chocolate is also contributing to my stomach issues ? hadn?t thought of that one.

Eggs ? I love my eggs but hate my bloated yukky stomach more!

I think I might avoid these foods but also goggle the ?low GI, low carb, protein rich? diet and see what suggestions come up there that I can easily incorporate into my diet. If this doesn?t get me back on track then I will look into the blood tests.

Thanks again for your ideas.

dd0207 – Unsure re your questions but I do ring my FS if I have questions that the nurses can’t answer…maybe that’s an option for you? Good luck on catching your little eggy.


Hope

Hi Hope,
Keep eggs if you can, too hard without them, and they are such great protein and easy. Also choc is prob OK unless you know you have a problem with it, and it is soooo nice. I usually try to do too much at once, so suggest you do it gradually, but I'd never actually follow that suggestion!!!

Going out for Thai tonight with friends who are also IVf veterans, 2 preg, v inspiring. Yummmmmy

Also a big thanks you to everyone, now I have got so much of my chest, thanks for your patience, I really feel so much happier. DH is very pleased as I am being much nicer to him!

thanks Samandpoppy.

I have one other 'diet' related queston. Whats eveyones take on the consumption of alohol. Do you differ depending on where in your cycle you are?

Hi Hope

The only time i stop drinking is in the TWW. Otherwise i don't worry about it too much - although I am not a very big drinker. Generally i only have a couple of glasses of wine on the weekend.

Hope - I really have barely had alcohol since TTC 3 yrs ago but now its become more of a habit of just not really wanting it than being conc over effects on IVFetc. I would not be fussed about having a drink or two during stim but defnitely not post EPU. But thats just me not wanting to regret anything

AFM- Well, a few hrs of VERY light spotting on Tues seems to be all I get this mth. Saw my nurse yesterday and had some bloods done which showed everying "flat"/ baseline ( as it should be had AF started). She said it does happen to some women that they just get no bleeding after Provera so was ok with me just starting up. I have always bled at least a bit with Provera, so am still concerned as to why there was no lining to shed etc but she didn't even feel the need to consult my Dr so praying all IS truly ok in there. So, started up FSH, LH and my plethora of other meds today.
First scan and BT on Mon. Let the turbulent ride begin!!

MeredithD,
Good luck and good luck.

Hope - I do same as molly girl, just none in TWW, but not very good drinker anymore, had a lime daquiry (sp?) tonight then felt sick!!! Had to lie down, how sad. Maybe girls on Preg after LTTTC would be a good source for that question!

Had great dinner last night with my new to IVF friend (turns out she has done more stim cycles then me) and couple of LTTTC who are preg. So great to share all the theories etc. Will be making it regular.

I have scan tomorrow for last FET. I am already thinking about the next stim, in case it doesn't survive the thaw.

Am emailing gavin sacks to see if warrants a phone consultation - spoke to his secratary today who was helpful. Thanks for the suggestion girls.

Also have had reply on immunology thread from girl who has thyroid issue and same pattern as me, so will compare notes there. Thanks for that suggestion too!!

Hope you all have great weekend, fun, laughs and all.

Thanks for your responses Ladies I really appreciate you letting me know what you do. I know there is no real right and wrong answer but I dont want to have any regrets either.

I dranks as often as I felt like after our last BFN (over end November to early Jan) first time in yearssssss. I really enjoyed the freedom of it (weird I know). But now I back to usually only having two drinks at a time as I'm leading up to my stim cycle and then I dont have any.

Samandpoppy all the best for your scan and fingers x'ed for a good thaw.

Meredith all the best - we'll be on the ride with you darl.

AFM I seem to have early signs of ovulating (only CD 12 today) but I dont really trust that anymore. Feeling a little anxious and excited about my FS next Wed....geez


Chat soon

Hope

Hi all-

sorry i have been really slack as of late, i don't know whether it has anything to do with me being back at work for the first time in 8 weeks!

I have been readying and trying to catch up so sorry if i miss anyone

Molly - So good to hear you so positive, and great that your FS is letting you take the lead a little! good to see that you can work together in achieving your family dream sooner. How did you go with the food intolerance testing?

Sam - (now that i know that is your real name and not poppy! lol) which clinic are you with, I feel that prednislone has become very popular topic in some of the TTC threads, i know both my FS in Melbourne were not that keen on letting me go on it again even though i got a BFP after taking it while cycling. Im also still taking clexane injections this cycle! I hope they have a positive effect for you too.

When i had the test for NK cells with Dr S i just had the BT done on day 23! although this was probably not accurate as my cycles are all over the place, he was going to do a biopsy but due to all the infections i had recently had (due to tubes) we decided to wait for BT results first and i would go back up to follow up if needed. He was happy to recommend the protocol anyway due to many MC and failed IVF cycles for my age.

Meredith - Welcome my sweets, i have followed your journey in other threads, im sorry life finds you here but welcome! I see you have also met with DrS and that you will be trying his protocol, my FS was not too keen but allowed me to do it anyway! I was always in contact with DrS via email and he was always available for a quick reply. my only worry was how to wean off the pills, it took me a while but finally stopped then after my MC. I would like to use them again only as they helped me to achieve my BFP, but not in my next cycle as FS is not keen - oh well GL to you with them, it is relatively new process in Melbourne and Dr S warned me that the FS in Melbourne do not agree with his treatment. I decided that if my FS was not going to allow it then i was going to have cycles with DRS! that was not going to be cheap!! flights to Sydney - Medicare refund? lol i don't think so! FWIW - i was on 20mg Prednislone and 20mg of clexane every day from TF. Great that you can start your cycle now!

Mel - Any news from the clinic yet? Yes i have still been a shocker with my meds!!! arrr, i also have some herbs from my NP but struggle with them too, will explain all later! cutting tomato out? umh i wonder what food group you would put them into as they probably have similar foods to avoid?

Hope - How are you ? not long now till your cycle in Feb? I would recommend a book that you may like to read in helping you to ask further questions/ testing it is 'Getting Pregnant by PROF. Robert Jansen', It a big pink book and i got it at my local bookshop and it was in stock. I have found it very useful leading up to a FS appointment and take it with me as a reference. I think BW put me on to it?

With regards to diet, i have PCOS, and am very naughty and eat whatever i like when i like. I went on detox diet last year and lost a few KG with a np while taking herbs and felt great and wish i was doing that again, it was just all unprocessed food and no alcohol, if i had to then only clear sprits and soda! so i stuck to vodka! TBH i really didn't drink for over 12 months but was not doing IVF then as i was waiting for my op. someone once said to me dont do anything you may later regret so if you are already thinking 'is it ok to drink during TWW and worry about that now then i wouldn't'

Ms P - where are youuuuuuu?


Hi to dd, Holly, Dusty, and anyone else ive missed

AFM - very bloated here and feeling yuck! i have stacked on so much weight since my op and am feeling horrid! Im walking around in jeans that i cant even do up, thank goodness long tops are in lol! With regards to my diet i have been really slack! wine is my killer at the moment and that is why i have put on so much i think, now that i am back at work i hope to settle back into more of a routine, my trouble is that i had an eating disorder for 5 years and that still lingers over me a little and when i worry about my weight it brings back all those stresses you have spoken about! I know that i need to loose it if i am to believe in myself that this IVF will work, having a neg day about it all i guess, the headache is not helping, ok time for a nap to get rid of it before going out for dinner tonight xx

Hey Loula

My results came back that I am not allergic to anything just wheat intollerant ???? So i guess i will just cut most of the wheat products out of my diet. I already know that I feel better if i don't eat them.

Hi All,
Nice to hear from you Loula! so sweet your nickname. We are in Melbourne at City Fertility (IVF clinic).
My bridesmaid was Lou, passed away from stomach cancer 1.5 years ago. She always said do whats best for you! will be celebrating her birthday on Tues with her "inner sanctum", 4 closest friends.

Found that back in my regular routine I am looking after myself better, although sleep alluding me until quite late, still on perth time I think.
Mel, Tomatoes are part of nightshades family. Good article here. WHFoods: What are nightshades and in which foods are they found?

Got an email back from famous Dr S! what a nice man. Anyway he says see what happens this FET. If no good then NK cell test might help. He knows my FS and suggests discussing with him as they know each other. will do that. Got to get my head around having a not trying cycle to do the test.

anyway anyway (I stole this phrase from Dawn French book read over Xmas), have good week!

(What does AFM means please?)

:hello: girls just popping in to say hello and to wish you all good luk for this week coming im a bit busy with work but am lurking on you all so go get some bfp ok
take care girls we can all do this