1st Cycle IVF April 2013

[2have4kids]

Hi Tooexcited, I can relate to trying to get the oh to lay off alcoholic drinks. We're 2 weeks away from when we're meant to do this IVF thing and he's still having beers with the boys Friday night. Well he said it was a beer but I mean come on, just wait!

I'm sorry they're making you wait that long for IVF. I do think that DHEA works too and have been taking it for the last 3 months. I know the waiting sucks tho, frustrating!

I'm on day 3 of swimming and having headaches galore. Thought a workout might help and although I feel really great & relaxed now there were such bright lights in the gym it didn't help. Pooo!
I hope everyone else is having a great weekend!

 

[CzWife]

Welcome CzWife, sorry to hear you're on your 3rd IVF and wishing you some serious I only started full injections Thurs so we're not too far apart with schedules.

Captain, my insurance paid for ~$5000-6000 meds and we pay $8000-$10000 in fees. If they don't use ICSI, assisted embryo hatching or there are none to freeze they give us some dosh back. It's outrageously expensive.

In Quebec they give the ladies free IVF but will only I don't know which I'd prefer tbh, I'm quite happy to get the family rolling with twins at this point, it's taken so bl00dy long!

2have4kids, thanks a bunch. My first cycle was really a complete waste. The clinic was not the best. The new clinic is better. I guess it was just a matter of tweaking my protocol. I had to coast last cycle, and I lost a ton of eggs in the process. Hopefully, the ganirelix will do the trick... Kudos on your weight loss. That is a major accomplishment & will help with your overall health and ttc.

Captain, good luck!

TooExcited, there have been other women to have successful pregnancies with lower amh levels... that definitely sucks that no one told you sooner about that. Like you said, you could have been supplementing in the meantime had you known about it.

 

[TooExcited]

Hi everyone.

My DHEA has finally arrived today!!! I am probably the most impatient person in the world but it has taken since wednesday to get here!!

I have to take 3 x 25mg per day so have taken 2 to catch up for today. I've heard they can interupt sleep - has anyone else noticed that too? i'm going to try and take them earlier in the day if thats the case as i'm a light sleeper at the best of times!

Thanks czwife - i know - it's not disastrously low and my sister in law got pg first try on ivf and had a level of 6 so i'm still hanging in there.

How are you getting on stimming 2have? (i'm guessing you meant Stimming and not swimming as you typed below - you'd be very wrinkly after 3 days he he!)

Captainj - have you started stimming? exciting times to finally get moving hey?

V2R how are you getting on? we've not heard from you in a while...

AFM - i am on day 27 of my current cycle. I'm desperately hoping that we get the natural BFP before we end up on the ivf train... i've started cyclogest this month so things feel a little different already. It is making me really horny (sorry if tmi!!) so i spent most of yesterday googling whether it was safe/advisable to have O's in the 2ww!!! As always the results were mixed but i decided best not to... Other than sore boobs no other symptoms from the progesterone yet so am counting myself as lucky!

 

[2have4kids]

Too excited glad to hear the DHEA has arrived. TBH I've never slept better than when I'm on DHEA, I can fall asleep at any time and I stay asleep all night wake feeling well rested. I know I was minimal on my DEAHS score when I got my GP to test for it so maybe I needed it. I feel like all I'm doing will not only get me preggers it'll keep me looking young too and stave off the dreaded cancer. The CoQ10 and resveratrol/pycnogenol that I'm on are great for repairing damaged cells. The TTC'ers have an extra advantage over those women who just get everything handed to them easily

Progesterone also helps relax you, your muscles - it's a great de-stresser (it prepares your body for pregnancy).

I was reading an IVF/workout blog over the weekend and they said that Lupron (Suprefact/Burselin same thing) is on the International Olympic Committee’s list of doping drugs. The IVF blogger lady was describing how she had so much more energy and could lift more weight. I felt that yesterday. She mentioned it makes it easier to build muscle. I don't lift heavy weights because I'm only after toning, but it seemed to be so much easier than usual and my headaches disappeared completely. Anyway, feel great today.

Other than working out to help pass the time I'm totally addicted to some great Netflix series, mad men, 24, Call the Midwife, Breaking Bad and Damages. How about you ladies? How do you make this waiting bearable?? Any of you seen Call the Midwife series?

 

[TooExcited]

2have - Thanks for the info on DHEA. I hope i sleep well too! How much CoQ10 do you take each day? My supplements have 50mg in them... is that enough? I dont think i take any resveratrol/pycnogenol ... i haven't heard of either of them!

I have netball tonight... I don't really enjoy it at the moment but we are coming towards the end of the season so it will be over soon! i had to give up my proper gym as it was too intense. Its a pure circuit training gym and you burn 500-600 cals a class. my poor little body couldn't cope with that and ttc!

OOhhh - netflix - now there is an idea!!! I absolutely loved Damages. How many seasons are there now? i think i've seen 4. Love 24 too so might catch up with the seasons i haven't seen! DH has watched all of Breaking Bad and is waiting for the next half of the last season. I didn't get in to Call the Midwife... trying to avoid baby stuff at the mo ha ha!

Hooray for feeling great long may it continue

 

[CzWife]

Too excited glad to hear the DHEA has arrived. TBH I've never slept better than when I'm on DHEA, I can fall asleep at any time and I stay asleep all night wake feeling well rested. I know I was minimal on my DEAHS score when I got my GP to test for it so maybe I needed it. I feel like all I'm doing will not only get me preggers it'll keep me looking young too and stave off the dreaded cancer. The CoQ10 and resveratrol/pycnogenol that I'm on are great for repairing damaged cells. The TTC'ers have an extra advantage over those women who just get everything handed to them easily

Progesterone also helps relax you, your muscles - it's a great de-stresser (it prepares your body for pregnancy).

I was reading an IVF/workout blog over the weekend and they said that Lupron (Suprefact/Burselin same thing) is on the International Olympic Committee’s list of doping drugs. The IVF blogger lady was describing how she had so much more energy and could lift more weight. I felt that yesterday. She mentioned it makes it easier to build muscle. I don't lift heavy weights because I'm only after toning, but it seemed to be so much easier than usual and my headaches disappeared completely. Anyway, feel great today.

Other than working out to help pass the time I'm totally addicted to some great Netflix series, mad men, 24, Call the Midwife, Breaking Bad and Damages. How about you ladies? How do you make this waiting bearable?? Any of you seen Call the Midwife series?

Netflix has been my BFF for ivf too! I try to watch comedies tho... During my first cycle, I watched Frazier. I just finished Breaking Bad. I have to find something else.
When you're stimming, do you have to switch up your workouts? I've been doing cardio kickboxing lately, but I'm scared to keep it up. I don't feel any of the effects from the stimming.

TooExcited, I feel you on the baby stuff. I used to watch Delivery Room and shows like that, but after having a m/c and still no baby, I can't do it any more.

 

[2have4kids]

Hi CzWife, I can't do high impact stuff (arthritis) so I tend to stick to row/elliptical & cycling for cardio. Usually switch from legs to arms in strength training and 2 ab classes during weekday noon hour. I don't think impact sports are good and I won't train at more than 150 heart rate. I highly recommend Call the Midwife, it's a British film out of the '60's. it's not really one to get sad about not having a baby, I don't find it gets me in the gut anyway. Or Damages/24 are really great too.

Tooexcited my pleasure, I hope the DHea helps you sleep too
I take 50 mg/day in 1 pill. I'm self medicating, my fs said there's nothing except for ivf that can help you. Irritating.

 

[TooExcited]

I checked out netflix... there is a damages season 5 - whoo hoo! guess what i'll be doing tonight!!!

How is everyone today? I am doing my own head in symptom spotting!

I hate the negativity from FS sometimes... mine wouldn't even let me try clomid... just said our only hope was IVF and single transfer at that! I am going to bring that debate back to the table though when we get to treatment because i don't want to be back in the same position in 2 yrs time trying for no 2 if my AMH will have fallen even lower!

Day 2 of the DHEA and feeling ok so far!

 

[V2R]

Too Excited - I am just waiting on my appointment on Thursday really dont know what to expect, I've had my mind occupied with renting out my flat so suppose that has kept my mind off it. Nerves are kicking in now with reading everyones updates, all the different meds are scaring me a bit.
I was worried I would have to give up exercise but reading the posts I take it it's ok to work out while doing the meds.

Czwife - I really hope this is 3rd time lucky for you.

 

[2have4kids]

TooExcited I just read the IMDB about the 5th season, apparently they had material for another 4-5 seasons and the network cut the series so they wrapped up the last show in a haphazard way. I'll be watching season 5 too
You don't have male infertility factor do you? If not, def push for chlomid, your RE sounds like they're milking the system for money. IVF is always a last resort solution.

V2R - best of luck renting your flat, I know how this can feel... it's just a pain interviewing people.

CzWife how's everything? I'm on day 5 of stims and have only had a headache over the weekend and some mild cramps at night. Nothing else and a hotpack helps with the cramps and circulation to the ovaries at night.'

I really just want to stop having to say well, if I get pregnant and when I'm preggers in future tense. I just want it to happen already. I'm sick of hoping and just want it done. I've read that fish oils really help protect a pregnancy as does N.A.C and L-arginine. I pulled out the nac out of my cupboard last night and lined up the omega oil caps. Will get some L-arginine tonight after work. I'm not going to give this thing an if-it-happens, it WILL happen!
Taking Thursday off to ski with the OH, supposed to be a sunny day in the Rockies and then again on Saturday. The fresh air should do us some good (and kill the waiting time).

 

[captainj1]

hey ladies

so this is day 2 of my stimming with Gonal-F and i can honestly say that the injections are really easy. the Gonal-F comes in a pen rather than having to do any mixing, and the needle is so fine that it is the tiniest pinprick when it goes in and then absolutely nothing, no pain, can't even feel it. it is quite odd watching yourself pushing a needle into your belly and literally not feeling a thing!

I've had no side effects from it either so far, the odd tingling/fluttering sensation in the abdomen but that could equally be wind

I will step up and add the Cetrotide and Luveris jabs on Saturday evening, before my first scan which is on monday lunchtime and the second one will probably be the wednesday lunchtime, and then I will head down to London for ER on around 26/27/28th. We have to go to London in case we need assisted hatching.

I can't believe all of the TV you guys are watching!! Makes my life feel far too busy. I have a job that keeps me busy around 65 hours per week, a 2 year old to run around after and zero time for TV or exercise unfortunately... My job is very all consuming, but then it is very financially rewarding so I expect to have to earn my crust.

Before i had my DS i played football (soccer) in the women's premier league and that took up all of the (little) time i had outside of work. I used to play like 6 times a week, and now i do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. I feel like such a sloth. I am a stone heavier than when i got married in 2009 (I'm still not fat though, i am 5'9'' and just over 10 stone now so BMI is around 22) and i am just so UNTONED and i hate it. These last 18 months i've just been thinking 'once I have another baby i will get back into shape' and of course I haven't fallen pregnant and i have put on a few more pounds and it has all gone to my hips and arse! I don't mind that my hips are wider than before i had DS, that's to be expected, but they are covered in jiggly cellulite now and i just don't like it!!!

rant over



x

 

[2have4kids]

Captain I'm happy for you that the jabs are easy, I find them not too bad either.

If you're bmi is only 22 then it'll take you no time at all to get toned. If you're not having to lose weight it's SO much easier!

My scan is tomorrow morning, will update and chat more then xx

 

[2have4kids]

Hi ladies, the bad news is that my follies aren't growing very well: still 9 of them all ariund .7, .7, .7 .6, .4, and .6. They said they are half of what they need for them to be for size and they'll give me 3 more days to see if they grow. On Saturday I have another u/s and if they still haven't grown by then they'll cancel this cycle. They've switched me from Luveris to Menopur until then and I'm really, really nervous now. I was so pleased to have that many and now to find that they aren't growing is devastating.

 

[captainj1]

oh no 2have4kids, so sorry to hear that news. Did they give you an estimate of how likely they think it is that the additional 3 days of stimming will help? are you taking increased doses of Menupur compared to the Luveris? I don't really know what the difference is between the two - is it just that they do the same thing but some people respond better to one than the other?

Try to keep positive hon, a lot can happen in 3 days and you are doing everything you can. I keep telling myself that this first cycle is a bit of an unknown - having no identified problems, of course i am hoping with all my might that it will work - but if it doesn't at least we will have either a bit more information about why we haven't been able to conceive naturally, or confirmation that my eggs are good. It's so hard though isn't it. I'm only on day 4 of gonal-F, don't start the Luveris and Cetrotide until saturday...time is going slowly and my body doesn't feel any different and i am wondering whether the meds are actually doing anything...

 

[V2R]

2havekids, So sorry to here your folicles aren't growing very well keep your hopes up for Sat maybe the change of meds will spur them on a bit. Try & keep yourself pre occupied so you try & not think about it too much.

I had my appointment today weight etc is fine, bloods have been done so I have to wait 4-6 weeks for the results, then if all ok I will be send my meds pack! I thought I would have to go back to hospital to get it & talk about what I take etc. But the nurse told me I dont have to go back until I get scanned!!! Defo feel a bit lost with it all.

CaptainJ - very relieved to hear that the injecting is ok to do. Good luck. Everyone will probably have different side effects from all the meds...I'm hoping to have no side effects, the side effects of Clomid was enough for me to deal with

 

[captainj1]

Hi there

Does anyone have any news?

I'm on day 7 of Stims and am feeling bloated and tired and getting stinking headaches. Got my first scan tomorrow to see how my follies are doing.
X

 

[2have4kids]

Hi Captain, sorry you're feeling bad, try a walk for the headaches, I found exercise really cleared my headaches up. How did the scan go? Feeling bloated is a good thing. Eat lots of protein and drink lots of water. Plump those wee eggies up nicely.

My cycle was cancelled on Saturday. My eggs weren't growing. I cried the whole day and dh went out cross country skiing and then over to a friends house for supper. It made me really mad at him. He was very apologetic when he got home and snuggled me all night. I made it clear that if we go forward with more treatments that he needs to be there for me 100%.
We have a meeting with the fs on Friday to talk about options. I'm going to tell her that I want a cycle w/o the bcp suppression. This is mostly for their timing and I think it's too much - they need to work with my body rhythms and forget about their stooopid timing. I also looked at egg donor websites to try to get my head around this. The bad thing is that I really want MY own chilren, to see the reflection of my parents in my kids, to pass on my blond wavy hair, sparkly green eyes, my artistic abilities and my height. The good things to think about, suppress my aching heart, is that I won't pass on my arthritis to my kids, that I can still get a tall person's eggs, green eyes, choose blond wavy hair and you know those big lips that I've always wanted, well I found someone with all those things and big lips too! Yes, it's pretty superficial but that's what I need to think about in order to move forward and become a mom. After we got out on Satuday morning with the bad news, DH said to me while I was bawling, listen, you will be a mom...the best mom. We might have to get creative about it and if we have to adopt then you'll be like those celebrity mom's who don't worry about ruining their bodies by having babies. If we do donor eggs well then maybe we'll still have twins, a family all at once and you'll get to experience all that motherhood is about. He really made me feel better and thank goodness he's OK with donor this or adoption that. He said it's all about giving another human being the love we have and being parents and we'll accomplish this. It made me cry more but for happier reasons.

 

[captainj1]

oh 2have4kids, I'm so sorry that your cycle got cancelled. You must be so disappointed. It sounds as though you really needed DH there on Saturday, I'm glad he has recognised that now. I think it is so hard for our DHs as they don't go through the same emotions and I know that my own DH has been feeling a bit of a spare part this last week, just waiting for his bit.

I wouldn't be thinking about donor eggs or adoption just yet though honey, I would seriously think about getting a second opinion and/or trying a different protocol. Antagonist protocol which I am on is supposed to be really good for poor responders, and it is less aggressive too in terms of the meds and the length of the process. My clinic has some really good stats with 5 day blasto transfers of older ladies and those with low AMH on this protocol.

As you say if it comes to it there are other options, and I'm sure they would bring you much happiness, but don't give up on your dream just yet. The first cycle is all about discovering your body's response to the meds, it might just be a case of upping the doses next time or trying a different combination of drugs.

xxxx

 

[V2R]

2havekids - So sorry your eggs weren't growing, what a huge disappointment. Your dh probably went away out as thats his way of coping with it all. It's good the two of you have talked about egg donors & adoption (many kids out there are desprate for loving parents). Defo give it another go before you give up on IVF as CaptainJ says the 1st cycle is about your body response to the meds.
It's shit that some of us have to go through this but I believe it does make a relationship stronger.

CaptainJ - How did you get on at your scan?

 

[captainj1]

scan went well thanks hon, i have another tomorrow and they think i will be ready for ER on Friday. Yesterday i had around 10 follies in one ovary, measuring between 10 and 19mm, and 7 in the other measuring 0.9 to 20mm. They said i am doing well; it will be day 12 of stims on friday and we are still aiming for a day 5 blasto transfer of 1 or 2 blastos.