thread: New to BB and in need of some support...

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Aug 2011
    South Australia
    3

    New to BB and in need of some support...

    Hi everyone,

    I am new to this site and have meaning to register for some time now. Hubby and I have been TTC for 4 years, we have gotten pregnant naturally twice last year but both ended in very early m/c's.. both at about 5weeks. We decided to take the plunge and go and see a fertility specialist and unfortunately I found out last year that I have low ovarian reserve with an AMH level of 1.0.

    I had no understanding of what the fertility specialist was talking about at the time, all I can remember him saying was that normal levels should be about 14 and my was at 1.0, I just remember my eyes filling up with tears and I couldn't take in what he was saying.

    He told us we should start IVF asap as time was running out. Both my husband and I felt shocked and gutted by this news. We managed to start our first IVF cycle a few months after our initial consultation. I did the antagonist cycle for IVF#1, with 300iu gonal F and ovidrel - they got 7 eggs out of which 3 fertilized, however 2 stopped dividing a few days later and didn't make it, they transferred one 9 cell on day 3 but I got a BFN.

    I have just done IVF#2, this time I was put on long down regulation - 10units of lucrin & 375iu gonal F, I've been doing the injections for 4 weeks and I went in for my egg retrieval on Monday 22 Aug 11, they got 2 eggs, unfortunately none of them fertilized. I am gutted, heartbroken, devastated. I was dreaming of having an egg transfer this week but instead I have nothing.

    I am 35 years old ( turning 36 in a few months ), my hubby is 33 and perfectly healthy. I guess I'm just looking for some support and hope. I'm waiting for a phone call from my specialist today and he'll advise what he thinks is best.

    I feel lighter already just by posting this....

    thanks so much for listening xx

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Jan 2006
    8,369

    Hi there India and welcome to BB.

    Have you spoken to your specialist again for more information? Have they repeated the blood tests to check the results?

    I really hope that you have a good conversation with your specialist and you can work something out for you. Hugs.

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Apr 2010
    Brisbane, Australia
    1,385

    India- Welcome to BB. Sorry to hear about your cancelled cycle. Unfortunately there are a lot of us girls here who understand the pain that can cause.

    I hope you can get some answers and you don't lose hope. I also hope that you find the support and understanding that you're looking for on this site.

    Hugs from me as well

  4. #4

    Mar 2008
    Where dreams are now reality
    2,318

    Hi India

    Welcome to BellyBelly, Im glad that you have found the site and kind other woman who know what you are going through! I dont have any advice, we were on the IVF rollercoaster for 5 years but for different reasons.

    I hope you are able to get some more answers soon and that baby you want so much

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Jul 2010
    Melbourne
    2,737

    welcome to BB india, I'm sorry for what you are going through.
    I'm sure you will find the ladies here very helpful. There is a sub-forum for IVF & ICSI in here so you will be able to get all the support you need. You are definitely not alone in how you are feeling. I hope you get some luck very very soon

  6. #6
    2014 BellyBelly RAK Recipient.

    Dec 2008
    Melbourne, VIC
    4,637

    Hi India and welcome to BellBelly!

    It's tough going through IVF, whatever the reason behind it. I was absolutely devastated that my partner and I had to do it, no matter how I tried to get my head around it! Initiially the problem was with my DF as he had a vesectomy reversal that didn't work. When we finally did do the cycle, I had a large fibroid growing in the wall of my uterus and my first attempt ended up with us losing our precious son at 21 weeks. The second attempt produced our little DS who is now 17 months.
    Don't give up hope, but make sure the specialist is really working hard for you. It's important to know that they are on your side and that you have a good relationship with them. I have recently found out that my healthy reserve (well in was healthy 11 months ago) is not so healthy now, so we are currently looking at a cycle in November this year (I am considerably older than you so really no time to waste!). GL with your next cycle hun, I hope it brings you a good result.

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Aug 2011
    South Australia
    3

    Hi ladies,

    Thank you so much for your replies.

    I had a consultation with my specialist on Thursday. He said he was a baffled I didn't respond well this time but he is concerned about my FSH levels. On my initial consultation with him last year in November my FSH level was 16 and my AMH 1.0, I did have an antral follicle count but I can't remember what it was.

    Anyway, he wants me to have my FSH & AMH re-tested on my next period, his concerns are that if my FSH is constantly elevated he believes there is little chance IVF will work for us unless we use donor eggs. At this stage he is saying that if it is a case that it fluctuates then he is happy for us to try IVF again when it's in the normal range. Does this sound right to anyone?

    I feel like I've been on an immense learning curve this past year, I didn't even know anything about FSH or AMH levels!!

    I'm pretty all over the place at the moment but still trying to remain positive!!


  8. #8
    Registered User

    Feb 2011
    Melbourne
    207

    Hi India & welcome,

    Our story is a very similar one.I had an AMH of 1.4 & FSH of 12 or 14 & My DH had a very poor sperm count to top ours off. Our 1st attempt failed only one egg retrieved but didn't the sperm didn't activate. My amazing FS was very honest & stated we could give it one more try but after that he felt we'd be wasting our $$. We could try a organic cycle or look at a egg donor. He asked me to try taking DHEA for at least three months I did 4 , as well as acupuncture, fresh royal jelly twice a day, cq10, & full fat dairy. I ate only warm foods or at room temp & the same for liquids. On my next cycle I got only three eggs & only one lil Embie. I had a transfer on mothers day & our lil boy is due on 27th Jan. I believe all those things combined & a lot of luck helped. I wish you luck on your journey & I pray your baby dream comes your way. IVF is only for the brave & your doing a great job. Hugs to you

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Jul 2011
    victoria
    79

    welcome to BB it is a very good site for venting as good as our friends are tehy cant understand the pain and heartache we go through hope you find the support you need

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Aug 2011
    South Australia
    3

    Hi Bex,

    Wow, your story has given me hope. I did acupuncture before my last cycle and chinese herbs. I am definitely going to keep that up. I have read a lot of good things about royal jelly so I'll be trying that out for sure.

    What is DHEA? My doctor hasn't mentioned this to me at all? Does it have to be prescribed by the DR? I am willing to try anything!!!

    Can feel dreaded AF on her way, sat at home with cramps and hot water bottle on my tummy!! Things have GOT to get better!! Still, I have found a lot of inspiration and hope from all you lovely ladies since joining this site. It's really nice to have friends that truly understand what you're going through.

  11. #11
    Registered User

    Feb 2011
    Melbourne
    207

    DHEA

    DhEA is a hormone it must be prescribed from your Dr & gotten from a compoundia pharmacy for the quality to be 100%. I had amazing skin, felt less tired & really well when taking it no negative side effects.
    If you type it in to google it will give you lots of info.
    My FS is a big believer in it & now I am too.
    I will take it again after I stop breast feeding, as we will only try naturally next time. I don't think I could go through all of that again.
    Best of luck. Let me know how you go x

  12. #12

    Jun 2010
    District Twelve
    8,425

    Hi India,

    Welcome to Belly Belly

    You may find your FS won't prescribe DHEA. I am with MIVF and of the many FS there, only one will use DHEA. Mine won't.

    If you are interested in using it, you may have to doctor shop

    Good luck! As some of the others said, there is a specific thread for gorgeous women like us (Bex is a graduate! Hi Bex!!) Come and visit us. We'd love to have you join us.

    https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...2011-a-166252/

    Take care!

    n2l