Welcome to 'Trying To Conceive Over 35'

[alicatt]

Why did your doc have to dilate you btw? Was he just checking stuff out or what? Will you stay dilated until ER?

My mom wonders at my perseverance and toughness all the time. She is always telling me how proud she is of me. That certainly helps me keep going!!!

The surgery on Friday was to dilate my cervix. He did it so the embryo transfer would go smoothly. From what I have read, the insertion of the catheter for the embryo transfer has to be as gentle and smooth as possible. The slightest ripple of movement of the uterus can cause it to spasm, and that is very bad for your chances of implantation. So by making the opening in my cervix wider and more accessible it will make the ET go much better. The studies that are out there say that doing the dilation can up your chances as much as 50%, or from 20% to 40% success. I'm still not clear as to what he did up there, did he cut it or stretch it? That I really don't know! Definitely something I'm going to ask when I see him on Tuesday (I wasn't exactly in the shape to ask him after the procedure on Friday). All I remember him saying is that it was a success! Apparently in my foggy state that was enough

 

[Grey Eyes]

Why did your doc have to dilate you btw? Was he just checking stuff out or what? Will you stay dilated until ER?

My mom wonders at my perseverance and toughness all the time. She is always telling me how proud she is of me. That certainly helps me keep going!!!

The surgery on Friday was to dilate my cervix. He did it so the embryo transfer would go smoothly. From what I have read, the insertion of the catheter for the embryo transfer has to be as gentle and smooth as possible. The slightest ripple of movement of the uterus can cause it to spasm, and that is very bad for your chances of implantation. So by making the opening in my cervix wider and more accessible it will make the ET go much better. The studies that are out there say that doing the dilation can up your chances as much as 50%, or from 20% to 40% success. I'm still not clear as to what he did up there, did he cut it or stretch it? That I really don't know! Definitely something I'm going to ask when I see him on Tuesday (I wasn't exactly in the shape to ask him after the procedure on Friday). All I remember him saying is that it was a success! Apparently in my foggy state that was enough

Are you talking about the cervix? I think he wouldn't cut or stretch but just edge it open. It stays that way for a time I think. When I had to have a d&c back in November 2011 they had to forcibly dilate that way and I was told the same--no baths, no et cetera as the cervix stays open for some time after. It slowly closes. So just a matter of them inserting a small device and cranking you open basically.

How long will you stay in hospital after you ET? No jumping up and down! lol! Much as you may want to!

Reminds me- during my mc in November the doctor oncall to the ER was told via telephone with my reg doctor to "check my cervix" to make certain no blockage, etc. What he did was prop my hips up on a bed pan and shine alight in there! Then he inserted that stupid duckbill thing they use during papsmears. Sonofa B!did that hurt! Plus I was cramping so bad...Well, my behavior was not what he anticipated and he snaps to attention in front of me, jams his hands on his hips and demands nastily "Well you're just miserable as can be down there aren't you?!!" I felt like kicking his face then saying I was having a picnic! Anyway, then upon closer inspection he gets all embarassed and mumbles "oops...I have it in upside down..."

 

[alicatt]

Why did your doc have to dilate you btw? Was he just checking stuff out or what? Will you stay dilated until ER?

My mom wonders at my perseverance and toughness all the time. She is always telling me how proud she is of me. That certainly helps me keep going!!!

The surgery on Friday was to dilate my cervix. He did it so the embryo transfer would go smoothly. From what I have read, the insertion of the catheter for the embryo transfer has to be as gentle and smooth as possible. The slightest ripple of movement of the uterus can cause it to spasm, and that is very bad for your chances of implantation. So by making the opening in my cervix wider and more accessible it will make the ET go much better. The studies that are out there say that doing the dilation can up your chances as much as 50%, or from 20% to 40% success. I'm still not clear as to what he did up there, did he cut it or stretch it? That I really don't know! Definitely something I'm going to ask when I see him on Tuesday (I wasn't exactly in the shape to ask him after the procedure on Friday). All I remember him saying is that it was a success! Apparently in my foggy state that was enough

Are you talking about the cervix? I think he wouldn't cut or stretch but just edge it open. It stays that way for a time I think. When I had to have a d&c back in November 2011 they had to forcibly dilate that way and I was told the same--no baths, no et cetera as the cervix stays open for some time after. It slowly closes. So just a matter of them inserting a small device and cranking you open basically.

How long will you stay in hospital after you ET? No jumping up and down! lol! Much as you may want to!

Reminds me- during my mc in November the doctor oncall to the ER was told via telephone with my reg doctor to "check my cervix" to make certain no blockage, etc. What he did was prop my hips up on a bed pan and shine alight in there! Then he inserted that stupid duckbill thing they use during papsmears. Sonofa B!did that hurt! Plus I was cramping so bad...Well, my behavior was not what he anticipated and he snaps to attention in front of me, jams his hands on his hips and demands nastily "Well you're just miserable as can be down there aren't you?!!" I felt like kicking his face then saying I was having a picnic! Anyway, then upon closer inspection he gets all embarassed and mumbles "oops...I have it in upside down..."

Yep, that sounds about right. He said it would last for about 6 months. So I guess he just stretched it? Man.. I can't believe that he put the thing in upside down, no wonder it was hurting!!! That is crazy

 

[TerriLou]

Well, hello again ladies, wow, so much goes on here when I have my little weekends away.

I'm working from home again today and we have nothing to do, so I thought I'd catch up on here.

Coy, its getting so close now, only a few weeks away. I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. I can kind of understand her mind, only because I saw my Sister go through it for a while. Her Boyfriend of that time was beating her up. I didn't know, but I went out to Holland to visit her and one time, he started thrashing at her, knocked her down. I went over to see if she was ok, which in hindsight wasn't a good thing as he pulled me off her, threw me on the floor, kicked me in the stomach and in my face. I was visiting them while playing in a band concert with a couple of friends, so I phoned one of them, who came to get me and I stayed the rest of the holiday with her. I went to the doctors, but as I wouldn't press charges, they wouldn't treat me, just cleaned me up a bit. My Sister wouldn't leave him and I was too scared of what he would do to her to press charges. Well, she married him 6 months later and I didn't speak to her until their baby was 1 year old. I went out to visit them and I was with my Hubby then, so he came with me. My sister said he didn't do it anymore, though Ian and I thought otherwise. A few months later, I had a few telephone conversations with my Sister, she went into a home for battered Wives and I managed to get her back home to us in the UK. She's never had much luck with men, but she was petrified to leave that one for what he could do to her and my Neice. My Neice has asked me loads of times what her Dad was like and I have to keep telling her I didn't really know him. It must be horrible to be that scared to leave a relationship.

I had one ex kick me when I refused to iron his clothes, so I hit him with the iron and ran out. Never saw or heard from him again.

Ali, glad the procedure went well for you, I really hope this cycle is successful for you, you deserve this so much after all the time and money you've spent, it really is time you could start baking a wonderful bundle or two.............

AFM, I went diving on Saturday, only did the one dive as I felt a bit woosy afterwards. I started to get really achy during the afternoon and yesterday I felt like a lump. I felt really bad and just slept in the car while Ian went diving with our friends. There is a place in the quarry where we dive, its a training platform, only a few metres deep, where people have put things, like an old laptop, a couple of garden gnomes and some wall plaques and trophies, so on Saturday, when feeding the fish, which we always do, Ian decided to use a dish, cup, knife, fork and spoon. He put the sweetcorn in the dish and the fish went mad for it. The crockery and cutlery is there now for people to play with. He said when he went in yesterday, someone had stacked them all up neatly. Its really funny what people do under water.

Still no ovulation yet. Looking back at the FF stats, my average cycle is 42 days, ovulating on cd34. As I'm on cd32, hopefully it'll happen soon. I feel better today, so maybe some this evening for us. (if we're not too tired) Hubby is teaching diving in a pool tonight for the first part of his DiveMaster course, so we'll be out really late.

Well, that was a lot of waffle about nothing!

Hope you ladies are all well.

Jess, Angel, Twotogo, Babywhisperer, GN, FirstTry, TMM, everyone else,

to you all

 

[Babywhisperer]

Why did your doc have to dilate you btw? Was he just checking stuff out or what? Will you stay dilated until ER?

My mom wonders at my perseverance and toughness all the time. She is always telling me how proud she is of me. That certainly helps me keep going!!!

The surgery on Friday was to dilate my cervix. He did it so the embryo transfer would go smoothly. From what I have read, the insertion of the catheter for the embryo transfer has to be as gentle and smooth as possible. The slightest ripple of movement of the uterus can cause it to spasm, and that is very bad for your chances of implantation. So by making the opening in my cervix wider and more accessible it will make the ET go much better. The studies that are out there say that doing the dilation can up your chances as much as 50%, or from 20% to 40% success. I'm still not clear as to what he did up there, did he cut it or stretch it? That I really don't know! Definitely something I'm going to ask when I see him on Tuesday (I wasn't exactly in the shape to ask him after the procedure on Friday). All I remember him saying is that it was a success! Apparently in my foggy state that was enough

Are you talking about the cervix? I think he wouldn't cut or stretch but just edge it open. It stays that way for a time I think. When I had to have a d&c back in November 2011 they had to forcibly dilate that way and I was told the same--no baths, no et cetera as the cervix stays open for some time after. It slowly closes. So just a matter of them inserting a small device and cranking you open basically.

How long will you stay in hospital after you ET? No jumping up and down! lol! Much as you may want to!

Reminds me- during my mc in November the doctor oncall to the ER was told via telephone with my reg doctor to "check my cervix" to make certain no blockage, etc. What he did was prop my hips up on a bed pan and shine alight in there! Then he inserted that stupid duckbill thing they use during papsmears. Sonofa B!did that hurt! Plus I was cramping so bad...Well, my behavior was not what he anticipated and he snaps to attention in front of me, jams his hands on his hips and demands nastily "Well you're just miserable as can be down there aren't you?!!" I felt like kicking his face then saying I was having a picnic! Anyway, then upon closer inspection he gets all embarassed and mumbles "oops...I have it in upside down..."

I would have kicked him in the groin and asked hoe he was doing "down there"? I had a d&c in Feb for a uterine polyp that was causing spotting. Not a fun procedure, but he said when the scrape the next few months you are more likely to implant b/c it's a smoother surface. We'll see.

I love how healthy you are! Especially with how much you have to juggle!!

Afm I'm cd20, got my darker test line on cd11 and the morning of 12 so I think I'm probably about 7dpo. We cleaned the house yesterday, I was at it for 4hrs, even took a toothbrush to the grout of the shower! I vacuumed, dusted, moped, and scrubbed everything! I was wiped afterwards, but the satisfaction of a super clean house is awesome. Hubbs was a huge help too. We went to see the Campaign with Will Ferrell and Zach Galiafinakis, it was super silly and I laughed a lot. I was asleep by 12 and up at 9...felt glorious. No symptoms so far, bbs are slightly tender but I'm thinking nothing of it as I'm 8 days away from when AF is due on cd28 and sometimes they get tender way beforehand.

How is everyone doing? Coy, Jess, Ali??

 

[Grey Eyes]

Terri- I know, there are some women so petrified of what will happen if they leave...In my case (years ago) it was my first ever BF so I was enamoured by the idea iykwim? After a couple of months of being nice when he changed I thought it was something I did. Turns out- I just didn't know him at all. A lot of that going on these days

Glad you are feeling better! Hopefully get some bd'ing in if your not too tired I am trying to remember if you mentioned talking to your doc about trying to shorten your cycle length?

Babywhisperer- boy I WANTED to kick him in the groin but was in too much pain. Jerk LOL! Anyways...I can't believe it only took you 4 hours to clean your house! I have been at mine for weks but having a tough time keeping up with two very messy girls...Take the other day for instance. I had errands to run and when I got home dh (thinking he was being helpful ) allowed them to pick a snack to munch on in their room while watching cartoons. Yeah. So he got them a huge plate of dried cereal! I guess he didn't realize I had forbade this in their room altogether. Well, 30 minutes of shaking and vaccuming later I was still steamed! They literally threw it everywhere Why do children do such things? Or scrambled eggs stuck to the kitchen floor under the table....My oldest is just 7 and going through a very lazy streak--she likes to hide her dirty clothes instead of putting them in the hamper . So after about a week of my hunting for them she has nothing to wear

 

[alicatt]

I love how healthy you are! Especially with how much you have to juggle!!

Afm I'm cd20, got my darker test line on cd11 and the morning of 12 so I think I'm probably about 7dpo. We cleaned the house yesterday, I was at it for 4hrs, even took a toothbrush to the grout of the shower! I vacuumed, dusted, moped, and scrubbed everything! I was wiped afterwards, but the satisfaction of a super clean house is awesome. Hubbs was a huge help too. We went to see the Campaign with Will Ferrell and Zach Galiafinakis, it was super silly and I laughed a lot. I was asleep by 12 and up at 9...felt glorious. No symptoms so far, bbs are slightly tender but I'm thinking nothing of it as I'm 8 days away from when AF is due on cd28 and sometimes they get tender way beforehand.

How is everyone doing? Coy, Jess, Ali??

I love how healthy Coy is too! She is super woman!!! I hope I can be as good a mom and provider to my family when I have a family.

It sounds like Labor day weekend is the weekend to clean and get things back into order. Sounds like you and your DH accomplished a lot yesterday. Don't you just love a clean house! To me it is like my mind is no longer cluttered, I feel so free (am I crazy?) I have a cleaning lady that comes bi-weekly on Wednesdays, so I don't really need to clean all that much , but I do have and and my quest to get the clutter out of my house! That is my biggest priority right now. To go through each and every closet and cupboard and get rid of the excess (donate or trash). I have far too much stuff for a single woman!

Well its noon here, and I have done next to nothing.. checked my email, ate brunch, fed and watered dogs. That is the extent of my day thus far. I need to clean up, run out and get some groceries and fill my Rx's that my FS gave me. He has prescribed me Valium, Vivelle, Medrol and Doxycycline. The valium is probably for the embryo transfer day, but if I take it I will need someone to drive to/from the procedure. The vivelle is an estrogen patch that I will be using after the egg retrieval. The medrol and doxycycline are to be used after the egg retrieval. The medrol is a steroid that is supposed to keep the swelling down, and the doxycycline is an antibiotic to make sure I don't have any infections from the procedure. WHEW.. that is a lot of stuff in addition to the menopur, bravelle, ganirelix, hCG, and progesterone. I swear I'm a walking pharmacy complete with a pin cushion!

I'm debating buying some capris when I'm out running errands. I'm torn because I feel like if I buy clothes (pants especially) right now, that I will grow out of them pretty quickly if I'm pregnant. The thing is that I've been saying that for months now and haven't bought any clothes since May. I'm particularly short on capris (what I wear to work as we have a casual office). Would you go out and get new pants or would you wait? Bear in mind I was going to go to Bealls (kinda like Kohl's) and I could probably get a pair of capris for $20-30, maybe even less!

 

[alicatt]

I just love the internet sometimes to the rescue! So apparently down regulation (turning off the pituitary gland) can be done in 2 ways. You can do it before you start stimming, or you can do it as part of the stimming process. We are doing the latter and will use ganirelix to prevent ovulation. So now I can stop stressing about missing a step

Can I just say that IVF is a wild and wonderful process, but it kind of scares the crap out of me

 

[Grey Eyes]

Ali- def go get the capris!! Capris must be to you what jeans are to me-- I am dying to buy a pair of jeans right now but I nkow it would be just a few short weeks then they'd never fit me again But it counts for a lot to feel good about yourself and that includes image. So go pick out an awesome pair!

Re: your comment "That is my biggest priority right now. To go through each and every closet and cupboard and get rid of the excess (donate or trash). " Ahem. You want I should come over? LOL! Sorting and throwing is my current specialty! I love throwing stuff away. The other day when dh came back from hauling a truckload to the local dump I was a bit peeved that he BROUGHT STUFF BACK with him So I just break everything now So satisfying!

K. Today is crunch time, gotta get my assignment done. I diid a ton of research last night though, so shouldn't be too bad. Therapy is not my fortay (sp) I'd rather do a paper on hardened criminals But therapy has a lot to do with rehabilitation, I know, I know...So get down and study, right?! And I have to stop looking for distractions.........

Btw..pet peeve of the day : Someone forces you to constantly repeat something that "they didn't hear" the first 4 times. When you raise your voice they get offended and snap "Don't yell at me!"

Guess I'll go get a pen and pad and write it out next time...sheesh...lool!

 

[Grey Eyes]

I just love the internet sometimes to the rescue! So apparently down regulation (turning off the pituitary gland) can be done in 2 ways. You can do it before you start stimming, or you can do it as part of the stimming process. We are doing the latter and will use ganirelix to prevent ovulation. So now I can stop stressing about missing a step

Can I just say that IVF is a wild and wonderful process, but it kind of scares the crap out of me

Wow, it scares the crap out of me too...I don't know what stimming is..... But sounds like you are getting an understanding of the process! LOL at feeling like a walking pharmacy! Still- this will very likely result in you having one or more babies (oooohhh!!! ) so I am seriously crossing everything now! I'm even gonna cross my eyes I can't wait for your results. So if all goes as planned (I understand it is a tentatively made schedule) when would be your 1dpo??? Or not sure yet? If you're not sure don't ry to figure it out or you may need that Valium now! Yes, def get someone to drive you!

 

[Grey Eyes]

WTH? My ticker says I am 33 weeks and 3 days...yesterday it said I was 33 weeks and 6 days! Am I regressing?

 

[alicatt]

Ali- def go get the capris!! Capris must be to you what jeans are to me-- I am dying to buy a pair of jeans right now but I nkow it would be just a few short weeks then they'd never fit me again But it counts for a lot to feel good about yourself and that includes image. So go pick out an awesome pair!

Re: your comment "That is my biggest priority right now. To go through each and every closet and cupboard and get rid of the excess (donate or trash). " Ahem. You want I should come over? LOL! Sorting and throwing is my current specialty! I love throwing stuff away. The other day when dh came back from hauling a truckload to the local dump I was a bit peeved that he BROUGHT STUFF BACK with him So I just break everything now So satisfying!

K. Today is crunch time, gotta get my assignment done. I diid a ton of research last night though, so shouldn't be too bad. Therapy is not my fortay (sp) I'd rather do a paper on hardened criminals But therapy has a lot to do with rehabilitation, I know, I know...So get down and study, right?! And I have to stop looking for distractions.........

Btw..pet peeve of the day : Someone forces you to constantly repeat something that "they didn't hear" the first 4 times. When you raise your voice they get offended and snap "Don't yell at me!"

Guess I'll go get a pen and pad and write it out next time...sheesh...lool!

Yes, capris are like your jeans. Basically what I wear everyday. Mostly because it is so hot down here. Maybe I will get some that are baggy on me now, that way I can wear them for a few months into my pregnancy. I just hate to buy clothes that will not fit me in a few months! But it is getting a little mission critical as I do need to have clothes to wear to work! Naked is not an option

Yes! Yes! Yes! Please come visit and help me sort through all the stuff I have. My Mom usually helps me, but she is much like your DH and can't part with anything! That is a great idea, if you break it then he won't bring it home! LOL! Course then you can't donate it either.

OHH.. and just for fun I took my fasting blood sugar this morning, I was kind of worried that I might be borderline diabetic, but it was a perfect 94. YAY! I've also finally quit smoking, double YAY! Now to tackle my less than perfect diet.

 

[alicatt]

I just love the internet sometimes to the rescue! So apparently down regulation (turning off the pituitary gland) can be done in 2 ways. You can do it before you start stimming, or you can do it as part of the stimming process. We are doing the latter and will use ganirelix to prevent ovulation. So now I can stop stressing about missing a step

Can I just say that IVF is a wild and wonderful process, but it kind of scares the crap out of me

Wow, it scares the crap out of me too...I don't know what stimming is..... But sounds like you are getting an understanding of the process! LOL at feeling like a walking pharmacy! Still- this will very likely result in you having one or more babies (oooohhh!!! ) so I am seriously crossing everything now! I'm even gonna cross my eyes I can't wait for your results. So if all goes as planned (I understand it is a tentatively made schedule) when would be your 1dpo??? Or not sure yet? If you're not sure don't ry to figure it out or you may need that Valium now! Yes, def get someone to drive you!

Stimming is the use of the drugs to stimulate the follicles. That is what I'm doing now with the menopur and bravelle.

I think that my ovulation day would be the day that they retrieve the eggs. They are tentatively saying that will happen next Tuesday. We'll know more when I go in tomorrow for my first scan and blood work to see how I'm progressing.

 

[FirstTry]

This will be a random post, but I'm so excited. I have EWCM for the first time! Only a little, but it's something. I wonder if it's the evening primrose oil or the B vitamins.

I hope this is the real deal. Heading home to see DH now

 

[Grey Eyes]

FirstTry- I have heard great things about both the Evening Primrose Oil and the Vitamin B, so keep taking both of them! I know, the first time I actually paid attention to my cycles I was amazed that I actually got ewcm LOL! Great sign for fertility, start bd'ing

 

[Grey Eyes]

Ali- thanks for the education! Stimming huh....makes sense I just didn't put it all together! And yeah, I guess when they retrieve your eggs would be Ov day. Ooohhh next Tuesday?~! Maybe I'll get to be a bnb Auntie soon!

Yes, take care of yourself- and kudos for quitting smoking ! My dh quit cold turkey and said that is the easiest way for him. his was years ago of course when prego with our first dd. Hm. Sounds like you already eat pretty healthy, a pizza obnce in a while is okay, just not all the time (that;'s what I tell my girls ) Take me for instance. Guess what I had for lunch? Yep. I am ashamed. ...A bacon sandwich. I very rarely eat bacon but when I do...I do. LOL! I just hit the button once in a while.

 

[Grey Eyes]

Jess~~ where are you?

 

[Grey Eyes]

Ali- so are you going to wait to chart? Makes sense I guess with all the stuff you are having to take.

 

[Grey Eyes]

My girls There they are in their princess dresses right? With their hair all fixed and looking gorgeous and what do they do? You guessed it. They come dragging a snake into the house! And it pooped everywhere (I guess snakes poop ) They were arguing over who got to hold it LOL! Anyway I made them take it back outside and put it down on the rocks and grass. And go wash.

 

[Grey Eyes]

Isn't it weird how other people can just totally blow your concentration and mood with hardly no effort at all? Here I am struggling with my own exhaustion issues, I'm feeling okay, I am slamming out my assignment for school, got the girls munching on fruit and watching cartoons in the living room when dh walks into my office, blows out a hard sigh and exclaims "Man! I am just BEAT!" and I feel like wilting. I think because, in looking closer at it, if I feel like if he is not feeling strong then I feel like I am the only one everyone can rely on. When I need him to take care of the girls for a while shhh: quietly) and he is being all tired and exhausted and frustrated it's like I can't focus. Cause then the girls sense our weaknesses (yes, children are like wild animals ) and they take advantage by getting rowdy and demanding and start running in and out of my office wanting stuff, fighting over toys, and being butt-pains I have kicked them all out now and am back to my focus.....Incidentally I am studying therapy today LOL!