Welcome to 'Trying To Conceive Over 35'

[alicatt]

I doubt it at day 11. I tested and it was negative

Sorry Sams Wait to see what tomorrow brings! PMA (positive mental attitude)!!

 

[never_give_up]

Sorry the tests are coming up negative Samsfan. I am still hoping the beta will give you a pleasant surprise tomorrow! Fingers crossed for you!!

Welcome MaButterfuly and LadyNat

LadyNat- I tend to agree with Alicatt

MaButterfly- I buy mine off the internet, but may try Alicatts

AFM- I have had a brown stain all day. It's now turned into a rose... This doesn't look good ladies. Tomorrow is test day... I guess its game over.

 

[Babywhisperer]

I doubt it at day 11. I tested and it was negative

I hope it's not af, but if it is I hope you consider switching things up and getting a second opinion. Dr Spandorfer at Cornell. I cannot endorse him or that practice enough! He's the only one I will ever go to if I have to for #2. I had a 10% chance with IUI and it happened the first time. Acupuncture increased those odds I'm sure, but that practice is a well oiled machine. And they have an office in Garden City.

Hang in there and keep us posted. Still crossing fingers!!

 

[alicatt]

So I had my first scan, and I have loads of follicles but they are not that big! They measured the biggest and it was only 4.6mm The FS was OK with this, since he was able to see at least 14 follicles all in the 2-5 range. Maybe my first scan this time was too early? He was happy, so I guess I should be too. This whole process is so worrisome!

Sams.. HUGS I hope that you got a pleasant surprise this morning. Thinking of you!

 

[Samsfan]

Alicatt. Dont worry. They follies will catch up!


Babywhisperer. I am definyely going to make my appointment with Cornell.

Afm. Its now obvious. It was negative. My AMH decreased. It is now .30. My embryos are to blame and nothing else. So my doc and I had a heart to heart. Im going into another round, I know I said tihis was his last chance, but I think he ubderstands my body and my issues and I he answers my calls and my emails. I am getting my second opinion from Cornell in the meantime. My doc is sending me for an endo biopsy. He recommended DHEA and hopefully it works in November. I hope I dont have to go to Cornell, but Im am taking them my records and will be prepared for them if this doesnt work.

Ladies you really made me feel loved. I feel like pooo. And I feel worse for my husband. I offered him a divorce so he can marry someone younger. He thinks Im crazy. Time for battle.

So I had my first scan, and I have loads of follicles but they are not that big! They measured the biggest and it was only 4.6mm The FS was OK with this, since he was able to see at least 14 follicles all in the 2-5 range. Maybe my first scan this time was too early? He was happy, so I guess I should be too. This whole process is so worrisome!

Sams.. HUGS I hope that you got a pleasant surprise this morning. Thinking of you!

 

[never_give_up]

Samsfan I am so sorry
Your post made me cry. I can relate to your situation as I have been through it. I said the same thing to my husband that he could find a younger woman and he said that was nuts but the hormones do make us say crazy things.

I am glad you are going to try again. Never give up! Your dream will come true.

We ladies are all here for you

 

[alicatt]

Hi Sams..

Did you get your BETA results back? Was it negative? I ask because a lady on the IVF board I'm on had her OTD today too, and she's been bleeding the past 2 days, but her BETA came back at 14. They say anything above 5 is considered pregnant. Plus a BETA like that wouldn't show up on a HPT. She is very much in limbo, and the assumption is that its what they call a chemical pregnancy, but it could just be a late implanter, and they've told her to increase her progesterone and to keep the faith.

Here is an example of why we need to wait for the BETA!

I'm glad that you have talked with your FS and have a positive outlook as to what you should do, but a second opinion is always helpful too.

Have you been taking the cocktail that they use at the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine? After my discussion with my FS several months ago he has done more research into 2 things I suggested for my protocol, and I almost laughed out loud when his physician assistant said to me, we are now adding in inositol at 2000mg and 400 mg of CoQ10 to our cocktail for women doing IVF. They also chose to add in lovenox for people with RPL (repeat pregnancy loss). Both of those things I specifically asked him about! So he went off and did the research and is now advocating for them with all of his patients! Anything you can do to improve the quality of your eggs!

I'm glad you are doing the endo biopsy, that will increase your fertility, and the tests will show if you are receptive too!

Have you been tested for clotting disorders and immunological disorders?

I'm so sorry that it didn't work this time, but practice makes perfect!

 

[Samsfan]

Thanks so much for your encouragement~~~Chantal, I didn't mean to make you cry. I'm sorry it hasn't happened for you yet. This is an awful feeling.

Alicatt- They didn't give me a beta. He just said sorry your test was negative. I am not so sure I want to do the endo biopsy. I'm pretty sure its the quality of my eggs. They were a 3 grade. I have not tested for immune disorders, that is my next step.

I am taking the following as per your lead

2000 mg Vitamin D
400 mg Coq10
3 mg Melatonin at night
2000 mg inositol
Vitamin C
L-arginternine sp
Omega 3
25 mg DHEA 3x a day as per doctor - I bought a DHEA complex by accident it contains Vitamin E 25 mg and Cohort
My prenatal vitamin
Royal Jelly morning and night

Is there anything else I should add? Long way since I got on the board huh?

I do my acupuncture 3 times a week. So what else can I do?

 

[Samsfan]

Oh and I am doing a natural IUI cycle this month while I get ready for IVF. I know it might not make sense, but it gives me a 3 percent more chance than if I dont do IUI. Thoughts?

 

[Babywhisperer]

Oh and I am doing a natural IUI cycle this month while I get ready for IVF. I know it might not make sense, but it gives me a 3 percent more chance than if I dont do IUI. Thoughts?

Good to hear you are doing everything to maximize your chances. And even happier you will get a second opinion at Cornell. Acupuncture is amazing and ask them what else you can take. I took a gross powder mixed with water 5 times a day it was some herbs designed for fertility. And rest, try not to stress, do some walking to increase circulation and stay hydrated.

Ali stay positive girl. Slow and steady wins the race.

Hi Chantal, glad to hear you're doing DE. My friend had her twin boys that way and they are ecstatic.

Afm, I had a dr appt since I was cramping. I've been told I'm over doing it with my move and need to stop lifting and rest, hydrate, and take it easy. There is so much to do still though! We need 3 rugs, closet organizers for 3 closets, paint 2 rooms, my shower on 15th, and finally unpack all my clothes. I've unpacked what fits but everything else is in boxes. They monitored me and baby today, I'm not dilated, no contractions, baby's heartbeat is strong and he is very active. I go back Thursday for my 32 week scan. Sleeping is becoming difficult as I wake up with pain in the hip I'm laying on and I'm peeing 5x a night. Long gone are the days of a solid 8!

 

[Samsfan]

So Im toying with going right back into an ivf cycle. I dont want to wait. I emailed my RE to see if he can manage a new protocol. Meanwhile Ill get ready in case I need a new doc.

Oh and I am doing a natural IUI cycle this month while I get ready for IVF. I know it might not make sense, but it gives me a 3 percent more chance than if I dont do IUI. Thoughts?

Good to hear you are doing everything to maximize your chances. And even happier you will get a second opinion at Cornell. Acupuncture is amazing and ask them what else you can take. I took a gross powder mixed with water 5 times a day it was some herbs designed for fertility. And rest, try not to stress, do some walking to increase circulation and stay hydrated.

Ali stay positive girl. Slow and steady wins the race.

Hi Chantal, glad to hear you're doing DE. My friend had her twin boys that way and they are ecstatic.

Afm, I had a dr appt since I was cramping. I've been told I'm over doing it with my move and need to stop lifting and rest, hydrate, and take it easy. There is so much to do still though! We need 3 rugs, closet organizers for 3 closets, paint 2 rooms, my shower on 15th, and finally unpack all my clothes. I've unpacked what fits but everything else is in boxes. They monitored me and baby today, I'm not dilated, no contractions, baby's heartbeat is strong and he is very active. I go back Thursday for my 32 week scan. Sleeping is becoming difficult as I wake up with pain in the hip I'm laying on and I'm peeing 5x a night. Long gone are the days of a solid 8!

 

[alicatt]

Sams.. I'm taking a few other things, not sure how they help or if they help at all?

Vitamin B12
Maca Root

I think you're on the right track for your next options. Just make sure that you have an Antral follicle count before you head into the next cycle.

AFM.. I had my next US this morning and I have 12 follicles that we could see, and they were between 7-9 mm. So we are making progress!

I have a monster headache now, going to bed.

 

[brighteyez73]

Wow Babywhisperer, they are really not helping you out at work at all. You would think they would pitch in more so you could get some days to pack and move! That must have been scarey falling, even on your side. I am glad you were able to break your fall and you and baby are doing good.

stalking for updates from you Samsfan. In a couple days you will be able to test How are you feeling? Hope that you are thinking positive thoughts!

brighteyez- how was your sonogram on Wednesday?

My sonogram went well we saw the baby's heartbeat. But I have been bleeding since Monday and they have no reason why. My BETAHCG levels are up and looking good as of Monday it was 16618.10. They rechecked it today but I didn't get the results yet. I am on bed rest for a week so I am waiting to see what happens. Really scared

 

[Babywhisperer]

Wow Babywhisperer, they are really not helping you out at work at all. You would think they would pitch in more so you could get some days to pack and move! That must have been scarey falling, even on your side. I am glad you were able to break your fall and you and baby are doing good.

stalking for updates from you Samsfan. In a couple days you will be able to test How are you feeling? Hope that you are thinking positive thoughts!

brighteyez- how was your sonogram on Wednesday?

My sonogram went well we saw the baby's heartbeat. But I have been bleeding since Monday and they have no reason why. My BETAHCG levels are up and looking good as of Monday it was 16618.10. They rechecked it today but I didn't get the results yet. I am on bed rest for a week so I am waiting to see what happens. Really scared

Sounds good so far, and some women bleed in the beginning with no explanation. Are you on progesterone supplements? I would ask for them if not.

I'm home resting too. Worked from my couch and still had some cramping. Hope it subsides by tomorrow since I plan to go back to work and have my sono at 5:15. I'm eager to see how big they think baby is.

Sorry for the headache Ali, rest, hydrate and maybe out some eucalyptus oil on your temples. Or better yet treat yourself to a massage!

 

[brighteyez73]

Wow Babywhisperer, they are really not helping you out at work at all. You would think they would pitch in more so you could get some days to pack and move! That must have been scarey falling, even on your side. I am glad you were able to break your fall and you and baby are doing good.

stalking for updates from you Samsfan. In a couple days you will be able to test How are you feeling? Hope that you are thinking positive thoughts!

brighteyez- how was your sonogram on Wednesday?

My sonogram went well we saw the baby's heartbeat. But I have been bleeding since Monday and they have no reason why. My BETAHCG levels are up and looking good as of Monday it was 16618.10. They rechecked it today but I didn't get the results yet. I am on bed rest for a week so I am waiting to see what happens. Really scared

Sounds good so far, and some women bleed in the beginning with no explanation. Are you on progesterone supplements? I would ask for them if not.

I'm home resting too. Worked from my couch and still had some cramping. Hope it subsides by tomorrow since I plan to go back to work and have my sono at 5:15. I'm eager to see how big they think baby is.

Sorry for the headache Ali, rest, hydrate and maybe out some eucalyptus oil on your temples. Or better yet treat yourself to a massage!

No progesterone but I will ask them tomorrow about it. I hope my baby is ok!!

 

[alicatt]

BrightEyez.. sounds promising! But definitely get some progesterone supplementation, especially since your progesterone has been on the low side.

BABYW.. sounds like you need to rest! Take it easy!

AFM.. I'm in bed with my heating pad, and have a massage scheduled dog tomorrow. Hopefully I can lie on my belly, my ovaries feel like they might explode!

 

[Samsfan]

brighteyez get the progesterone...and it is common to spot in the beginning... Sending you well wishes

babyw- Take it easy please.... You need your rest.

alicatt- told you those follies would grow.... what day on you on? You sound like you are doing just fine. Nourish yourself. Tell your mom to make you some chicken soup. Its good for hydration and your follies. I also ordered the maca. I'm going to put them in my shakes in the am.

afm- I am going to follow alicatt's advice and get the antral follicle count... My meds will be here on Friday. The clinic has some for me to start. AF just started setting in..so looks like I will probably start stimming soon. Alicatt- I also have a pounding headache.

 

[Pascy1]

Hi There
I was wondering if anyone can enlighten me somewhat as I had my first IVF talk in Heidelberg (I live in Germany) and need some answers!! I am turned 40 in June and have had all tests done; hormones are in order as are my ovaries, lots of eggs thankfully and I get my periods regularly and always have. To cut a long story short, all is fine with me. My husband on the other hand has 'deformed' sperm heads hence the IVF. Now, they only offered me the option of the nose spray to stop my periods and 10 days of injections to ensure ample quality eggs and liquidity. I am somewhat against this as I have read about the 'mild' or IVF Lite treatment which is less invasive and it means that I am not messing up what has been 'til now a perfectly good cycle. I have read the disadvantages of taking the hormones and messing with your system, as well as all the risks involved (OHSS). Also, the reviews of some women are pretty scarey! Is there anyone out there that can shed some light for me?? I am supposed to start the nose spray next wednesday and am consulting with my Gyny tomorrow and will call the clinic of course but am not expecting many answers from them! It is a business and that was the feeling I got when she spoke of the pre-med costs. (she even mentioned I could drive to France where the hormone injections are cheaper!!) I am lucky to say that money is not a factor, it's about my body and I will only do this once and want to get it right from the onset. Whatever way I chose and it works, fantastic but I want to be sure it's the right way. Thanks for any replies and experiences.

 

[alicatt]

Hi There
I was wondering if anyone can enlighten me somewhat as I had my first IVF talk in Heidelberg (I live in Germany) and need some answers!! I am turned 40 in June and have had all tests done; hormones are in order as are my ovaries, lots of eggs thankfully and I get my periods regularly and always have. To cut a long story short, all is fine with me. My husband on the other hand has 'deformed' sperm heads hence the IVF. Now, they only offered me the option of the nose spray to stop my periods and 10 days of injections to ensure ample quality eggs and liquidity. I am somewhat against this as I have read about the 'mild' or IVF Lite treatment which is less invasive and it means that I am not messing up what has been 'til now a perfectly good cycle. I have read the disadvantages of taking the hormones and messing with your system, as well as all the risks involved (OHSS). Also, the reviews of some women are pretty scarey! Is there anyone out there that can shed some light for me?? I am supposed to start the nose spray next wednesday and am consulting with my Gyny tomorrow and will call the clinic of course but am not expecting many answers from them! It is a business and that was the feeling I got when she spoke of the pre-med costs. (she even mentioned I could drive to France where the hormone injections are cheaper!!) I am lucky to say that money is not a factor, it's about my body and I will only do this once and want to get it right from the onset. Whatever way I chose and it works, fantastic but I want to be sure it's the right way. Thanks for any replies and experiences.

Hi Pascy,

I'm not familiar with the nose spray, that is something that must be a European thing. I have done 2 IVFs and am doing my 3rd one right now. There are advantages to doing the full IVF vs. the IVF lite. The main reason to do the full IVF is to gather as many eggs as you can at one time. With IVF lite you may have to try several IVFs to get enough eggs before it works, since you'll probably only get 1-2 eggs. I'm around the same age as you, and was 39 for my first IVF, 40 for my second and just turned 41 for my 3rd. I was very lucky with a full IVF to get 2 blasts from the first IVF (bad sperm was an issue), the second IVF I got 6 blasts and hopefully I'll get as many this time around. The thing is that with IVF lite you may only get 1-2 eggs, and if your husbands sperm is not top notch, or they don't select the best ones for ICSI (where they inject the sperm into the egg), you may not have any embryos to transfer. Blastocysts by the way are 5 day embryos, and are typically better than 3 day embryos, but there is a lot of controversy about which is better to transfer. So I'll just say, follow your Dr's suggestions there.
So long story short, if you want to do many IVFs with low meds, then IVF lite is for you. If you want to do only 1-2 IVFs then a full IVF is the way to go.
One other thing I will say is that just because your body has lots of follicles and you are ovulating normally doesn't mean your egg quality is good. You may find that your eggs have chromosomal issues, which makes getting pregnant at 40 more difficult even if everything looks good! I'm in that category, everything looks good, I get lots of eggs (17 the last IVF) and great embryos, but they don't stick! I finally had one stick last cycle and I lost it at 7-8 weeks

I hope I've helped, its a pretty complicated subject and without trying an IVF you really won't know how your body responds, or how bad your husbands sperm really are. Best of luck!

 

[Katie8374]

Hi everyone Just wanted to say hello and introduce myself. I am turning 39 in a couple of weeks, and DH is 33. I am a Banker and he is a Mechanical Engineer. We currently live on the Oklahoma/Texas border along with our three cats and two horses. I have had two kids naturally from a previous marriage who are now ages 20 and 15. The 20 year-old is away at college and the 15 year-old is currently aspiring to marry one of the members of One Direction.

DH and I have dated for 3 years, and just recently married. We always knew we wanted a child - especially since he has no children of his own and has always wanted to be a Dad.

I have never charted before and never used an OPK, but since we have decided to actively begin TTC this month I am getting right on it