Welcome to 'Trying To Conceive Over 35'

[alicatt]

OK I read the article and while it did talk about low BMI being a higher risk it also found that if you eat healthily and take supplements of folic acid then you can eliminate that risk almost entirely. I think advanced age is our greatest risk I worry so much that my embryos aren't healthy! Stressful!

I might know as soon as Monday when my FET is going to be! I'm happy and terrified at the same time

 

[never_give_up]

That is exciting Ali. Can't wait till Monday

Normal weight should be a BMI of 18.5–24.9
Mine is 17.1
I should be at least 105 pounds. That is what the doctor in Barbados always told me so she was right. I am 96 so I need to put on 9 pounds. I have been trying to add calories by eating lots of dried fruits and nuts. Tahini is high in calories so I made some hummus dip and added cream cheese to it. The problem is dh is always complaining that I am making him put on weight in the process. Can't win *sigh*

 

[never_give_up]

Your donor is considerably younger right? That is a good thing! I read that having a partner over 40 years old increases risk of miscarriage by 60%!

 

[alicatt]

That is exciting Ali. Can't wait till Monday

Normal weight should be a BMI of 18.5–24.9
Mine is 17.1
I should be at least 105 pounds. That is what the doctor in Barbados always told me so she was right. I am 96 so I need to put on 9 pounds. I have been trying to add calories by eating lots of dried fruits and nuts. Tahini is high in calories so I made some hummus dip and added cream cheese to it. The problem is dh is always complaining that I am making him put on weight in the process. Can't win *sigh*

Well just eat more!!! I can put 10 lbs on just looking at fattening food! I know, crazy! Have you had your thyroid checked? If you are hyperthyroid that could make it difficult for you to lose weight conversely if your DH has hypothyroidism then it could be part of the reason he is gaining weight? Or Low T?

Yes my donor was 30 this time around. Not super young, but young enough I hope!

 

[never_give_up]

I used to be hyperthyroid 12 years ago. OB did a complete thyroid levels check t3, t4 etc and everything was normal On my biological Mom's side of the family everyone is thin. They all had lots of babies though. My grandmother had 10 children. I have tried for 20 years to put on weight and I stay the same. If it wasn't for the grey hair and wrinkles I would think I am still 20.

Yes 30 is a good age

Dh was too skinny when I met him in 2005. He didn't cook and skipped alot of meals. He put on 20 pounds since then. Now he says I feed him too much and he does zero exercise.

 

[alicatt]

I used to be hyperthyroid 12 years ago. OB did a complete thyroid levels check t3, t4 etc and everything was normal On my biological Mom's side of the family everyone is thin. They all had lots of babies though. My grandmother had 10 children. I have tried for 20 years to put on weight and I stay the same. If it wasn't for the grey hair and wrinkles I would think I am still 20.

Yes 30 is a good age

Dh was too skinny when I met him in 2005. He didn't cook and skipped alot of meals. He put on 20 pounds since then. Now he says I feed him too much and he does zero exercise.

I'd get your thyroid checked again with your new FS. Mine did that as part of the routine blood work when I first saw him. Your TSH should be right around 2. A little above or a little below. Like between 1.5 and 2.5. Below 2 is better but slightly above is OK.

I just hope that this next cycle works

 

[never_give_up]

I am sure this cycle will work Ali since the doctors found out what was causing the implantation problem. This is your time! Isn't you birthday soon?

 

[Grey Eyes]

Chantal- I read the site you linked in your post about BMI. I certainly do not think the mc is your fault . But increasing your BMI is essential to your overall health yes. I wonder about mc's and BMI...when dh and I got married my bmi was approximately 17.5. I gained a few pounds (as per MW advice) and got preggo again....I love the bit about chocolate being good for you lol

Ali- yay for Monday! I hope its the news you want to hear Fx'd! I agree w/Chantal-I think this round is super positive!

Sams- where are you?

Babywhisperer--oh, what dpo are you? Can you yet? Hm, Easter Sunday......so....6dpo or thereabouts???

AFM- funny, I left msg. with our regular doctor yesterday. He actually responded today--on a Saturday I was stunned Anyway, he said he thought it might be tonsil stones, just never stated as such because T had a fever--he really should have said something. Re:Kat's heart murmur. He stated if he did notice it he failed to note simply because they are so common and 99% disappear w/maturity. Again- he should have said something! Argh!
My poor dd's After I cooked and cleaned the house I was starving. They hd been running, screaming, jumping, and mess making all day...so I made myself some chicken and green salad and kicked them out my living room Told them to "hush" for he next 40 minutes or so. That was really hard for them

 

[Samsfan]

Im right here...reading and observing. I went to the acupuncturist, did some spring cleaning and took a nap. Im bored!!!
And wish baby dust would catch all of you!

 

[Babywhisperer]

Chantal- I read the site you linked in your post about BMI. I certainly do not think the mc is your fault . But increasing your BMI is essential to your overall health yes. I wonder about mc's and BMI...when dh and I got married my bmi was approximately 17.5. I gained a few pounds (as per MW advice) and got preggo again....I love the bit about chocolate being good for you lol

Ali- yay for Monday! I hope its the news you want to hear Fx'd! I agree w/Chantal-I think this round is super positive!

Sams- where are you?

Babywhisperer--oh, what dpo are you? Can you yet? Hm, Easter Sunday......so....6dpo or thereabouts???

AFM- funny, I left msg. with our regular doctor yesterday. He actually responded today--on a Saturday I was stunned Anyway, he said he thought it might be tonsil stones, just never stated as such because T had a fever--he really should have said something. Re:Kat's heart murmur. He stated if he did notice it he failed to note simply because they are so common and 99% disappear w/maturity. Again- he should have said something! Argh!
My poor dd's After I cooked and cleaned the house I was starving. They hd been running, screaming, jumping, and mess making all day...so I made myself some chicken and green salad and kicked them out my living room Told them to "hush" for he next 40 minutes or so. That was really hard for them

Happy to hear that the Dr called you, it shouldn't be a 5 day a week job! Is parenting? What can they do about stones?

Melly, I am sorry about DH. You are no way too old. Look at Halle Berry!!!!! If the IUI doesn't work I will be doing IVF though as I am not getting any younger and if I hav a failed cycle or God forbid a mc, time is not on my side.
I'd alo like to have more than one child.

Ali, I am getting excited for you! I had cervical biopsies and they did hurt a little, but the HSG was so much worse. It will be fine. I wish I knew more about allergy meds and HBP, is there anything holistic to take?

Where's Angel??? Jess??

Hi Chantal, how are you doing my skinny bean. I know friends who have gained weights by drinking specific protein shakes, a lot of carbs and dairy. You could also take the 15-20 I need to lose, I wouldn't miss then a bit!

Afm I had the IUI on Sunday so does that make me 6dpiui if you count starting Monday? I'm getting used to the progesterone, but I do run out of steam early at night and seem more irritable. I was asleep by 11 last night, I forced myself to stay awake to watch a show with dh. I also slept until 10am which is unlike me...but there were at least 3 trips to the loo to pee, dam progesterone! I did have an increased libido starting today, am pretty hungry and craving carbs...I blame the progesterone again. I am not thinking anything is a bfp symptom as most on the IUI board swear they are prego and get AF...it's the progesterone I have accepted that. All I can do is wait until next weekend to test...testing starting any sooner than 10dpiui just seems like the road to disappointment paved with anxiety. I think that knowing my chances are only 10% has taken the edge off. Does that sound bad?

How's everyone's weekend? It's getting warmer here, only needed a light jacket today!

 

[alicatt]

I am sure this cycle will work Ali since the doctors found out what was causing the implantation problem. This is your time! Isn't you birthday soon?

Thanks! Yes I'm hopeful that the issue was the NK cells I'm also going to insist on AH (assisted hatching) I battled with my FS about that the first 2 IVFs and he kept telling me that if they make it to day 5 they will hatch, but I kept reading that if you are a smoker (and I was smoking through the first IVF and had only recently quit during the second), and if you were over 37 your zona pellucida(sp) was thicker and more difficult for the embryo to hatch. So if it wasn't the NK cells then I'm convinced they didn't hatch. So we stop the NK cells from attacking and use assisted hatching to help those embryos hatch out of the zona pellucida, we should be golden.

Nope not my birthday, mine is in October, turned 40 last October. It is Coy's shortly but I can't remember when? I know it is SOON.

 

[never_give_up]

Oh yes that is right it is Coy's birthday soon.

My RE used assisted hatching with me also during ivf. He did say that over 37 zona pellucida is thicker making it harder for the embryo to hatch. They were going to do it even if the embryos had made it to day 5. Hard to believe this time I got past day 5 naturally and even had implantation. I think our embryos are shy and like the privacy of my fallopian tubes and uterus lol

 

[alicatt]

Hey Everyone!!!

Coy - I swear you need to give yourself a break more than just once a week You are a miracle Mom! Super Mom! Your DD's are at ages now where they can go play QUIETLY on their own. Set them out at the table with some arts and crafts (but things they cannot use to destroy your house). Maybe get some big beads and some twine and let them make a necklace? Course you'd have to make sure that all the beads were picked up because that would be a choking hazard for Aeryn so maybe not. I'm sure you could find some cool things for them to do at the $$ Store. Do you have one of those? I love the one in Canada, the one we have down here is not as good. Anyway, the place in Canada is called Dollarama and OMG the deals and the kids crafts! Awesome!
Then once they are happily ensconced, go take a break and just ZEN for a while.

Sams - ya.. the period of time between IVFs you feel so helpless, or at loose ends. I felt the same way. I just wanted to get started again! Waiting was for the birds! Have you made an appt with your new FS yet? Have you discussed your options? Have they set you up for your cycle? Sometimes getting that all set helps, and hopefully before you know it you'll be cycling again If you are doing a cycle soon, we'll be cycling together YAY! I figure I'll get AF sometime next weekend, and I THINK that is when we'll start the real FET. I will know more on Monday as to whether we need to wait an extra month (I hope not).

BabyWhisperer - 10% is not great odds, but it is better than 0!!! I wouldn't count yourself out yet. It isn't over until the fat lady sings. If an egg was fertilized, it didn't even enter the uterus until yesterday, it is supposed to be hatching today and starting to implant today through Tuesday. Some make the trip a little faster and some a little slower, but the embryo doesn't grow faster it literally takes 5-6 days to become a blast and 6-7 days to hatch, so testing now would be pointless. The things that you want to be on the look out for are more subtle, like pinching in the uterus or the feeling like your uterus is stretching, those symptoms are possible as early as today or tomorrow, but again most women don't even feel them. The rest of the symptoms are masked by the progesterone. So testing before 8-9 DPO is too early, and very few will get a positive at 9 DPO, so if you want to save yourself the disappointment, then wait until 11-12 DPO. By then if the bean implanted you should have sufficient levels for a FRER (the first response early result) to give you a positive. Or if you want to just wait until your BETA, that works too. I'm leaning towards just waiting for BETA this next cycle. The knowledge that it didn't work I think caused my mood to be worse didn't help anything at all! FX'd that you get a BFP!!!

Angel - How are you feeling? We haven't seen a post recently.. Hoping things are going well at your Mom's and that your DH is starting to come around. Give us an update if you can, inquiring minds want to know how you are doing and feeling

AFM - went to the 'Delray Affair' with a friend today. It is an arts & crafts fair in the next town south of me (Delray Beach). They shut down the main drag and then all the exhibitors put up their tents along the avenue. It was fun, and I got a lot of cards from some fun artists that I would like to buy art from. Some were of local houses that are all Caribbean with the pink and yellow and shutters just so. The others I liked were of native marine, and birds, like turtles, manatee etc. The colors both artists used were fun! All bright pastels and their technique was fun as well. So I will check out their websites and see if I can't figure out what I want where. I'm still trying to decorate my family room, and then I want to move up to my spare bedroom and the guest bathroom upstairs. I think these prints would be fun up there!

After that we ran to the mall and now I'm home and I'm just BEAT. All that sun and walking and everything, I think I just want to go to bed It is only 7:40 here.. a little early yet The sun hasn't even set That is what progesterone does to me.

Tomorrow I need to get my gardening done, laundry done, and painting done. Plus run out to Kohl's and Michael's. I'm going to be a busy bee tomorrow How much do you want to bet that I sleep in and only get 1/2 of my chores/errands done? Naughty Ali!

 

[alicatt]

Oh yes that is right it is Coy's birthday soon.

My RE used assisted hatching with me also during ivf. He did say that over 37 zona pellucida is thicker making it harder for the embryo to hatch. They were going to do it even if the embryos had made it to day 5. Hard to believe this time I got past day 5 naturally and even had implantation. I think our embryos are shy and like the privacy of my fallopian tubes and uterus lol

HEHE shy embryos!! Too funny

Ya, it perplexes me why he didn't do the assisted hatching on me too, when everything I read stated that I needed it! They automatically do AH in a FET, and I'm going to put my foot down and insist if he tries to say otherwise. I'm just going to tell him to humor me! I am not wasting another embryo dammit My biggest fear now is that the 2 that were frozen together, only 1 will survive so to put 2 back we'll have to defrost the other 2 and then put 3 back and I'll end up with triplets I know I am probably worrying about nothing, but I still stress!

Oh, and the pain of the biopsy is synonymous with the HSG when there is a blockage. I'm told it won't last more than 10-20 seconds and hopefully less, but OUCH! I can do it. Deep breaths. Breathe INNNNN... Beathe OUUUUTTTT.

 

[Babywhisperer]

Oh yes that is right it is Coy's birthday soon.

My RE used assisted hatching with me also during ivf. He did say that over 37 zona pellucida is thicker making it harder for the embryo to hatch. They were going to do it even if the embryos had made it to day 5. Hard to believe this time I got past day 5 naturally and even had implantation. I think our embryos are shy and like the privacy of my fallopian tubes and uterus lol

HEHE shy embryos!! Too funny

Ya, it perplexes me why he didn't do the assisted hatching on me too, when everything I read stated that I needed it! They automatically do AH in a FET, and I'm going to put my foot down and insist if he tries to say otherwise. I'm just going to tell him to humor me! I am not wasting another embryo dammit My biggest fear now is that the 2 that were frozen together, only 1 will survive so to put 2 back we'll have to defrost the other 2 and then put 3 back and I'll end up with triplets I know I am probably worrying about nothing, but I still stress!

Oh, and the pain of the biopsy is synonymous with the HSG when there is a blockage. I'm told it won't last more than 10-20 seconds and hopefully less, but OUCH! I can do it. Deep breaths. Breathe INNNNN... Beathe OUUUUTTTT.

Well maybe take some comfort in the fact that I didn't have a blockage and the HSG hurt way more than the biopsies...and they took several. You will be fine...anticipation will be worse than the actual procedure. The fair sounds like fun.

Looks like dh and I will play some golf tomorrow. There are no carts yet so we will have to walk...is that too much to be doing?

 

[alicatt]

Well maybe take some comfort in the fact that I didn't have a blockage and the HSG hurt way more than the biopsies...and they took several. You will be fine...anticipation will be worse than the actual procedure. The fair sounds like fun.

Looks like dh and I will play some golf tomorrow. There are no carts yet so we will have to walk...is that too much to be doing?

Wait.. you've had a biopsy of your uterine lining? If so then cool, maybe it won't be that bad!! There have been a lot of women on the IVF threads that have made me worried. I hear it hurts like #$*&(#*$& for about 10-20 seconds then it stops and isn't too bad. After you might have some mild cramping and possibly a little spotting. I'm OK with the mild cramping and spotting, that doesn't sound too bad. Its the hurt like #$*&(*#&% that stresses me out! I know I can do it, but whenever I think about it, I start stressing.

 

[never_give_up]

Baby whisperer I agree, HSG was the most painful part of ivf for me too and they said I had no blockage.

Ali I am confused what do you mean by 2 that were frozen together, only 1 will survive? Didn't they Cryopreserve them in pairs so they could transfer them together?

 

[alicatt]

Baby whisperer I agree, HSG was the most painful part of ivf for me too and they said I had no blockage.

Ali I am confused what do you mean by 2 that were frozen together, only 1 will survive? Didn't they Cryopreserve them in pairs so they could transfer them together?

Chantal - yes they froze them in 2's. The issue is that not all embryos survive the freeze. On the IVF thread I read, it sounds like it is somewhat common that they won't survive the freeze. It is possible that 1 will, or both will or both won't.

I know you probably think I'm worrying about this now, but I guess I just think that I've had more trouble than I thought with trying to get pregnant, so if it can go wrong, it will! Once I get started and speak with my FS about all my concerns, AND get through Monday, I am sure I will feel a lot less stressed

 

[never_give_up]

Ali it is natural to worry but wait till Monday. Like you said I am sure you will feel better about everything. If by an unfortunate chance one doesn't survive the thaw, then you have other s so it will be alright.

 

[alicatt]

Ali it is natural to worry but wait till Monday. Like you said I am sure you will feel better about everything. If by an unfortunate chance one doesn't survive the thaw, then you have other s so it will be alright.

Thanks Chantal! Sometimes I get all stressed out about the little things. Like will I be able to cope as a single mom in her 40s? Will my embryos make it through the thaw? Will the IVIg crush my NK cells enough? It is enough to drive a sane person

I just read a great quote.. 'Looking ahead to bridges you may never have to cross could make you fall off the bridge you are on'

How fitting is that?

I'm extremely stuffed up, pollen levels are at their peak right now and I'm dying down here! Going to take some Benadryl and crash. I'm not taking anything else for my allergies after reading how harmful the other meds can be on your lining. Night