TTC for 3.5 years - currently on second round of IVF

[jla018]

Hi, I am in the US and 31 years old. My husband is 5 years older and has a low sperm count.
We recently underwent out first round of IVF with ICSI and all 8 of my retrieved eggs arrested.
I am currently 2 days away from starting my Gonal-F shots (I am already on week 3 of my Lupron).
My next egg retrieval is tentatively the weekend of September 12.

My RE thinks that there is a good chance my eggs will not arrest this time, but I find it hard to stay hopeful.
The previous round/meds had me gain weight and were harsh on my gums. I also get hot-flashes and nausea.
Sometimes I wonder why I am doing this. It seems so easy for everyone else around me to get pregnant.
Every time I open Facebook another friend is announcing their good news.

I want to be hopeful, I really do, but it is hard and I don't really know anyone else who has personally gone through this.
My friends don't understand. They seem to think IVF is a magical miracle cure for infertility and don't understand my pain and frustration. I also constantly get told to consider adoption, because it is the right thing to do. It is, but, right now, it doesn't help to hear that or make it any easier.

Anyway, I joined this board to try to communicate with others experiencing the same trials and tribulations.
I am hoping we can share stories and provide support to each other.

Hope everyone else is well and thank you in advance for welcoming me!

[ginnymoorehead]

Hi! I can definitely relate. It does seem like there is a baby boom among all of my friends. Still, I am so sorry that you have to endure this. People, even those who love you and are well meaning, can be very insensitive. It seems like every family get-together involves at least once conversation about why I should adopt, as if it's such a simple process.

We are going to try IVF next year, after I've given my body a little time to recover from the past 4 years of treatments, drugs, and surgeries...

How is your cycle going?

[jla018]

Thanks Ginny. I can definitely understand taking a break. If this round doesn't work, we are waiting until next summer.

This round is making me sicker than last, as I am on different doses of the meds. I am also producing large follicles faster, which is a little worrisome, as I am hoping this doesn't lead to the eggs arresting again... My retrieval should be this weekend. Please wish me luck!

[margi26]

Welcome!!

You will find this board is filled with wonderful supportive women with lots of fabulous advice. I have only been on for a couple of months and already feel quite attached to a lot of the women that I have connected to here.

I'd suggest you go to the IVF board and join one of the threads--like the September group of something and join there. It is really wonderful to have others to follow along with you and share their experiences.

Best of luck this weekend with ER!! Take care of yourself...

[jla018]

Thanks for the support everyone! I had two good quality embryos transferred yesterday!
Wish me luck!

[margi26]

Jia--

How is it going? Are you going crazy during your 2ww???!!! Hopefully you are feeling peaceful and pregnant!!

[jla018]

Hi Margi,

My pregnancy test came back positive yesterday. I have another one on Thursday and depending on the results, an ultrasound around the 16th. Nervous, because I know the next few months are a crucial make or break time. Thanks for asking and please keep your fingers crossed!

-J

[margi26]

Jia!!!

Congratulations!!! Wahooo!!!! That is fabulous! What was your beta? You must be so excited ...I am so excited for you!!

It is so nice to hear wonderful results!!

Please take care of yourself---pamper yourself! And keep us posted...