happybaby: i am sending you a really big hug, wish it was more. i am so sorry for your loss. hope all goes well on friday. x o x o saffy: good job EPU. now the big ET and dreaded 2ww. good luck to you. fingers crossed. jayejaye: ha ha love what you said. yeah some people can be so insensitive. try to ignore them. good luck to you for next time. elocin: great job with epu. hope et goes well for you'on sat. fingers crossed for you . it seems a lot of people are doing cycles atm. kass: good luck with bt and those eggis are growing well. jabbing will be over soon. woohoo. blossum: sending you a hug. thank god for BB at least we all know what each other are going thru a bit and can be supportive also. hope you get a big hug for real from someone. x o n2L: oh so sorry. hug for you too. x saffy: good luck epu and et. as for DH sometimes thay just don't know how to handle helping us thru this emotional thing, i know my DH took so long to agree to do 2nd IVF cause he saw what it did to me mentally mostly. hope he has a better week. hope all goes well for you too. williever: hi to you. good luck also
did i forget anyone ?
hope not
afm: well i am gtting closer now to next cycle. woohoo. go off pill in 11 days. and counting down.......
had the day off work, but lots jobs to do anyways. also i have friday off but DH and i have work to do at home. bummer hey. but i am off to melb for some work/ holiday next week for 4 days so i will be rested ready for those needles and synarel to start. chat soon everyone.
Nic - check away hun! I was called every other day with updates. I think it's natural o want to check up on your little ones.
happybaby - so sorry hun. What can I say? It's terrible to have to go through what you are going through. Stay strong
n2l - Although you had this in mind it is still so hard! Thinking of you xxx
saffy - great news! Good luck with the transfer xx
kass - there was a moment for me when I was over it! It is hard work, but try to keep at it. Hope there are some great eggs in there!
Hi everyone. There's so much going on. I will try to keep up.
afm - BT tomorrow to check levels. Thursday is finally the day I am just trying to keep up at work. One more day!!! I have started the progesterone pessaries. THis emotional ride has left me totally exhausted. I finish work and need to sleep. I am also quite an emotional wreck.....almost crying all day long.
oh yes an today I went to the post office and had to face Mothers Day cards..........
Happybaby - I'm so sorry hun, big big to you. Take care of yourself, I just wish there was something I could say to help
N2L - big hug to you too, babe. Hope you are doing ok
Williever - yup, this really takes it out of you - physically and emotionally. I cry at the drop of a hat at the best of times so I am just a big sodden mess on ivf drugs . Good luck for tomorrow. Wow, thats amazing that your friend travelled from Dubai to South Africa for treatment. And here I am procrastinating at the thought of our travel!!!! You are so right, fertility treatment is such an enormous cash cow to clinics - it does kind of annoy me that so much money can be made out f such a hugely emotive thing and a thing that is such a fundamental reason for us even being here. Hmmmmm, need to stop overthinking stuff.
JBM - yay for finally being so close. Have a lovely holiday, hope you come back all nice and relaxed for the fun to begin!!
Saffy - woohoo you!! Congrats on your EPU, hope you aren't feeling too sore from it
Elocin - yeah, def call your clinic to check on your embies - did they call you to let you know how many fertilised? We usually get day by day progress reports from the embryologist. Can't believe your FS thought you could tell her what you wanted to do? Uh, NO. We've had things that have been left up to us in the past but have been strongly advised on the best thing to decide which is ok. Hope your embies keep going strong.
Jayejaye - stupid bodies after stupid ivf. I am CD20 today and don't think I have o'ed - usually am a CD15 kinda gal but not this month. Hope your BT brings you the news you want today - can understand the feeling a bit too fragile to progress at this point.
Blossom - thanks hun. Glad that you have managed to have a talk with DH and you seem to be getting back into things. Do you find the gym helps with managing everything? I've started up running again and the stress relief I get from it is enormous. Its great, I can cry away to myself and noone knows, then I'm too buggered to feel anything!!!!
Kass -
Thanks for all the support after my last post. So I rang my clinic yesterday to see about a followup as we STILL hadn't heard anything (bearing in mind that our last cycle finished at the end of Feb) and I get the receptionist. Now this chick SO should not be in that job. I explained everything to her, ie time frame, crap cycle, asked to make appt 3 weeks ago etc etc and this was her reply. "Oh yeah, I saw that bit of paper somewhere . . . but you know . . . I've been busy and one of the FS is away so the other is doing all his work too, so she's busy . . . and she's away for the week . . . and again in a few weeks . . . in fact she's not here much really. Oh, we might be able to fit you in at the end of May but . . . I don't know. I'll just have to ring you back". All said in a totally bored, disinterested way, like I'd interrrupted her filing her nails. WTF? I was So mad, and she never rang back. I got to work last night and had a look on the system (a perk of working within the hospital) and someone has obviously told her that the end of May was not soon enough, so we are being seen on April 5th. Thank God. I was beside myself thinking I'd have to wait another 6 weeks. DH hit the roof when i told him about her attitude.
So, when we go to this appointment, would it be really wrong of me to kind of, maybe, insinuate that perhaps we should've carried on with Puregon a bit longer and perhaps there is the possibility that the traumatic epu could've damaged some eggs, hence the CRAP fert rate? Or is that really wrong? I'm just really angry about the way the cycle went and I need some answers and I don't feel that we will be given them if I don't try and point things in this direction. I really don't feel like our FS had our best interest in mind for this cycle, instead just forging ahead to get it out of the road asap. This appointment will decide whether or not we move clinics.
Melissa- thats ridiculous, what a slack receptionist, lucky you can check things. I hope you get some joy from your appt, but if you don't definately change clinics.
Williever- good luck with BT and thursday, sorry you are feeling so emotional, those damn hormones!
JBM- 10 days to go now for you, hope you enjoy the 4 days in melb!
Elocin- I am in quite a bit of pain today too,esp with sitting down, do you feel better today? My clinic doesn't let you know anything between fert and transfer, I'll try and wait it out, I hope i get good fertilisation rate like you!
jayejaye- hope O comes soon, sorry people are annoying you with silly questions, its so hard xx
kass- GL for BT, jabs make me sooo tired too, its exhausting, hard to explain to poeple too x
blossom and N2L-
AFM- Waiting to hear from clinic re fertilisation rates. In much more pain than last time, like elocin, very sore to sit down, dosed myself up with drugs (while i can), at least I have tomorrow off from work as well. TMI warning, but I think half of it is wind pain, as it eases a bit when I pass it-sorry
I've got heaps of things I want to do but I think i should blob on the couch a bit longer, frustrating!!!!
Awesome numbers Saffy!!! Good luck with your fertilisation rates today. I went to work this morning but only lasted half an hour, so I'm now home lying on the couch again. I had the wind problem last night too
Willi, how'd your BT go?? All good to go tomorrow?
Going to watch so mind numbing tv and lie in the air conditioning xo
Oh!! I knew I had to ask something else... how long after transfer the BT is to check for pregnancy? Is it 2 weeks?
Yay Saffy that is great!!! How many do you normally get??? Have you done better this time? Did you do anything different x
Elocin welcome to bb i hope you get some good fertilisation results as well x
Happybaby so sorry hun sending you big hugs
Melissa how rude cant believe they treat you like that it is such a emotional journey you think people would be a little more sensitive. The gym definately makes me feel better i am starting to get there mentally this week and i think that has helped me get there..
Jayejaye hope the body starts getting back on track we punish it so much with all the drugs! I know how u feel i have decided to have a break until the end of May i dont think i could handle a BFN again as it could well tip me over the edge and i dont need that!
Kass good luck with your BT and the good old jabs x
Williever good luck for thursday x
Anyone i have missed sorry!
AFM starting to get a little better not such a emotional wreck today, although i had to race my baby (dog) to the vet yesterday as he was vomiting all night and day and burst into tears there as couldnt handle it but thank god he is feeling better today!!! Decided that i need to give myself a break emotionally and physically so will try again late May as dont think i could handle another BFN right now and need to have some fun again and not let IVF control our life! It then gives me time to lose some of those kilos that i have put on and get my head into a happy space...
Goodluck to all you girls i hope we start seeing some good news x
Saffy ~ 7 is fantastic - FX'd they divide nicely. Goodluck.
Mel ~ that is terrible, I would say something to someone about her - the FS perhaps. Goodluck with everything!!
JBM ~ Enjoy your holiday and FX'd!
Williever ~ goodluck tomorrow.
Sorry ladies, gotta run, busy at work.
Thinking of you all and
AFM ~ BD'd on Sat and Sunday mornings and ever since I've had a full feeling, cramping etc. Although it almost feels like wind. But to have it since I O'd is making me get my hopes up. Hope I dont get them up too much only to be let down in a big way again.
Blossom - Glad your dog is better today I hope you enjoy your time away from all this and come back ready to go in May
Saffy and Elocin - congrats to both of you - great fert results! Elocin - I call my clinic every day for a report, call away! My clinic does bt's 9 days after a 5 day transfer.
Melissa - Doesn't sound like a great receptionist, I'd be annoyed too - does your clinic have a system for customer feedback? Might be worth giving some. Good luck with your appt, I hope you get some answers
JBM - enjoy Melbourne!
Williever - Good luck with your transfer tomorrow and happy birthday!
JayeJaye - People say such stupid things... Hope you get the results you want today
loops: thanks so much, i struggle to keep up with everyone in here atm. fingers crossed it's not just wind for you or maybe it's just too much BDing. lol good luck and fingers crossed for you. x by the way i am feeling very pink today, who knows why.
blossum: prob a good idea to take a break , you've been thru a lot and it is real hard sometimes. sending you some rest vibes for your break. x :-)
saffy: woohoo. great job some frosties too. yipee, hooray. did you know i am happy for you. lol. good luck for the rest and the crazt TWW.
elocin: got fingers crossed for you. i think it is 2 weeks to testing ? maybe ring clinic. good luck anyways
melissai: thanks so much for your support, it really helps to know you guys are on my side. good job on changing your app and that reception lady is going to leave any time soon i am sure of it. ha ha ha. you can dream can't you. fingers crossed for your app. x
williever": did you notice everyone is pink today. lol. i'm just feeling a bit colourful today. hope bt goes well today and good luck for thursday. woohoo, yipee. got fingers crossed for you. :-)
afm: well i am NOT on BB while at work, o.k ! ha ha ha evil laugh.
nothing new for me atm, just waiting for 1st of april to stop the pill, I HATE IT. here i said it and now i feel better.
i just want to start something, it has been soooooooooooo looooooong the waiting.......and waiting.......
I am officially out this month. Nothing happening, an 'anovulation' month (had to google it!!) which is apparently common after a stim cycle. So back in a few weeks. Am a bit relieved, still emotional about last BFN.
I expect to come backand find some BFP's!!!! I know it is in the stars for someone soon. So come on you gorgeous strong women, you can do it, i know you can.
Sorry for the me post, rushing rushing rushing. Back in a few weeks....
Jayejaye - hope you get to relax over the next couple of weeks!
afm - bt was not so good. My level was at 1200, and in past cycles it's been around 3000 at the same point. I'm trying not to stress, but it seems really low. Any advice? So far they've just given me an extra day before u/s (Sat instead of Fri) but maybe my puregon should increase as well?
Hi guys....Found this information which I thought might be of interest.....(it is from a Canadian Naturopath that specialises in infertility)
n2l x
Nutrients and Supplements for Fertility & IVF
Modern farming practices, your diet, and your lifestyle, may require that you supplement with certain nutrients to optimize fertility.
Consult someone who understands, or can test for deficiencies, so a tailored program can be set out for you.
Amino Acids
The building blocks of life. Necessary for egg and sperm production. Some healthcare practitioners will prescribe amino acids such as l-arginine to enhance fertility.
Sources: protein foods such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy, lentils, peas, beans, nuts, brown rice, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and quinoa.
Vitamin A
Essential for the production of female sex hormones. It has antioxidant qualities which protects cells against damage from free radicals in the body. It also is important for the developing embryo. Retinol (the version of vitamin A found in liver) has been linked to fetal abnormalities.
Sources: eggs, yellow fruits and vegetables, whole milk and milk products, dark green leafy veggies, and fish oils.
Dosage: RDA 2565 IU for pregnant women.
Beta Carotene is a pigment in plants that is converted into vitamin A. The corpus luteum is very high in beta carotene, so it may be cardinal in the regulation of the reproductive cycle hormones.
Sources: peas, broccoli, carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes.
Vitamin B1 (thiamin)
Needed for ovulation and implantation.
Sources: molasses, brewer's yeast, whole grains, nuts, brown rice, organ and other meats, egg yolks, fish, poultry, legumes, and seeds.
Dosage: RNI 0.8 mg per day (women)
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
Deficiencies are linked to sterility, miscarriage, and low birth weight. The liver uses B2 to clear away old used hormones (estrogen and progesterone). If these are not excreted, the body thinks there is enough and less production happens, resulting in hormone deficiencies.
Sources: molasses, brewer's yeast, whole grains, nuts, brown rice, organ and other meats, egg yolks, fish, poultry, legumes, and seeds.
Dosage: RNI 1.1 mg per day (women)
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
Important for fetal development.
Sources: molasses, brewer's yeast, whole grains, nuts, brown rice, organ and other meats, egg yolks, fish, poultry, legumes, seeds, wheat germ, salmon, sweet potatoes, broccoli, oranges, cashews, pecans, and strawberries.
Dosage: RNI 3-7 mg per day (adults)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Together with zinc, B6 is essential for the formation of female sex hormones and the proper functioning of estrogen and progesterone. A deficiency causes the ovaries to shut down production of progesterone which leads to estrogen dominance. B6 is used to treat luteal phase defects because of it encourages the production of progesterone. It also has shown to improve fertility rates if taken over a 6 month period.
Sources: molasses, brewer's yeast, whole grains, nuts, brown rice, organ and other meats, egg yolks, fish, poultry, legumes, seeds, and green leafy veggies.
Dosage: RNI 1.2 mg per day, but up to 50 mg may be used per day.
Note: Zinc is needed for its absorption.
Vitamin B12
Folate and B12 are needed for the synthesis of DNA and RNA. These make up the blueprint for the genetic code of the entire body.
Sources: lamb, sardines, salmon, fermented foods that contain bacteria. Calcium aids in its absorption.
Dosage: RNI from 1.5 to 50 mcg per day.
Folate (folic acid)
This should be taken for at least 3 months before conception, and 2 months after. It reduces the risk of neural-tube damage (brain and spinal cord) in the developing embryo. Vitamin C aids in absorption. The contraceptive pill depletes stores of folate.
Sources: dark green leafy veggies, broccoli, organ meats, brewer's yeast, root vegetables, whole grains, oysters, salmon, milk, legumes, asparagus, oatmeal, dried figs, and avacados.
Dosage: RNI 200 mcg per day (women)
Vitamin C
An antioxidant that prevents damage from free radicals. Too high a dose (over 1000 mg per day) may dry cervical mucus.
Sources: citrus fruits, rosehips, cherries, sprouted alfalfa seeds, cantaloupe, strawberries, broccoli, tomatoes, sweet peppers, black currants, mangos, grapes, kiwi fruit, pineapples, asparagus, peas, potatoes, parsely, watercress, and spinach.
Dosage: 500 mg per day.
Vitamin E
Deficiency may cause miscarriage. Taken with vitamin C may improve ovulation. Taken with vitamin C and selenium creates a healthy endometrium. Vitamin E has anticoagulant properties, so caution if taking blood thinners.
Sources: cold pressed oils, wheat germ, organ meats, molasses, eggs, sweet potatoes, leafy veggies, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and avacados.
Dosage: 400 IU per day
Iron
Iron helps prevent miscarriage. Tea, coffee, and tobacco all inhibit the absorption of iron.
Sources: organ meats, lean meat, eggs, fish, poultry, molasses, cherries, dried fruits, prunes, green leafy veggies, kelp, spinach, parsley, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, broccoli, oatmeal, sardines, and nuts.
Dosage: 20 mg per day (only take if you have tested positive for deficiency)
Magnesium
We need B1 and magnesium for energy production. Take with selenium, calcium, vitamin B6, and D to aid in absorption. Take with protein foods. Alcohol, tea, coffee, and smoking inhibit absorption.
Sources: kelp, green leafy veggies, tofu, legumes, rye, buckwheat, millet, molasses, brown rice, bananas, dried figs, dried apricots, nuts, barley, seafood, and whole grains.
Dosage: up to 400 mg per day
Selenium
Deficiency may cause infertility and an increased risk of miscarriage.
Sources: tuna, herring, brewer's yeast, wheat germ and bran, whole grains, and sesame seeds.
Dosage: 200mcg per day
Manganese
Deficiency may lead to defecive ovulation, and inhibit the synthesis of sex hormones. Manganese competes with iron for absorption. It is advisable to take manganese supplements with protein foods and vitamin C.
Sources: whole grains, green leafy veggies, carrots, broccoli, ginger, legumes, nuts, pineapples, eggs, oats, and rye.
Dosage: RNI 1.4 mg per day
Zinc
Deficiencies of Zinc are quite common. Zinc is important for the cell division in the fetus, producing good quality eggs, and maintaining the menstrual cycle. Alcohol and the contraceptive pill deplete zinc in the body. Folic acid, tea, coffee, high fiber intake, and iron may inhibit absorption. Vitamin B6 and C may aid absorption.
Sources: lean meat, fish, seafood, chicken, eggs, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, rye, oats, whole grains, legumes, ginger, parsley, mushrooms, brewer's yeast, and wheat germ.
Dosage: RNI 7 mg per day (women), up to 30 mg may be recommended.
Coenzyme Q10
Important for energy production. Levels of CoQ10 are lower in a woman who has experienced a recent miscarriage. ICSI fertilization rates may rise when taking this supplement. It also improves blood flow. Dosage: talk to your healthcare professional.
Essential Fatty Acids
Very important to take when trying to concieve. EFA's act as hormone regulators. Omega-3 DHA and Omega-6 arachidonic acid are important structural elements of cell membranes, body tissue, and brain development in the fetus. Start taking EFA's at least 3 months before you try to get pregnant.
Sources: Omega-3; flaxseed, oily fish, walnuts, green leafy veggies, and tuna (not more than 150g/week).
Sources: Omega-6; seeds and their oils.
Dosage: 700-1000mg per day.
Note: be careful if you are currently taking blood thinning medication.
Happy Baby - I am so, so sorry for your terrible news. I can only imagine what a terrible blow it must be. Please take care of yourself and remember, we are all here if you need to vent, cry or (verbally) punch someone. Thinking of you x
JBM - Not long now! You must be getting more excited by the day! Enjoy your time in Melbourne. The weather is pretty average today. I will try to organise some sunshine for your visit!
Elocin - Great numbers for pickup and fertilisation!! Fingers crossed for a successful transfer! Are you having one or two put back in?
Saffy - Great numbers from you too!!!! Congrats on such a big turnaround from your previous cycles. Did you do anything different this time around?? Fingers crossed this is the one!
OneMorePlease - How are you gorgeous? I have decided I am going to try to lose 10 kilos before June (my 40th b'day). The FS says it will help. I hope you are well. Pop in and say hello! I miss you!
Blossom - I hope you get to the bottom of the NK issue. It sounds like you are in good hands. Bring on May!!!! I will be praying it is your month...
Willi - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!! HAPPY TRANSFER DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope you celebrate with a nice big implantation followed by nine months of blissful pregnancy! take care x
Tantee - How are you sweetie? Hope you are well and life is looking up for you
Kass - Hiya. Thank you for all of your messages of support I hope you are doing well. I am sorry I dont know the answer to your question as I dont know anything about levels. Good luck though!!
Melissa - Ask all the questions you want and/or need to ask!! Be up front and direct. This IVF caper is a service like any other. Demand satisfaction!!! (if only there were money back guarantees!!)
Jaye Jaye - A massive BOO to not ovulating. It sucks knobs (my favourite IVF phrase - it can be applied to sooo many situations) Will you try again next month?
Loops - Hiya! Hope DP is still on the mend and that you are getting lots and lots of BD-ing in!
Albi - Welcome and good luck with your FET
I really hope I havent missed anyone! If I have, I am really sorry....
AFM - My period came straight after the BFN. And it has come with a vengeance. It is so heavy and clotty. The pain has been horrendous. I had to take today off work. Oh well...another joyous side effect I guess.
I have been researching ways to improve egg quality (hence my previous post). I have started on CoQ10 and am trying to get l'arginane. Back on the Royal Jelly too. I also take elevit, berocca and fish oil. Who knows if it will all work. My FS is not a believer in complementary therapies but I say, what the hell...may as well try!
I also need to lose weight. Anyone want to join my "Getting Buff to Get Up the Duff Club?"
n2l -Thanks hun. I hope the pain goes away soon for you. Like the bfn is not enough AF comes in to ruff us up too. Sorry babe xxx
Kass - I have no idea...sorry...have they suggested anything other then the scan a day later?
jayejaye - I hope you can now relax and start to come to terms with the last cycle
Nic - How are you and your babies doing? Have you been updated? Come and join me in the tww. Just three hours in and I'm anxious!!!
JBM - My bt is the 4th April. When they told me I thought of you and that you would have started by then. Isn't it strange how much we think of each other everyday
Blossom - Thanks hun xxx
Hi everyone xxx
afm - I had so many giggles with nurses and fs today and many birthday wishes, while my legs were up. I spent the whole time looking at my bladder (as it was completly full and humongous) instead of watching the action in my uterus. They then showed me again the frostie. I can not explain how amazing seeing my egg on the screen was (I held back the tears). It looked like it had 100 cells. Also it defrosted 95% intact and rehydrated to resemble a fresh unfrozen egg. The nurses were really happy about it and said they couldn't have wished for better. Still got 5 left........Really it all went so well. BT is the 4th April.................
So right now this day I made my wish come true.....I am preggers on my birthday. Now that little (possibly very spoilt in the future) darlng has to cling on. I keep looking at my sig. to stay positive.
Although you had this in mind it is still so hard! Thinking of you xxx
I am just trying to keep up at work. One more day!!! I have started the progesterone pessaries. THis emotional ride has left me totally exhausted. I finish work and need to sleep. I am also quite an emotional wreck.....almost crying all day long.
. Good luck for tomorrow. Wow, thats amazing that your friend travelled from Dubai to South Africa for treatment. And here I am procrastinating at the thought of our travel!!!! You are so right, fertility treatment is such an enormous cash cow to clinics - it does kind of annoy me that so much money can be made out f such a hugely emotive thing and a thing that is such a fundamental reason for us even being here. Hmmmmm, need to stop overthinking stuff.
7 fertilised for me!! 
I get some to freeze
I hope you enjoy your time away from all this and come back ready to go in May 
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