The 30-40 Group

[I-1-2-b-a-mum]

Hi ladies!…Nice to see more celebrity hounds out there -)..Few months ago, “people” magazine covered pregnant celebrities (I’m convinced those women are having children just because they know I can’t!) I was surprised to learn that before her 1st child, Brooke Shields tried IVF 7 times! It seems IVF is an extremely popular route for many. I might be wrong but I’m quite sure Julia Roberts did IVF too, she tried to get pregnant for a long time without success, then she had 2 fraternal twin boys, either way she’s keeping “mum”about it….Never quite understood the apparent stigma attached to having an IVF baby, compared to “natural” conception.

Lisa -Thinking of you for tomorrow and sending you lots of PMA. I’m glad to hear that they’ve already checked your endometrium, having to go through 5 m/c’s first, would be heartbreaking but you know what they say, 3rd time is the charm….So this is the one for you.

Sml – You stated you were a writer, what type of writing do you do? Reading is my favourite pastime but at the moment, I can’t even read the name on my credit card, I’m so distracted! You mentioned your friend has done “DE”, what is that? Different terminology is used in Canada for some procedures and I’m not familiar with this one.

Traci – Looking at your register date and # of posts, I see you’re one of the veterans on this site. I must say, I admire all the women (and men) here that have persevered over time despite knock backs. I’m just praying that I can exhibit the same strength, if need be. BTW, dh marvels at my ability to hold down any job, when he sees how involved I become in these celebrity stories

Jan – Feel I know you already I hope you’re feeling better. I envy your symptoms, as I have felt absolutely nothing! Zero, Nada, Nienté!..You mentioned your mum being superstitious, well, add religious to that and you have my mother - won’t get into that, as that’s a whole new thread…Whereabouts on the the East Coast are you? My husband lived in Toronto for 13 years, he really enjoyed it but got to admit that Vancouver is just incredible! Buying a place here, was probably the smartest thing we ever did, well 2nd smartest. The 1st smartest was forcing our family doctor to refer us to a Gyno but that’s also another thread….Ciao for now!

[sml]

Hello ladies,

This is becoming my favorite thread! It's been a low day, I have to admit, as I've had some spotting.....I know that it does not necessarily mean the end is hear, but it's been increasingly hard to maintain a positive attitude today. Trying my best and ran out to by an HPT so that I can test tomorrow morning before the blood test on Wednesday (and yes, even bought a very trashy celeb mag to indulge in -- it's called Grazia, for you Canadians, and is wonderfully low-brow and gossipy). I too have heard rumors of Julia R. doing IVF. I wonder too if Courtney Cox did IVF (she had three miscarriages prior to her last pregnancy). And according to my new glossy mag, Gwen Stefani is 5 months preggers.

Superficial celeb gawking aside, I have truly appreciated hearing Brooke Shields speak so openly about IVF. It was certainly helpful to me as I began to move towards committing to IVF. I've been reading on another post about an interview in slate.com with a Harvard b-school prof who wrote a book on infertility -- it's kind of infuriating so I recommend reading the article with a caveat (I got quite worked up over it and the insensitive letters posted below saying astonishingly offensive things like infertile people are genetically inferior and thus should not reproduce, etc. etc.) But if anyone is interested check out: http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2006/0 ... ex_np.html

I12bamum- I'm an academic and am writing a scholarly book. Far less glamourous-sounding than being a fiction writer, I know. There are days I long to be a "real writer" though my novelist pals face the same painful bouts of writer's block that I do. And like you, these days it's hard enough to read my name on my credit card too (thus, the need to rush out and buy Grazia...something I dare not admit to my erudite colleagues!). And the only writing I think I've done in the last week is on these boards!

Anyone else finding it difficult to juggle that work-life balance during IVF?

Oh and DE means "donor egg" -- sorry! I'm relatively new to this too and am trying my best to keep up on all the abbreviations.

Lisa -- best of luck with EC tomorrow. Will they give you general anasthesia? I know you've been down this road before but I can't imagine it gets all that much easier! Will be thinking of you and wishing you lots of healthy eggs that result in wonderful viable embryos.

Traci -- I too admire your strength and stamina as you continue this journey. Thanks for sharing your past experiences with those of us new to the trials and tribulations of IVF. And fingers crossed for lots of positive news ahead.

Jan -- I hear you about the ol' biological clock. We started trying in 2002 (but with no real system) and our jobs required us to commute to each other on the weekends for the past few years and also to live in separate countries for one of those years (not condusive when ttc!). Long story short, we seem to have unexplained infertility (DH sperm count/motility is all good, I have fibroids and minor endo but the docs all thought that wouldn't really interfere with becoming pregnant and carrying to term.). It took me a long time to commit to IVF -- kept on feeling like we were "giving up" but finally we both decided it was high time (there goes that biological clock again...!). Anyway, I am keeping my fingers crossed that your symptoms are all good signs (how fabulous to feel so excited about nausea, right?).

Sending everyone lots of positive thoughts!
sml

[smokeroni]

Hi everyone, I just wanted to pop my head in as I have been away for some time. I am now finally in the 2ww as I had DIUI yesterday and will be testing on the 27th.

Good luck to all who is in the 2ww or waiting to start your cycle.

Pam

[I-1-2-b-a-mum]

Wow ladies this is great!

Pam - welcome back to your thread, we’re just keeping it alive in your absence. Tons and tons of PMA for your 2WW.

Sml – I have to agree this has become my favourite thread. You’re a scholarly writer, that's fantastic. I admire you for that because I think writing is a wonderful art. When I was a teenager I wanted to be a Journalist, probably best I didn’t take that route, as I can see it now, Brad Pitt whacking me over the head, to the amusement of my fellow storking paparazzis. Thanks for the link you posted, I read just the first page (didn’t want to be upset by comments of ignorant people) and it reminds me of how incredibly unfair our situation is. A man becomes impotent with age, they create an easily administered pill available at the pharmacist. A woman has fertility problems with age and her best option, is an invasive, expensive procedure that has 30% chance of success! Well I suppose not everything is fair in life, which leads me onto my next axe to grind. I’m one week away from my test and 2 hours ago, I started what looks like my period, thought I would be devastated to see something like that but to my own surprise I'm not, not right now anyway. Immediate reaction; if it means going back to the starting block, then so be it! Sorry to hear you maybe in the same boat but we really should keep in mind that “It’s not over until the fat lady sings”….Fat lady being the results of the Blood test……..So chin up sweetie, sending you lots of baby dust. Good luck for tomorrow and we’ll be thinking of you ....Don't forget to let us know.

[I-1-2-b-a-mum]

Sml - I'm sure you knew what I meant re: Paparazzis. I wasn't actually refering to them as the big birds with the large beaks - storks (although would kill for one of those, more over, for what they represent, right now) I actually meant stalkers...

[jan33]

One more vote for the favorite thread!

Ok ladies....it's time for some super positivity coming your way....SML & I12b--hang in there! Spotting isn't always bad...my preg friend at work spotted for several days at about 6 weeks. And remember, some women have AF throughout their pregnancy. Keep up the PMA...and don't stress...whatever happens will happen. It's not in your control any longer...

And like I12b said, it's not over until the fat lady sings...or, as I put it to DH yesterday, it's not over until I sing...have I mentioned I'm joining Weight Watchers on Wednesday? Honestly, I promised myself I would really work on getting "real" as Dr Phil puts it, but somehow I doubt that Phil has ever heard a carb 'speak' to him... !

Anyhow, it's taken me about an hour to write this as I'm watching the Young & Restless...DH and I are both hooked and watch it every evening after work...I think I need a life!

I12b--I'm actually in New Brunswick, in the small, beautiful capital city of Fredericton. We've lived in NB our entire lives, and pretty much always in Fredericton throughout our married lives. Most of my immediate family is in NB, about 3 hrs north of here. It's nice...close enough that you get to see them lots, but far enough away that they have to call before they come .

Pam--best of luck through the 2ww...all my happy, positive thoughts are heading your way!

Lisa--think happy thoughts tomorrow and I'm sure all will be well. I'll be thinking of you and sending you good energy.

Traci--how could anyone not admire your personal strength?! We're all pulling for you!

SML--about the work/life balance...I'm not doing IVF, but I'm still finding it hard, so I have the greatest respect for all of you that are! It's hard going through all the procedures and trying to keep it quiet what you are doing. I finally told two of my best friends at work, so that makes it a bit easier. I'm the type of person who is fully committed to my work...so it's hard to just say "I won't be in tomorrow"! I think the problem with me is that I've spent all my adulthood so far working on my career, so it's very hard to change my mindset that I need to come first now.

BTW, is anyone else finding that their DH is kind of quiet about the whole thing? I think I'm so fixated on everything because it's my body, and it's hard to just push it out of your mind until the 2ww is up. I think DH is just trying not to get his hopes up for fear of jinxing things...so he kind of just avoids the subject. Which is exactly why I love it on here!

And so here I am...convinced that I'm feeling strange (maybe symptoms??), etc, and DH comes home tonight and says "You know, I'm feeling kinda funny today too...maybe we ate something!" Well, let's just say, I'm starting to question the D in DH...!

Anyhow, Y&R is over and time for me to sign off...take care everyone!

Jan

[Tracii]

Hi all...keep pulling for me....no follies today and endo is only 5mm. Puregon has been upped to 225 from 150...next scan on Saturday. Not upset just really mad that my body is not behaving!

Will write more later...once I scream and yell a little

[sml]

Hello ladies,

Well, I'm sad to report that I woke up this morning with terrible cramps and was greeted by AF. Just to be sure, and because I had gone out and bought a pack of two anyway, I did an HPT and of course it was a BFN.

I actually feel okay. I'd had a good cry last night when DH came home and perhaps got it out of my system as I really felt like the period was imminent. We had a great talk this morning -- very positive. I feel like I've learned so much over the past six weeks about IVF, both from experiencing it to reading about others' experiences on the boards. It was such a mystery to me even as recently as December and I now feel like I know what to expect the next time around. We're committed to giving this another try and are staying hopeful!

I12b, your post last night really kept me sane -- thanks so much for that. It really helped put things into perspective. I am keeping fingers crossed that things have settled for you and that your proceeding on the 2ww. Keep up that fabulous PMA!!!

Jan, I plan on doing a de-tox (not exactly weight-watchers but no wheat/sugar/caffeine/alchohol/dairy) to get the meds out of my body in the coming weeks. We can cheer each other on to eat healthily! And yes, I hear you about putting lots into the ol' career -- I've tried my best to prioritize IVF over the last few months, but think throwing myself back into my work for the next few weeks might actually be somewhat therapeutic....

Traci, I'm routing for you! Do you have access to a good acupuncturist? One who specializes in infertility will be able to know how to help the endo lining grow.

Pam, best of luck on the 2ww. I hope you've planned lots of things to keep you distracted and busy.

And Lisa, let us know how EC goes today. Keeping fingers crossed for lots of eggs that result in lots of happy and viable embies.

Thanks to all of you for the incredible support and wonderful conversation the last few days. This continues to be my favorite thread -- for laughter, juicy celeb gossip, and most of all strength. Sending all of you ladies lots and lots of positive vibes.

sml xo

[sml]

p.s. Happy Valentine's Day to all!

I guess I can indulge in a glass (or three) of wine tonight....

[smokeroni]

sml - I am sorry to hear your news. Please take care of yourself and take the time you need to get through this. I hope you enjoy a few glasses of wine (or gallons). Don't work to hard.

I12b - Hoping that everything is going good for you. When is your test date?

Jan - good luck with the weight watcher thing. Hoping that DH comes around soon.

Traci - Hoping the Puregon will start working better for you. Good luck on Saturday

Lisa - Hoping ET goes good for you.

Take care all,

Pam

[I-1-2-b-a-mum]

Sweetheart, I’m so so sorry to hear your news, I truly am. I’m glad you and hubby were able to talk things out this morning and you managed to have a good cry last night. Please know we’ll always be here for you (I’m afraid you can’t get rid of us now!) so no matter what you’re feeling and what you’re thinking, drop by and let us know……Speak to you soon ((((((HUGS)))))))

[jan33]

So sorry to hear your news, love. Take care. The wine will help...it has assisted me in many of life's trials and tribulations...and the good cry always serves me well too.

Take care of yourself, think positive thoughts and get ready for the next round. And good luck with detoxing...keep me posted on how things are going.

Lots of love and support coming your way...!

Jan

[I-1-2-b-a-mum]

Sml – my thoughts are still with you, hoping you’re feeling a little better, tons and tons of PMA to you, for the rest of this journey.

Lisa – How was your EC? The hard part’s over now …Let us know how many eggs they got and how many fertilized. Hope you’re doing well and good luck for ET on Thursday.

Tracii – I hope the new dosage of Purgeon improves things and you managed to yell and scream as much as you could, that always helps me to feel better Best of luck for Saturday.

Pam – My test date is Feb 20th (just 1 week before yours) but trying hard not to think about it. Thanks for asking. How is your little boy doing? I bet you can hardly believe how much he’s grown in 1.5 years.

Jan – I always think it’s admirable when people take on a commitment such as Weight Watchers. Kirstie Alley has turned Jenny Craig into a demi-god where we live, so her shop, which is right next to my clinic, is always busy. My challenge is just trying to eat healthier, which I’m committed to…….well, in a half-arsed kind of way.

So, just wanted to pop in and say “Hi” to you all. Hoping you had a wonderful Valentine’s day and I’ll speak to you soon.

[jan33]

Oh, and here's the kicker...we're going away in April (a couple of weeks in the sunny south) with another couple. I haven't seen them in several months--and today I get the news that she's lost 56 lbs!! Wonderful for her...motivation for me!

Take care...

PS: back to the celeb thing...anybody know when Katie Holmes is due? Not that I'm really a TomKat fan...really don't pay much attention. But was just thinking about that today...must be soon...?

[jan33]

Hi All,

So I promise this is my last post of the night...I just thought of something that I wanted to ask all of you. Is anyone else taking a low dose aspirin during treatment? My dr advised me right from the start that I should take my folic acid (of course) as well as 81mg aspirin...the aspirin apparently increases blood flow to the uterus (similar to the reason it's prescribed for heart health).

Just wondering if anyone else is getting this advice?