Long Term TTC & Assisted Conception - July/August 09

6 days till BT.

___________________
Me 40
right tube removed
DH 42
TTC #1 for 3 years

1x natural ectopic 2007
IUI #1 18 April 2009 :bfn:
IUI #2 19 May 2009 :bfn:
IVF #1 7 July 2009 :2ww:

EmeraldStar - 6 days... how exciting! Your on the homestretch now. I haven't experienced this before but I have heard about implantation bleeds. Fingers crossed thats all it was. GL on the end of your wait, that is usually the bit I find the hardest. I hope you have lots of things to keep you busy and nicely distracted over the weekend. :pink-babydust::bluedust:

Hi all,
I'm new to this and i'm lookin for advice from women going thru similar experiences, i have just had my 1st transfer 9 days ago after ttc for 8yrs on & off.
Things have gone extremely well and i'm worried a bit 2 well! :D managed 2 get 7 embryos 2 blastocyst stage which is said 2 have a very high s/rates.
It's been 15 days since i had my pregnyl injection, i have breast tenderness and extreme tiredness, i have had 2 postive test results but is it to early to test still or could i be amazingly lucky??? if anybody has any advice that would be great because i'm driving myself loopy :doh: THNX

Jasminstar - thanks for checking up on me. Yep, I'm still here and have already started my FET cycle.

Had appt with FS last week and came up with a bit of a plan. Told her my concerns of a short luteal phase, so as well as doing progesterone pessaries twice a day, I'll be doing 2 x Pregnyl booster shots in the luteal phase. Hopefully that helps. Also reminded her of my thin uterus lining issues too, so at the moment I'm also on Progynova (6mg per day). Only started the Progynova on CD9 which is apparently a lot later than most women start it (I think you're normally supposed to start it while still having AF). I'm a bit of a weird one though. Progynova is to do with estrogen and is supposed to help thicken the lining. I was told it is normally given to women with no or low ovarian function, so the tablets can do the job of what the ovaries are supposed to do. The weird part is that my estrogen levels have always been ok, but my uterus lining just doesn't seem to thicken very well.

Had an ultrasound yesterday (CD12) and uterus lining was only 5mm which is not great. And I had 1 dominant follicle at 12mm. Having said that though, I think I am usually a later ovulator (maybe not til CD17 to CD19), so I am just hoping that the scan yesterday was just too early for me to be showing progress in the uterus lining department.

To make things even more confusing though, I then got blood test results from yesterday (CD12), which showed that my E2 had decreased from BT 2 days earlier, but my LH had risen from 2 to 10 (from CD10 to CD12). WTF??? I'm on the Progynova, which is an estrogen replacement / enhancement drug, so how on earth does my E2 decrease while I'm taking it!!! My concern was the LH increase and I'm worried I might ovulate soon. But FS had said based on my follicle size (only 12mm) and E2 level (only 394), that I wouldn't be ovulating yet. And that the rise in LH might not mean anything because my LH surge level could be much higher than 10 anyway.

All in all I'm very confused. So any advice would be very welcome. I have another blood test and ultrasound on Monday which will be CD 16. Will also be doing OPK's over the weekend to see if I get anything out of them. I think this will be the first time ever that I want a NEGATIVE result from the OPK, because I just don't think my body is ready to support an embryo if I ovulate prematurely. I'm just hoping and praying that the ultrasound on Monday shows my uterus lining has thickened enough, and that my blood test shows I haven't ovulated yet.

Sorry for the completely long novel of a post. Won't do any personals since this post has been long enough already.

Hope everyone out there in BB land is going along ok.

Wishes xoxo

Tantee - thanks so much. Yes the ball is very special to me and the family so Im so glad I can make it. Must be my sis looking down on me - hope she can help me to get pg.
Sorry again your cyle was unsuccessful. Glad your AF wasnt too bad.

Taureen - thank you 2. I will be resting up and thanks for your wishes for Sun.
Those baths of yours sound nice - we dont have a bath in our new house so I do miss that. Enjoy and all the best for today.

Mitf - thanks to you as well. Not long until Sun now for me. I hope we both get a BFP and I hope everyone here does soon as well x :bluedust::pink-babydust:

Jasminstar - No worries LOL. Ive been trying to rest as hard as that is - when you have two dogs, a cat, 5 puppies and a DH to look after LOL. DH has been very good though - doing a lot more to help out than normal.
Thanks for you kind wishes. Im glad you're feeling better and I wish you all the very best of luck that your follies are good. GL today :crossfingers:

EmeraldStar - No my nurse hasnt called since she rang about how many fertilised which was early Wed morning. She said she would call today (Friday) though. Could your bleeding have been from the transfer procedure because that probably messes people up a bit. I really hope it was implantation though for you. Thinking of you x :bluedust::pink-babydust:

Hi Williamsemma and welcome. 8 years is a long time - I really hope this is it for you!! Your symptoms could be the hormones still or you might be pg. You might just have to wait until BT or AF. Hang in there. :stickyvibesgirl:

Wishes - not too sure sorry but all the best and GL for Monday!

Hi to everyone and anyone I might have missed. xoxo

williamsemma, if it's been 15 days since your last hcg injection I think there's a very good chance you've got a real BFP there. Unfortunately, you still need to wait for the b/t to confirm that, but I'd be cautiously optimistic if I were in your position. :goodluck:

wishes, my LH level was 45 for one of my IUI's. From memory, I think anything under 20 (or maybe 25) was potentially not the surge. Looking back through my charts, I had LH levels of 10-15 measured for days before the surge occurred. I know how frustrating it can be when you think you know what your body "always does" only to then feel like it's changed it's patterns just to spite you. I don't think you have cause to worry. FX the opks stay -ve for you over the weekend. :crossfingers:

jasminstar, glad to hear your hormones are starting to cooperate. I am starting to feel that waiting is the best option, but it still scares the heck out of me...

Hi again
I just got word from my nurse that my 5 eggs are developing along nicely and at about the same pace etc as each other - so sounds alright to me.
ET is at 10am on Sun - Im getting quite excited but still dont want to get my hopes up too much - just in case.

Hope everyone is well! :bluedust: and :stickyvibesgirl: to all xo

Hi Girls

Can I join in? I'm new to forums but have been stalking since starting down reg in June. I am having EPU on Mon, have been very calm all cycle but nerves are kicking in now. Had my stim scan on 27/7 which showed 7 follicles on my right ovary and NOTHING on my left! I should mention that I had endo on right ovary and my lazy lefty should be healthy.

I'm getting a little worried that I might wake up to find out we have few or no eggs or embies.

This is my first ivf attempt, I have surprised myself at how well I've managed injections and coped well without too many side effects and today is the first day I've gone from excitement to feeling a bit down. I think reality is kicking in now.

Hello to all and TGIF!!!!!:partysmiley:

Shame I can't knock back a glass of wine ATM but I know you all understand :p

Jasminstar - I am so glad that your cycle is back on track and that you are feeling a bit better. It must be stressful to be on the brink of a cancellation knowing there is nothing you can do to swing it either way.

Emerald Star - Hopefully things are still good with you. Well done for fighting the urge to POAS. Not long till BT now :crossfingers: for you.

mitf - Thinking of you seeing as we are at the same stage. Good luck with your BT and U/S on Monday. We're really getting to the "business end" of things! Rest up and be kind to yourself this morning.

williamsemma59 - Welcome! It sounds like things are going really well for you. That's a great result with your embryos. I agree with the others who think things sound positive.

wishes - I hope that ovulation is kept at bay for you and that you get the answers you are looking for. :goodluck:. All the best for Monday.

Loops12 - things sound great with your eggs though I totally understand you not wanting to get too carried away with excitement. It must be your sister looking out for you. Again, take care and bring on Sunday!

Juniper76 - I think you are really wise taking your body and the stresses of AC into account. I hope you manage to reach the decision that is best for you without too much anguish.

Bubbless - I just read your post after I had put this one up so I hope that my questions bring the answers you too are looking for seeing as we are in a similar position. I agree - I had my first "down" day today where my normally positive outlook was brought back down to earth with a thud. I guess you can turn it around and say "You only need one good egg" but then I think, "But then it has to fertilise and then it has to make it to whatever stage your FS wants - in my case blastie". Try and keep a good outlook. I am going to do some relaxation/meditation to envisage my follies growing. If you had've told me I would be doing that a while ago, I would have laughed but I find it really relaxing and helpful. Also have an acupuncture session on Monday. Maybe that will help? Thinking of you.

I had my BT and US this morning and I was a bit disappointed so I thought I'd bounce a few thoughts off some of you more experienced ladies. I've been on Puregon now for 7 days and Lucrin for 18 days. I have 7 follies in total - 3 on right, 4 on left. Only 3 were measured - 16, 14, 12 (what is the measurement?). The remaining 4 were 10 or under. When I consulted my initial FS, she brought up the number 12 as being a number that she would be happy with at EPU. When the nurse called this morning, she said 6 was average. So a few questions for you all:

(1) How many follies are average?

(2) At EPU, is it expected that all mature follies will release the same number of eggs? ie. if I have 3 follies looking to be the right size, would I be right to expect 3 eggs at EPU?

(3) Is it normal for remaining small follies to hav a growth spurt in the last 5-7 days before EPU?

(4) Is there anything more I can do (diet/lifestyle) to get the remainder of them moving along?

So, a lot of anxiety in those loaded questions! But I appreciate your responses and recounts of your own experiences.

I should add that I am grateful I have follies in the first place - I know it could be worse......

xxTaurean78

Tnx for the welcomes and advice going to wait a while longer before i test again! think this has to be the hardest part of all! fx for everyone :crossfingers:

Taurean78 Hi :D
I was on Menopur for stimulation and with me having pcos i was a very slow starter! day 7 & 9 i had very few follicles on the right measuring very small and unmeasurable on the left! i was starting to worry but over the next 2 weeks a had massive spurts! my fs adviced me that anything under 10mm was not really counted and the aim was to get the other follicles around 18-20mm.
I ended up with 16 good size follicles 14 eggs were collected and 13 fertilised, 7 of those got to blasto stage which is so much better than expected! so it'snot nessessarily a bad thing just ur body taking it's own time big fx for u :D

williamsemma59 - Thanks for your reply. Can't PM you yet so apologies..

:

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day 7 & 9 i had very few follicles on the right measuring very small and unmeasurable on the left! i was starting to worry but over the next 2 weeks a had massive spurts!

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At what day did you have EPU? It sounds like a long time? Mine is meant to be "late next week" which could also mean the weekend I guess because they do them 7 days a week. I just know that at best, I have another 7 days or so.

Thanks,

Taurean78

Hello ladies,

The hormone queen is back. All is good but I have to halve the puregon again to 50 as my FS said the blood test for est was good but as I have approx 30 follies now developing down there on the U/S they will be more than enough to keep the Est levels up! I found out I'm very uncomfortable due to the fact that most of them are between 14 and 16mm (which I am also very happy about BTW) but it means that my ovaries are actually "kissing" and very large indeed. (Nurse lost count and realised she was on the other ovary but they are actually touching at this stage). Back in Monday for next U/S and BT and hopefully go ahead for trigger that night for EPU Wednesday. Lets just hope they all keep growing and stay put till then :dance:

Persephone1, Thank you so much for your post and putting my mind at ease. Your symtoms sound exactly like what I'm having. Hopefully after Wednesday I will be a lot more comfortable.

Emerald Star, I certainly don't think TMI and I know I will be the exact same. It's only natural to examine everything and second guess it. I really hope the discharge was implantation - I read that that is quite normal for that timing. :stickyvibesgirl::stickyvibesboy:

Williamsemma, I'm not really sure when is safe to accept HPT results but it certainly can't mean anything bad. I hope you are sucessful - you've been trying a very long time, GL.

Wishes, How did they find out your uterus lining was very thin? Do they normally check for this kind of thing? Very curious as I have told my FS that I am very concerned about the lightness of my periods compared to a couple of years ago and told her I thought it wasn't developing properly. I have to say I am not much help on the rest of it as they are all new drugs to me but I really hope your OPK stays negative and the lining increases for your little frostie to stick. :crossfingers:

Loops12, I hope you enjoy the ball and catching up with all your family. And, as you say, hopefully your sister can send some intervention your way. GL

Sorry to anyone I've missed. And the usual Lucky vibes out to us all.

Taurean78 - i started menopur on june 18th & had collection on july 17th so i was veery slow! felt like a lifetime! my clinic is just a 3 day wk so bt & us every other day, because i was a slow grower i kept having rescan ( so impatient at this point! ) but the last wk of us was the biggest spurt i had with my lead follicle measuring at 27mm hope it's the same for you :pray:

Jasminstar _ thanx for your kind words, i totally understand how your feeling at the momenti only had 16 good size follicles & i was so uncomfortable! i have such a tiny frame & although i was very very happy i was praying for collection :D i have just shrunk back to normal size again! fx hope all goes well!

Hi Taurean, I'm a very slow typer so only saw your post after I had put mine up.
I'm pretty sure that a week is loads of time for the smaller ones to catch up. I had an U/S on Tuesday this week and had approx 18 follies most between 8 and 12 mm - 3 days later (today) I am told I have 30 and around 2 thirds are between 14 and 16 mm. Those little things grow like buggery so you have loads of time. Also as you say, all you need is one good one. I met a lady leaving the clinic today and she was absolutely beaming. She couldn't contain herself and said to me "I've got an egg!!! I know it doesn't sound so great but I'm 45 and this is my second cycle with nothing on the first. The follicle is 22mm" We chatted for a short while and I couldn't help thinking how happy I was for her but also how much luckier I am to be in a position where the odds are not so highly stacked against me - she told me that being over 45 they had given her very little hope but if attitude has any influence I think she'll definitely have a fighting chance. So here's to keeping positive; even when we feel completely crappy!

Bubbless - welcome to the group and go the righty! :dance:

Taurean 78 - maybe lucky 7 is not such a bad number? My biggest was only 13mm so you are ahead of me there. I'm not having a repeat u/s before EPU and since starting have had no blood tests. Is that normal? My FS seems pretty confident that everything will be fine for Monday so I'm putting all my faith in him. I think meditation and positive thinking are definitely beneficial, not just for infertility. As for acupuncture, I have been having for nearly 2 years (as well as disgusting herbs on and off) which have made real improvements in my cycles and pain etc. I think if you are doing all this and have a healthy diet then probably we're doing the best we can and the rest we have no control over but fingers crossed we both get our 7 eggs, at least!

I'm going out for dinner now to catch up with my 3 besties who know nothing about this! So hard to keep a secret but only want to let people know when I get my BFP!

Take care ladies

Hi Lovely ladies

Bubbless - hi and :welcome:. GL with your first IVF cycle. Hope you get some good eggs collected.

Taureen - As you may remember from my earlier posts - at my U/S before EPU I had 9 follies that were above I think 11mm.I had 5 others that were smaller. Out of the 9 - 5 on one side, 4 on the other. They said they were pretty good and EPU was scheduled for 3 days later so they had time to grow. They collected 6 eggs at EPU and 5 of those fertilised. So even though we didnt have as many follies and as big as a lot of others in here, the ones that were collected were still good enough to fertilise etc.
So even having a couple of good sized ones I would have been happy I think.

Jasminster - thanks for your wishes and I hope things are coming along well for you.

Sorry for those ive missed - just a quick one.
Ive got to go and get ready for our charity ball - i can't wait!

Jasminstar - I discovered a possible thin uterus lining at my first ultrasound after starting to see FS. On that occasion, it was CD17 and my lining was only 3mm. I had just finished a round of Clomiphene tablets, and my FS said that it was likely the tablets that made my lining so thin. I was a bit more skeptical though, because I also thought about the possibility that maybe my body was just like that (or maybe it was a combination of the two). I have only ever had an 8mm lining ONCE and that was on IVF, so with the FSH, my lining can get up there, but naturally (like with a FET), I don't think I'm as lucky. So I'm hoping the Progynova will help with that.

Regards your question though, every ultrasound I've ever had, they've always checked the thickness of my lining. I don't know if that gets done at every clinic, but it certainly does at mine. They check follicle development and thickness of uterus lining every time.

I've not been so lucky with the OPK's though. I got a positive result this morning (damn it), which is CD14. That probably doesn't sound unusual to a lot of people, but I really thought I'd finally figured out my body, and that I wouldn't ovulate until maybe CD17-CD19. So I rushed into my clinic this morning for a blood test, because I really wanted to get the results of my hormone levels today (if in fact I'm going to ovulate today or tomorrow). I would like to have the results for future reference. I haven't got the results yet, but they might not call til tomorrow cos they were pretty busy at the clinic today. My biggest concern now is the thickness of my lining. I still have an ultrasound on Monday morning, so I'll be very interested to find out how thick the lining is then. I hope I'll at least be at 7mm, but only time will tell I guess.

Has anyone got any idea to what degree your lining thickens over time? I ready somewhere that it thickens approx 1-2mm every second day. And that doctors like to see 8mm around ovulation.

Loops - good luck for transfer tomorrow. Hope everything goes well for you.

Williamsemma - welcome to BB and good luck with your cycle.

Emerald star - thinking of you and your upcoming BT. Fingers crossed. Hope you're doing ok.

Juniper - thanks for the update on your LH levels for a previous IUI. I checked back on my own BT results, and I also came across one cycle where my LH was 45 and I was just about to ovulate. Although i had other cycles where just before ovulation, my LH was under 10. I just can't pick it with my body. It is a complete mystery to me.

Bubbless - Welcome. Good luck for EPU on Monday. Fingers crossed for you.

Sorry if I missed anyone.

Wishes xoxo

Hey girls, quick update. Got blood test results back this afternoon and my LH is 20 so has definitely risen, but my E2 is only 459. So if I have surged and am about to ovulate today or tomorrow, I don't think my E2 is anywhere near where it needs to be. This is the lowest E2 level I've had so far (but then it's also the first assisted cycle where I haven't had FSH or Clomiphene tablets). Also, if follicles grow approx 2mm per day, my follicle would only be 16mm today. Surely you don't ovulate when the follicle is that size?

Am still very confused about results though, as I've been on Progynova for 6 days now, and I thought it would've helped out my E2 levels a bit. Oh well, can't do anything about it until Monday when I'll have my ultrasound and another blood test.

Wishes xoxo

Hi every1
I think i can safetly say i got my long waited :bfp: the tests are getting darker each time! i have now done 5! ( just to make sure ) :dance:
I'm now 16 dpo and 18 days since pregnyl injection so i have stopped looking for resaon why it wouldn't be true :p According to the due calender i would be 4 weeks & 2days so i'm not gonna count my chickens to soon but i feel unbelievably lucky & blessed! but it just goes to show never give up hope! it's been a long 8 yrs and at one point i was told i would never be able to use my own eggs! i can confirm ladies little miracles can & do happen yaaaaay :clap:

LOOPS12 - How did ET go? How many did you transfer and did you have any to freeze?
Hope all is well and :stickyvibesgirl:to you.

TAUREAN78 -
(1) How many follies are average? Everyone is different I had around 20 follies, hoever 8 contained mature viable eggs

(2) At EPU, is it expected that all mature follies will release the same number of eggs? ie. if I have 3 follies looking to be the right size, would I be right to expect 3 eggs at EPU? As I understand it one follicle = 1 egg or no egg.

(3) Is it normal for remaining small follies to hav a growth spurt in the last 5-7 days before EPU? This may happen.

(4) Is there anything more I can do (diet/lifestyle) to get the remainder of them moving along?Absolutely no idea!!!

These are just my opinions and information from my FS as i understand it....can't say its gospel though. GL

BUBBLESS - Welcome! There are so many lovely ladies hear to help, support and listen.GL

JASMINESTAR - thanks for your support. It's getting closer to your EPU Day. Stay calm, relax and enjoy, there will be enough stressing done during the 2WW.

WISHES - GL for your cycle and i'm sure your lining will be perfect when its needed.

WILLIAMSEMMA59 - Sounds Excellent! Congrats! When is you BT for confirmation?

AFM - Trying to keep my mind off everything!! I feel very negative about this as I have absolutely no symptoms...my boobys aren't even sore anymore.
Anyway 3 more sleeps until BT!

__________________
Me 40
right tube removed
DH 42
TTC #1 for 3 years

1x natural ectopic 2007
IUI #1 18 April 2009 :bfn:
IUI #2 19 May 2009 :bfn:
IVF #1 7 July 2009 :2ww:

Hi Ladies, just another quick one

ET (5 day blastocyst) went well today and Im now in the TWW although we had some bad news in that the other four havent done as well and unlikely they will freeze them. Im pretty disappointed about that because there is now a lot more stress that this one works, especially since we can't afford to go through this again right now. Just hoping that means this one is a fighter. Not feeling too bad, just some mild tummy pain. BT is on the 13th of August.
The charity ball went well, was lots of fun - I believe we would have raised quite a bit of money for kidney disease research in kids!

Williamsemma - Sounds very promising - Im really hoping for you. All the best for BT

Emerald Star - thanks for asking. To answer your questions - looks like we wont have any to freeze. Do you know if there is a chance they could catch up tonight and how long they wait? Sounds good though if AF hasnt showed up. You being good and not trying HPT? Im really hoping and :pray: for you. All the best x

Hi to everyone else - hope you're all hanging in. :bluedust::pink-babydust:

Hi Girls,

A big thank you to all of you who answered my questions - it really gave me peace of mind over the weekend. I am feeling much more positive now and really, it's out of my hands anyway.

williamsemma59 - A tentative congratulations to you! I can't believe how long your stims went on for but obviously it's turned out for the best:clap: I look forward to hearing how you go. Thanks for the FX.

Bubbless - :goodluck: for your EPU tomorrow. My biggest was only 13mm so you are ahead of me there. I'm not having a repeat u/s before EPU and since starting have had no blood tests. Is that normal? - I can't really say what's normal and what's not - only what my clinic does which is blood tests every few days and U/S every 2-3 days from Day 9 or so. I'm sure your FS is confident for a reason but go ahead and question them. It's a service that you're paying for. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow :crossfingers:

jasminstar - Thank you, thank you....for PERSPECTIVE! What a humbling story you told and it was just what I needed to pull my head out of my backside. I have age on my side, DH has good :sperm: and this is our first shot at IVF. We'll get there - all in good time. I can't believe your ovaries are touching! Good luck with your BT & U/S tomorrow and for EPU on Wed.

Loops12 - Thank you for your feedback and I'm glad the ball went well. Sorry about your remaining eggs not looking like they'll make it. You've got the right attitude - the one that's made it in will be a fighter. Thinking of you and sending you:stickyvibesgirl::stickyvibesboy:

Emerald Star - Thanks so much for answering all my questions. Only 3 more sleeps for you! Stay strong and know that we are all :crossfingers: for you.

So off for another BT and U/S tomorrow morning. Have steeled myself for news that the other follies haven't progressed but am cautiously optimistic. Have acupuncture from the afternoon so that is definitely something to look forward to. Have a great week.

xxTaurean78

Loops12 - Glad ET went well.

I had 8 eggs retrieved. By the second day 2 had failed to fertilise ( leaving 6). (my clinic called everyday between 9am and 11am to let you know how your eggs were developing)
By third day 1 stopped its cell division and five were still going. by day 4 there were 4 left 2x a grade and 2xb grade. One of the B grade was slow in its development of cells by day 5 I had 2 grade A blasties with excellent division and no fragmentation. The other 2 stopped cell division and could not be frozen. So we have no frosties either. But i do hope yours work out and if not then you should get a BFP from this cycle. That's what I would give you if i was in charge!!!:D

I WILL be doing back to back cycles until i get my :bfp:

What info about your eggs did you get?

As for me not doing a POAS, is because "i KNOW i'm not pregnant, and I think i might as well wait for the bad news on Wednesday...why confirm my misery from now?
_________________
Me 40
right tube removed
DH 42
TTC #1 for 3 years

1x natural ectopic 2007
IUI #1 18 April 2009 :bfn:
IUI #2 19 May 2009 :bfn:
IVF #1 July 2009 :2ww:

Hi to all

Just wanted to say thanks for the warm welcomes and wishes.

Loops12 - good luck with your little blasty, praying that he is the one and that you do get to freeze one or two just in case.

Taurean78 - looking forward to hearing how much your follies have grown, when is your EPU?

Emeraldstar - FX for you!

Wishes - are you doing IUI? not sure about the lining question but I can tell you my best friend took 2 months break after unsuccessful ivf and took chinese herbs and on her next attempt her lining was more than 2mm thicker and eggs better quality (she stopped the herbs when starting meds as her FS said there is a possibility of drug interaction) and the next t/f took and now she has twin boys

Jasminstar- GL for u/s, you must be uncomfortable, I haven't been able to wear my jeans, the button won't even reach so can't imagine how your feeling...

Williamsemma - congratulations!!!!

AFM - tired, cranky, anxious, excited. I'm starting to feel empty like my eggs have left the building so at this stage I will be happy with any number. But 7 would be great!

xxx

Williamsemma59 - :welcome: GL with the rest of your 2WW, the positive POS sound very promising. I have a friend who got a BFP on her first IVF. So it does happen - there are quiet a few of in hear hoping that this will be the case for us also! FX your dreams are finally about to come true - 8 years is a long time.

Emerald Star - sorry to hear you are expecting a BFP. My fingers are sill crossed for you hon. I hope you are mistaken and you get a pleasant surprise. X

Loops - glad to hear the charity ball was a hit and the ET went well today. My thoughts are with you as you begin your TWW. I really hope this is your time to shine. I am really sorry that it looks like you won't end up with any embies to freeze. FX that this one will be your little fighter and you won't need them anyway.

Taurean - GL with the second US tomorrow. I hope that things have progressed well over the wend. Thanks for thinking of me also. I will keep you posted tomorrow on the results.

Bubbless - :welcome: also. GL with your EPU tomorrow. I hope your get lots of good quality eggs. I have just had endo removed from my left ovary so I will be interested to see how it has performed at my first scan tomorrow.

Wishes - GL to you too for you US / BT tomorrow. Re your endometrial lining I have read that optimally it would be 8-10mm for implantation, 6mm at a minimum but implantation has been know to happen as low as 5mm. Progesterone in the luteral phase of your cycle also continues to helps your endometrium thicken while your embbie is bedding down. Hope that helps and GL making sense of it all.

Jaminstar - wow I can't believe your ovaries are touching! I can only imagine how uncomfortable you must be and 30 follicles is impressive. GL for the next US/BT tomorrow and your hopeful EPU Wednesday.

Hi to eveyone else. Hope you have had a lovely wend.

xox

Big thanx to every1 for your messages u guys really help to stay positive :)
seems like everybody has these confirmation blood tests???????? i have been told to ring my clinic after the :2ww: ( which is tomorrow ) and they will arrange a scan for me in 4 loooooooong weeks!

Emerald star- :crossfingers: for wednesday!!!!!!!!

loops12- :crossfingers: for you also 1 blastie is all it takes as i have learnt! :)

Taurean78- big GL for tomorrow here's hopin u've progressed loads &loads!

mitf- Hope your scan goes well big FX!

Bubbles- GL for your EPU tomorrow hope it goes well for you :)

Taurean78, glad to hear you are feeling better about it all. I know it's a bit late, but I'll answer your questions as well anyway:

(1) How many follies are average? I had between 4-9 over my different cycles.

(2) At EPU, is it expected that all mature follies will release the same number of eggs? ie. if I have 3 follies looking to be the right size, would I be right to expect 3 eggs at EPU? Not necessarily, as I said for the previous question, I've had between 4 and 9 follies for my different cycles. Each cycle I've had either 5 or 6 eggs, so sometimes I got fewer eggs and sometimes I got more eggs than there were visible follies. Some follies are actually empty and don't contain eggs and some follies which do contain eggs are hidden behind others and aren't seen on the scan (but are found at EPU).

(3) Is it normal for remaining small follies to hav a growth spurt in the last 5-7 days before EPU? It's possible for them to catch up but they won't necessarily. Sometimes the larger ones can be let grow until they're 26-ish mm which can allow the smaller ones to get to the 18-20mm required to be mature. It just depends on what your Dr thinks is going to give you the best outcome.

(4) Is there anything more I can do (diet/lifestyle) to get the remainder of them moving along? I would have suggested acupuncture if you hadn't already mentioned it, but otherwise nothing comes to mind. I'm sure you could find plenty of suggestions if you spent some time on google...

Bubless, try not to stress over the lazy left ovary. My last IVF I had most of my follicles on the left and only one (or possibly a cyst) on the right. My right ovary is normally the good one... We got 1 less egg than in my previous cycle when they were more balanced (ie no significant difference in outcome, in fact we did better in terms of the number of usabe embies).

Wishes, I hope the u/s today provides some answers. I agree that 16mm sounds a bit small to O. GL.

Loops, I'm glad to hear it went well. GL with the 2ww.

Hi Ladies

Taureen - thanks for your support. GL with results today - i hope you really do get some good ones.

Emerald Star - thanks for your help and support. I'll just keep hoping this one will be enough. Im sorry you feel you have a BFN, I truly hope your wrong :pray: GL for the BT x

Mitf - thanks for your words and wishes. When is your EPU going to be? Hope everything is going along well.

Williamsemma - thanks for giving me that hope. So :happyforyou: you got your BFP!

Juniper - thanks heaps for your support and care. All the best for you.

:bluedust::stickyvibesgirl: to all

Does anyone know if the Crinone Gel gives false positives on HPT? Don't worry I'm going to try my hardest not to do one but just in case.

Sorry Bubbless I missed you somehow - thanks for giving me that hope and support. All the very best for your EPU today, hoping you get some good eggs.

Wishes and anyone else Ive missed I hope you are all getting that step closer to your little miracle. xo

Hi Ladies,

Ok, IVF#1 with first US / BT 11 days after beginning Puregon injections. We have good and bad news. Good - Endometrium is 11mm. Bad - the endometrioma I had on my left ovary and which was removed at my Lap in June has come back and is at 35mm. While my FS warned that it would probably come back, I hadn't expected it so soon. We had though it might stay at bay for at least 4-5 cycles. Good - even though the endometrioma has come back, there are 5 good sized follies partying around it. Good - I also have 7 follies developing on my right ovary. The BT has also confirmed that everything is developing ok. I have no more scans and will trigger Wed night for my EPU scheduled for 8.30am Friday. They also told me I have an estrodial of 5,000 (although not sure what that means).

Question - how do you calculate the follicle size? I notice everyone else refers to them as a single figure but mine all have 2 measurements ie the biggest one is 14mm x 18mm. Do I just average it so it is 16mm?

Juniper - Hi, I hope things are well with you. You mentioned acupuncture. This is something I have never tried and am considering. When is the best time to have it and how many times?

Loops - can't help you with your question. I hope you manage to stay awat from HPT or at least till close to the very end.

Williamsemma - I noticed your comments about the BT. Do you not have one? I can't believe you would have to wait another 4 weeks for confirmation at your scan!

We have quite a bit of action happening in here today - Bubbles, Turean, Jaminstar, Wishes - I hope you respective scans, BT and EPU went well.

xox

Mitf - All sound good! don't focus on the negatives!! As for follicle measurements, you are correct, they are measured by "circumference" so it just easier to take the first measurement.Eg. when you say your follie is 14x18 it is actually 14 the 18 is its total circumference.(too technical, iknow) Sounds like they will be good to go by EPU. Relax!!Take a deep breath!!! and you will do all the stressing in your 2WW.:D

Loops12 - I have been on Crinone as well....IT DOES NOT GIVE FALSE POSITIVES as it is a progesterone support for your lining (uterus). Only HCG is read on HPT's and that is from the trigger shots. Go ahead and POAS as much as you like!:lol:

Williamsemma59 - I know every clinic has different way of doing things...but strange how they have not got you in for a blood test before a scan..:confused:

To anyone I've missed sorry...but my warm wishes are with you. GL
_________________
Me 40
right tube removed
DH 42
TTC #1 for 3 years

1x natural ectopic 2007
IUI #1 18 April 2009 :bfn:
IUI #2 19 May 2009 :bfn:
IVF / ICSI #1 July 2009 :2ww:

2 more sleep to BT.:asleep:

Emerald Star - Hang in there! No AF has to be a good sign? My fingers are crossed and my hopes are still high for you.

Bubbless - I hope EPU went well for you today and that you aren't too uncomfortable. Let us know how you went.

mitf - Sorry to hear that the endometrioma is back and back so soon. You have a great outlook though and your follies seem to have developed well despite this. Can you believe that we've made it to the trigger stage?! Hope it goes well. Regarding the acupuncture question, I see an obstetric acupuncturist with a special interest in IVF. There is also a great ABC catalyst episode on the benefits. I'll include the link and apologise in advance to Mods if this isn't allowed. Catalyst: Improving The Odds Of IVF - ABC TV Science
I had acupuncture today but the crucial times according to my practitioner in IVF are a day or two after EPU and then 2 treatments on the day of transfer (one before, one after). My lady is in Bondi Junction and if anyone would like her details, feel free to PM me.

Williamsemma59 - I could not wait that long! I would be going to your GP to get checked and bypass your clinic! But that's just me - impatient to a tee.

I had another scan this morning and things have improved since Friday. I had 5 follies measured @ 20mm, 15, 14, 12 & 11mm. It looks like FS is going to sacrifice the 20mm one for the others and I have another scan tomorrow morning and will trigger either Tue or Wed - TBA after the BT and US in the morning.

I hope you are all feeling positive and my thoughts are with you wherever you are in the scheme of things.

Daisie - are you out there? Thinking of you and wondering how you're getting on.

xxTaurean78

MITF - great results, I wouldn't worry about the endometrioma if your FS isn't. I had one on a scan since my lap (Feb '08) which appears to have disappeared as hasn't shown on any u/s since.

Taurean - how did your u/s go today?

Emerald Star - I tend to think like you, expect the worst and then anything better is a pleasant surprise! You still have a great chance, no AF and not long to go until test..

Juniper - thanks for the reassurance

EPU went well today. Only 5 eggs (but I'd talked myself into having none) so was really happy when I woke up to hear that number. Not sure of the quality but I don't even want to know as that'll be another thing to stress about. I read back in the notes from my clinic and they state that they provide minimum disruption ie few u/s and no blood tests, I am ok with this approach as the more I know the more I will compare myself to statistics and others and I really can't do anymore than what I'm doing. Was surprised how well I felt today, just a slight ache in the right side as obviously didn't need poking around on the left. After the lap last year and having adhesions lasered this was a breeze.

Hope everyone else is well

Taurean78 - thanks for the positve attitude.....although i must warn you AF is around the corner..i can feel her....don't know why she's playing with my head...she was due today..the progesterone must be delaying her.....i'm secretely hoping its a BFP!!
I too had to sacrifice a nice 22mm when others were between 12 - 16mm but i got more eggs by sacrificing the one. I'd say you will probably trigger WEdnesday. GL for you EPU!!

Bubbless - like i said to Taurean...i can feel AF around the corner!
When is your ET?

Hi Ladies,

Well today went well as far as U/S. The nurses are a bit worried about OHSS though due to having 15 follicles left and right between 16 and 18 mm; and BT results this afternoon. Anyway I trigger at 4am (yes what a lovely time) for EPU on Wednesday at 4pm. What's good is that they will continue with pick up but what's bad is that transfer may not happen Friday as planned as they are pretty sure that when they burst those 30 follicles I am more than likely going to go into hyperstim. That I can accept and they may wait till next week and do blasties instead - which I think is a good thing as I hear the success is better. But what they also mentioned, after consult with FS, was that I may not be able for that either if Est is too high so might have to wait for transfer till next month. This is a bad enough delay and further meds in the scenario but next month I am working in Darwin so won't be able to do it until September - Aghhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not a happy bunny. Trying not to think the worst for now and I should be greatful that I am having a really good follie result also so sorry for the self indulgence I'm just frustrated with all the waiting and worrying. And I'm not looking forward to EPU after they told me I will likely be very sore due to all those punctures they have to do. Anyway we'll see what happens Wednesday - DH has to go in early as we have to get his results before decding ICSI or not: Has anyone else been borderline DH where they aren't sure about ICSI? His results aren't great and I don't want to waste the cycle but I also don't want to force a fertilisation that may not be strong - don't really know much about it and my FS said to wait for his results on the day (as they vary what's up and down in his results) and then decide.

Bubless, Glad you got those righties to come through for you. Hope your ET goes well and everything sticks - GL.

Mitf, Sorry to hear the endo came back so soon but as you have follies developing hopefully it is not interfering. 12 follies sounds pretty successful anyway. Thanks for all you encouragement and wishes too. My trigger tonight is 5,000 of pregnyl as well. According to the nurses it's usually 10,000 but if you have more estrogen or they think your follies are well developed the FS will recommend 5,000 (which is what they usually recommend for OI, IUI and FET cycles). But as with everything it's all pretty individual based.

Emerald Star, I so hope you are wrong with your feelings. I have all my good carma focussed you way and really hope you get that BFP on Wednesday.:bluedust::pink-babydust:

Taurean78, Hope your follies all catch up. Sorry you have to give up the 20mm but to get 4 instead of one must be better. Hope trigger and EPU goes smoothly.

Loops12, Don't know about Crinone at all sorry. Wishing you all the best and counting down to 13th with you :stickyvibesgirl::stickyvibesboy:

Best wishes to everyone else out there and Gl to us all :goodluck:

Hey Hey Ladies I am back been soo busy with work and travel its been crazy :( I will BBL for personals just wanted to quickly jump in say hi.. Had another FS appointment today ovaries are sleeping as per usual so back on the Gonal which I am freaking out about due to the severity of the OHSS last time 2 weeks in hospital and 30+kgs of fluid sooo have my scan Friday to see if we can get a follie ...

Welcome to all the new comers!

Much Love xxoo

Emerald Star - thanks for the advice. GL with your BT Wed. I really hope you are wrong about the BFN. I am staying positive for us all and think it would be so fantastic if you could get the BFP ball rolling!

Bubbles - great news about your five little embies. I hope they are all top notch and develop nicely over the next few days. Good to hear it wasn't too bad an experience. I am not sure what to expect but as you say it can't be worse than the Lap.

Taurean - it looks like we are going to be on exactly the same schedule! Thanks for the Catalyst link. I had a look at it and have done a bit of googling for an acupuncturist in my local area. I will have to give them a call and see if I can schedule a few sessions. It is already costing us a fortune what's a few more dollars and needles! Things sound good after your scan, interesting that you are having another one tomorrow morning. I have only had the one. I guess I have done a couple of IUI's at the clinic so they know a little about how my body reacts.

Jasminstar - wow 30 follies sounds amazing but not the potential OHSS. I really hope it stays at bay - it would suck so bad if you had to wait 2 cyles for ET. The 5,000 I was referring to is actually my estrogen levels which the nurse said is good. I am lucky I get to trigger at 8.30pm for an 8.30am collection. I had 5,000 Pregnyl for my IUI trigger's but this time I get to try something new - Ovidrel - it's amazing how many diffrent variations there is between diffrent IVF cycles! GL with your EPU.... the punctures will be worth it in the end! FX the OHSS stays at bay.

Miss K - Hi. Good to see you popping in. Good luck with the Gonal. Hopefully last times experience will help you avoid a repeat of OHSS and the hospital visit which sounds terrible.

AFM - Well I have 12 follies in total Right - 15, 12, 14, 14, 11, 12 & 12mm. Plus left - 12, 12, 11, 15 and 14mm. Still a little small at the moment but they should be developed nicely by Friday. Now I just have to hope that most of the follies are nurturing lovely little eggs and not too many empty phantoms! Oh I also found out today I will probably be doing a 5 day transfer so that will be next Wednesday.

That's all for now. Rest up and I hope everyone else is doing well on there treatment. xo

jasminstar - Thankyou for the :bluedust:
Just wanting to share my knowledge about ICSI, ICSI is supposed to be better than the norm ivf procedure as they pick out the bestest 1 sperm and fertilise the egg. With normal IVF they put all sperm in a dish and wait for fertilisation. You can google it and get more info. I chose ICSI. GL with your decision.

Mitf - I am so happy for you....you have lots of follies growing so close together, which is supposed to be really good....looking forward to hearing about your EPU.

GL to everyone I missed.