January 2012 IVF

[Mrs. Bear]

What she said ^^^^^^

 

[HuskyMomWI]

I had my baseline this morning too and all looked good Just waiting on confirmation that my E2 level was ok and I am all set to start 300 Gonal-F on Saturday

31 - mine never does an antral follicle count either, they just check for cysts. They do pics so maybe the RE looks later Or else they figure with my PCOS they will just say 'lots'

Glad to hear your scan went well!! Whew - one more thing off the list. Is the gonalf a pen also?

My doctor took a picture as well. Was funny to see the doctor holding a polaroid but whatever

 

[Mrs. Bear]

Glad to hear your scan went well!! Whew - one more thing off the list. Is the gonalf a pen also?

My doctor took a picture as well. Was funny to see the doctor holding a polaroid but whatever

My clinic the pics print off like they do for baby ultrasounds so the tech just tells it to print, but that would be funny to see the doctors running around with polaroids

My gonal-f isn't the pen, it comes in 450IU vials that I reconstitute. I don't know what makes them decide whether to use one or the other

 

[pk2of8]

I don't know how the gonalf compares to the Follistim with cost, but if "reconstituting" makes it cheaper I would rather have had that. Follistim is outrageous!!!

31, my doc never did an antral follicle count that I'm aware of either. Maybe he does with baseline like mrs bear was saying but he never mentioned it to me.

Mrs bear, I agree...quads would be scary!! Well, it's not the number of babies that scare me so much as the pregnancy difficulty. But really the bottom line for me ended up being that if we only did one or 2 and had no pg, then I would have totally regretted it. So I think the only reason we would transfer less than 3 this time would be if we happen to get 4 good embies then I MAY want to try to freeze 2 and transfer 2. But obviously the risk there is they may not make it to freeze. I guess it would depend on the quality. But like you said, we'll make the call when we get down to it!

 

[kazzab25]

Hi ladies

Glad everyone seems on track!! may I ask a few questions?

Are you ladies starting to stim straight from bcp? I start sniffing drugs to down reg on 19th jan a few days before bcp finishes. Is this what you ladies do?

For any pcos ladies? Were you told what sort of chances you have of a success with pcos does I impair the chance due to unbalanced hormones or poo egg quality? Is there a high chance of ohss? I seem to be worrying abou a lot but hat because I've not sat down with my fs to discuss it all in depth! That chat will be on the 13th jan! Sorry to babble just not sure what to expect!! Xxx

 

[Hoping1986]

So today I went to Dr. and took my Lupron shot. Now I have to wait until Jan 20 to go for basline ultrasound and start stims. ugh it seems like forever...but I have been trying for years so now me saying three weeks is forever is laughable. I am so excited to be doing this but still trying to stay grounded because I am the type to start looking for cribs and mentally decorating a nursery, lol! I hope you ladies have a good evening and of course Im wishing BFP's for ALL of us!

 

[Mrs. Bear]

Mrs bear, I agree...quads would be scary!! Well, it's not the number of babies that scare me so much as the pregnancy difficulty. But really the bottom line for me ended up being that if we only did one or 2 and had no pg, then I would have totally regretted it. So I think the only reason we would transfer less than 3 this time would be if we happen to get 4 good embies then I MAY want to try to freeze 2 and transfer 2. But obviously the risk there is they may not make it to freeze. I guess it would depend on the quality. But like you said, we'll make the call when we get down to it!

I think if it was a case of only having four and odds were #4 wouldn't make it to freeze I might go for it. Right now I am leaning towards no more than 3 though.

 

[Mrs. Bear]

Hi ladies

Glad everyone seems on track!! may I ask a few questions?

Are you ladies starting to stim straight from bcp? I start sniffing drugs to down reg on 19th jan a few days before bcp finishes. Is this what you ladies do?

For any pcos ladies? Were you told what sort of chances you have of a success with pcos does I impair the chance due to unbalanced hormones or poo egg quality? Is there a high chance of ohss? I seem to be worrying abou a lot but hat because I've not sat down with my fs to discuss it all in depth! That chat will be on the 13th jan! Sorry to babble just not sure what to expect!! Xxx

A lot of us are on a short protocol which has us on BCP rather than the longer down reg protocols a lot of ladies are on. We stop BCP and go straight to stims as long as there are no cysts and our bloodwork is ok. I think there are a few long protocol ladies on here though.

As far as PCOS, I don't know that it alone will determine odds. My RE said ours is in the 30s but I think that is mainly due to my being older. One of the big things they are concerned with is OHSS because there are lots of follies there to start with. Make a list of questions for your FS so when you go in you can make sure you get all the answers. That is what I did my last consult before IVF because I kept thinking of things to ask but would forget when I was in the office.

 

[Mrs. Bear]

So today I went to Dr. and took my Lupron shot. Now I have to wait until Jan 20 to go for basline ultrasound and start stims. ugh it seems like forever...but I have been trying for years so now me saying three weeks is forever is laughable. I am so excited to be doing this but still trying to stay grounded because I am the type to start looking for cribs and mentally decorating a nursery, lol! I hope you ladies have a good evening and of course Im wishing BFP's for ALL of us!

I'm the same way - I've been 'shopping' baby departments for years I think the three weeks will go by faster than you think. Get a ticker for your signature to count down. That helped me when I was on a break a few months waiting for IVF. I think it is seeing the constant daily progress that helped.

 

[Springy]

My sappy moment for today - (and I'm not even loaded on hormones yet) We live in a fantastic world where technology has allowed us to connect with great women that can relate to exactly what we are going through. It is really unbelievable when you think about it. You are a great group of women that will make outstanding mothers! Cheers to more scans and needles!

I can't agree more!!! I talk with DH about all you ladies and he knows who each of you are. I don't know how I would get through a day without all of you women. It has literally SAVED my sanity this past year!!!!!! I want each and everyone of you to know that I am always thinking about you and I truly believe we will all get our BFPs and we will all make AMAZING Mother's.

You guys should check out Berki's blog, she has an awesome poem posted about being a "better mother" because of this infertility struggle. I cry every time I read it and say AMEN SISTA when I'm done (because I'm super gansta )

 

[Springy]

So today I went to Dr. and took my Lupron shot. Now I have to wait until Jan 20 to go for basline ultrasound and start stims. ugh it seems like forever...but I have been trying for years so now me saying three weeks is forever is laughable. I am so excited to be doing this but still trying to stay grounded because I am the type to start looking for cribs and mentally decorating a nursery, lol! I hope you ladies have a good evening and of course Im wishing BFP's for ALL of us!

I'm the same way - I've been 'shopping' baby departments for years I think the three weeks will go by faster than you think. Get a ticker for your signature to count down. That helped me when I was on a break a few months waiting for IVF. I think it is seeing the constant daily progress that helped.

Ladies .... I have to confess I have my nursery furniture, linens, stroller and car seat all picked out .... Between that and my stupid designer maternity jeans in my closet I believe I jinx'd myself. There are days I am SO convinced that I will get my BFP that I allow myself to "shop" other days the thought of seeing a stroller, car seat etc. makes me angry and ready to burst into tears.

 

[babydrms]

So today I went to Dr. and took my Lupron shot. Now I have to wait until Jan 20 to go for basline ultrasound and start stims. ugh it seems like forever...but I have been trying for years so now me saying three weeks is forever is laughable. I am so excited to be doing this but still trying to stay grounded because I am the type to start looking for cribs and mentally decorating a nursery, lol! I hope you ladies have a good evening and of course Im wishing BFP's for ALL of us!

So today I went to Dr. and took my Lupron shot. Now I have to wait until Jan 20 to go for basline ultrasound and start stims. ugh it seems like forever...but I have been trying for years so now me saying three weeks is forever is laughable. I am so excited to be doing this but still trying to stay grounded because I am the type to start looking for cribs and mentally decorating a nursery, lol! I hope you ladies have a good evening and of course Im wishing BFP's for ALL of us!

I'm the same way - I've been 'shopping' baby departments for years I think the three weeks will go by faster than you think. Get a ticker for your signature to count down. That helped me when I was on a break a few months waiting for IVF. I think it is seeing the constant daily progress that helped.

Ladies .... I have to confess I have my nursery furniture, linens, stroller and car seat all picked out .... Between that and my stupid designer maternity jeans in my closet I believe I jinx'd myself. There are days I am SO convinced that I will get my BFP that I allow myself to "shop" other days the thought of seeing a stroller, car seat etc. makes me angry and ready to burst into tears.

I can't say that I haven't looked but I am VERY superstitious - don't even want a baby present in my home until viability - trying to figure out how not to tell anyone until as close to viability as I can manage...have been changing my wardrob to hide any bloating/bump that may occur. I just can't stand thought of having to tell anyone about what we are going through and because of the high miscarriage rates associated with IVF - not trying to be a bummer - just can't get my hopes up too much yet, or get anyone elses up too much.

 

[Mrs. Bear]

Springy - I've always sensed that 'gangsta' vibe from you... LOL

I'm a little superstitious too but I have mainly only bought clearance baby clothes and rationalize it that I use them for shower gifts. I do give a lot away as gifts but there are a few certain outfits I have tucked away to keep. Luckily I haven't come across anything else like strollers or anything I liked well enough to feel the need to get it. I did get a couple 'what to expect' type books when a local store went out of business and wonder if that was jinxing myself. Some days I enjoy looking at baby stuff and others it is torture to go by the baby department. Hoping we all have fun baby shopping in our future soon

As far as clothes I plan to take advantage of sweater season to help hide bloating, and hopefully a bump, til we are ready to tell. I also have a few true wrap dresses that I can wear that can adjust to compensate. The rest of the time I will just unbutton pants and wear baggy tops

 

[Hoping1986]

babydrms I totally agree. I wont be buying and telling until I am totally comfortable and sure. After ttc for 5+ years I have become so jaded and the possibility of seeing a BFP almost seems non existent, but everytime af was late I had I somehow told myself "oh its a miracle Im preg...only to be shattered when af came. But....it doesnt hurt to just look at baby stuff because they are just sooooo cute.

 

[princess_1991]

I've had names picked, I've mentally decorated my nursery and picked out cribs, decor etc, haven't actually brought anything yet, DH would flip a lid if I did, he'd say I was jinxing it, i kinda agree

Anywhoo, scan went great (well as great as a vaginal ultrasound while bleeding can go! ) no cysts or anything like that, soooo I start stimming today
They've changed my meds slightly, they've upped my dose of merional and I take just merional for the first 3 days then I also have to add in a low dose of centrocide booked in for my follie scan on Monday and Thursday too!!

I'm really excited yet super nervous!

Glad to see everyone else's baselines went well! This week is defiantly all go!

 

[Gracy 004]

Hi ladies! Still nothhing happening here with me, but im keeping track of how everyone is going. First blood test on Friday, CD 11

My clinic will only do a single embryo transfer! So thats it for us there wasnt any negotiations. After my IVF mmc in 2010, the second time around i really wanted to transfer two and they really advised strongly against it and wanted us to sign all these forms and stuff, weird hey? So in the end we just had the single both times and luckily that was enough. In total we had 14 eggs, 9 of which were mature enough to fertilise, the others were immature and couldnt be used. Of the 9 all fertilised with ICSI. We transferred 1 on day 4 and that was the BFP that ended in the mmc at 7 weeks. Of the remaining 8 embies 4 made it to blasto stage and were frozen and the other 4 were too weak to freeze. Then a couple months later we did a single FET and that resulted in DD Now we have 3 left and hopefully one of them is a lucky egg! We have two day 6 embies and 1 day 5 but as all the best ones have already been used the remainders might not be quite so good so i am really trying hard not to get my hopes up too high .

I hope you dont mind me talking about my past experiences but i do it only because i want you ladies to know that you will get there! After the mmc i think i may have been as low as you can get (like really disappointed to the point of non functioning ) and i understand the desperation only too well. I had to stop going to baby showers and 1st birthday parties in the end i just couldnt handle them, and if i had to visit a friend in hospital who had just given birth i just about had to take a valium afterwards Its just awful and there is no other way of looking at it. I was so terrified of jinxing things that even at 34 weeks preg, i hadnt bought a thing and only had a cot on lay-by which i wouldnt let DH pick up and bring to the house!

But as springy said in her post about perhaps being a better mum because of the lttc and struggle with ivf and infertility, i can say honestly that there really isnt a moment i dont cherish because of it. When you ladies get your BFP this month (which everyone will, no BFN's allowed here!), you will feel the same too, sleep deprivation, cracked nipples and teething barely even cause a ripple compared to doing IVF so in my opinion you are all doing the hard yards now!

 

[HuskyMomWI]

So today I went to Dr. and took my Lupron shot. Now I have to wait until Jan 20 to go for basline ultrasound and start stims. ugh it seems like forever...but I have been trying for years so now me saying three weeks is forever is laughable. I am so excited to be doing this but still trying to stay grounded because I am the type to start looking for cribs and mentally decorating a nursery, lol! I hope you ladies have a good evening and of course Im wishing BFP's for ALL of us!

The time will go faster than you think. When we were told in October that we had to wait until January for IVF it felt like FOREVER but it has gone very fast. Hang in there.


For you ladies talking about buying baby stuff. I have nothing. I can't bring myself to buy anything and probably won't until after the first 12 weeks. My parents have wanted to keep stuff here from my nieces where "this will be yours when you have a baby" but I told them no. It is too painful to look at that stuff and the thought of having reminders of my failure around is not good. I will wait until later in a pregnancy to buy stuff. Just my take.

Last BCP last night!!

 

[Springy]

Just to clarify ... I haven't actually bought anything baby related, other than the designer maternity jeans .... I just know what I want to buy and I won't be actually buying any of it till I am through the first 20 weeks of pregnancy WHEN that does happen

 

[Mrs. Bear]

Thanks for sharing your story Gracy - I think the more we can learn from each other both good and bad the better off we will all be FX one of those frosties is your lucky one Maybe since you are older now they won't fight you so much on transferring two


So exciting to hear that all of the baselines went well so far - yay for starting stims!

 

[pk2of8]

Princess, I was wondering about that!! (bleeding during baseline) af hasn't started for me yet but I'd be surprised if I don't start tomorrow morning. Eek!! Blech....I'm sure that's got to be gross for everybody involved. Well fxxx it'll hold off at least until after my baseline.

Mrs bear, I'd be surprised if we do less than 3 this time again. I think we just got so used to that concept last time...dh was SO cute talking about his potential mini platoon of 3 boys (we'd LOVE to have twin boys...dh, man that he is, wants all boys, but I'd love to see him with a little princess too ) in any case, as we've said...I guess we'll just have to wait til retrieval/transfer time to see what we get and then make a final decision.

As to the baby shopping, sometimes I look, but honestly it makes me depressed, so I don't do it very often. Ive had to buy SO MANY baby gifts and do so many showers since we started ttc, it's unreal. Especially after our first ivf attempt, doing the showers was especially hard and i just bawled on the way home each time. I agree with the jinxing feelings. I just can't bring myself to buy anything for us until we get out bfp....and then I will probably wait to at least 12 weeks before doing anything significant. I do have children from a previous relationship. My ex was abusive and after my youngest, I gave away EVERYTHING b/c I did not want any more children with him. But 11 years later, with my soulmate, and the most amazing husband in the world, and we may not have any babies together. Dh loves my children and that makes me love him more. But it's tragic.