Long Term TTC & Assisted Conception - August/September 09

[juniper76]

Hi ladies!

tantee, I know all too well the fear of having nothing left, that's why our little lonely single snowbaby is staying put for now - I can't bear the thought of expecting to do an FET and then have it not survive the thaw. I hope your 6 do well and you get some perfect blasties!

AllyG, I get my P4 (progesterone), E2 and LH levels the same afternoon (blood is taken between 7-8 am) - on a weekday I call after 1pm and on a weekend they call me when they're in. I get hcg tests even faster - usually available in 2 hours.

Afm, it seems I was jumping the gun - my acupuncturist wants me to do 4 cycles with her before the next IVF, not have our next IVF be the 4th cycle... So, that makes it end of November. Work's going to love that! December is always busy for us and it looks like I'll be taking some time off...

[Nix76]

Hey there all,

Thanks for all your wonderful support and wishes since my BFN news last week. I am feeling a lot better about it and after having quite a few drinks & having a hangover on Sunday morning, I have made the "not drinking" commitment easier to deal with in my next cycle (reminded myself why it is good to NOT drink too!!)

Anyway - was on phone to MIVF today to check how much for FET so i can prepare - $1675 (WOW!) thankfully safety net will make out of pocket only $335 but still! I really don't know how we can all keep going round and round on this ride with all these added up financials.

In terms of some of the chatter about the medicare changes for next year - from what I understand they say that it will not have an impact on how much we get back and that we should be no worse off. But what do you beleive really? From the recent articles I have read tho it is looking more promising. Here's hoping they have a heart and don't make this any harder on us than it already is.

Lise - sorry to read your news - that is really hard to take. You must have been devastated when you heard. Glad you are feeling better now tho.

Loops - i am so glad to read that you are back on the merri go round with the rest of us (well in one sense!!!) Glad you are able to get another cycle in this year. Hope it is the last one you have to do!

In response to the chatter about thawing and re-freezing - its interesting as this is all learning for me. We only have 2 bubsicles and when I asked about the FET today, they said once I am ovulating they will thaw one and ET 2 days later. I asked "what if it does not thaw OK ,is there still time to thaw the other one" and answer was yes. I guess I would be wondering ... why would your clinics thaw more than what you are willing to put back in? I guess it all comes down to timing, but if they thaw maybe 3 days out and it doesn't seem to go well, wouldn't they just thaw another until they get one to transfer and then keep the rest as they are; frozen for next time if needed? As I said, this part of the game is all new to me as we have not gone through a thawing process before and our bubsicles are 2day embys.

Hi to anyone I missed and welcome to the newbies!

[Persephone1]

In response to the chatter about thawing and re-freezing - its interesting as this is all learning for me. We only have 2 bubsicles and when I asked about the FET today, they said once I am ovulating they will thaw one and ET 2 days later. I asked "what if it does not thaw OK ,is there still time to thaw the other one" and answer was yes. I guess I would be wondering ... why would your clinics thaw more than what you are willing to put back in? I guess it all comes down to timing, but if they thaw maybe 3 days out and it doesn't seem to go well, wouldn't they just thaw another until they get one to transfer and then keep the rest as they are; frozen for next time if needed? As I said, this part of the game is all new to me as we have not gone through a thawing process before and our bubsicles are 2day embys.

Hi Nix,

I think if you've got some frozen they just thaw one at a time on the day of your transfer. If the first one doesn't survive, they just thaw another. As the embryos are at the same stage that your body is at at the time (ie, 2dpo, or 5dpo) then it's easy just to thaw another.

For me, I've got 6 embryos which were frozen at Day 2. We've had 6 ETs now, all at Day 2. Different Clinics have different protocols for whether they grow the embryos to Day 2 or Day 5. There's a whole lot of statistics and facts about which is best - I guess it depends on the Clinic, the FS, and the patient. I think my FS thought I would be pregnant within a few Day 2 transfers. After 6 unsuccessful ETs, we reviewed the situation and FS said that it appeared that there was an argument to try and grow the remaining embryos to Day 5, as the chances of success increase with Day 5's.

So....long story short, we're thawing all 6 at the same time (they're currently out of the freezer, my little lonely babies!) and hopefully one of them will be waiting for me on Wednesday (Day 5). Statistically not many will make it to that stage. The reason for thawing more than one is because if they only thaw one at a time and I turn up on Wednesday and that one has not survived, then my cycle is cancelled for this month. Arguably it's best to thaw all of them at the same time because hopefully at least one of them will be waiting for me on Wednesday.

Phew. I hope that makes sense.

Meanwhile, I guess I've managed to get this far through my TWW without thinking about it much. Usually by this time I would have had a transfer, so it feels a bit odd to still be waiting for a FET. But the anxiety is starting to crawl in...I'm starting to obsess about whether they'll be ringing me tomorrow or Wednesday to cancel the FET because none of them made it to Day 5. Ugh, it's making me feel sick. But normally around this time I'm feeling a bit anxious anyway, with the enormity of another embryo on board and having to wait....

Phew again! to everyone, thinking of you all...will drop back in on Wednesday with FET info. Wish me luck girls!

Seph

[Onja]

Hey everybooodie

Hope you are doing well and being happy

Coral and Meltc.. good luck gearing up

Colour.. It is quite normal for an acupunturist or natural therapist to suggest to avoid TTC whilst doing herbs etc. Hormones are well hormonal and when we start to take herbs, the effect usually makes them fluctuate before settling to nice even levels. You might experience some effects of hormones fluctuating in that time but it's all worth it to get them to a good place

Wishes good luck with your blasties.. hope they blast into something great

Persephone : Good luck

Loops - sometimes we 'know' and I wasn't suprised when my AF came but you never know he could be playing mouse

Nix and Lise - hope like me you have been taking care and getting taken care of (and ahem yes a few wines kinda helped)

AFM: I heard from my FS today so feel a bit more 'love' she is going to put my on a 'thaw cycle' do you call it? I have lil snowcone but she said I have to go get an ovulation kit as I might not ovulate this cycle.... So does that mean - I see if I ovulate and then do I have the transfer? How long does it take for snowcone to ahem (don't wanna say melt) ahh thaw (yeah that's better) Gosh that's weird

Also as I am writing this I swear my ovaries are aching like when I was doing the Gonal-F...?

Hope, love, stickies and good vibes to all... don't forget to have a laugh - even if you have to put on a stupid DVD or go to see a movie

come oonn lil ovaries. Let's whip these lil doggies into line

yeehha

[Loops12]

Juniper ~ all the best for your cycle in November.

Nix ~ thanks hun. Hope you can move forward now and get your BFP ASAP

Seph ~All the best for tomorrow, will be thinking of you

Onja ~ Im still loving your attitude. A good laugh is always important definitely.

AFM ~ well I was wrong yestie - AF still hasnt arrived but I am still expecting her. But at the same time have a tiny ray of hope.

Hi to everyone else and all the best

[Persephone1]

Loops? No AF? When's your BT?

When can I squeal?

[Krikkit]

Hi Ladies, thought I might pop in (for those that don't see the other thread)

I got my yesterday! we are very happy and lucky! 12 months of waiting and its finally here!

[Loops12]

Seph ~ Im only in a natural TWW so I will probably just do a POAS if AF doesnt come over the next day or so, I think its only a matter of time though until she comes as I have headaches and that is usaually a big indicator she is coming and also it could be just late because of the hormones from my IVF cycle last month playing havoc with my system.

Krikkit ~ Once again, a huge big CONGRATS!

[tantee]

Congratulations Krikkit - may you have a happy & healthy pregnancy. Best wishes to you!! That is fantastic news

Loops - it is sounding mighty suspicious.... this could just be the one. Fingers quietly crossed for you.

Seph - Good luck for tomorrow. Sending you lots of luck for your embies. I am holding my breath for you as I can imagine the nervousness that you must be feeling.

Onja - From what I understand, it only takes 1-2 hours to thaw and a friend who has gone thru this before said that if an embie doesn't thaw well, they can thaw another so you don't have to cancel the cycle. This may change from clinic to clinic.

AFM - Had my 2nd u/s yesterday and they called back to say ET will go ahead on Saturday. I gave them the nod to send all 6 frosties to blast. I am sooooo nervous and pray that at least one will survive. They said if I don't hear from them, to just turn up on Saturday. This is going to be a looooooooooong week. Started Progesterone Pessaries last night (did not use these on fresh cycle) I was up nearly all last night with a splitting headache, not sure if it was from all the Estrogen & Progesterone or tension of the last week or so. DH has been great and I have not moved off the lounge all day.

Having a bit of me time today before we have to go and see his best friend's newborn this afternoon and try to show enthusiasm when I am feeling so crap.(They now have 2 children under 2)

[Loops12]

Tantee ~ thanks for the encouragement, I really hope it is a miracle.
All the best for Sat and the lead up. I will have fingers and toes crossed that your embies make it through and you have 1 or 2 to transfer and you get your deserved BFP!

Does anyone know if a small bit of indigestion after eating may be a sign of pg? I keep getting it. And I have some very mild tummy cramping, Ive had small headaches not the migraines I usually get leading up to AF so I think im going to have to try a POAS tomorrow. FX

[sonyalouise]

Hi ladies,

I have been off line for almost a week due to a line fault with telstra aghhhhhh.I am sorry for not writing any personal comments, I thought I would just start again at this point.

Have just finished reading through the posts from the last few days and my heart goes out to everyone who has had disappointments. It is such a difficult physical and emotional time for all of us, I am so thankful that there is this forum for people to draw support from.

AFM- I am still on lucrin and the pill. I stop taking the pill tomorrow, and my down reg scan is on the 23rd. I am so tired, nauseus, headachy and bloated. The tiredness is the worst. I think the nausea is from the pill so hoping that will be over soon. I can't imagine what it is going to be like once I am on the Gonal F, if I am this tired now.

Sorry for the whinge, but my goodness I feel like I have been bloated,tired and sick since January. Was trying to lose about 5kgs at the beginning of the year, but I think I have put on five.

I hope evryone is coping a little better than me at the moment. I think I am just feeling sorry for myself because I should have been due to have a bub next month.

You are all in my thoughts

[Onja]

Krikkit Awesome

[sonyalouise]

Hi Ladies,

I apologise for the me post last night was feeling tired and emotional, much better now. It is amazing what sleep and a new day can do for your attitude.

Have now caught up on where everybody is at, I think.

Krikkit- So pleased to hear good news! Congratulations.

Loops- Can?t wait to here the results of your POAS

Onja- You are so positive, I love reading your posts, bring on the thaw cycle.

Tantee-Only three days to go, Saturday will be here before you know it. I also had headaches when I was on Progestrone, but I was also told I was probably tense and anxious which made it worse. If you can go and have some acupuncture, it does wonders.

Seph-Hope you get some good news today.

Juniper- I had the same advice from my acupuncturist if this FET doesn?t work. She wants me to wait three cycles and have herbs as well. I don?t know if I could do it. On the other hand it would be nice not to be constantly thinking about things for a few months.

Lise- I hope you are feeling better, it was some devestating news you had to cope with.

Nix-I was sad to hear things didn't happen this time. It is good news about the safety net, I hope everything goes well with your thaw cycle. Do you know when that will be? I am sorry if you have already posted that information.

Sorry to the girls I have missed, hope I have all the info straight. Have a lovely day today.

[mitf]

Hi Ladies,

I had an appointment with my FS on Monday. Nothing new to report, I actually thought it was a bit of a waist of time and I could have signed up for my FET over the phone. Anyway we are doing a natural cycle with Prog pessaries in the TWW. So now I just have to wait for AF which is due at the end of the week but could be out of whack due to the stim cycle.

Sonyalouise - no need to apologise hun. We all feel a little tired and emotional at times and it's good therapy to get it out of your system. I hope the bloating subsides soon and GL with your injections.

Loops - that you receive your natural miracle.

Onja - Glad to hear you had a night off and enjoyed a few drinks! I will be doing the same this weekend one last time before I head into my next cycle. I feel your pain with your FS being on holidays. My FS told me we are good as long as I don't need ET around 9 Oct as she is taking a long weekend. I need to wait for AF but if she sticks to her usual cycle that is probably exactly when I will be needing ET!

Tantee - with the thaw and getting your embies to blastie. that you get some great results and all the best for your ET on Saturday

Seph - I hope lots of your embies made it to blastie. with your ET today and wishing you all the best for a non-stressful TWW.

Wishes, Nix, Juniper, Lise and anyone else that is lurking Hi, I hope all you lovely ladies are well.

mitf xo

[tantee]

I just had a call from the clinic and only 1 of my 6 frosties thawed ok and even that one is not fantastic so they want to bring ET forward to tomorrow. I am dreading that I will get another call before then. I was only really optimistically hoping that 1 would to make it to blast but to have lost so many in the first few hours is devestating.\

I know we only need one, but it all feels very fragile at the minute.

[Coral73]

tantee,

I am so sorry to hear your news about your frosties and big hugs to you . My heart goes out to you as I know how you are feeling at the moment. I lost 1 frostie with one on reserve and was petrified but ended up being able to have a transfer (ended in a BFN).

Like you said... it only takes 1. I've transferred 2 perfect eggs on both of my ET's and neither stuck and have read in so many threads where girls have gotten a BFP on their so called lower quality egg that they wrote off as not going to work.. Try to remain positive (I know it's hard) as I think you will still have a good chance...

I will keep all of my fingers and toes crossed for you that your ET proceeds as planned. and !

[mitf]

Tantee - I am so sorry that most of your embie's didn't survive the thaw. I can only imagine how upsetting that must be. We haven't got to that stage yet but it is my worst nightmare too.

My fingers are crossed and my prayers with you that this last little one is a fighter and all you need to get that deserved BFP! GL with your ET tomorrow.

mitf xo

[airline]

Hello ladies
instead of lurking thought I might post...even though it's still a long way off before EPU, in my head I've started stim. cycle no. 3 as I'm on a pill/synarel crossover cycle (on 2nd week of pill). My clinic sent us our plan at my request...love a plan, you get to see it in black and white, and then I transfer it onto my calender and cross each day off...it makes me visualise getting closer to our dream.

I haven't got time for many personals, but
Krikkit - big congratulations, wonderful news
Loops - did ya poas?? fingers crossed
Tantee - I hope you've not received any more phonecalls, and I hope visit to friends was ok