Long Term TTC & Assisted Conception - Jan 2008 #3

Hi All!
How are we all this fine Tuesday?
Waiting1 - I hope you are feeling more positive today. One good thing is that you have plenty of frozen embies left for more transfers. I hope you don't think I sound cold, just trying to find a positive for you (which is what I try to do for myself all the time). I question myself all the time about why cycles are cancelled, embies don't stick & I don't react to medication in the expected way, but what can you do? One good thing is that each time a cycle does not work, it is another step towards finding out exactly what is going on with my body. I'm also a big believer in fate.
After my FS appt last week I have come up with some new thoughts & some of you may know the answers. Being that my oestrogen count is low & thus contributing to embies not sticking - is there anything you can take to help this? FS said no, but just wondered.... Also, and this thought is getting ahead of myself but anyway, I was wondering if low oestrogen could mean higher chance of MC later on (assuming an embie actually stuck)?
Not much else happening here. I hope you all had a great long weekend!
Take care & speak soon.

Hi all!

Rather hazy Congrats on your first big appointment. It seems like a lot of info to take in all at once, but I hope you will find it all to be straight forward once you get going. The nurses are usually very good at explaining just each step as you go along so it's not too much to undertake. It's very exciting!As far as your, um, presentation is concerned my take on it is that people come in a lot of different shapes and sizes - and the doctors do spend a lot of time poking a lot of people. It's hard not to feel self conscious, but I try to remember I'm probably one of a number that's been poked that day! ;) I had a brazillian once, and felt more vulnerable and silly then than I ever have at a Dr appointment!They get paid enough, they can deal with what's down there ;) Waffle mode off...

Miss C I'm so sorry to hear that your pick up was such a painful affair for you. I hope you are feeling much better now, and are being looked after :hug:

belle333 hi and good luck with your first cycle! I am just at the tail end of mine at the moment. Like you, I'm slightly polycystic too and I couldn't believe how good I felt on the gonal f injections. I had heaps more energy, and felt generally better than I have in a long time - I was joking to my hubby that I'd continue to take them later. I thought it was just me, but maybe it's to do with the PCO? Something I'll be looking into later anyway, for my general state of mind. I'll let you know what I find out! What sort of cycle are you doing?

rh76 and waiting1 sorry to hear you are here again :hug:

Over this way, it's been a bit of a rollercoaster few days!! I stuffed up mixing my pregnyl shot a bit, leaving 50% of the water in the ampule (it was stuck in the lid and I didn't realise). Apparently it's only a problem if you lose more than 50% but I was still pretty annoyed with myself.

I'd been told at my last scan that I had 6 eggs waiting for pick up, so you can imagine my surprise when I woke up Saturday to find that I had 11 mature eggs taken. My hubby was in the recovery bed beside me after his testicular biopsy, and he said I woke up about 5 times and asked him how many they got LOL I don't remember a thing!

Hubby's biopsy went all fine, even without any sedation at all, rather hazy! And he said he wasn't even sore afterwards. Just as well, because I was quite bloated and in a reasonable amount of pain, so he had to play nurse a bit. 3 days later I'm still quite sore and bloated really, not what I expected at all. He's obviously tougher than I. :clap:

We were supposed to be doing transfer on Thursday at blastocyst stage, so I was a little bit freaked out when I was called yesterday and found out just 3 of my 11 eggs had fertilised, and they wanted me to come in for transfer today! The nurse wouldn't tell me how healthy our buddies were when I directly asked, so I was conjuring up all kinds of scenarios in my head - they're not healthy enough etc etc. In the end it turned out a numbers game - if you have less than 4, their protocol is to do 3 day transfer unless you specifically ask for you. Information that would have been handy yesterday!!! I digress ;)

We found out today our 3 buddies are in fact in good health. One compacted, one 10 cell and one 12 cell which is apparently quite good.

The transfer was all over before I really had a chance to contemplate it too much - it was a real buzz to see the little buddie flash up on the ultrasound screen as it was transferred into me.

So that's that! Already I'm in the two week wait - it feels so quick to be here already. I had a nice day with my feet up with hubby servicing my every whim - what a lucky girl! He's very excited about our jelly bean too.

I hope everyone has had a fantastic long weekend. Good luck to everyone, I guess I'll be popping into the other thread mostly now. Can I still post here from time to time? What's the etiquette!?

Thinking of you all
:happyforyou::happyforyou:
Tish
x

Sorry for the war and peace post!!

Congratulations on the transfer Tish, I hope the wait passes quickly and you get good news! I tend to hang around here and in the 2ww thread when I am in that part of the cycle. No idea if thats the done thing though, come to think of it!

Hi Trish

Good luck, sounds so exciting. Your embies sound like they're in fantastic shape!!

Type of cycle .. not sure what you mean, think I am still coming to terms with it all. Actually I'm not sure what types of cycles there are ... sorry for my dumbness. I'm having an egg collection cycle, going back to clinic on Thursday for tests etc., and to get date for starting FSH. I know this will involve more injections but haven't seen the meds yet .. although I think its like a pen.

Anyway after your comments I'm curious to see how I am on the FSH.

Fingers crossed for you!

Trish - well done on making it to the TWW heres hoping for a BFP for you

Hey gals and guys,

Sorry I’ve been absent since my original post. Work desk setup means I can log on less often in private.

I started my first IVF stim cycle on Monday, on the Syranal (sp) spray and puregon 175iu. So far so good but I guess it might be too early for any side effects. I’m a bit more anxious about over stimming as my work collegue (shares my office) started IVF a few weeks back and over-stimmed at 51 eggs with a rise in progesterone that lead to cycle cancellation. So disappointing for her!

My clinic here in Perth offers tfer at blastocyst even tho this is my first cycle, tho it depends on how many embryos there are – if not very many they will transfer earlier and possibly do ICSI but it’s hard to tell until we see how I respond this first go. My first scan/us is on Sat (day 7). Not feeling any flickers yet so I hope my ovaries are responding!

The stats quoted from my clinic’s clients were about 33% success with IVF but then on the same sheet earlier it quoted 15% .. what the? Anyway, I guess I shouldn’t think about their stats at all, and just focus on the fact that with IVF at least I know that our chances should be much higher than they ever have in previous natural or even IUI cycles.

It will take me a while to get to know everyone and where you are all at, but I’m sending heaps of positive vibes out there to you all!

New news for me - i am no longer going to do the PREGNYL injections - after a long chat with DH and some reasearch we decided they werent what is right for me - so instead i will be starting progesterone pessaries instead soon! hopefully they will be better and hopefully they will work!!!

News just in - transfer set for Monday. Been a long fortnight waiting to ovulate but finally on Day 20!!! for FET. Now I need a decent blast to thaw out for me..............

HJ - I too start pessaries tomorrow and if my last 8 cycles are anything to go by the one I did pessies for worked - all others Pregnyl ! Mind you I had pessies till 16 weeks and thats a lot of mess LOL!!

Natty - the FS did want me on pregnyl but that just scared me and i didnt understand why i had to go on it so i said no can do so he said he will start me on the pesseries instead!
are they really that messy? man the things we have to go thru!!!

Thats exciting that ur transfer is set for monday - but im pretty clueless on the rest of what u are going through! so what is FET?

Natty - Gl with ET on Monday :stickyvibesboy:
SP - Hang in there the little one may just be being kind :)
Sharon - GL with the cycle

Thankyou Tigger

Bec D any news?

Hi all
I will do a few personals firstly:
W1 - hope you are going ok?
Tish - hope everything is continuing to plan for you
BB, Belle333 & TL - hi - how are you all?
Deni - how's this cycle going? 2 days to scan - hope there's lots of little follies there for you!
SP - GL - hope this cycle is the one for you!
Natty - GL for transfer on Monday, I hope they get a really strong embie for you.
HJ1981 - I too have been on the pessaries. I didn't find them messy - just inconvenient. Having to run off from whatever you are doing to "take" is a bit annoying, but hey, if the end result is a BFP its all worth it!
Not much happening here. I have had a few cracker headaches since being back on OCP. Another 3 weeks or so to go on that (boo!). The thing that gets me is that it seems backwards to be on the pill while trying to fall preggers?! I do understand why the FS use it, but just weird.
Well take care everyone & I will check in on you all tommorrow.

Peta - how long have u been on the pessaries for? do u have any side effects besides the messy stuff that can happen? what OCP?

Peta - I know the pill thing was wierd for me to I am well I am just waiting for answers in March.
HJ - Pessaries are not that bad not all that messy I just kept a liner handy

Hi HJ - I can't recall how long I was on the pessaries for, about 3 weeks I think. It was with my last cycle & was to try to achieve pregnancy following transfer. OCP is the Oral Contraceptive Pill - hate it! I agree with TL, just wear a liner & you will be fine. I don't know what the FS will be trying this time....its always a guessing game, I just go with his recommendations for the most part.
Take care!

Geez just re-read that and I sound a bit all over the place. I just can't seem to think straight these days - I think my brain is fried!

Linda - thanks will keep one handy

Peta - does the pessaries delay AF?

Hi Everyone
:hello:
Thanks Saltprincess - good luck - sending baby vibes your way.:bluedust:
hey Natty, hope there is a nice blast waiting for you :stickyvibesgirl::stickyvibesboy:

Went to clinic for BT - about to start FSH (puregon) but period hasn't started yet. Apparently they start FSH on fridays so looks like I stay on lucrin till next friday.

:fertilise::stork-boy::stork-girl:

Hi all
Sorry I don't post regularly. BUT I do read regularly. I really don't know what to say or to express how I'm feeling. Yesterday I had my U/S to check my lining and it was 7.7mm- not quite thick enough FS says. So now my Progynova has been increased to 6 a day. My head is killing me. Has anyone else experinced this? I start crinone on Sun and am booked in on Fri 8th for my FET. I am so anxious and just have a couple of questions. Last time I had a valium after the ET to relax me and this time I have been offered one half an hour before. My acupuncturist thinks it's a good idea. Any opinions? Also how long does everyone lie and wait after the ET has happened. Last time I was up and on my way out after about 15 mins. Is this ok? Sorry for the silly questions.
Good luck to everyone who is just starting out and the long timers. I wish us all to be mums soon.

Thanks Belle - we have four Blasts waiting so hopefully only need one goodie to deffrost nicely for me. Alexander is from the same batch so hoping it is all too easy after this baby saga we have had.

Bel - I think valium is a good idea (I am never offered it) but I have always hung around for the most possible time after transfer - at least an hour or till they kick me out. We have a two and half hour drive home and last time went straight home from clinic but have stayed in the city at hotels etc etc taking it easy will probably come straight home on Monday as well.

Natty

Looks like I'm back in here... got a BFN today, still really upset but will get through it, you have to right?

Have FS appt on 25/2 as they want to review my treatment, whatever that means. So no FET straight away which I was banking on :( As we only have one blast frozen, not sure what thaw rates are like, I would hate to prepare for transfer to find out that it didn't make it.

So I guess I'm back to doing the usual temping, trying to keep a track of where my body's at, and also try and lose some more weight. Have put on 5kg between xmas and not being able to exercise this cycle - at least now I can restart my personal training and going to the gym. That's a positive... right?

Natty- Thanks for the advice. I think I will take the valium. I just hate the mind games you play with yourself on this journey. Good luck for Monday. Rest well afterwards.
BecD- Sorry to hear you got a BFN, but yeah you do have to get through it. Sometimes I don't know how but somehow we just do. I too was really upset at a long wait between ET's but I think maybe it's a good time to let your body relax a bit as well. I don't know- I'm pretty new to all this but I feel my wait has probably helped me mentally to gain some more strength. Stay strong. All the best

BecD, I'm so sorry to hear about the BFN. :hugs: My FS insists on a break between a stim cycle and a FET, and I know my body certainly needs it. I've also needed an appointment with the FS after each stim cycle before I can start a FET - it needs a whole new cycle management agreement that we need to sign.

As for transfers - I've never taken valium, but as it is a muscle relaxant it certainly can't hurt. I've always gotten up straight away and pretty much just gone on with the day. I take the day off work, and have an acupuncture treatment afterwards. Whether I rest or go shopping in between depends on our mood on the day. Each transfer has worked, but I've miscarried later (and we're damn sure we know why that's happening and have a plan for next time!). I sort of feel like the resting and not getting up for however long is more of a psychological thing than a physical thing - but I'll also suggest that if it helps you keep a positive mind set in all of this, then it's a bloody good idea to go and do it!

I've been reading daily - just not had a lot to say with us leaning towards a break this cycle. I'm back at work and loving it, but I'm also completely exhausted at the end of the day! I'll adjust soon.

BW

Bec, you know I am just gutted for you, friend. I am so sorry :(


AF started overnight (spotting later yesterday arvo and flow today). Spoke to the nurse and since we are on a flare cycle, I start synarel in the morning tomorrow, and start stims on Sunday. First scan is booked for Friday morning (8th Feb). Last cycle I was on 250iu and had too many follicles too fast, so this cycle I start at 150. Hope that gives us better eggs with a more gentle start (hopefully, not TOO gentle). So IVF/ICSI #2 begins...

BecD, so sorry about your BFN.. :( :hugs: As frustrating as it is, a break might mean a better response for your body when you start again rather than how it may react if you launch into another treatment.. This is my first IVF and I'm trying to also prepare myself to accept that I'd have to take a break inbetween, even though I dont want one.. the cycles following each of my previous IUIs were really weird and long - on one, I O'd two eggs late in cycle , and the second I O'd really late (for me) and the cycle was about 7 days longer than usual, and everything in general just seemed out of whack (because i had been on pregnyl as well as pessaries). I reckon it would be hard for docs to predict what is happening if I had gone straight onto another treatment cycle. It's so hard though when we want our bodies just to hurry up and adjust!

Bel, sorry about the disappointing US result, hope the changed dose helps heaps and the transfer goes well :crossfingers:

Salt - thinking of you tomorrow, hope all goes well with your BT.

Babybliss - all the best for this coming cycle!

Is anyone along the same day as me, I'm CD6 on a flare cycle, I asked for an early scan (tomorrow) but have no idea what I should expect on CD7. I havent had any side-effects to speak of really from the puregon (175iu) .. I try not to think too much about it but cant help worrying that maybe nothing's happening down there?? I guess if there is something happening it will all be pretty small anyway at this stage. I've got a definate jelly belly going on but I reckon that must've been there before... :D

Oh Bec D I am really sorry AF showed up - be kind very kind to your self rest up and you will find the strength from somewhere to go on - it always happens. Think of all the questions for your FS and write them down so you can come out of the follow up apppt all clear and with a brand new plan.

Natty

Bec D - Hug sweet
Bel - I reccomend AP before and after it relaxes me and my FS reccomends it too :)
Sharon - GL for scan tomorrow
Kelle BB - Best of luck for this cycle :bluedust:

Well we are off to the AP not long till March and need to get herbs and balance right before the cycle. Getting my hair done tomorrow too :)

Hi all

I had my BT today and got a BFP!!!!!! Feel relieved but will be a lot more relieved when 12 weeks roll around.

I did acupuncture twice a week starting just before I started my cycle. I had acupuncture just before and just after transfer also. Don't know if it helped but I thought I would try anything.

As I pointed out in the 2ww room, I had a pretty difficult cycle, finding out my endo has grown back only a couple of months after surgery, hormone levels low, had a call saying none of my 4 eggs fertilized. Then a call again saying 2 fertilized - they just took their time. One didn't survive. Had my 2 cell emby transferred and looks like it has stuck( i think it was my lucky one). My hormone levels are slightly on the low side so having another BT next week to make sure they are rising ok. I was told by my excited nurse though that is definitely a BFP.

Thanks for your support in here and I hope your stay isn't too much longer.

GOOD LUCK
Jayne

Jayne - thats great news - CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I've decided to come back to BB. Even though at the moment Im not looking at going an implant in the near future, but Im about to embark on another surgery for endo. Im hoping my relationship with DH can be repaired and that I can get back to figuring out where my future is to go.
One thing that I will decide after my op is when I will begin back on my IVF. I have 8 in the freezer and have already decided and spoken to DH (at the moment not so much D, but still H) and he's ok with me using our embryios even in the event we cant sort out our marriage issues.
Im turning 32 and if everything fails, I dont see my chances of finding a new DH and everything that comes with that so, if I want my babies I thought Id head this way.
Feel free to shoot me down for doing something crazy, but I still want my illusive baby to be a reality, so, I come back to this little group and hope to enter into the darling TWW with everyone soon enough. Most prob won't be until two cycles away cos of operation planned for mid Feb, but hey, God only knows my fate now.
Good luck ladies and DH's of ladies. Thanks for the support and thats why Im back.
*HUGS*

MWL, I think I'd do exactly the same thing in your situation. :hug: It's good to see you back, and I do hope things go well for you - both with the surgery and your marriage.

BW

Hi BB'ettes, have been MIA - busy with work and in between cycles. But have been reading on and off.
Bec ... so sorry to hear about your BFN! I know how dissapointing it is the first time! On the bright side you do have one in the freezer! So hopefully that will stick. Make sure you rest!
Jbub - congrats on your BFP! An inspiring journey! Its amazing how when things can seem wrong they go so right! Wishing you a H&H PG!
MWL - GL, I too hope all goes well with your DH and with transfers!
BW - hun, good to see u are glad to be at work! Hope things are OK and again am sorry your little bubs didnt stick this time!
To every1 else wishing u all the best wherever you are at in your cycle!
See u around soon
Mon :)

:

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MWL, I think I'd do exactly the same thing in your situation. :hug: It's good to see you back, and I do hope things go well for you - both with the surgery and your marriage.

BW

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My thoughts exactly, wishing you all the best. It can't be easy right now, look after yourself.

MWL - sounds like you are going through a lot right now, hopefully you and DH can figure things out. You sound like a really strong person xx

Im doing a bit better today, not so much doom and gloom which is nice. Went and had a massage this morning which was lovely, the lady also did a bit of reiki which I felt was very healing for me. AF still hasn't arrived, I wish it would come so I could just get it over and done with.

Jayne - Yay and well done wonderful news GL with the next 12 weeks I am sure you will have a happy 9mth preg!
MWLloyd - GL with the surgery I am booked for the 18th March as well I have heard really good results from cycles after surgery

Hi All,

sorry for being MIA. I've been laid up with a dodgy back for the past week which is making things interesting. Also had AF for 14 days now so a bit over it all.

Roll on the 26th Feb and ET I say. Started the Synarel on the 30th and it's making me a bit headachy, otherwise not too bad.

Hope everyone else is well.

Lee :hug: AF time to go now so that Lee can welcome bubs into her tummy!

hi everyone,
am a newbiw!!!!
i have just finished my 1st IVF cycle am now on my 2nd week of the dreaded 2 ww.
Woke up this morning feeling off and abit crampy in the tummy.
Am on crinone twice daily. Blood test booked for the 13th.

Good luck Katones! did you have one or two embies transferred?

i only had one embie transferred....
i only had 3 follies at pick up (as i didn't react that greatly to the drugs) only got 2 decent eggs only one fertilized.