Long Term TTC & Assisted Conception - July/August 09

Hi Ladies,

Emerald Star, I'm really really sorry your pregnancy didn't stick. So glad to hear you're being positive and already planning your next one. I have a good feeling about it. You're a trooper - you'll get there!

Loops12, as I said earlier will understand if you go off radar for a while but I really hope your rebate will allow you another chance in the future. You are still really young - I know that's not much consolation right now but you at least have years to keep trying. Keep in touch and wishing you lots and lots of luck.

Mitf, I really hope you manage to get 5 to blastie stage. As I found out today you can lose a lot along the way :wall: But they are really strong if they get to blastie stage so even if you only get 1 or 2 it's an excellent result - Wishes result getting 5 was extraordinary (according to my FS anyway). You are planning on transferring 1 right? DH nearly passed out on the way out of the clinic today when the FS turned to him and said "are you ready for the twins?" - I secretly would be thrilled but I think it's scares him a bit (who am I kidding - a lot!). Will you get a report on progress tomorow too? Keep us up to date and best of luck to them all.

Wishes, I join you in the TWW. How are you handling it? Hope you are feeling well and not completely climbing the walls. I think I'm after you for BT then Taurean and Mitf will be two days later, I think. Not sure who else it with us in TWW right now. Anyway GL and stay well.

Tantee, good to see you back and glad you're feeling like joining in again. What plans for your 6 little snowbuds?

Caroline, good luck with the lap and remember just because you start this with one FS does not mean you can't change if you want for any reason - including financial. Worth looking at as the prices do really vary. Best of luck whatever the outcome.

Taurean, what news today from the lab? You should have day 3 report. I hope they are doing well for you. FX

Nix76, Welcome to the group. You'll find very helpful and friendly people here who can help out with your ups and downs, and queries (they do for me anyway) Good luck with tests tommorow - I went through the same cycle and am now in 2WW. Keep your hopes up but be ready for disappointment that's my motto. GL.

GL to us all - I'm off to scoff a woefully late dinner :)

Jasminstar - Update from me just above your post. Enjoy your dinner!
xxTaurean78

Sorry Taurean,

Was still typing mine while you posted yours. What a FANTASTIC result! both of the ones that I had make it to Blastie had 8 cells day 3 and the other one you have is tearing ahead. Some really good news for you then - sounds like you'll get your back-up. Best of luck and FX for you too :D

Jasminstar - glad to hear the ET went well and my advice re day 6 was correct. All the best for your TWW :stickyvibesgirl::stickyvibesboy: And yes we are only transferring 1. Twins run in my family so I actually don't find them that scary, but my FS is scared it could turn in to triplets or quads. :lol:

Taurean - Glad to hear your little embies are going well. They seem like strong little guys .... well ahead of the game. We will probably loose a few of ours, as they say it's quality not quantity. Your IVF costs seem quite high, I am not sure if that is just a Sydney thing.... did you do ICSI? Mine was $4,850 and included all the drugs. It is fantastic that your parents are so supportive and were able to help lend you some of the money.

Tantee - great to see you popping in. I hope you have been recouping ok. Do you know what your next steps are yet? We are getting daily updates.... it is exciting getting the call each day to see what they have been up to overnight.

Wishes - I hope you are keeping sane on the TWW and look forward to joining you, Jasminstar & Taurean in a couple of days.

Nix - yes welcome from me also. There is a great group of girls here that a very supportive and great in helping out with any questions.

Hi ladies,
Hope you are all doing well and welcome to Babycat and Nix76 :welcome:
Emerald Star-I am so sorry your pregnancy was not viable:hug:. I can imagine how heartbroken you must be feeling and do not have any words to comfort you.But glad to know you are trying to stay positive,:pray: everything goes well.
Loops- Sorry about the BFN.You will be in our thoughts and I :pray:that you don't have to wait too long to try again. Take Care honey:comfort:
Mitf,Taurean,Jasminstar&Tantee:crossfingers: hope everything goes well.
GL to all.

Hi chicky babes

TWW going ok for me at the moment - not going too crazy. Am just really tired, but I think that has more to do with the fact that I'm having to start work really early at the moment (like 6.30am), which means I'm up at 3.30am doing pessaries, so I can lie in bed for a while with the pessary in. I'm hanging out until Sat just so I can sleep in!!

Have been doing blood test follow ups every couple of days so they can check my Progesterone level, and all is going well so far. My clinic has said that for 'normal' people TTC, a progesterone level of 30 is able to sustain a pregnancy, but my FS errs on the side of caution, and would like it over 60 instead. My level on Friday (transfer day) was 81 and then yesterday (8 dpo), it was 122. Yippee!! So maybe, just maybe, I'm giving these 2 little embies a fighting chance.

Jasminstar - I'm so jealous that one of your embies was already hatching. I would love to have a hatching embie as I've heard it's quite good if it's already hatching before you transfer it. For all I know, my shell could be too hard, and my embies may not hatch, but I need to try and stay positive. Good luck in the TWW.

Taurean and Mitf - Can't wait for you guys to join us in the TWW. We'll all be in it together. Probably a good thing as I'll need as many people as possible to keep me sane. And Taurean, I can't believe you already have a morula on Day 3, that's fantastic!!!
Are you both set to do day 5 blastie transfers on Wed?

Emerald Star - so sorry to hear about your BFN. I was really hoping and praying that it would work for you. Have a restful month off and I can't wait to see you back in here.

Sorry if I've missed anyone, but have a million things to do at work today, so I'd better get to it. Have such a busy week this week, that I'm hoping it will distract me from thinking about the TWW.

Wishes xoxo

Emerald Star - thank you for the welcome! I am sorry to hear that your little bean couldn't stick around :hug: I admire your positive attitude and strength to get back in the game ... that's the spirit! It will happen!

Jasmine Star - That's fantastic news on your successful ET :cheer: Best of luck. You're right, I don't have to stay with this FS (though I like him so far), especially if he gets too $$$ but more importantly if he isn't "listening" to me or sensitive to my needs. But the clinic and he have a very good reputation, so we'll see how it goes, it's early days yet. Thank you for your kind wishes too :) I'm nervous and excited at the same time about the lap :crossfingers: it goes well and we get answers.

Taurean - GL with your ET and back up plan, it sounds good :dance:

Vira - thanks for the welcome!

Hi to everyone else, best of luck with your cycles and take care!

Hi All

Jasminstar....I hope you are ok today and that DH is being more supportive. GL and rest up!!

Loops and Emerald Star..............sorry to hear about the BFN. Stay positive.

Wishes....I have everything crossed that those Prog levels keep on rising!!!!

To everyone else, GL with your journey!!

AFM I had a US and BT today. US showing my endo is at 9cm (FS said 8cm is acceptable) so waiting on results of BT to see what Oestrogen is doing. If all is ok, Prog Pessaries start tomorrow and my FET will be next Tuesday 18th!!!! I'm soooooo excited but am trying to remain calm...pffftt that's bloody hard!!! How soon after that transfer can they test to see the result?? Looking at my past IUI's it was about 17 days after the procedure but of course an IUI is done at ovulation, and the FET is done approx a week after O (i think that's right). This is probably going to sound selfish but DH and I are going away on 4 September (17 days after transfer) and i really want to know by then so I can relax and chill out!!!

Nix - thanks so much, i will. We have only just registered for the safety net, I didnt know anything about it when doing IUI. So I don't know whether we would have reached the safety net - I don't understand how it all works really. And I don't have private health insurance.

Thanks for your support - it was hard and has been very emotional for us because we really thought we had great chances with doing ICSI. For advice - try not to stress to much yet if you can help it (I so know that is easier said than done) but perhaps just cross that bridge if it comes, just because we had no luck doesnt mean you guys will be the same. I really hope you get good eggs at EPU. :crossfingers:

EmeraldStar - Im so very sorry :comfort: You were so bloody close i dont really know what to say. Perhaps thinking positive is the key - that you manged to get that far and so your little miracle will probably go all the way next cycle.
Thinking of you x.
For me personally - im not too sure where to go from here - saving up I suppose and having a bit of a break.

Jas - So :happyforyou: that your embies are beautiful and hatching - sounds very positive. And happy that you will be likely to have a back up plan. All the very best - I hope both stick and you get two precious ones! Its great to see some good news.
Thanks for your comfort and support.

Taureen - I know I said I was going to be mia but kind of isnt happening because everyone in here is so supportive and wonderful - its too hard to leave. Im now happier and more positive to move forward.
As for the $$ - if we sell our tractor we will be right - so that is my focus at the moment - getting that advertised.
I hope that your finances work out but I hope that it wont matter because you will get your BFP. All the best today :crossfingers:

Vira - thanks for your kind words and support - hugs. Hope your Gynae appt. comes around soon.

Wishes - GL in TWW
GL to those waiting etc.
As I said above I havent gone MIA because you are all so lovely and wonderful and supportive in here and you give me hope. Thanks so much xoxo

B2B - sorry I missed you - must have posted at the same time. Thanks for your nice words. All the very best for your FET - hope you get that BFP! GL

Emeraldstar - I am so sorry that your little embie didn't make it. Please know that I am thinking of you. I know it is difficult to regroup for another cycle and really admire your let's get 'em this time attitude.

Wishes - your levels are sounding great! (Although it sounds like you could do with a few extra zzzz's!) I hope your wait is not driving you too crazy, although being so busy at work is a great distraction.

Vira - how are you travelling? Any word on your next appointment?

Mitf - triplets? quads? that could be scary!. although a couple of friends who know that I have started IVF have made flippant comment along the lines of "ooooh, you might have twins or triplets, wouldn't that be cool!" Very hard to say, "well no, that is not actually our aim - would be extremely happy with one" without sounding rude. (Although twins would most certainly be a blessing)
I think sometimes people's (unknowing) attitude is that IVF is a lifestyle decision and you're just not trying hard enough naturally! (Maybe me just being a wee bit sensitive:redface:)too!)
Best of luck for your ET. When is it scheduled for?

Taurean78 - I am with Westmead Fertility Centre and can not fault them. We paid $1450 upfront (on first day of meds). This included all syranel, stims, ultrasounds (as many as required) EPU & ET. They are located at Westmead Hospital but are not directly part of the Hospital. I don't claim much for Medicare at all throughout the year, and we received the $950 back which is fantastic. I also have Private Health cover and have not as yet checked if there is a further rebate that I can claim through them. I haven't as yet looked into what this FET cycle will be. Have you had an update on your blasties today? I have my fingers crossed for you.

Nix76 - Welcome! Hope your scan goes well today. Keep us posted!

Jasminstar - Great to hear your ET went well. I nearly felt like crying when I saw your post! I hope your beautiful blasties continue to bloom..

Hi Babycat, when is your lap scheduled for? Sorry I am a bit out of the loop as I have been MIA after my first cylce.

B2B - Your endo is sounding good. How were your Oestrogen levels? Fingers crossed for you on Tues. Hoping that you can get your results before your holiday.

Hey loops, thinking of you and hoping that you are feeling a little better.

How are you travelling MissK?

AFM - waiting for AF so I can start meds to regulate my cycle for FET.

Sorry to anyone I may have missed... big hello to you all.:hello:

(Sorry for the megapost, it's been a while....)

Sorry I haven't been able to offer advise/support, I haven't been able to read/post for a few days and feel I am way behind!

My lastest is, started injections of puregon last Weds, BT Saturday, moving very quickly, lowered my Puregon dose and stated me straight on Orgalutran. BT & US on Monday, 19 Follicles, 2 at 17 + 18 mm, the rest between 10-14, they want the others to catch up, I have another BT & US tomorrow.

Hope everyone else is well. I will try and keep up and offer some more personal replies form here on in!

Wow, it's like peak hour in here this morning!!!! LOL. :bump:

and what's even better BTB is you can feel the positive vibes coming from everyone!!

Hi Ladies,

I have been hanging out all morning and my clinic has finally called with my day 4 update. We have 1 x morula, 1 x compacting (almost morula) 1 x 9 cells, 3 x 8 cell and the poor little embie that still hasn't moved. So it looks like we are definitely going to loose the one, transfer one, and the rest they will keep till Thursday to see if they catch up and hopefully all be frozen.

I am about to head of for an acupunture session and ET is planned for 8.30 tomorrow morning. Afterwards I am taking the day off so I can chill out at home while my little embie hopefully beds down.

BabyCat - in answer to your question from yesterday. The cells I am referring to are the rate at which my embies are splitting, post EPU & fertilisation, but prior to ET. Most clinics will call each day to give an update on how many embies are still viable and how they have progressed overnight. We had 12 follies which resulted in 10 eggs at EPU. Of these 3 were immature and discarded and 7 fertilized. Of these it looks like we have lost another 1, 2 are nice and strong, and 4 are a little slow.

Taurean - I am dying to know how your little embies have progress too. What time is EPU scheduled?

Loops - the safety net allows you too receive 80% of all your out-patient medical expenses back once you have reached the $1,111 threshold. A lot of people reach it before they even start IVF due to FS appointments, test etc. It runs from Jan to Dec and you would probably have already reached it with your IUI costs. Medicare will automatically take into account the amounts you have spent this year so you will probably get 80% of the IVF costs as a refund...... which is great because you can put it towards your next attempt. Also, a lot of people don't realise you can also claim a 20% offset (20 cents per $) on your tax if your medical expenses are above $1,500 in a financial year (this is your actual out of pocket costs after PHI, Medicare refunds etc). You can register for on-line services via the Medicare website which allows you to get a print out of all your medical expenses for last FY and you may be able to claim a refund, if not this tax time, definitely next tax cycle. If you want more detail I can send you a PM with some internet links.

Tantee - Yes twins would be a blessing but any more than that is a little too scary. We do only have 2 arms after all! I don't think you are being over sensitive at all. A lot of people have many misconceptions about infertility and IVF. The amount of people that say to me ''you probably just need to relax, why don't you take a holiday'. I just roll my eyes and smile politely.

B2B - fantastic news about your follies. Remember to keep you fluids up. GL with your next scan tomorrow. Do you know when EPU will be?

Baby2Bee - there certainly are a lot of positive vibes in here. It is so exciting to hear everyone's news and I find myself popping in all the time to see if there are any new posts. Fantastic news about your endometrium and FET next Tuesday.... I know I always feel like I am actually getting somewhere when a date has been set and I have something to look forward too.

Vira - Hi, how's things over in London? Did you manage to get an appointment with the Gynaec?

Wishes - I started my pessaries yesterday with my first morning one today. I thought I would be able to go back to sleep after I put it in but that didn't happen. I can't believe you have to get up at 3.30!! that is crazy! Great to heart they are doing there job though.... your progesterone levels are excellent!

Jasminstar - :stickyvibesboy::stickyvibesgirl:

EmeraldSatr - Hi, I hope you are well and looking forward to the good things which are surely in store for you!

Loops - I've been thinking about it all morning ....that I forgot to mention yesterday that on top of your medicare safety net, once you hit over $1500 out of pocket expense you can claim that on your tax!

I see that mitf has also mentioned this! It is so confusing - I think I understand about 80% of it all and still get confused reading it! The best thing would be to gather all your receipts and go to a medicare office (they are painful as there are so many people in them most of them time) or you could call them and just ask lots of questions until you understand how it works! If you have had expenses all year though mitf is right - you have probably reached your safety net limit already and that means you can get 80% back for any expense after the initial $1111.00. Glad to hear you are registered for safety net now - make sure DH is on the same account so all your costs go towards it together. I'm not sure if the safetynet can be backdated - i.e. it runs per calandar year - so not sure if nwo that you just registered if it will include all your costs for tis year - if so - you are in luck!

Also - another thing I am sure I read somewhere (and woudl be something we should all ask the accountant) is with the out of pocket expenses over $1500 - claiming back on tax thing - I think this can include your DH's as well - you just claim them on either yours or his tax return. But not sure!!

Away from the financials however....thank you to all your warm welcome's - you are all lovely ladies and it is such an interesting read - especially now that I am starting to come up to the next stage of learning - follicle sizes and egg numbers!! I can see how supportive it is to bounce your thoughts & feelings around with like minded & same situation people!

I had my 1st US this morning and all is "lovely and quiet", lining is 2mm and so I start on gonal injections (150 - small dose I beleive) this evening. Next scan next Tuesday - will see if there is much activity going on if not I beleive they will up the dose or stick on it for a few days more and US again a few days later.

I'm smiling but freaking that I could be doing an EPU in just over a week! :pray:

It is ineteresting you all seem to go for the blastie - which is day 5 yeah? I am with Melbourne IVF and so not sure what they 'like' to do as I beleive it varies from place to place in terms of what they think about day 2/3 transfer v's day 5 or so. Are any of you ladies with MIVF?

Tantee ... :hello: back at ya. I am scheduled for a lap on 20 August. Hope AF comes quickly for you and you can get started on your next cycle!

Mitf ... thanks for the explanation ;) ... getting there!

Loops ... hope you do check in once in a while and I'm glad you're feeling the support! Good luck selling that tractor, I hope you sell it quickly.

I'm off to catch up on some reading for uni.

Nix, I am with City Fertility - St Kilda Rd.

Take care all.

Thanks once again lovely ladies,

That sounds great Mitf - thanks for the hope of lots of money back.
Collecting my receipts this financial year is one thing I have been doing already because my mum told me to do it ages ago so I should get some back this tax statement. As for DH's - im not sure on that one because he has been running his own business - farm tax - which is a whole other kettle of fish. But we will make sure we go through it all with our accountant.

Thanks so much for all your help ladies.:grouphug: