IVF or FET November/December 2015 - chat thread

[Wish2BMom]

interesting take, klik - I'd be a bit confused but there just seem to be so many schools of thought and they all make sense. And there are also SOOOO many ways to skin this cat(fish - I heard recently this is the real saying!), it's so hard to find that exact one way that works best for each woman.

Also, yeah - I wouldn't say I'm doing mild stims - 450 Gonal is the 2nd highest I've been on, I think (I think I was up to 600 at one time?). So mine is more of a light suppression - I think so my ovaries weren't completely suppressed/shut down - and then starting strong stims. I feel like it was almost like leading when trying to steal a base in baseball. Rather than trying to steal while standing on the base, you 'lead' a little and then BAM! make a run for it! I know, I have weird analogies...

 

[Disneyfan88]

Klik - Thanks! that you get lucky with this cycle and don't even have to worry about coordinating treatment plans between 2 doctors. Good luck with everything!

Wish - With baseball currently in spring training and the season about to start, your analogy makes perfect sense to me. Good luck with your stimming!


AFM - It's soooo hard to focus on work or be motivated to get a lot done. This week is dragging. I'm nervous for Saturday but want to know one way or another. I'm still holding out a bit of hope but can't help feeling bummed, too.

 

[boopin4baby]

Disneyfan - My recent loss still pains me, but each day gets a bit better. Although, I've healed physically thinking about my pregnancy and the "what could've been" remains emotionally painful. Accepting the fact that my pregnancy wasn't viable is how I'm coping with my loss. My embryo(s) more than likely had chromosomal issues. We didn't do genetic testing on them. I've completely miscarried and my beta was 8 this Tuesday. I'm just waiting for AF, so I can get started on my next cycle. Hopefully, I can have a May FET.

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. - Confucius

Stay strong Lovely!! I know it's easier said than done, but there's still hope for you. I'm praying that your little bean is just a late bloomer. Fx'd and everything else, too!! xx

 

[Disneyfan88]

Thanks, Boopin! I think what makes this situation hard for us to accept is that if this little bean isn't meant to be, we only have one more normal embryo left. We transferred another "normal" embryo in December and got a BFN from that FET. I don't have it in me to start over again with a new IVF cycle, and while money isn't everything, we've spent an insane amount of money since we started with IVF in 2013 (my insurance has a relatively low lifetime max benefit of $7,000, so we've been paying out of pocket for quite some time). The stress of wanting this to work is weighing on me. I'm doing my best to keep my chin up and remain positive, and you ladies are helping so much with your support.

Your attitude is inspiring. I hope that things move along and line up for you to start again in May. Regardless of my outcome, I'll be here cheering for you along the way.

 

[amanda1235]

I've been quiet lately, but Disney just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you and hoping for the best for you!!! Hang in there Hun!

 

[Wish2BMom]

disney - I hear you. That's kinda where we are - it's been so long and we've shelled out quite a bit of money for this. Not as much as you have, it sounds like (our lifetime limit is higher) but quite a bit. I hate for money to be the deciding factor but something has to be, I guess.
My fingers are so crossed for you for Saturday, my fingers are turning blue!!!

 

[boopin4baby]

Hi Ladies,

I heard back from my nurse coordinator today and she said that I need to have a water sonogram after my first period post mc. Then I can start on bcp's again to prepare for my FET cycle.

Has anyone had the water sonogram performed before? If so, was it painful and/or uncomfortable? I've never had this procedure done and I'm a little apprehensive.

 

[Disneyfan88]

Hi Ladies,

I heard back from my nurse coordinator today and she said that I need to have a water sonogram after my first period post mc. Then I can start on bcp's again to prepare for my FET cycle.

Has anyone had the water sonogram performed before? If so, was it painful and/or uncomfortable? I've never had this procedure done and I'm a little apprehensive.

I had one of those before my December FET cycle. My doctor recommended I take a Valium about 30-45 minutes prior to it. For me, I felt some minor cramping afterwards, but it was nothing terribly painful. Most of it felt similar to a pap. My insurance didn't cover it, so the sonogram was somewhere between $400-$500, and with the rest of my office visit, I ended up paying around $700 or so for that day.

I asked my doctor beforehand if it would be any like an HSG and she said it would be similar but it should be a lot less uncomfortable.

 

[boopin4baby]

Thank you Disney for sharing your experience with me. I'm sure I'll end up paying for it out of pocket, too. Eventhough, I have Kaiser insurance, it seems like it would be less of a hassle and quicker just to get it done at my fertility clinic. I'll definately be taking a valium before the procedure if its offered to me and an ibuprofen.

And regardless of your outcome, I'll be here cheering you along as well. Through the ups and the downs!!

 

[Disneyfan88]

For that particular sonogram, I think it's beneficial for your RE to see everything first-hand. It'll help ensure that everything is optimal for your next transfer.

Thanks for the support (everyone!)! I'm hanging in there. I've decided that I can't change the outcome one way or another, so I'll be ready to accept whatever news we get. Obviously one set of news would be much easier to accept, but I'll get there either way at some point. The support of all of the ladies here in this thread definitely helps.

 

[amanda1235]

Boopin I had a sonohystogram, it was where they put a saline solution into your uterus and look at the cavity, not sure it's the same test, but if so its not so bad. Some cramping, so I was told to take an Advil beforehand. It was totally manageable and very quick. It's where they found out I had polyps that needed to be removed, so very worth it in the end. Hope your test goes well!

 

[klik]

Wish: yeah, I think that's exactly right: there are lots of views and they all have reasonable explanations. I like your analogies! I hope you score a home run this time. Any reaction to the stims? Is exercising comfortable?

Disneyfan: It is so hard, thinking about reaching a limit and then being able to go no further... This process is so difficult, so draining in every way... I wish you strength. I really hope all goes well for you tomorrow. It's a great attitude, trying to be prepared either way (as the outcome is indeed out of your hands.) But I really hope you get good news tomorrow. I'll be thinking of you...

Amanda: hope you're ok, in your currently quiet way...

Boopin: I think the water sonogram is the same as a 3D HyCoSy--they asked me to do that after I had my MC, too... I didn't find it particularly uncomfortable. Mostly I found it annoying that I had to sacrifice a cycle to do this investigation (and it was one of those no-trying-naturally-beforehand deals, which I particularly dislike...) Best of luck. I hope you get the all-clear and can proceed asap...

AFM: I can't wait to start my weird modified natural IVF cycle, but my body is not cooperating... I just had a scan today because my doc was concerned that by day 16 I hadn't ovulated yet (usually I'm day 13). Anyway, we're on day 19 now, and my big cyst is still there, and my little follicles are still there, all growing slowly (suppressed by the cyst) and probably wondering what the hold-up is. Well, that's just me projecting... anyway, the bloods will help determine whether I have or am about to ovulate, but I am worried that my body is indeed seeming to get weirder with each cycle... Well, at least I still have follicles!

 

[Wish2BMom]

boopin - I, too, had a sono after my mc and honestly, it was worse than the HSG for me. But my HSG was a breeze and the only reason my sono sucked was b/c my cervix wasn't cooperating and allowing the plunger inside to squirt the saline. She had to basically pry it open. A valium might have helped, so I recommend that. I hope yours is easy peasy, as I've heard everyone else's be!

disney - I like your outlook on things. There really isn't much we can do at certain points and unfortunately this is one of them. I all sucks and I hate how long we have to wait to figure out next steps. I will be stalking tomorrow to see how things went. What time is your appt?

klik - damn that cyst, mucking things up!! how big are your follicles? Is there a certain date that your doc will cancel this cycle or are you just waiting for the follicles to grow slowly? it definitely feels like our bodies get weirder with each cycle since we are looking at them under a microscope now!! Speaking of which, to answer your question - I did a TRX class last night (kind of a pilates class with weights, medicine balls and this suspension system where you use your own weight to do things) and nothing felt weird until we were doing abs with the medicine ball, leaning back and swinging the ball from side to side. I could feel that there was more 'stuff' in my abdomen. But that was it! Frankly, I hadn't worked out since Monday b/c I came down with a cold this week, so this was my first time exercising after stimming. I might try to go for a run tomorrow or Sunday, we'll see how that feels. Oh and no other side effects, really. Except I have a headache from drinking a partial glass of wine last night. I'm in trouble tonight - a girls night at a Wine/Chocolate/Cheese Fest! can't have too much anyway b/c I'm driving but I'm expecting another headache tomorrow morning.

amanda, aster, adr, hope - hi! :wave:

I had my first scan this morning and there look to be 6 follicles! That's more than I expected them to see 4 days after starting stims so I'm psyched. Only one is close to measurable, which again, I didn't expect. So I'm going to drink a lot of water this weekend and hopefully by early next week there will be some plumpy ones going on!

woah...sorry for the book!!

 

[Disneyfan88]

Thanks, ladies! My appointment for tomorrow is scheduled for 8:45 am PST. I haven't heard from the office, so I assume that means that there are no procedures scheduled that would bump me to another time (My doctor doesn't get to set the surgery schedule since she runs her own fertility office but uses the big neighboring fertility place for her egg retrievals, transfers, and embryo lab services. She does all of the procedures herself and has her own office and patient exam rooms, but she contracts with the other company to use their operating facilities and their lab and embryologists).

Klik - Major bummer about that cyst! I hope your blood work provides good news on the ovulation front. that this won't thwart your efforts for this cycle.

Wish - on 6 follies! I hope they get nice and plump this weekend.

 

[amanda1235]

So I had my scan today, and looks like the triple stripe my dr wanted me to get is already there which is good! I have one follicle at 11mm, and others under 10mm, but it's only day 4 of stims. I'm hoping it's ok that the one is bigger than the others. I have to continue my meds and go back Tuesday for another scan. I was so worried about the darn stripe I wasn't too concerned about getting lots of follicles. Anyone ever have one that grew a little faster than the others and still had it turn out ok?

 

[Asterimou]

Disney: we are all here egging you on! Crossing fingers and toes. We will all be here to give you cyber hugs whatever the outcome xx

Wish: 6 follies is great, let's hope a few more pop up

Klik: hang in there, it will be your cycle soon I'm sure!

Amanda: I had a follie shoot off and ended up with 7 eggs in the end. They did have to adjust my drugs to get the others to catch up but it worked out okay. Day 4 is pretty early to tell though so I'd wait till Tuesday to see what's happening. Hope the rest have caught up

AFM: I had drugs delivered yesterday for round 2. On Menopur this time. Long protocol so just started the pill, ready for Buserillin on the 10th April. I really want to be positive this cycle. It's so hard to stay strong but you ladies are a inspiration. I must focus on positives rather than negatives. This could be the one

 

[boopin4baby]

Amanda congrats on achieving that stubborn triple stripe!! I bet the viagra was the key!!

 

[Disneyfan88]

Amanda - Congrats on getting that triple stripe! I vaguely remember having different size follies during my IVF cycles. The used Ganirelix to keep me from ovulating too early. for a great scan on Tuesday!

Aster - Thanks! Sending you lots of warm and positive vibes for this cycle!

 

[boopin4baby]

Thinking of you Disney. I'm keeping everything crossed for you!!

Thanks again Ladies for sharing your water sonogram experiences. I'm feeling more at ease about it now. xx

 

[klik]

Wish: 6 is looking good! Excellent start. I'm really happy for you! Also glad you feel you can exercise. You're clearly paying close attention to what your body says--if it tells you "no", I'm sure you'll listen! In the meantime, things are looking excellent--I hope it stays that way!

Disneyfan: hopefully right now you're getting some sleep... Best, best, best of luck in the morning.

Amanda: Yay on the triple stripe! Also, yeah, it's usual that the leading follie is a couple of millimeters larger than the others. Maybe too early still, but do they have you on an antagonist (Cetrotide, Ganirelix) yet?

Boopin: I hope all goes well in your water sonogram, that you have minimal discomfort, and that everything looks nice and clear!

Asterimou: I can see you're struggling to feel positive... I have to say, I've never done anything that's made me so bipolar as this attempt to conceive. We all have our ups and downs--please don't beat yourself up for feeling low sometimes. I am very excited for you, though--I hope they've found you the right protocol. I hope the BCP gets your ovaries nice and ready for that BAM (in Wish's words!) awesome response in the next cycle!

AFM: this cycle has been a write-off from the beginning, because of that cyst... I'm just waiting to ovulate so I can start the estrogen patches to try and get ready for NEXT cycle. I'm not sure why my doc wanted me to do a scan and not just bloods--I guess he wanted to make sure everything still looked ok in there. Nevertheless, I was comforted to see there were four measurable follies (9,9,8,7)--I know this cycle is a write-off but it's still nice to know my ovaries haven't given up altogether!