Hello from a forum newbie

Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum, just found it when doing a google search on Pregnyl to find out why my IVF doc wants me to start this at the beginning of our third stimulated cycle when I've only ever used it for a trigger injection before (found a very informative post, so many thanks for that).

We've been around the IVF block a few times and I've found it to be a largely lonely process so I was happy to find this online community.

A bit of background: Decided we wanted to have kids when I was 32 (now 40, husband 45), found out after a year of no success I had advanced endometriosis around my uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Had a big op to cut it all out. It hasn't come back but in the process I lost a fallopian tube and have a dogey ovary (opp. side to the other tube which is also blocked). My heroic left ovary (hostess to various ovarian cysts since I was 25, and surviver of several ops) went on to give us 6 eggs on our first IVF cycle (aged 35), resulting in 4 transfers (both natural and with drugs) but with no success. Second IVF cycle (aged 37) the leftie gave us 3 eggs, resulting in 2 transfers, with no success. In between I tried naturopathy and accupuncture, quitting a stressful job and moving out of the city. Went through a stage of not wanting to keep trying but in the last six months have decided to give it another go...only leftie does not appear to be cooperating. Poor love has been through the works so I can't say I blame her...but still, be nice to have a chance at it again.

I'm sitting by the phone waiting for my doc to call to talk us through what this all means. It's early stages (only started FSH this week) but has been a rocky ride from the start with things not happening when they should and delays from endless flu I caught early this winter. Feeling tired but optimistic, taking a day at a time, trying not to ruminate, or forecast, and just see where this journey takes us. Looking forward to getting to know you.

Welcome to the boards Alice.

You'll find some amazing people on here, truly wonderful.

I hope that you get your BFP really soon.

Hugs
Sue xxx

Welcome to BB forums Alice :)
here im sure youll get the support you need from these amazing things going through similar things
I hope you get that long awaited BFP soon
in my prayers :pray:

Hi Alice and welcome, I am an occasional poster but regular browser, and the girls here are great. I have to say I loved your comment about your 'heroic' ovary, Thats a super positive frame of mind and I am sure that she will come through for you with positivity like that!

Good luck :)

I had some sad news today - the egg collected yesterday didn't make it. Feeling a bit squashed, though philosophical all the same. It's a hard path, and I feel for everyone who has to go through it. I have such a lovely doc - he called tonight to say how sorry he was and we had a good chat. Tried to spend the day doing gentle things - went out for coffee and bought myself some flowers (my husband also came home with some). Was just on my way to bed when I got your message drbeee - thank you so much, I really appreciate your thoughts.

Hi Alice,

I'm so sorry your precious egg didn't make it. Will be thinking of you.

Good luck with your continuing journey, hoping you get your BFP soon.

:( so sorry to hear that news Alice,

Can your F/S give you any answers?

Are you still having acupuncture? I only ask b/c I had my first session yesterday, and although the acupuncturist was not promising any miracles, he did tell me that one of his clients had one egg on her first cycle, then started treatment with him and had eighteen on her second! She went on to get her BFP.

I am not saying it was the acupuncture... so many other possible variables, but perhaps its worth doing it again before your next cycle?

Big hugs to you, and crossed fingers for next time....

Thank you so much for both your comments and thoughts - I'm feeling OK and in some ways it was easier to know now than after a transfer.

I will try acupuncture again I think - I just had a bad experience with my last practitioner. She meant well, but she was very into 'The Gift' or "The mystery' (I can't remember what it was called) and although I believe in the power of visualisations, positive thinking etc, I don't think not being able to fall pregnant is my fault (which she seemed to think). During this last treatment I felt strangely serene compared to previous times, and could actually see myself holding our baby and held those thoughts close and stayed very positive, and it still didn't work. It has been easy for me in the past to get into a horrible spiral of blaming myself - if only I wasn't this, if only I didn't do that - it's awful. It's taken me a long time to get past that.

Sometimes I think we fight a stereotype that all women in long term fertility care are highly strung, neurotic types - it's so unfair and not at all how I would describe myself or anyone else I've met. If only we'd relax, we'd all magically fall pregnant. Well, I could relax all I like but it won't give me my tube back or repair my ovaries, or take away the scar tissue....hmm...I didn't realise I was still so angry with her.

It is so complicated, there are so many factors, and yet so much of it is still a mystery. Miracles do happen - my brother's partner had IVF at 44, got one egg, and they just had their baby two months ago. She'd had fibroids when she was younger. Then my friend went through years of unexplained infertility but was otherwise perfectly healthy and so was her husband. They are now in their 50s. It sort of does my head in at times, but I try not to think about it too much - just take each step at a time.

My doctor has suggested I try a new drug for about three months that helps increase egg quantity and quality. He's posting me an article this week - when I get more info I'll let you know. Maybe some here are already using it? I don't remember the name of it.

Sorry for the long post but it's good to get it out. Thanks for 'listening' :p

Hi Alice,
it sounds like you are a very positive, balance person, i am sorry to hear of your loss and also experiences with a wacky accupuncturist. The lady i see is lovely and supportive and would never impose her beliefs or opinions on patients - i'm sure this is the case with most ppl working in services complementary to IVF. I find if othing else its an hour i get away from the hectic world & always come away feeling very relaxed.
All the best for your ttc journey :hello:

Welcome Alice,


Sorry for the late reply I haven't had internet for ages.

I hope you are successful soon. If I could donate eggs I would if that is the problem. Only Im too old already apparently. I would have to complete my family before donating too. My husband and I haven't started yet. Just waiting for sperm.

Here is my hardest wishes and :pray: for you to concieve.