9/21/2010 8:06 PM
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WannaBe - Thanks! I'm calling them in the morning.
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9/20/2010 11:40 PM
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GirlAtHeart....I realized I miss-typed something earlier. The prescription med that contains high doses of Folic Acid & the additional B vitamins is called "Folgard" not "Folate". Just thought I had better correct myself before you speak with your nurse.
Good luck!
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9/20/2010 8:45 PM
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WannaBeAMommy - I am so sorry for the loss of your precious babies. Thank you for sharing your very personal story. I hope you are doing alright. For anyone who has miscarried, lost a baby or has gotten a negative after an IVF cycle, my thoughts go out to you. It's a painful experience, whatever it is, and the hurt dulls, but never goes away.
I am also sorry to hear about your embryos. I never had any good enough to freeze, except for this last cycle. I have two frozen.
Thank you for sharing the information with me about what meds you take. I'm going to call my nurse and ask about extra folic acid. I've also seen where some women get their homocysteine levels checked as well, but they didn't check mine. Guess I'll add that to the list to ask. You are right, I'm paying them I shouldn't feel bad asking questions.
****
Ladybug - Thanks for remembering (and acknowledging me) as well. I hope your cycle is successful and I'll be thinking of you.
****
Everyone TTC - I just wish my doctor had given me the option to test BEFORE starting any fertility treatments. As WannaBe says, it should be standard protocol, even if insurance doesn't cover it. All I did was give 8 or 9 vials of blood and a week later got the results. We have spent soooooo much money (3 IVFS, 2 of them donor cycles) that another $500 to 600 would have been nothing...if they had only offered it. Sorry - venting. So my "soapbox" speech is to tell anything just starting out to ask about getting tested and insist on it. I know there are many tests that can be done, but I did the "standard" ones like anticardiolipin antibody, prothrombin, etc.
Take care everyone and I just wanted you all to know that I've also gotten a lot of comfort and support by being here on this site.
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9/20/2010 8:09 PM
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Nwells - good luck with your upcoming cycle.
GirlAtHeart - I remember you as well. Glad you were able to get some answers. I wish you the best with your upcoming cycle as well.
And Agahope - Congratulations on your BFP! Keep us posted on your numbers and progress.
Well, if I don't get a BFP this month, we are moving to a low dose fertility med IUI cycle. My RE has rounded up some free meds for me. I will have to pay for some but any help is appreciated. Right now not feeling so hot, I think I'm coming down with a cold.
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9/20/2010 12:30 PM
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agahope.....Congrats on your pregnancy! That is wonderful news. Please let us know how your beta goes today. I hope you get a good, strong number.
NWells....glad you're about to start your cycle. You've been waiting a long time. I really hope all goes well for you this time around!
Good luck to everyone else!
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9/20/2010 12:28 PM
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GirlAtHeart.....I remember you. Welcome back! Guess a few of us have been on these boards for several years now. So sorry to hear about your miscarriages but very glad to hear that you had some blood & immunity panels run. I think with the new protocol, you will be successful and the threat of miscarriage will be almost nil.
Not sure if you are aware since you've not been on the board in a while, but in January 2010, I lost our twin boys at nearly 23 weeks. They were both born suddenly at home, both alive, and we were all rushed to the hospital. Perfect in absolutely every way, just too small. One more week and we would have been viable! They only lived a few precious hours. We were (and still are) heartbroken. I, thankfully, had an OB who was very compassionate and also very on the ball. About a month or so after our loss, she had me come in for a full blood panel. My results came back positive for MTHFR, PAI-1, and low Anti Thrombin III deficiency. All blood clotting disorders. (No previous history or issues in my family.) Pathology on both babies placentas showed an abnormal number of blood clots. When this happens, basically the placenta stops functioning to nourish the babies and they release the hormones to induce labor. I had been to the OB on Tuesday and all was well. I didn't start feeling anything wrong until Saturday night. Within the space of 2 hours, I had gone from mild discomfort (thought it was gas/indigestion) to delivering my boys at home on the bathroom floor.
All that said, all of this could have been prevented by a simple daily regimen of baby aspirin and Lovenox. For those of us with clotting disorders, baby aspirin and Lovenox are quickly becoming the standard of treatment. Some RE's will argue that it is not proven. To that I say there is definitely enough data to suggest that it is very worth taking both things in order to prevent loss. It is amazing to me that all OBs & REs do not automatically test women for these disorders PRIOR to trying to conceive. It is only a blood test. The American Society of Obstetrics & Gynecology in fact suggests not running this series of blood tests until a woman has suffered multiple losses. CRAZY!
So, for your regimen, yes, I would start baby aspirin right away. During your cycle, I would start on the Lovenox also. (REs differ about exactly "when" during cycle to start the Lovenox. I would follow their recommendation, but start it no later than the same time you start Progesterone prior to transfer (usually 5-6 days before). As for the folic acid, because I have MTHFR, I take 5 additional (800 mg) folic acid pills a day because with this disorder, your body does not absorb folic acid so the additional quantity is necessary. I currently do not take the additional B vitamins. There is a drug called Folate that can be obtained by prescription that has the additional folic acid as well as the B vitamins. My OB felt that just generic, over the counter folic acid was sufficient. Not sure if this is necessary with your disorder. You may want to ask your OB if it would "hurt" to take more (not sure if your body just expels what it doesn't need or if it stays in you).
Please let me know if there is any other information I can give you. I have learned from my multiple transfers, pregnancy, loss, etc. that it is always OK to ask questions. I read on another panel here where someone said to "not ask questions so you don't stress out". From my experience, you have to be your own patient advocate and not settle for cookie cutter answers. I totally encourage you to call your nurse as often as you need to in order to answer your questions. You are, after all, paying them!
I know my response is long winded. Sorry about that. Hope the information is helpful. So glad you'll be cycling again in October. I wish you the very best of luck and pray for your success in bringing home the baby of your dreams!
XO WBM
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9/19/2010 10:29 PM
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Hi All,
I haven't been on this site in about a year. Some of you "know" me and my history: I've done three IVF cycles and have gotten pregnant twice. Both times ended in miscarriage.
I begged to get tested after the first miscarriage, but my doctor wouldn't do them. So after the second one, they finally did the testing.
The tests revealed that I am positive for a gene mutation called Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor - (PAI-1 for short). PAI-1 is some type of blood clotting issue. My clinic asked me to start taking a baby aspirin daily. I also have an appointment to see a specialist (hematologist) at the end of October.
According to my IVF nurse, they have me on the aspirin to thin my blood, and then mentioned that I may have to take Lovenox just before I start my cycle - I think that's what she said. (I plan on doing a frozen cycle in mid to late November.) Also, they will not put me on birth control this time because of the risks of clots. I will just go straight to Lupron.
Does anyone have this gene mutation? If yes, what protocol did you do? Did you see the hematologist? Also, do you have to take extra folic acid and B-12 or B-6.
My internet research (Google) is confusing. I do not have MTHFR, but I think I keep reading information that indicates PAI-1 positive women need to also take extra folic acid, B vitamins, etc. I currently take a pre-natal with 1 mg folic acid and an additional 800 mcg folic acid tablet.
Thank you to anyone who can give me information. I don't want to bug my clinic. I did speak with the nurse, but it was confusing. I'm currently on board to call her back mid-October with my period.
Things to Be Happy About: I do feel like I am steps closer to a successful outcome in that I had surgery this summer and removed two fibroids and a polyp. This "straightened" my uterus, which was being pushed to the side. I'm also losing the 10 lbs. I gained last cycle.
I can be reached here or on "Daily Strength dot org" under GirlAtHeart.
(I will also post this under a few other categories here, so pardon the redundancy.)
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9/18/2010 12:42 PM
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Hi Ladies!
I have not been on here in awhile...been away on vacation and then very busy with teaching first grade. Hope everyone is well and staying strong!!
A little update: After my m/c in June, my Dr. wanted to wait till I got a period before we started a FET cycle. It took 6 weeks for it to come. I called to let my Dr. know, but she wanted to wait another month and another cycle. I was very frustrated, but took that opportunity to take a vacation. Over the past 2 weeks I have been very tired, crampy, nauseous, weak...my DH has been suspicious, but I just figured it was the drugs that messed up my hormones and I would be getting my period any day.
Well, I couldn't take it any longer, so I took a preg. test this morning. IT WAS BFP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am still shocked and shaking from the results and finding it hard to believe. I am going to test again on Monday and then call my Dr...This is just crazy!!!!! On Monday, I will be 6 weeks pregnant! I sure am hoping this test wasn't a fluke....I can hardly take the suspense of waiting till Monday...AAAAAAAAA!!!!!!)
Keeping my fingers crossed and hoping you all have a fabulous weekend...agahope10
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9/17/2010 10:11 AM
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hello ladies
I was thinking last night I joined this forum 1 year ago and it is amazing how many have been blessed with miracles, how many of us are still striving forward and how many new sisters have joined us on our journeys . I do not know where I would be with out all of you. I start the lupron shots next Friday, my RE is leaving me on 10 cc even once I start the gonalof and I am doing menapure as well- crazy, this is a new protocol I guess. She is really positive on this one and when I asked what if this doesn't work she was said to remain positive she is hopefully, which I am as well. I have been so relaxed lately and I hope I stay that way, heck this is # 4 I am a pro at this lets hope I can keep my emotions in check!!!
Cassim, Gtl115, hereshopin- welcome you will find all you need here, Cassim if you have questions about the process you will find your answers here. I wish you all the best and look forward to chatting with you as we all go through the process, and yes I thought trying to get pregnant was supposed to be fun, puts new meaning to the question can you get pregnant with out having sex? Which my students have asked me btw, however most don't have any problems get preg the naturally way- so AGRRIVATING!!!!
My Niece Hayden turns one on Monday, I can't believe she is 1 already!!! My nephew Justin turns 2 on the 27th, we are going to the Big E for his b-day can't wait for that. When he calls me Keekee (auntie Nickie) my heart melts, his sister Cassidy was 3 weeks yesterday. I am super Auntie and that keeps me going and keeps me positive through this whole process I don't know where I would be with out the 4 of them (bro has 2 sis has 2) I think it has made me even closer to them all. So if I ramble on about my nieces and nephews sorry they are my outlet. Wish I could send pics!!!!
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9/14/2010 9:26 PM
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cassim - Good luck on your first IVF. We are meeting with the RE next week to discuss that option as well. I fully understand the desire to stay positive and the nervousness that persists. This is such an emotional battle everyday. I had my annual visit today with OB/GYN, I almost started crying just to be back at her office and not to be pregnant. It is weird the little things that upset me these days.
gtl115 - I can only imagine your frustration and disappointment. I wish there were words that would make it better, but I know there are none. Strive to stay positive, easier said than done, right?
I don't know if you all are religious at all, but I just finished a book that gave me so much perspective on this journey we are all on, it is a quick/easy read too. If you need a little positive perspective I recommend Fearless by Max Lucendo.
Positive thoughts to all!
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9/14/2010 9:41 AM
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Hello ladies
I had my first egg retrieval last Tuesday. The dr had hoped I would produce up to 10 folices but at my appointment I only had 5. The dr was only able to retrieve 2 eggs but those did not fertilize. Apparantley the egg quality was poor. Needless to say I was just devastated. I am finally feeling better after the week has passed. My hubby and I will be meeting with the dr to discuss our options and decide if another IVF cycle is possible. My ovarian reserve was very low to begin with so I don't really know what to expect.
I never thought trying to get pregnant would be so hard. Wasn't it supposed to be fun?????
Hope everyone is doing well.
Take care
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9/13/2010 3:57 PM
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Hello all,
I am new to the site and new to all of this as well. All of your stories are so touching and I have gained alot of insight by reading the posts. I will be starting the IVF process this month for the first time and am a little nervous about what to expect. My hubby has been diagnosed with azoospermia but a biopsy revealed high levels of mature sperm. Long story short we skipped straight to IVF as our only option for having bilogical children of our own. So far all of my tests have come back "normal" and the dr seems optimistic. I, however, am very nervous and unsure of what to expect. I am trying to stay positive and take things as they come. i am on Lupron right now and have a baseline US scheduled for this Thursday then I should start on Follistim. If anyone has any advise for me I would be grateful to have it! Thank you for sharing your stories and experiances
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9/12/2010 6:56 PM
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I just read up on everyone's posts and I'm praying for good results for everyone currently in a cycle.
Well, I just finished up my 2nd IUI cycle with follistim and it was a BFN. I'm scheduling an appointment with my RE this week to discuss whether we should move to IVF. IVF will be a very big financial strain for us, but the emotional burden of this process is starting to take its toll, I feel like I need to move forward. I might save up until January and move forward, I'm still undecided at this point.
I do have a question for those of you that have had a cycle with injectibles that ended in a BFN....was your period that cycle more painful than usual? We are in the "unexplained" category and I do not usually have painful periods. But the two periods I have had following the Follistim, I have had had very painful periods. It makes me wonder if endometrious might be part of my problem, though I have never suspected it before. I will discuss this with the RE this week, but just thought I would ask you all for your experiences. Thanks for you help.
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9/10/2010 11:52 PM
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Oops....I just realized that Snowie is the one in Florida, not you Ladybug. Sorry! That's what I get for writing late at night! Will close for now and try to check in over the weekend when I'm more awake!
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9/10/2010 11:49 PM
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Hi girls,
So good to hear from some of you! This board had gone quiet for a bit and it's nice to hear from some familiar friends again.
Ladybug.....sorry to hear that there has been no success yet. Good luck this next month with the clomid. I understand your husband's feeling's about using donor sperm. It was a difficult decision at first to use donor egg. I was kind of in his position with no children of my own and my spouse already had kids. It seemed unfair at first but I realized that I wanted to be a parent and have a baby so if it was my only way, it would have to be this way. I'm totally at piece with it now and really never think of it not being "my baby" anymore. I'll pray for you and your DH that you'll find the path that will deliver your dreams to you. Thanks so much for your kind words to me, also. I'm hoping God helps us find a way to be able to afford to start again as that will be the biggest obstacle. I agree though, after all we've been through, I still believe He has plans for us. BTW, I think you live in Florida. A group called "Fertile Dreams" (website by the same name) is having a conference in Orlando next weekend. They will be discussing Infertility, Adoption, etc. They are going to give away a free IVF to someone in attendance. I think the tickets to attend are only around $20.00. Might be worth checking it out. Maybe you could win! Have a great time at the wedding. I love weddings and wedding cake! Yum!
Lucky.....glad to hear all is going well with your pregnancy and welcome to the 2nd trimester! Very exciting. You'll experience so many great changes these next few months. Glad to hear that your OB thinks you may be able to conceive on your own also. Wouldn't that be a wonderful thing! Keep us posted on the baby news and development. Thanks for thinking of me also!
NWells.....looks like you are finally heading towards your cycle!! Yeah! I know you've had a long, long wait and I really hope your baseline looks great in a couple of weeks and you're able to proceed. Will be thinking of you and hoping your cycle goes smoothly.
Take care, everyone!
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9/10/2010 9:58 PM
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typo in last post. Conquering Infertility.
I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.
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9/10/2010 9:29 AM
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Lucky - glad to hear all is going well! Congrats!
Wannabe - hang in there, I truly believe your dreams are going to come true. God cannot put you through all you have been through and then not bless you with a baby.
As for me, month #2 of clomid a big negative. Got 1 more month on the clomid but also made a follow up appt with my RE for next week to see where we could go from here. My husband and I would prefer not to spend more money on the IVF so I want to see how she feels about trying the IUI for a few months. I've suggested to my DH going the route of donor sperm since it is I think an inexpensive route to take but he really wants to father his own child. I explained it will be his, he will raise the baby with me, etc. He is not convinced. I'm afraid if i cannot get him comfortable with it that we may never have that family we've dreamed of. I believe there is a chapter on this in Alice Domar's book so I'm going to have to check it out. I finally bought Conquering Fertility.
I hope everyone has a great weekend. I am in a wedding tomorrow so i took the day off today... nails and rehearsal dinner. Take care all!
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9/8/2010 3:54 PM
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Ladies so sorry for all of you are going through difficulties right now. This is such a frustrating process.
Congrats to the BFP's!
Wannabe I have been following your story and I am so sorry about your embryos I was really hoping you would get pregnant this time. But don't give up you are such a special person who has such a positive out look. Good Luck!
As for me it's been awhile since I posted but I do keep up with reading everyone's post. I am now 13 weeks along and was released from my RE a few weeks ago. She told me that she is moving to Hawaii so I am glad that we were able to cycle with her before she left the practice. We don't have any frozen so we don't have any reason to go back any way. She did tell us that she thinks that we could get pregnant on our own in the future. Said my DH's sperm was the best sample he had ever given the day of retrieval so it varies a lot. Also that if I have endometriosis that being pregnant can help clear it up. We didn't do the test to find out because even if I had it we were going to do IVF anyway. Decided to not to spend the $ to find out. And it would have been likely stage 1. So that was positive news. Either way I will be happy to have this baby!
My OB that I met last week was great and we got to see the baby again and everything looks great. It's amazing how much the baby changes in such a short amount of time.
I pray that you will all get your babies soon!!! Good luck to you.
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9/8/2010 11:09 AM
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ladies it has been a while!!!!!
Snowie I hear you and think of that all the time, so no you are not being "Too" sensitive, and if she was my BFF I would have flipped on her seriously.
Wanna keep faith!!!
to everyone else stay with it,
BC awesome and good luck
As for me I received my second shot of Lupron, it isn't as bad as I thought, the flashes are annoying but I am getting use to them and they are more of a joke now. I start my two weeks of Lupron on 9/24 and if all goes well I have my base line on 10/8 and hopefully we will be on our way towards another IVF cycle. In the last month I have been blessed with a beautiful niece she will be 2 weeks tomorrow, Cassidy Nicole, and yes her middle name is after her awesome aunt!!! LOL!!! holding her the other night I had this over whelming feeling like this is it, I can't explain it but I just felt that soon I will be a mom some way some how!!! I will start writing more as I get closer to starting my cycle seeing I will need support to keep my positive attitude and comfort if all doesn't go as planned!! Miss you all positive thoughts to all
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8/31/2010 2:09 PM
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It sounds like everyone is having a rough summer. I am so sorry that things are not working out, I will continue to pray for all of you.
I am going to try to find a pg after IVF forum to transition to. Any ideas?
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8/31/2010 11:35 AM
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Hi Everyone,
I check in once in a while hoping to read good news. I'm so very sorry that your FET didn't work out, Wannabe, and that the reversal didn't work, Snowie. After all you've been through you deserve some good news soon. But that's one of the things that is so frustrating... deserving has nothing to do with it. In most areas of our lives there is a connection between hard work and determination and preparedness and success, but not with this infertility roller coaster. I pray for all of you, for what it's worth.
Our twins (IVF # 6) are 10 months old now, and our first son (IVF#2) is 4 years old. We have our hands full for sure, but we enjoy every minute of it. (OK maybe there are a few moments when my 4 year old is naughty that aren't so great... they really can drive you crazy!) But I wish it on all of you as soon as possible.
Keep the faith.
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8/28/2010 1:07 AM
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Hey ladies...haven't posted in awhile but always checking on everyone. Snowie, I'm thinking of you!! Wish there was something I could say...I constantly tell my DH that God has a plan and we definitely don't know what it is! But I certainly can understand how you're feeling. Working in labor and delivery, I see things often that make me stop and wonder "why".
Wannabe...so sorry about your embies. I'm always thinking of you and hoping you will get your miracle. We're all here for you!
As for us, we met with RE this past week. Not really too much to be said. Reviewed my chart and said we definitely had reason to be optimistic...everything looked really good for that last cycle. Said the results were a little suprising for a DE cycle with only getting 8 eggs. But it is what it is! Asked about the plan for FET, he said they would only put 2 back (I have 3) because of the risk of multiples. That really suprised me. I figured one last go around, might as well put them all back but they won't. So, we decided to go ahead in March and transfer 2, providing they survive the thaw. He made it sound like that usually isn't an issue...he said 80% thaw. But it makes me nervous. For now, we are going to get my kids settled back in school, I'm doing a class this semester as well, and just get my mind and body ready. But we are definitely done after these last three. The bills are coming in full force, my DH has been working OT and I just interviewed for second job today to cover this go around. We can't do it again...make me sad but all hope isn't lost yet! Just gotta save up this 2500 for the FET and we'll try again! Take care everyone!
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8/27/2010 4:35 PM
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Snowie- I feel that way a lot too! I work in the social services field and I see teenage moms, pregnant women on drugs, abused kids...it is so hard not to question God's plan. It makes me so angry thinking about all the women on this site who would be wonderful moms, but haven't been given the chance. I used to sit and wonder what I had done wrong and how I could fix it, so that God would bless me with a baby. I also hate the way that I feel when my friends and family announce that they are pregnant. I always feel 60% happy for them and 40% jealous. It all just seems so unfair!
The worst part is that i feel like I am letting my husband down. I feel like a part of both of us is missing...
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8/26/2010 10:57 PM
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Wannabe- I am so sorry your FET didnt work out. I lost an embryo in the thaw process too and it is devastating. We too are hoping to save by the first of the year for a fresh cycle. We are moving to Indianapolis so we have lots more options for an IVF doctor there then where we currently are. Lets hope for 2011 miracles for both of us. Hugs to you.
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8/26/2010 8:29 PM
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Snowie, It's been a while since I posted here, but your post touched me and I just wanted to reach out to you.
I am so sorry for your pain and I totally understand your hurt & confusion. I just had lunch with some girlfriends this afternoon and we were talking about the very same thing. I do not understand why God lets bad things happen to good people and vice versa. My stepdaughter has 2 girls (both out of wedlock w/different fathers) and doesn't personally raise either of them. She's been in & out of jail and rehab. She's aborted 6 babies (twins at 16+ wks) that I know of. For the life of me, I don't get it either. We are happily married, active in our church, stable & loving and we still had our twins taken from us. It just doesn't make sense and I have come to accept that it never will. I do think that God knows that some of us women are stronger than others though and unfortunately, we have the burden to carry.
I completely understand your feelings and I sympathize with you. I wish I could say something to make it better or change the situation. As for me, I just keep walking on faith and hope that God will someday bless us with a child. I know He has plans for us, whatever they are. Please feel free to vent here though anytime you feel the need. We understand and will listen.
As for me, I cycled quietly this last go around. Felt really good and ready for my transfer. On the blood thinners (Lovenox & BA) as well as everything else. We were supposed to transfer our last 2 embryos on Thursday morning last week. Got the call about an hour prior only to tell us that neither embie survived the thaw. Heartbroken to say the least. Now back to square one. Going to take a few months, try to re-lose some of the weight I've gained through all of this, save some money (please God), and hopefully start fresh end of the year/first of the year. Again, I just don't get it either.
Will be thinking of you and praying it all works out for both us. Hang in there. I'm here for you.
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8/26/2010 7:42 AM
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Well girls I need to vent to someone who understands. I am going to first start off with background info just so you can understand the whole picture. Then you can all tell me if I am being overly sensitive or in the right for being upset. Ok my history in case anyone doesnt know: First son born 1998, second son born 2002, tubes tied 2002, IVF fresh cycle may 2009, got BFP and lost it , frozen cycle with remaining embryos Dec 2009, chemical pregnancy, feb 2010 TR, July 2010 HSG shows 100% blockage all chances of having a child gone
OK now on to one of my BFF's (but for now I will use that term loosely as I am not sure what our future holds) First son born 1999, Abortion in 2001, Second son born 2003, Abortion in 2005, M/c in March and May 2009 That is her medical history now on to the man she has been with for 9 years: He has repeatedly cheated on her and abused her physically and mentally he has a 6 year old daughter (yes I said 6 and they have been together 9 years) that he has custody of that Nicole also takes care of while hes out being a whore all the time. Well through all of this a month ago she said that she was finally leaving him and started making preparations now I am finding out that was a lie. But the "BEST" part is she just told me last night she is 18 weeks pregnant!!!! How is it that God lets a woman who has a shitty job, shitty boyfriend (not her husband even after 9 years) , and cant afford to take care of the kids she has, gets abortions like they are birth control , but yet SHE gets to have a baby!!!!!! I am in a loving relationship, good job, soon will own 2 homes in extreme debt trying to get pregnant and all I get is heartache. Right now I have a lot of feelings and I dont know if I am being overly sensitive or if I am ok for hating her and wanting to tell her to never speak to me again. I cried all night and then when I woke up I cried some more. Help ladies ......
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8/25/2010 11:18 AM
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We are planning on meeting with our RE in the next couple of weeks and then going from there. I need to talk to my husband first, but I am ready for a small break. This whole process is sooo stressful and overwhelming.
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8/21/2010 7:20 PM
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@Btobe - I am so sorry to hear about your BNF. I am so sorry. Do you have another cycle planned?
@Faithnchrist - How did your test turn out? I didn't see an update.
@gtl115 - Welcome! I think the worries and what ifs are all part of the process. it is hard to let go but reducing stress by not constantly worrying can make the process a bit easier! Best of luck!
Update - our betas went from 86 (8dp4dt) to 208 (10dp4dt) to 629 (12dp4dt). It looks like we are off and running yet again. RE says to come in on the 3rd for our first u/s unless we have cramping/spotting before then. I am nervous because these levels are almost exactly the same as the levels for our twins, which we lost at 11 weeks. Trying not to compare and predict what may or may not happen but the joy of getting a positive is being drowned by the fear of losing it.
For those in the 2ww - I hope time passes quickly!
For those getting results - I hope they are all positive and if not, I hope you can find some peace in knowing that you have support and love from many of us.
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8/21/2010 5:52 PM
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gtl115 - Welcome to the group. The sisters here are all very supportive and helpful. Someone will usually have an answer to any question asked so feel free to reach out to us anytime. Good luck with your first cycle, I'll be hoping for a BFP for you. Stay positive and focus on the prize at the end. The meds, though, can make you quite emotional so hang in there, you'll be fine. Keep us posted on your progress.
btobe - sorry you got a BFN. Keep working towards your dreams, you'll get there. I believe we will all get there one way or another.
Not much to report here. Since we are still taking a break from the IVF, I am on month 2 of clomid and am praying that this month it works. My ovulation predictor test was positive on Tuesday and I gotta say it was nice to "try" the old fashion way. I'm on vacation next week, not going anywhere, but plan on relaxing and also getting some stuff done around the house.
Have a great weekend sisters!
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8/21/2010 9:46 AM
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Hi LAdies. I just wanted to update everyone...my beta was negative I was expecting it though, because my body just didn't feel pregnant, like I did the 1st time. I don't know if it has all sunk in yet. We used our only 2 frozen embies for the FET, so now we are back to square one...
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8/20/2010 11:58 AM
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Hi everyone
I am new to this site so I am just reading the posts and trying to figure this all out. I am 41 and my husband and I have been trying to get pregnant for over a year and a half. After changing OB/GYNs and going through the battery of tests that I'm sure you've all been through, we find out that I have a very low ovarian reserve and blocked falopian tubes. The fact that my OB/GYN that I had been seeing for 15+ years did no tests on me or my husband before we even started trying is another whole and very frustrating story. My best friend is an OB/GYN and we have started seeing her and a fertility specialist that she recommended, which I feel very good about. After all the tests, we have decided to try IVF and I started my Lupron shots this week, along with folic acid, prenatal vitamins, etc. I'm not really sure what to expect and have a full spectrum of feelings. Sometimes I am so scared of the whole process and wonder what we are getting ourselves into after hearing of so many unsuccessful tries from others. Then I think what if we have multiples, what if something is wrong with the baby? Then there's a side of me that is so overly optimistic that this will work out that I can't stop all of the planning that goes on in my head.
We are tenatively scheduled to do the egg retrieval the week of September 12, provided the meds and my body can "do their thing". I've tried to keep a positive attitude and think that things happen for a reason, but it's getting really hard and the tears are coming more and more everyday.
Wow, it's amazing that I feel better just writing to ladies that are going through the same thing. I wish you all the best of luck. I'm sure I'll be posting more as I know I will have questions, thoughts, etc.
Take care
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8/19/2010 9:48 PM
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Hi Ladies, I'm back from a little break. I'm on my third day of Follistim shots and anticipate the IUI to be late next week sometime. I'm totally focused on positive thoughts. Wishing everyone else happy and positive thoughts!
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8/17/2010 10:25 PM
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Btobe...I hope your test was a positive one! I also gave birth recently & had heartburn during my last trimester. I am not one who felt comfortable taking any type of meds so I had dairy (either a bowl of cereal or ice cream) every night when it would start to get bad...keeping my fingers crossed for you!
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8/17/2010 4:23 PM
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@epilady - Beta #1 - 86 at 8dp4dt (12dpo). They said that was really good for being so early, 2nd beta is tomorrow.
@btobe - How did your numbers come out?
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8/17/2010 12:30 PM
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To All the Ladies on the Forum: thought you might want to read this article in self.
http://www.self.com/health/2010/08/breaking-the-silence-on-infertility
I totally cried and the blogs that were submitted sounds a lot like us
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8/17/2010 12:59 AM
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nurho, I'm so sorry for your news. I know you must be very disappointed. Please take care of yourself, and I hope that we will see you again, with a BFP.
BC: congrats! Let us know how the betas are going.
btobe: any news!
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8/16/2010 4:29 PM
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Hi Ladies -- just to give you an update. We got a BFN today. This was our second and final attempt at IVF. This forum was a wonderful tool for me while we were in this journey. Good luck and God Bless to all.
@btobe -- Hope your beta comes out with good news.
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8/16/2010 3:51 PM
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I just took a htp yesterday and saw a very faint line so DH demanded that I take another today. I got a digital so he could read it. Positive! Headed into town to the lab for my first beta, which creates a whole new list of things to worry about!
@btobe - I hope it comes back with fantastic news!
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8/16/2010 9:43 AM
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Well today is my 1st beta test...I kind of have myself prepared for bad news. I have been taking hpt's and they all have come back with a BFN.
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8/14/2010 1:33 PM
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btope-i recently gave birth to twins. I got heartburn pretty bad during my pregnancy. I was told by my OB and by the high risk OB that I could take tums or Zantac. I was told not to take Prilosec. if you have questions, call your OB to ask that question. Good luck to you!!
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8/14/2010 9:05 AM
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@btobe - after my neck surgery I started getting heartburn very badly in the evenings. I saw a specialist that gave the following advice. 1. do not drink carbonated beverages when you eat. 2. do not recline or lay down for up to 2 hours after eating. 3. Do no mix very hot and very cold items (hot soup and ice water). 4. eat/drink more slowly. 5. eat/drink smaller portions at a time. 6. if all else fails - take tums. Hope that helps!
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8/13/2010 10:02 PM
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Hi ladies. I have a question that I hope someone will have some insight on. About 3 weeks ago I started getting heartburn pretty bad a few times a week. So my family dr. told me it could be stress related, put me on Prilosec and told me that it was safe to be on if I would get pregnant. At my transfer last week one of the IVF nurses told me that I should stop taking it, and that it wasn't safe. So I stopped and now I am miserable every night for about an hour. I just don't know who or what I should believe. Any one have any experience? I am planning on calling both offices Monday morning...
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8/12/2010 9:53 AM
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Hope: Sorry to hear about your slow stimualtion. That has to be so frustrating. Hang in there!! Hopefully your RE just has to tweak a few things to get you where you need to be for your next cycle.
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8/12/2010 9:51 AM
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faith & bc: it is so exciting that we are all cycling together this month. Hopefully we will all be blest with a BFP!! Are either on of you going to do a hpt before your beta?
AFM- this cycle has been so different! I have felt a few "twinges" in that general area, but as of today, I have had no cramping or spotting, which is so unlike last time. I am definetely going to cheat and take a hpt a couple days before my beta. I am not good at all with the waiting!!
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8/11/2010 11:13 PM
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Update: They transferred one 6 cell and one 7 cell on August 4th. My blood test is Monday August 16th. I am just starting to feel the 2ww. (ugg)
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8/11/2010 8:12 PM
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Hi ladies!
Wanted to update. Out of 8 follicles, 6 had mature eggs, 4 fertilized. We transferred the best 2 of the four on Sunday and my test date is the 20th. Our other two embryos turned to blastocysts yesterday of 'excellent' grade and were frozen. I am so pleased with the outcome, I was very worried for a while. I am not nervous or excited really, just cautious and turning it all over to God. DH is still convinced we will get a +.
I can say that this time is so very different from last time when they retrieved 6, 3 fertilized and 2 were transferred with none to freeze. I feel like my body really gave it's best shot this time and could not be happier with the outcome (well, maybe a + would make me happier!).
@NWells - best of luck on the Lupron!
@btobe - Same here. My last time I had spotting and cramping, this time I feel normal (some side effects from the progesterone but nothing to write home about. I asked the nurse and she said that the lack of symptoms doesn't mean a thing - just to wait and take it easy. Of course I am only 3 days pt. Wishing you the best on Monday!
@Hope&Faith - not similar but results vary each time. We actually had what looked on the u/s like more mature follicles when we did IUI than IVF. Just remember that each time is different and it is all about quality not quantity - said from a 'very poor responder'. They only changed our protocol a small bit from 1st to 2nd and it made a huge difference.
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8/10/2010 6:28 PM
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Hope&Faith - My first 2 ivf cycles produced very different results and we used the same protocol for both. The first ivf cycle I think they retrieved 7 eggs (I had about 9 but they didn't retrieve the couple that were too small). 5 or 6 fertilized, transfered 3, got pregnant with twins, miscarried. The second cycle they told me I had only produced 4 follicles so they cancelled my cycle and we flipped to IUI, no pregnancy resulted. Our bodies are unpredictable. Hang in there, they can switch up the protocol to get better results.
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8/9/2010 11:17 PM
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HopenFaith - sorry to hear about the slow stim. Do you have any sperm issues? I actually did get pregnant twice off IUI (and never once "the regular way"), so it might be worth considering. The sperm are cleansed and put in the right location, so if there were issues with your cervical mucus (sometimes it's hostile to sperm), or with your cervix being in a weird position, or low count, an IUI might not be a bad option. Best part of an IUI? You also get to try the "regular way" that evening!
btobe: it's always different. Our bodies react to each pregnancy in a unique manner. So don't lose hope! (and if it was your first pregnancy, the cramping could've just been your uterus starting to expand!) The only time I used the vag suppository was when I had bleeding during one of my pregnancies - but since the fetus terminated, I didn't use them for that long. I'm currently still doing the PIO shots.
Nwells: good luck on the lupron!! And good for you about running and taking care of yourself. Awesome job!!
nurho: I know it's disappointing not to have any left over. Let us know how you're doing - and hang in there for your 2ww!
Leila: congrats!
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8/9/2010 10:36 AM
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I went today for my ultra sound to schedule our retrievel. The doctor came in and explained that I only had produced 1 follicle It was very disappointing and heartbreaking. Before with the super stim cycles I would produce at least 6-8 easily. They were very nervous going into this, as I hyperstimulated during our 2nd super stim cycle. He feels the Lupron may be the factor as I had done so well before with the Follistim. So he cancelled our retrievel and is going to call me this afternoon. He said we can still do a IUI, but at this point I don't see the reason. I think we will try naturally this month and try again next cycle with different meds. Did anyone else have similar results with IVF??
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