Long Term Assisted Conception - June 2006 #2

Sue - yep, Im glad to know that you are here rather than over there anyway right now. BTW, rock between the eyes - right on the money.

Cass - know what you mean about still holding out hope for that miracle each month despite the chances being virtually nonexistent... hope AF isnt too nasty for too long for you.

Sush - you're right. We desperately need a boost of hope from in here and one of us 'crossing over' with a lovely big bfp would certainly help out a lot!

Kar - hang in there my sweet, the time has already flown!

Daisy - I SO love those disney movies!

AF is due for me today. She hasnt arrived yet, but I o'd on CD15 rather than CD14 so she will probably show tomorrow - have had serious cramping and the usual chocolate cravings.

Hi lovely ladies!

Just popped in after being AWOL for a while and wanted to tell everyone to keep your chins up and be positive. A bit funny coming from me because I hate it when I get told that! I'm about to jump back on the rollercoaster after having a nice couple of months on terra firma. Not sure if I'm excited or dreading it yet... It's funny reading how everyone feels after such a long time trying. I'm finding I'm getting less and less desperate and more and more fed up with the whole process. I almost feel like I'm talking myself into accepting that it might not happen. In saying that though on Sunday we found out that our nearest and dearest friends who have been the only close friends who know about the whole saga and have been fantastic are expecting. I've just stopped crying now. They were so far away from starting a family and DH and I always joked with them that if we were still trying when they fell pregnant life wouldn't be worth living. Deep down I'm really excited and happy for them but I feel betrayed or something. Not sure what it is but it's a horrible feeling. Having dinner with them tomorrow night for DH's birthday so I'll smile and gush and gag on my food!

Lots of hugs and positive vibes to everyone!

welcome back Bee -wondering how you were.

I know there isn't much I can say to reassure and comfort you ...but for us it took 15yrs and it was worth every miserable minute I endured to have my little boys.

Draw on your great personal strength as you continue the journey.
I wish the very best for you and all the long TTCers.

Just ducking in to say hi to everyone. I've been MIA because not much is happening for me at the moment which is getting me really down - so the last thing I wanted to do was come in here and just moan and groan all the time! Work is cheesing me off at the moment and then I get home and just think about how much I want to be a Mum - so I feel like nothing's going the way I want it to! Okay, enough moaning!!!!!

Keen - I'm also waiting for AF - hope she behaves when she does arrive! Mine should be due now but no signs yet which is a bit odd. Also know exactly what you're saying about feeling jealous. Some days can be really tough. :hug:

Daisy - sounds like it was a tiring but fun weekend.

Kar - great to have you dropping by and hope things keep going fantastically.

Sushee - we REALLY need some BFP's! I know I'm feeling a bit down and although there's not much happening for me I would be SO over the moon to hear other LT'ers are having some success. GOOD LUCK to everyone :goodluck:

Shazey - so sorry to hear that AF is causing you grief. Take good care. :hug:

SuziQ - enjoy your trip away - even if it isn't the big one! xo

Leis - you are amazing! Good luck with the tests. I also had low rubella (actually it was zero!) so had to get that fixed up before ttc.

Tam - wishing you heaps and heaps of luck for next month.

Bee - sorry to hear how tough things have been (and still are) for you. I so know how you feel - this rollercoaster has been one of the most difficult things I've gone through in my life. I think we all find our own ways of coping and keeping that little piece of hope. Take care. xo

Trish - hope you and the twins are travelling wonderfully.

And a big hell to everyone I've missed. :hello:

Take care,
Marg
xoxo

Hello ladies just wanted to stick my head in & wish you all well.

I am so relieved SuziQ that you are staying put, funny I was thinking of you the other day & hoping you were safe!! LOL you hadn't left our shores, thank goodness!!

Warming a spot for you Keen xoxo

Take care & have a great day :)

Hi wonderful ladies,

Yes I think we are all feeling the same way in here at the moment.

Every month I hope and pray for a miracle, but in my heart I know that it won't happen.

We are going to do FET in Sept, but at the moment I'm feeling like I couldn't be bothered.
This will be our last try, as I'm sick to death of the disappointments associated with IVF and TTC.
I think at last, and I never thought was possible was that I am slowly coming to terms with the fact that it will never happen to us.

5 years of lots of disappointments TTC, I think I've had enough!

Ann

Thanks Trish and Marg for the wishes. Sorry everyone if I sounded down in the dumps - I'm not and actually feeling better than I have for ages and I definitely didn't want to drag anyone down. The sun's out and I'm going shopping :)

Hi Ann, Sorry to hear that you are sounding so flat, and Bee to for that matter.... I know how you feel sometimes ann, I could just so easily give up tomorrow, but for some reason I don't .... I am so sick to death of dissappointment and let down, month after month. I think that my reasons being that I have just been ground down so badly with all my major ops, I feel they have taken alot of my positive nature away.... anyway we are having 2 months off, as I need a rubella shot and DH is really sick at the moment with the flu... Hope everyone is doing fine.. love and hugs leis xx

Welcome back, Bee! It's so good to have you back!

Your details have been updated on the front page as promised.

Hey there Bee! Nice to see you Sweetheart! Much like you I 'generally' (I say that because there is the ocassional moment of desperation still) feel like I am coming to terms with the possibility that it aint gonna happen. And like you Ann, I am a little bit in the 'cant really be bothered' category right now - mostly because I keep thinking of all that we go through and then to come out the other end, a little more cynical, a little more depressed and a lot poorer! hee hee well, most of the time anyway.

There has to be someone escaping the clutches of LT TTC soon ladies... alas it isnt me this month, although for just a few brief moments I was starting to think ...just maybe.... of course that didnt last long!

Yaye to us all for our strength, courage and conviction and for the wonderful lives we will have despite our struggles! We Rock!

Hi to you all, I'm a bit tired & just about off to be but just wanted to pop in to say hello to you lovely ladies.
Nice to see you back Bee (well, you know what I mean)

Take care

Just popping in quickly to say hi to everyone from sunny (NOT) QLD. But, it's a nice break.
:hello: Bee. Glad you're back although sorry to hear things have been pretty cr*ppy for you. Hope all goes well at dinner tonight.
Hi to everyone else in here and hang in there - spring is just around the corner and that just has to be good.
Cheers

Hi guys, hope everyone is well

Suziq I hope you are going well up north and enjoying your time there!
Tam all the best for the following months
Me Went to my GP today, he is just so nice, have ordered some day 21 bloods, which will mean monday for test, including thyroid prolactin and the likes, also, we will be having 3 months off TTC as i am desperatley needing a rubella vax and today my GP said, 'no babies for 3 months, be careful, or it could be a disaster, you promise me?' God this is crazy this TTC stuff... so i guess poor DH will have to use frangers!!! Talk about extremes!!!! It has been along time since we used them, I think when we first starting going out with each other, which let me see, would be mmmm nearly 8 years!!!!! LOL

I'll still be popping in to see where everyone is and send all my love to you all and of course STICKY VIBES!!!

Take care leis xxx

Leis, OMG @ frangers, I haven't heard that term for aaagggeeesss. Feeling a bit old now. Bugger on having to use them, but it's for the best.
A question though, does Rubella immunisation run out? I had mine when I was 13 at high school.

Have a nice weekend.

Tam hun in answer to your question... yes rubella immunity can run low, mine was 74 two years ago and in that time it dropped to 25. It is suppose to be > than 10, but apparently a nurse in my health service was supposedly immune, but low like myself and she got german measles and the baby she was carrying had some deffects when it was born. Being in the environment i work in, i need to be very careful, not only for myself but for any of my patients. My GP said that it was unusual for it to drop so rapidly in such a short space of time, but hey I am a freak!!! Usually they run bloods prior to IVF and this is one thing they check. You should probably go and get yourself checked out for your immunity status. My first and only shot like yourself, was when i was in year 7!!!

Take care leis x

Hi Girls,
I thought I would just pop in to say Hi!

Nothing much happening in my part of the world.

Leis, there is always something isn't there!

Hope the time flys for you so you and DH can jump back on the TTC band wagon.

Keen, I hope everything is going well for you.

I think we all have to get our act together, adn start getting a few BFP's in here. I think we have been slacking off for a while, so come on lets get going!

If only it was sooooooo simple, hey!

Luv to all

Ann :hug: (to all of us on this journey)

I know Ann.... it is becoming incredibly still in here - no one has made a permanent move out for ages! I really hope that means we will all escape together!

I tell you I was surprised to see that Rubella drops down like that - last test I had was when we first started IVF back in 2004.... wonder if I need to check it again??

SuziQ: How are you? Hope your stay in QLD is relaxing and the weather is nice for you.

Hope all you lovely ladies are doing well.

Chris

Hello everyone!
I hope you all have sunshine! I was also suprised that the rubella could drop like that. I know I have had mine tested, but all I know is that I dont have to worry about it. I have very fond( not) memories of having the needle twice in year 7. I hated needles back then. I still do, but am used to it now.
It is crazy Leis what we do on the TTC train heh!

I am hoping that with so many FET coming up in September that alot of you get to mass migrate out of TTC land.

Anne- miracles can happen- even to you!

Just wanted to wish all you lovely ladies a wonderful weekend. :)

I'm still struggling with the whole staying positive thing at the moment. Definitely need lots of LT'ers to get BFP's in the next few months to lift my spirits! We deserve it! :hug:

Take care,
Marg

Yeah its been a bit disappointing lately hey Marg... actually I saw a post out there in the preggo forums where someone posted that they had been in here reading our posts and said "how sad it was" in here...

We must get out.... and soon. Im happy for a few others to beat me off the mark, if need be - Ann, Marg, Tam, Leis, Sue - damn there is just so many...

time to start smiling again ladies - any suggestions on how we can lift our spirits in here?

:

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time to start smiling again ladies - any suggestions on how we can lift our spirits in here?

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Normally I would suggest wine..... folate just doesn't give you the same buzz :)

I wish I could drink! I am just not a wine drinker. half a glass does me and I then put on the kettle. Sad heh! I have alwasy been like that. It worked out well for all my freinds when I was in my late teens, as I always ended up as the driver when we went out.

Hi Ladies

I have been MIA for a while and I just wanted to wish all you lovely ladies lots of :bluedust: and :bfp: for August and Septemberhopr all is well with every one and keep your chins up I know I will be tryin.

Yes, I have noticed Folate lacking in the 'buzz' department - perhaps thats something we can work on ;)

Like you Vic, Im not a drinker either - maybe I could hit the sugar buzz for a grin....oooohhhh remember Wizz Fizz Sherbet? That stuff would put a permanent smile on my face for hours (while I ran around in hyper mode, of course!)

Cheesecake and chocolate would do it for me! But am being so ever good and keeping it for my cycling only. Well that is the aim anyway!

I finished the book "the child within" by Linda Fiske. To be honest I did not get much out of it as really the whole book was small discussions with women who had gone though the IVF process. I have gotten alot more out of chat talking with all you girls. But saying that it would of been really helpful prior to me finding BB. If any of you girls want the book, it is yours free! Just PM me. If not I am going to see if the IVF clinic will take it. I would like to see it go to a wanted home.

I hope you all are having a good weekend. I am having a very wet weekend, which I dont mind as the water tanks needed a top up!

Hi everyone
Hope we have some BFPs in here soon. I can't wait to see all the action in September.

And LtJules - this is the current LTAC thread. Please make yourself at home and introduce yourself. Here's hoping that you wont have to stay long and that you take the rest of the girls here out with you. I need company over in PALTTTC - especially now Humprey's just delivered Lily Sophia.

Welcome Jules! Im also with SIVF, but in sthn Sydney. Sounds like the esky adventures will be fun ;)

LOVE Hugh Jackman, too!

Hope this time around is the one for you :crossfingers:

Hi Jules, glad to see you made it!

Hope everyone is doing well. DH had a day off yesterday and we went out to the movies and lunch. it was so nice to do something together. It has been so long.... It really did me good I can tell you! I also am going on a holiday soon. DH has to go to Tassie for a work conference in October so I am going along too. I am so excited. It will be just good to get away. Then hopefully I will be all rested to start a cycle in November.

Hi Jules and in the nicest possible way I'd like to say I hope we all don't see much more of you in here!! Maybe you will be the lucky charm to start the ball rolling...

Someone has to get that ball rolling soon, Bee....

Hope everyone is ok...

Hi guys and welcome to Jules.. hope your stay is short and sweet.... Well big news here from us... DH and I are moving to the North Coast, Lismore to be exact... Ann, start house hunting for us love.....FINALLY after three years apart, we will be together.... and hopefully the baby making will come easy in a few months time.....

love and hugs to all:p

leis xx

AARRRRR, Leis that is fantastic news!!!!!!!

With any luck we can catch up some time. Congrats.

Now after the big move and the settling in period the baby dancing can really get started, not much luck doing the BD on your own !

Ann :)

Hi everyone- I am not new to Belly Belly, but am New to IVF and have a few questions I was wondering if people could answer.

Brief background- TTC 2+ years. PCOS, been on 1500mg metformin since May 2005, 2 m/c Sept 2005 and Jan 2006. Tried two cylse of 100mg Clomid, unsucessfully, then DH diagnosed with translocation at his 18 and 21 chromosone 2 months ago. Saw Dr McBain at Freemasons last week, and probe satrting to be developed for us. Been told each cycle for us will cost out of pocket $6,000. We have private health insurance.

My questions are as follows:

1. Anyone else used Dr McBain, particularly for Pre Inplantation Diagnosis (PGD)? Any feedback would be appreciated. I have been told he actually developed the PGD testing.

2. I have been told by Dr McBain that he wants to get about 20 eggs my first stimulated cycle, whilst treading the fine line and not hyperstimulating. The thought of hyperstimulation really scares me, does anyone know the symptoms, and how dangerous hyperstimulation can be?

3. Dr McBain said that his policy is normally to only inplant one embryo, not two. I have heard confliciting stories about the benifits/pitfalls of two embryos being implated. I have heard that two gives you a better chance of at least one taking, or on the other hand that if two are implanted they compete to stick at the same time, and therefore neither may end up sticking. Anyone else heard anything about the pros/cond of one embryo versus two being implanted.

4. I have been told of the benefits of acupuncture/chinese herbs whilst on IVF. Anyone tried this? I have been told that this can help prepare the placenta, and increase your egg quality ( as the stimulation may produce lots of eggs, but there is not the quality, therfore not the success) Any reccomendations?

I think that is all my questions for now. Sure I will think of more as I move along the IVF path.

EJE: Couldnt help but notice your post. To help with any of your questions.

#1 Sorry dont know Dr Bain and my program does not consist of doing PGD.
#2 20 eggs - wow. I average 6 and lucky if 2-4 make it to blasts.
#3 I can say both 1 or 2 embryos work, i am proof. I have had BFPs with twins and BFP with singleton. Not everyone has complications with twins, FS will be a better decider on that.
#4 Not up on Chinese herbs.I believe that the better the quality, better the chance of BFP.

Fingers crossed for you that you get a BFP either way.

Hello everyone I do hope you all are doing well.

Leis- great news on the move. I hope it all goes smoothly.

Hi EJE- I have not had PGD so I cant comment about that. I know it is expensive though. I also have not heard of your DR. 20 is alot of eggs to go for. My FS believes that 10 is the number to go for. and really it is not the quanity it is the quality that counts. My FS also doesnt believe in taking herbs while doing the IVF. But I have heard of some that do. I think it is totally up to you weather you want 1 or 2 emby's transfered. Personally I dont care if I have twins, so I went with the 2 each time. And have only fallen with 1 bub each time it worked. Best of luck with your IVF journey!

Hi eje,

The only thing that I personally can answer is the eggies. Last cycle they collected 28 eggs. The Dr in Sydney wanted to do a freeze all, because of the risk of hyperstimulating. I was having BT's every day, and even though my levels as the Dr says was "through the roof", I made the decision to go through with the transfer. I was swollwn and a little sore, but I was OK.

The Dr said the risk was so high of hyperstimulating that after the transfer I was given heaps of information for the hospital just incase I needed to go to hospital.

Every one is different though.

Ann

Hi to you all, I'm back after my holiday and it was great. Nice & rested now.
Also, AF came back from hols with me (on the plane, can you imagine how lovely, & unlucky).

Anyway, hope you are all well and will catch up on posts (hopefully good news) and get back later.

take care

Hi Jules, So glad that everything is on track. Dont forget to keep up the water intake. Sending you much baby dust!

Tam good to see you back and that you had a godd holiday. Bugger on AF!

Speaking of AF, I have finally had some spotting. Which I am hoping to take as a sign that something in my body is finally working. At the least, it is the start of a new cycle. Amazing isnt it what makes us happy!!

Hope everyone is doing well!

Hi All -
Sorry I have been AWOL for a while. I have been checking in every so often and keeping my fingers, toes and other crossable things crossed for you! Will catch up soon with personals, in the mean time what has dragged me out of slumber is EJE's post -

Hi EJE - I've been going through Dr McBain as well. I didnt have the PGD although I did ask for it - apparently it cant be done on frozen embies. I'm assuming that was your first visit to him and that you haven't been to the appointments at Melb IVF as yet? I dont want to sound as though I'm fobbing you off, but most of the answers to your questions will be in the information package that they give you at Melb IVF (which is also on their website). You should have been (or will be when you attend your appointments) given a book which explains about the cycles, the costs, hyperstimulation, the pros and cons of transferring 2 rather than 1 etc.

I found Dr McBain can rattle off a whole lot of information at once and expect you to take it all in - dont be afraid to stop him and ask him to explain something. He's a busy man but you're paying good money and have a right to understand what's going on.

As to the number of eggs he's aiming for & hyperstimulation - he will keep a close eye on you with ultrasounds to check on the number of eggs and their size. I was close to hyperstiming on my first cycle and after EPU I had to call the nurses each day to tell them about my pain levels and weight. Worst case scenario you could end up in hospital, but am sure John will do his best to make sure that doesnt happen.

With my DH & I he recommeded transferring 1 egg however entirely left the decision up to us. We went with 2 and he was happy to go along with our wishes.

I cant comment on the accupuncture/herbs - some girls on here have tried it though. I remember asking John about it and he said it wouldnt make a difference. But you go with what you think is right for you and your body.

I hope that has helped you. Feel free to PM me for more info. Good luck on your journey - hope you dont have to spend too much time on those horrible grey couches!

Take care girls,
H