Chinese Accupuncture

[Briss]

somedayisnow, looks like your treatment is working and cycle is getting longer! although I am keeping my fingers crossed AF wont show up. I am naturally a negative person and being a lawyer does not really help the situation cos I focus on what can go wrong several times a day. and when I see a half empty glass, I focus on the point in time when it's going to be completely empty to try and figure out what to do now to be prepared (I almost have a fear of not being prepared for the worse) so basically what I see is just an empty glass all the time … sad. It takes a lot of effort to break that chain of thoughts

Blythe, your reiki treatment sounds very positive. is it more relaxing than massage? I was discussing reflexology with Dr E and he actually said that he does not find acu relaxing at all, and reflexology practiced in Europe is a far more relaxing experience. although it's very different in China where it's super painful but then it has medicinal value unlike what we get here. anyway, I am doing it for relaxation and blood circulation purposes cos my feet are always cold. I am totally desperate for energetic shift as well but for me I think it's a question of getting the right mindset. I am trying very hard to do what you do i.e. stop negative thoughts and replace them with opposite positive alternatives even though it seems rather artificial. I just know with time I will get used to thinking positive naturally

has anyone been taking growth hormone? looks like UCH wants me to take it but it's not covered by the NHS. I wonder if this is safe? I still have not got a clue when I am going to start my treatment and what protocol I am going to be on. but at least I know they have not forgotten me. I am going there this week for an appointment because apparently they want to discuss something before we can go ahead with the treatment. the nurse could not be more specific what it's about but I sure am glad something is happening.

got my PEAk this morning on CD10, so ovulating most likely on CD11. glad to be back on my short cycle (did not think I'd say that). Dr E says he expected this cycle to be a little better with or without the herbs so he does not yet know if the herbs are working. we may see it next cycle unless we start IVF. Again, he said until we know the protocol we cannot say how we should plan acu sessions.

 

[alison29]

Briss is it the HCG booster shots human chorionic growth hormone? I have read about ladies getting HCG booster shots after IUI to help progesterone production and the lining and such. This is what comes to mind when you mentioned it but it could be something else for sure.

 

[alison29]

Oops sorry it is human chorionic gonatropin (but i thought it was a growth hormone) let us know. Don't want any false ideas i may have to stick :/

 

[Briss]

alison, I've been reading (obviously!) and it seems a lot of people get HGH and HCG confused. They are both used for IVF but my doc was talking about HGH. looks like it helps egg development during stims and it has similar effect to DHEA actually. it does not make eggs younger but it gives them energy for chromosomal activity and dna damage repair (which younger eggs do with ease without any help). Clinics seem to use it for poor responders (like me) and over 35 so I think I will give it a go. ladies seem to be producing more eggs and better quality embryos if they take HGH during stims. it's quite costly though at about £130 per injection.

There is an interesting discussion here https://www.fertilethoughts.com/for...773-human-growth-hormone-saizen-omnipure.html

Many patients respond well to a typical ovarian stimulation protocol and go on to achieve pregnancies with a relatively basic regimen. However, some women are poor responders and fail in vitro cycles despite an intense protocol. Poor responders are classified as those requiring a higher dose of gonadotropins, have a low ovarian reserve and are over the age of 35. Often these women have cancelled cycles due to lack of response to medication. In these cases, human growth hormone (hGH) may be indicated to shift the hormonal balance to a more favorable outcome.

Throughout our life the pituitary has the ability to produce the same amount of hGH. However, as we age the pituitary has a more difficult time releasing the hormone. Naturally occurring levels of hGH are highest during adolescence when maximum growth occurs. As women age, hGH secretion diminishes. At the age of 60, a woman will secrete less than 25% of the hGH secreted by a 20 year old.

Benefits of hGH during in vitro fertilization were originally reported approximately 20 years ago, but its use was never widely used. Eggs naturally produce an analog of human growth hormone known scientifically as IGF-2. This factor promotes cell growth during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Studies have demonstrated that hGH may improve the ability of the egg to repair damaged DNA. This is thought to help with egg maturation and quality, especially in older women.

While the exact course of hGH treatment must be prescribed a fertility doctor, generally the subcutaneous injections are taken for about six days during stimulation. Saizen and Omnipure are two brands of hGH prescribed for infertility.

 

[alison29]

very interesting and exciting..

 

[alison29]

I am so glad they are going to try a different protocol, it seems insane to me to redo what isn't working...I am so ready for all of us to tweak something and get our BFP. Interestingly I was reading and coffee is a cross reactor with gluten antibodies so if a person is avoiding gluten they should probably avoid coffee too. IDK just another theory. I had always figured coffee was a villan because of acidity, and caffeine but now it could be an inflammatory in another way.

 

[Briss]

alison, coffee is a huge issue for me. every day I tell myself I am going to stop from tomorrow and every morning I seem to be unable to do anything until I have my cappuccino. it gives me so much pleasure! but I really need to seriously stop it cos it looks like we might be starting IVF soon

 

[alison29]

Maybe you could do half calf for a couple weeks then decaf for a week then i don't know what to get you going as caffeine free ..I know I am having a hard time with caffeine too.

So are you getting the NHS funding? I am excited for you.

 

[Briss]

I did not have coffee today!! I know one day is nothing but it's one small step for me..

I think we are getting the NHS funding!! I am so glad I went for the FSH blood test and did not wait for acu/herbs to make it better cos that turned out to be the only cycle when i had acceptable FSH levels just below the threshold, all 3 cycles after that my FSH was much higher so we would not get a chance. that was really lucky and might have made the difference for us.

I do not know the details yet. They are not very organised and short staffed at the moment. I think we would still have to pay 2-3K ourselves cos I want IMSI + additional things not covered by the NHS like this growth hormone. but it's nothing compared to 15K which is what it costs on average in this clinic. Fingers crossed I will get good news tomorrow at my appointment. I really want to get a scan tomorrow cos I suspect I might have a functional cyst (cos of high oestrogen levels) so there may be a further delay. but I prefer to know than start down reg with nothing. again, no idea what my protocol is but the nurses seem to assume it has to be a long protocol.

 

[Blythe]

Briss - well done on the coffee!! i go through phases of drinking caffeine [current phase!] and then ditching it entirely and having healthy alternatives. I always feel so much better when it is not in my life...possibly as a result of mental control over what i put in my mouth rather than the absence of caffeine.

still, try and maybe alternate days if you cannot bear to be without it as the benefits of cutting it out and its effect on fertility are now so well documented....it has to help right!?!

Im so pleased things are moving on the treatment front....its so great you have the option of 'add ons'....there was no such thing at King's!! Thinking of you today at your appt...please report back

 

[Blythe]

I have just had my last session for the time being with Fiona and she is really brilliant. I have moved from feeling hopeless to optimistic about becoming pregnant again. I was unable to move away from the IVF and the result but she has completely detached me from that...she has clients that have become pregnant after failed IVFs. She has some clients that have no periods so i really am her no.1 fan at the moment.

She does IVF support....i believe it would be much more effective than zita west's hypnosis cd which i did and it just didn't cut it [well was ok just not brilliant].

I have a leaflet but it is PDF so cannot link here - happy to send so if anyone wants it DM an email address. Do sign up for her fertility newsletters. I am going to do a liver flush detox which is outlined in the latest one was sent out last night.

This month i took clomid....it was there taunting me in my cupboard so i thought sod it. Im not sure what i think about my fern test now. I had very strong ferning patterns and an almost positive opk about 4 days ago [i think i ovulated last night on CD13]. I clearly get a E2 rise a few days before ovation which fits in with presence of ewcm then too but around ovulation very little.

 

[Briss]

Jazzbird, how are you doing? not long now?

Blythe, you are back! your sessions with Fiona sound amazing! you sound so positive, I am very happy she was able to help you get your spirits up. I know what you mean re zita west's cd, but I cant even stick to that. Will definitely get Fiona's fertility newsletters

re clomid, do you hope to get more than one follicle?

strange that you got strong ferning patterns so far in advance of ovulation. I am actually confused about my O as well this cycle. I thought I ovulated yesterday on CD 12 (I am probably just dreaming!) but FF thinks it's CD10, hope FF is wrong but I will only know for sure when AF turns up and I can count 14 days back.

re coffee, the problem is that I actually feel much better when I have coffee in my life and TMI my digestive system works perfectly, something about coffee that makes me go right after I finished my cup so basically it's like a good morning routine coffee/toilet at the same time every day, not surprisingly it was not as good yesterday, somehow without coffee my bowels get lazy. it also takes a little bit from my happiness cos I simply love the taste and enjoy it so much! but never mind all that when I get pregnant I wont have any until I finish breastfeeding. I tried a few alternatives but none came even close to replacing the real thing. I may try Swiss water decaf next. I am holding on without coffee today but most likely will have some tomorrow.

re treatment, still not sure if they agree to add IMSI but this is simply crucial for us. I just figured if they asked to take HGH and pay privately why not add something else? anyway, I will know more after the appointment hopefully

 

[Blythe]

i really like my cups of tea in the morning [with sugar and milk] and i know exactly what you mean re toilet habits....nothing beats black coffee for that! I just feel better mentally when i have control over what i eat and drink. Im not a huge fan of the taste of coffee but i do really love the effect of caffeine and it really helps me get through long mornings at work.

i took the clomid as its there and I'm hoping i will pop out a couple of eggs instead of one [i did have 3 x large follies when i took it the first time and the cycle was monitored]. You never know!!

 

[Briss]

I am starting tomorrow!! Suddenly feel unprepared... Waiting for my meds now. Funding confirmed!! How lucky are we! No growth hormone for me unfortunately due to medical history. Really gutted they call it short protocol but its long actually cos I start on CD 14 the cycle before. Wasted all that bd cos the meds thin the lining so no implantation. Not that we had much chance. I will be on Max dose of stims

 

[alison29]

OMG so excited for you BRISS! I am praying for twins That's funny you should say how good coffee makes you feel I was talking about htat with a friend who is cycling and how hard it is to kick. I think it's so hard because there are no apparent bad feelings when you have coffee it just makes you feel top of the world..Unlike alchohol which can make you tired or feel hungover the next day so when quitting that you can bring up those BAd feelings..It does wonders for the digestion I agree. Today so far have had black tea one cup (it's only 11 am here though so not so noteworthy yet)

I can't wait to hear how many eggs you grow, i am glad you are doing max stims woo hoo.

 

[alison29]

Blythe clomid is known to make a better egg too and better luteal phase. It really dries me up though. I almost missed O because I was waiting to do OPK after started getting moisture down there. I tried using an injection of preseed. DH was like wth is all this wet stuff lol.

 

[Briss]

suddenly having second thoughts… maybe I should start next cycle cos "what if" that might be our lucky month and we can get pregnant naturally? Huge part of me just does not believe we stand a chance but there is a tiny one that keeps nagging "what if" "what if". I need to make up my mind cos supposed to start tomorrow.

also they did not do a scan so I do not know if I have a cyst or not, I was told it's only relevant for the base scan before they start stims.

I think I will have a cup of coffee tomorrow but it will be my last one. I survived another day with no coffee but it's just no fun.

alison, I am not getting my hopes up, I think my top limit is around 6 cos I practically have only one accessible ovary but even then not sure if we can get that many. and yes, twins would be great!

Blythe, hopefully you will get a few lovely eggs this cycle!

 

[Blythe]

Briss - wonderful news re funding. Are you going to be on 450 glonal f?

 

[Briss]

Blythe, I am so happy about the funding cos everything was against us and my FS did not think we'd get it, I was so stressed about it and for so long it'll be a huge help cos I just do not know how many it's going to take... I am on menopur 450 and lots and lots of other stuff which I know nothing about. I could only recognise the trigger, cetrotide and progesterone but there is so much more... they said they will explain as we go alone cos before we start stims it's not relevant and they want to make sure I have no cysts and the lining is thin before we can start stims. I may have to repeat down reg a few times before we get there

 

[Blythe]

Briss - you must do whatever causes you the least stress. its good to start these things with a clear head...if that is possible. If you can delay for 3 weeks then why not? I know these bloody weeks do tend to go on forever. Im sure you will wake up this morning having made a clear decision though