Long Term TTC & Assisted Conception - August 2008

Evening All,

Possums- How exciting off to New Zealand. I hope you have the bestest of time. I hope too that you come back to some good news from me and that you will be not far behind.

KellyD and OscarOscar- Thanks so much for the kind wishes. I really appreciate it.

Janie- Thanks also for your kind words. We were BT buddies not too long ago and I hope also to join you in the pg thread soon. The very best of luck for your scan tomorrow. I'll be checking throught the day for your good news.

Abbie- Thanks also. I hope AF comes soon. I know how hard it is to do all this with travelling. I travel all the time for work and often have to cancel trips. It makes things really tricky. I just do what I need to do now!

Marsha- I hope your headache went away today. I get them too on all these drugs. Take care.

All my other friends...am thinking of you too

AFM, am cruising along nicely. Just want a BFP so desperately. I think this 9 day wait will go pretty quickly. My SIL is getting married the day after my BT so I'll be pretty occupied. Oooh and the olympics start soon!!

Night All

Hugs Bel

Thanks to everyone for the welcome wishes :loveshower:

Janie - thanks heaps for the welcome. Sorry to hear about the MS it will be so worth it in the end....best wishes for your scan.

Possums - I'm half kiwi. Are you heading north or south? either way - wishing you a fantastic chilled-out trip

Bel - Wishing you the best, calming, unstressful, sticky sticky vibes. :bluedust: :stickyvibesgirl:

BecD - Good Luck for your transfer

KellyD - I'm sorry to read about your loss. Your frosties sound good and strong and I'll be wishing you a speedy next cycle :pray:

Marsha - thanks for the advice on the acupuncture. All the best for Friday - I have an U/S that day too to check on progress. 08/08/08 - It's a lucky day....

As for me - I don't even really feel any of the side effects of the Puregon? I don't feel like I have bloated ovaries and I'm worried that there won't be enough follicles.

I suppose I will just have to wait (sigh) just like everyone else :doh:

This week has gone super slow...I'm going to be tearing my hair out over the TWW. Saving up a visit to the hair dressers, pedicure, manicure etc so that I can fill my time for the TWW. :lol:

Ciao for now.

Nix

Hi all, sorry for no personals today, just popping in to wish you all the best with the various stages of your cycles, and the waiting game (and Janie for your scan!).
Thanks for the support you've offered me so far. I will say farewell for a few weeks...yay, our holiday is nearly here! Look forward to catching up on all your news when i return and hopefully seeing lots of BFPs! :D

Hi Ladies hope you dont mind if i join.

I am currently on my first cycle of IVF/ICSI and i started my Gonal F on Tues 5th, my estimated Epu will be the week of 18th August so i guess i am starting to get nervous not knowing what to expect.

One question why do they make you take the lucrin still with the FSH dont they counteract each other?

Mel

Welcome mindy :welcome:, dont think i can give you any profound answers but I think the lucrin/synarel is to disrupt your naturally produced hormones while the other stimulate the ovaries in a controlled way. Kind of makes sense...:think:
Nixon, hang in there with the TWW, sounds like youve gt some good pampering stuff lined up, yay! here's to a stress-free life i say!

AFM, not much going on, looking forward to friends wedding tomorrow.
Ciao to all, A.

Hi Abbie.. How you doing sweetie.. I've been thinking of you and hope you are doing well... I hope AF shows up soon and your FET will be under way.. I'll be thinking of you til then..

Hey Abbie - thanks mate - If my DH even mentions the amount of money I plan to spend that week....watch out. I'm getting some serious pampering that week. :-)


Hey Mindy - My theory is that the Lucrin stops your body from functioning (in terms of hormones and Ovulation/menstruating etc) and then the FSH basically gives the Doc's control to bump up what your body would normally do each month (ie: produce more eggs than you would normally). Then I'm stumped when it comes to the trigger injection.

Anyway - welcome babe. The more the merrier as far as I'm concerned.

Nitey Nite Ladies.

Ciao for now.
X

Gosh quite a bit happening this week with everyone, have been away for work.
Bel - fingers crossed for you and hope your TWW goes quickly.
Possums - have a great hol
Bee and Kahlan - I am in the same boat as you, damn AF just gone walkabout. I decided to take action and went to see my acupuncturist today, had some needles and the candle thing, and she has also given me some herbs - can't hurt although the herbs taste so bad, I can't believe I am saying this but I would rather needles!!
Oscar - hope your af behaves too and leaves soon

Nixon - great to hear you have good bosses / work situation - me too helps take the pressure off
BecD - hope your transfer goes well
Marsha - hope Friday is a good day for follies
KellyD - Sorry you didn't get good news, sending hugs
Janie - Great news I really hope you continue to do well, it's great to hear positive stories
AFM as I said above just waiting for damn AF and skulling yucky herbs. After my overstim I really just want to make it to the first base of a EPU. It is frustrating how long everything takes. Sorry for the whinge chicks, hope you don't mind - just makes be feel a bit better.
best wishes to all for good progress

Hi my friends

Nixon- What a great idea about saving up all your lovely things for during the TWW. I'll have to do that next time..that is for my next baby cause I AM getting a BFP this time and this one WILL stick!! Oh and the trigger injection is given exactly 36 hours before EPU. It basically makes your eggs get released right on pick up.(Please correct me if I'm wrong anyone but that's what I thought happens anyway!!!)

Mel- Welcome to this thread. You will love all the support all the amazing ladies here will offer you and you'll make some great friends. Don't be nervous doing your 1st cycle. It's an exciting time and you'll do fabulously. Just ask all the questions you need to. I found I got better answers here from my 1st FS.

Abbie- Enjoy the wedding tomorrow. My SIL is getting married next weekend and I can't wait for that either.

AFM, 1 sleep down, 8 to go in this TWW nightmare!! I'm doing ok so far. Started all the analysing, but hey we all do it!!

Night All

Hugs Bel

Aleenta- Hi there. Oh I am totally with you re the herbs. Give me the needles ANYDAY too!! I hope the witch AF shows up soon then you can get the ball rolling again. It's just exciting when AF shows up and you get a plan going. Hope it all gets going soon.

Sweet dreams Bel

Hi everyone,

Just popping in! Still waiting for AF to arrive - its now a few days late (after tricking me into thinking it was starting last week)...one thing we learn is PATIENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nixon - Welcome! And with acupuncture - try and find one that really knows about fertility and IVF. Mine will work with me so that I will go and see her straight before the embryo transfer and then straight again after. With side effects or bloating from Puregon - I think it is probably different for everyone, but if you are worried about ANYTHING make sure you ask the nurses. It can save a lot of unnecessary stress....:wall: And I love your ideas for the TWW!!! Might have to do some of the same....:D

Bel - thinking of you and praying for your little one!

Welcome Mindy as well! This is sure an interesting journey - lots of ups and downs - but this forum and these girls are angels on earth!! I actually can't explain to anyone who hasn't experienced IVF and a forum such as this just what it means to me. So :hug: everyone!

Take care and I'll be back (as Arnie would say!) in a few days,

Good Morning ladies.

Lucky 8 day today.....

Bel - Hang in there and try to stay chilled. What are you doing to distract yourself? Have you ever heard of Dr Hauschka cosmetics? Well, if you fancy pampering yourself a tad I can highly recommend their compress oil baths. You basically get an organic compress cloth and a bath oil (not for a proper bath though). Fill up a bowl with warm/hot water - add your bath oil (sage, lavender, lemon, spruce) - submerge your compress towel - ring it out and then wrap it around your face and press firmly aroundthe temples, eye area, and DEEP BREATHE - then repeat the steps as many times as you like. I cann't tell you how good it feels. Lemon for a wake up in the morning and lavender or sage before bed (that's how I use it). It can become quite soothing and a mini ritual to get me in the right head space for the day.

Aleenta - Whinge away - that's what we're here for. The waiting annoys me too - waiting for AF, waiting for AF to stop, waiting for BT results. I reckon it's good practice for when we all have tiny babies that need us to be patient. :D

KateB - With the Acupuncture I'm going to a lady in McMahon's point off a recommendation from some one on BellyBelly. I made an appointment and she told me that it was important to have session before and after the transfer, so I guess we will see how it pans out. Re the TWW - I have been struggling not to get nails, hair etc done to kill some time, but I know I'll need the distraction more during those 2 weeks.

Abbie - Have a ball at the wedding. I do love a good wedding. Not many coming up for me in the near future. (sigh). Have fun!!!

AFM - Well, I do have a smile on my face today. One of my worries was alleviated today - first U/S since starting Puregon. I have 11 follies on the left and 12 on the right -WOO-HOO. All up there are around 12 that are between 10 & 12mm in size.

I know it doesn't mean that all of them will keep growing at the same rate and it doesn't neccessarily mean that I will end up with an egg in each, but for now I am cheering. I wasn't sure that there would be any. :cheer:

Anyway - better get to work.
Have a lucky fantastic day everyone.

Nic- Great results for your 1st ultrasound. They are fantastic numbers. You should be extremely happy. And the oil compress thing you do sounds AMAZING!! Thanks for the tip, I'll definately be looking into that! Enjoy your day being happy with your follies!!

Hugs Bel

Hi Everyone

So many new faces... To everyone I haven't chatted to yet :welcome:

Will catch up on everyone news and get back to you all.

AFM: Well dreaded AF still hasn't shown up. It is now 8 days since I stopped the Crinone and was told that AF should be here by now. Think I will need to talk to the FS today to get a plan. I have an appt with them next Thursday 14/8 to discuss our FET plan for Sept. I have also found a Chinese Medicine doctor in Ballarat who specialises in Infertility & Acupunture, so have an appt with him also next Thursday to set out a plan for Acupunture moving forward with our transfers.

Have a good weekend everyone....

Janie: How did the scan go yesterday????

Kelly- Do you normally have irregular cycles? Maybe you can ask your FS to give you a course of provera to bring AF on. My cycles are totally irregular so my new FS said he would put me on a course if I ever needed to get things starting. It's worth a try..

Hope AF comes soon though. I get the whole waiting thing. My longest was 63 days....so annoying.

Hugs Bel

Hi Bel

I always have irregular cycles and have used provera on a number of occassions during our time TTC to get AF started. My FS was hopeful that AF would arrive seeing as I had bleeding on day 14 after transfer which they stopped by giving me more Crinone as we had a faint positive at 52.

I get the feeling that I will have to used provera again in Sept to get things moving for our FET.

My cycles can vary from not having AF for up to 8 mths or I can get continually spotting for 2-3 mths. So frustrating when all you are trying to do is move forward and dreaded AF doesn't help.

Anyway, I'll see what FS advises and go from there....

Hi KellyD and Aleenta and others who are waiting for their AF to come. I know the feeling of inactivity (on the procreation front that is) is doing to all of us. I am sorry to hear that you have the added stress of not knowing when your AF will come because of irregular cycles.

AFM, although I have to allow one whole AF cycle after my m/c before I can do further treatment, I have been keeping a tap on how by body is going. This is killing my DH instead, as I have been measuring my temperature and watching CM on a daily basis. If my calculations is correct I should be getting my AF next Wed, although I feel my body is not back to normal. Today I registered another basal temp increase which I can only assume that the Progesterone is a bit off track ( my temp normally increases after ovulation, stays there and then drops when I get AF).

I did end up going to a Chinese medicine doctor who did give me herbs to drink! yuck! He did one wonderful thing though. I came one day with a sore throat and he did some stuff which gave me instant relief and the sore throat went away (I am very scared of sore throat as it is an indication of an emerging cold). One thing though which I would like your opinion, I didn't get the impression that he wanted to do acupuncture for me during my treatment. He said that he would help me regulate my body through acupuncture and herbal medicine (presently) and it should help with my treatment in a few weeks time. He gave no indication that he would give me acupuncture when I do the transfer. What should I do???

O.K.

Update, spoke to FS and start Provera tonight for a week to get this damned AF started. They also indocated that I will have to go back on the pill for my FET (thought as much) so that we can plan the transfer as I will definately get AF after being on the pill. :hooray: finally we get moving onto our next cycle.

Kahlan: I am seeing a Chinese medicine doctor next week to do Acupuncture, he specialises in infertility and IVF and has told me that he prefers to do acupunture treatments just prior too and just after transfer. I suppose they all have different plans depending on your body and it's needs. If it helps get the end result, then
I am all for giving it a go.

Hello Ladies thought I would pop my head in and wish you all some :goodluck: and Sprinkle :bluedust: I have been thinking of you all.

Hello to all! I am new in this thread. Briefly, have been trying TTC for approx 2.5 years - recent laparoscopy mild endo but tubes blocked. MFI as well. Just seen the IVF doc for the 2nd time - not suitable for IUI, so straight onto IVF. Waiting for AF to arrive, then I will start the agonist approx 21 days.

Very nervous and apprehensive, but excited that we are on a pathway to somewhere!!! Lovely to meet you all. :pink-babydust::bluedust: to all :D

:welcome: Neptune. Wishing you a short visit here in Long Term TTC.

Nic

Yay Kelly, great news. Bring on AF and your next cycle

Hey TL, how's things going. Everytime I see your due date I get so excited for you.

Am off to have a nanna nap

Hugs Bel

Bel thanks things are going well we have our scan next week

Neptune :goodluck2: with your visits we got our BFP 2nd cycle after my lap so wishes are with you

Does anyone know the possible outcome of having low estrogen levels at day 8 of stims?

My follies are ok (i think) around 23 all up with 12 that are between 10 - 12mm, but the nurse told me today that my estrogen levels are not as high as they should be.

I'm taking 150 of Puregon and have been for the last 8 days, they told me that the BT on day 4 of stims was around the 360 mark and then day 8 they were only up to 430?

I don't really know what it means - I don't know where they should be by day 8.

I have to go back in tomorrow for another BT to check a different hormone? To see if my ovaries are working hard enough?

Anyone that has had similar results or can advise what is the expected levels - please please let me know.

The nurse said the size of the fols were ok, just the estrogen levels were lower thank expected. I assumed that they were a LOT lower than expected - by I could have been reading too much into it.

I've been feeling sick with worry all afternoon.

Sorry. Being miserable. I was just so excited this morning that it has been a bit of a shock and disappointment to hear that news.

Thanks
Nic

Hey Nic

Being new to IVF, I can't really give you any advice, but I'm sure things are fine. Try not to worry too much - I'm sure someone more experienced and knowledgeable will be along soon with some advice....

Take care :hug:

Nic - that follie size sounds good hun some people devlop levels at different rates I can't tell you what mine were beacuse my FS did'nt BT for the last few cycles just went on follie size but :crossfingers: for you. Plus this being your first your body may react a little different to the norm but sure it is doing its thing hang in there and try not to stress yes easy for me to say :rolleyes:

Thanks Tigger - Thanks Neptune.

I guess there is nothing I can do about it anyway. Will just have to hang out for BT results tomorrow.

Have read that injecting stims in abdomen may improve estrogen levels. Might start that tomorrow. It might not help, but worth a shot.

Thanks for the encouraging words gals.

Will stop my mini-meltdown now.

X

Nic :hug: mini meltdowns are normal hun esp with cycle one you question everything (actually that does not change much :lol:) My stims were always done in the stomach if it stings just use an ice cube

Linda XX

Nic - sorry to hear about the spanner in the works. I dont know the details of IVF yet (still learning) but it looks really emotionally difficult. Hang in there :hug: I hope it all works for u.

Thanks again girls. I've got acupuncture after BT and then I guess there will be more of a plan in the arvo once the results are in.

Oscar - It has been ok until recently - I think since the stims started and knowing that we are close, but not knowing how close. It is starting to do my head in. But I know it will be worth it - I've found some great girls and some great support here. The wishes and thoughts from those who may not know all the in's and outs of IVF are as appreciated as those who have been round the track a couple of times. Thank you for taking the time to leave a note for me. :-)

Linda - I did my first stim in the belly and it stung, bled and bruised (but I think the puregon is quite a bit different to the lucrin that I had gotten used to). I think I will be able to deal with the Puregon in the belly now. It will be interesting to see if there is any difference. The nurse said it wasn't anything to worry about just yet so fingers crossed the plan tomorrow will set things back on track.

X

Nic - thanks, I'm about to embark on the AC / IVF / unknown AC path next cycle and I'm sure then I'll have a better idea of just how stressful it is. Until Istarted TTC I had no idea just how emotionally draining it all was. I have a confession, embarassingly my aunt used IVF when I was a teen, and I was silently thinking "oh if she just relaxes, it will happen". Im glad I said nothing to her. Ahhh I hope that karma doesnt come back to bite me on the bum, how wrong was I!!! Just thinking about it is stressful, and LTTC is stressful. I was sooooo wrong. You guys are incredibly strong and I admire you heaps. Goodluck Nic for your cycle :goodluck:

Im not even sure Im considered LTTTC yet (only 12 cycles), but I feel the pain and about to embark on AC so I hope its ok to be here?

EDIT:Nic I just saw your post in 'ttc' about sperm antibodies. This is about the only test we haven't had! Is it done as part of a usual SA? We have had two SA's done and I've never heard anything about it. We have poor swimmers and (way TMI) but I find it really hard to have any arousal fluid at all so we think maybe his swimmers find it hard to swim in the acidic environment?

Oscar, of course it's ok for you to be here. Where else can you go to hear the first hand experiences of the journey you are about to embark on? We had only been TTC for about 8 months, but due to some surgery DH had when he was younger we thought there may be a chance that conception may be an issue. We got it checked out and here we are.

It's amazing how differently you see things when everything you thought would come so naturally doesn't eventuate. Don't get hung up on what you thought about our aunt back in the day. It's the old shoulda, coulda, woulda - it won't do you any favours to torture yourself - Karma can be a b*tch, but only if you let it :-)

Stick around - I'd like to know how everything goes for you. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you.

PS: I think we come here to unload to people who understand what we're going through - but please don't let it scare you into thinking this path is unbearable.

I can't speak for everyone else, but for me - I won't stop and I will not give this up no matter the let downs and the disappointments. I probably sound silly because this is my first cycle and I can tell you that there are some amazingly strong women here who have been through a lot more than me, but it gives me the strength to believe that no matter what happens I can manage and I can stay strong and do whatever is necessary for as long as is necessary.

Good luck, babe.
x

:

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EDIT:Nic I just saw your post in 'ttc' about sperm antibodies. This is about the only test we haven't had! Is it done as part of a usual SA? We have had two SA's done and I've never heard anything about it. We have poor swimmers and (way TMI) but I find it really hard to have any arousal fluid at all so we think maybe his swimmers find it hard to swim in the acidic environment?

---

I'm not sure if it is standard. There are different levels of how badly the sperm can be effects by the ASAB's. It's actually my husband body that is creating these antibodies - he's allergic to his own spunk - we do joke about it believe it or not.

It won't cost you anything to ask your FS or GP about it. They may have tested for it and it may not have been an issue so they may not have mentioned it? Best I can advise is to ask your FS - I reckon - even just a call or email? Depends how receptive he/she is to questions out of he blue I guess. Ours is really good - I can email him when ever - as long as I'm prepared to wait a day or three for a response.

IM JUST DISSAPPOINTED.........u/s only 1 folly 10mm, the rest are tiny
im expecting at least 3 to be around 10mm today:wall:

will catch up with personal when im back from my melt down....

Hi All,

Kahlan- How are you going? About the acupuncture, I would just say to them that you want a treatment before and after transfer. It can't hurt.

Neptune- Welcome... It is great that you are on the right track to getting your much longed for baby. I hope this IVF journey for you is a very short one and you find the support here helps you through as it has so many of us.

Nic- How did your BT go today? Your follies sound good to me. I'm not sure about low oestrogen but I'm sure your FS could give you some sort of drug to help increase th levels.

Oscar- You are of course most welcome here. We would love you to be on his path with us. I hope you find the support here makes your journey a bit easier.

Marsha- I'm so sorry you have had a mini meltdown. Please stay strong. Your body might just need a little longer to respond. Let us know how you are going. Am thinking of you.

All my other friends, am always thinking of you.

AFM, 6 sleeps to go til BT. Am having some weird feelings but I've never used pregnyl before so I'm certain it's just that.

Hugs Bel

:hug:thinking of you all and i hope you all get some bfp soon.
BEL..:pray: like mad for you hun.

MARSHA HUNNY..i really hope things look up for you soon hang in there sweet im thinking of you:hug:
good luk girls..were going to our new drs next saturday then just wait for af to start ivf # 3(different clinic):clap:

Hi LTTTC'ers.

Just thought I'd pop my head in here, since I'm doing an IVF/ICSI cycle at the moment. It's weird - I haven't felt about to post much about it so far, feels like it would be bad luck or something, but I'm starting to feel anxious about things again, so thought I would join the thread. DH and I have male and female factor infertility. Me - PCOS. DH - triply problematic sperm.

We had a FET last Nov (BFN). We had 4 embies, only 1 survived the thaw :( We then did 2 IUI cycles, both BFN, and we're back on the IVF/ICSI bandwagon now. My EPU is scheduled for this coming Tuesday, which is earlier than expected, but I seem to respond VERY well to FSH and my follies were growing quite fast. Then embryo transfer this coming Friday.

I am terrified of general anaesthetics, so not looking forwards to the EPU.

Looking forwards to talking with you all some more :)

Kahlan ? I think one of the most important things with IVF is to ask questions and take as much ?control? (that is sooo not the right word!) as possible. I?ve realised that I need to ask more questions when I am unsure about something, because not knowing if something means something or not can be so stressful. FYI I?m having acupuncture before my ET and again straight after.

Kelly ? good luck sweetie!!

Welcome Neptune! I hope your stay is short and sweet. Don?t hesitate to ask any questions?we?re all learning but we all like to help when we can. My biggest hurdle in starting was that first injection?now though it?s like ?injection smection!!? :p

TL and Bel ? hope you are well!

Nic ? :hug: It?s so hard! Our first cycle was cancelled when my follies didn?t respond as they should have, but we are about to start again on a higher dose of Puregon. I went to see a counsellor yesterday to talk about some stuff, such as feeling a bit guilty that my body didn?t behave itself. It was great.

Marsha ? same for you hon! It?s really hard ? :hug:

Hi Cherie ? well you?ve come to the right place! It?s a strange bond we all share. Take care of yourself okay?

AFM still waiting for AF ? has anyone found that their cycle was weird (very late) after a cancelled cycle of IVF? I?ve gone from feeling great yesterday to feeling miserable and teary all day today. Feeling better now though. I?ve also found myself being a bit short with people ? particularly if they are asking a ?favour? of me at the moment. I tend to tell them exactly what is happening and that I can?t guarantee anything at the moment so best they ask someone else. I guess I?m just putting myself and my DH first. Is that bad?

Hey KateB - I tell people no all the time at the moment. I usually feel bad for about 10 minutes and then remember that this is number one at this point in time and I'll make it up to them once the craziness has calmed down. It's weird - I tend to be more snappy with people who know about IVF than I am with the people who don't know. Focus on you, your hubbie and your baby to be.

Marsha - Sorry to hear about your disappointment at the scan. I hope your little follies manage to catch up.

Bel - I really hope everything is going well for you babe. Keeping you in my thoughts.

AFM - Well, BT yesterday morning and my estrogen went from 430 (they were expecting the levels to be between 500-600) on Friday to 560. I have also had my puregon dose upped to 200 - next BT & U/S on Tuesday. So I am feeling relieved. The nurse told me that there were a number of reasons for the low levels. It could have been a one off low level, it could have been due to poor quality eggs, or my body just wasn't responding to the drugs enough.

Anyway - I had my acupuncture session yesterday as well. That was fab. Really relaxing and I felt so good when I woke up this morning.

Hi to everyone else and I hope no one has to have any more meltdowns for a while. :-)

Hi Nic, great news on the results. I hope you enjoy your day today. I'm praying the mini meltdowns stay away for me too. Look after yourself

Hugs Bel