The 30-40 Group

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

Jan- It’s quite possible that you had a Chem. Pregnancy as they are extremely common. Imagine, prior to technology being able to identify early pregnancies, many women just considered their periods as late. Fortunately (or unfortunately) we can now tell if we were “a little bit” pregnant.

Just out of interest were you on Progesterone shots or pessaries in your 2WW?? Once other obscure issues have been ruled out, usually a bad egg or low progesterone is quoted as being the culprit, which is why I got on my docs case during my luteal phase about monitoring my Progest level. I had 2 high quality blastocysts transfered so losing them because “we don’t usually do that”, was not an option for me. You and Sml mentioned Immunological testing, will you perform any of those test before you start again in 2 weeks?

I don't know what the weather's like over there in New Brunswick but it's beautiful right now in Vancouver, we're going out for an early dinner by the Marina and watch the sun go down. In 2 weeks time, it would seem I get to play the Prima Donna after all, as my girlfriends have organized my birthday girls night out, it will be in 2 weeks today so (God willing) I'll have some great news to announce to them that day....Btw, I'm glad you got hold of "People" magazine I wasn't able to. Let us know the juicy bits.

[Niccymc]

Hello everyone

Loved catching up on all your gossip on my days off. The weather in Scotland is terrible. Was snowed in for a few days but by dad came with my 2 neices and nephew in his 4x4 and we went sledging which was great!!! Thought I might get snowed in tonight but no such luck!!!

Angela - They test on Day 21 of your cycle to check the progesterone level, this indicates if you have ovulated as the LH surge only states the hormone is surging not actually releasing an egg.

I had IUI and monitored my LH on a pee stick but never had blood tests but now I'm on clomid I am doing both. This months result showed my result was 94.5 which is way too high but I can't find any information on what this means. Month before it was 50.4 (the range is something like 19 - 74). Before I was on clomid I was usually about 20 - borderline ovulation.

[/b][/i]Jan - I know how frustrating it can be with IUI. I monitored mycycle for over a year but as soon as I started treatment it went scatty. I once had a LH surge on day 12 and another on day 21. Didn't have a clue if I was coming or going!!!

Well I couldn't wait for Saturday so did a test on Thursday - BFN then thought this might be too soon so tested again on Friday - BFN . Started knicker watching but nothing - still had sore boobs not so bad and no other symptoms. Did another test Saturday - BFN and still knicker watching. I don't even have PMT - been very happy this week to hubbies delight! Might be night shift putting me all wrong but think it hasn't happened this month. Next step IVF - appointment a week Wednesday.

Going to stay positive!!

Speak to you soon.

Niccyx

[jan33]

Oh Niccy...so sorry to hear of your BFN, Since no AF yet, have you thought of taking blood test? I've read TONS of posts on this site where ladies have BFNs with the 'stick' but end up actually being preggers! What test did you use (First Response is trash...Clearblue is the best). Remember...it's not over 'til the fat lady sings!!

I12b--It's actually a nice weekend here as well. A bit warmer than it has been, but not as warm as you are getting in BC! How nice of your friends to plan your birthday out! It'll be so great to share your wonderful news!!

I haven't been on any hormones/drugs. They feel our only real issue is the lack of good swimmers . But, I was going to ask about progesterone, after your post a while back. I went surfing and looked up the symptoms of low progesterone...I hit some of them on the head, so thought this could be an issue (though, I'm sure with any 'list of possible symptoms' you're always going to hit some on the head!). We're going one more time, and if BFN, will set up a consult.

And speaking of swimmers...get this! I order my own samples from Xytex. When we got BFN after second try, decided to try a new donor, thinking maybe we'd have better luck. My clinic tests for motility, etc after thawing, before IUI. Did last 2 cycles with new donor, and after I reported my last BFN, they said the motility had been kinda low on the last sample!! She said it was 'nothing you couldn't get pregnant with', but that I might want to choose another donor! Well...that stinks of a whole load of 'cover your ass'! Can you imagine?! Wouldn't one think that they would have maybe mentioned at the time that the motility was low, and did I want to go ahead anyway??? Course, then again, they'd lose their $390 for the procedure if I said no...! To be honest, we likely would have said, 'oh go ahead, squirt 'em in there anyhow'....but still would have been nice to know ahead of time!

Anyhow, good news is that they have taken this donor off, and on my latest order (back to donor #1), they gave me a credit...yep, that's right...we got FREE SPERM (have to say I cracked up when I got the invoice...when in my life, did I ever think I'd be excited over free sperm??).

So, that's my story. Up early this morn, didn't get a chance to read People last nite, so will catch up and share later today!

[angelamw]

Hi All

Jan, you have to keep laughing about it don't you. We are doing IUI with meds. The clinic kept having a go because my husband's sperm have a low motility and they didn't want to do IUI. I pushed them into it though as I wanted to give it a go before trying IVF.

I would have thought that with sperm donnors they checked out their quality first before using them. Still I do wonder sometimes if some clinics are out for the money, rather than just trying to help us.

At the moment we are getting free treatment on the NHS. If the IUI doesn't work we get one free attempt at IVF. If that doesn't work not sure where we will go to, possibly to a private clinic for more IVF.

Niccy Sorry to hear about your BFN, Take care of yourself. Good luck with the IVF.
I must sa though you are really lucky having snow. I love it and we never get any here. Last night it started to snow but didn't settle. Last year we went to Canada on Holiday and went sledging. I loved it.

Hello to everyone else. Hope everyone on 2ww is coping well. This bit really is the pits. I have never known 2 weeks take last so long, I think someone has slipped in some extra days to slow everything down and prolong the suffering. I am so glad I have found this site as you girls really do help with the waiting.

Good luck everyone and loads of PMA

[NickiMark]

Hello, dont post here much but wanted to pop in and say hi to Jan and angela, I have posted on teh IUI buddies ok, will be there for ya ok xxx

Me doing IUI in June, it will be 4th try!!!

xxx

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

Hi Girls – If you look throughout the entire site (when you have time) you will find lots of useful information on it. However, got to say it’s great to see you IUI girls still support our favourite thread 3 cheers for the IUI chicks!!!!!

Jan – That story about your docs giving you free sperm is hilarious and also outrageous! How could they possibily tell you “well, we gave you a duff load, so take this lot on the house”, what kind of sloppiness is that?!…..Well, as you said, this will be your VERY last time doing this procedure, NO MORE IUI for you! We’re all going to be sending tons of PMA your way and no matter what happens you WILL be seeing xmas in, with your own little offspring Btw, what date do you leave for your vacation I leave end of April

Angela – You mentioned doing IUI on NHS, then IVF, does this mean they’ve only given you one IUI chance? Usually many girls do several IUI’s before they go onto IVF. It is no secret that IUI has a lower success rate than IVF (which is already pitiful) but the cost is a lot less so I was wondering whether the NHS gives you several tries before moving on to the “big guns”. Well, like Jan, it is necessary to believe this is your last time, as you intend to be preggers this time Sending you tons of PMA.

Niccy – Sweetheart I am so sorry to hear about your BFN. It totally sucks! But loving the PMA coming from you and as Jan says “It ain’t over, til it’s over!”. This whole experience can get depressing no matter what procedure you do, you mentioned moving on to IVF, well, getting a BFP first off, has got me feeling like the IVF Poster Child, but it’s also been an extremely exhausting experience. Well, I’m looking forward to you having your first appointment, can’t wait to hear about it.

Well, believe it or not, this is a short one girls I’ve actually got to do some work, so I’ll be back later.

[angelamw]

Hi I1b

We had to go on the waiting list of IVF for one year. That is up in May so we get treatment then, regardless of how many tries at IVF we have tried. I am not sure if we will get 1 more try at IUI first or if we then go back to IUI after the IVF. It is all very confussing

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

A quick word…..Dh got me latest addition of “People” magazine this morn and there is a photo of Nicole Richie, it’s shocking! Didn’t think she could get any skinnier and now she looks like a rake!…..Please make sure you girls do not get as carried away as she has, it’s quite sad actually……Well, finished my "lunch break" but I’ll be back!

[angelamw]

i know what you mean. These celebrities are supposed to be a role model for young women but the weight of some of them can't be healthy can it. Don't worry I will never be that thin even if I diet all my life.

[jan33]

Ha...no worries. I could have my jaw wired shut for months and still not look like Nicole Ritchie.

I've got the March 6th People...Nick and Jess on the front. You know, I don't think those two were ever really 'in love'...I think they just thought they were.

Nothing much else in there for gossip...TomKat out and about in Sydney...you know, as much as that whole relationship makes me nauseous, Katie is so pretty preggers, I do have to say.

Speaking of Tom, does anyone think there is anything to the rumor that Nicole Kidman is going to marry Keith Urban?? Now there's an interesting match. I don't mind Keith...I'm a country music fan so he's OK by me...but he always looks pretty much like a dirtbag, and she always looks so prim & proper...

Also some pics in the mag of Brangelina & kiddies out and about in Paris...not that anyone cares (sorry Brad, but you are another one that looks like you need to get reacquainted with a bar of Ivory! )

Well, off to watch a bit of the Oscars b/f bedtime...

I12b: the countdown is on until Wednesday! How many heartbeats are we going to see?? I'm betting two...

[Niccymc]

Oh well its official - AF has come to town .

Telling my poor hubby was hard this time cause we both thought we had cracked it this time .

Will now have to go full steam ahead for IVF. I-1-2-b-a-mum - any advice on getting myself prepared for the event? You have given me hope that it can work first time. Can't wait to hear your news if there is one or two heartbeats!

We had 6 IUI treatments on the NHS but only because we were involved in a fertility trial - normally the clinic told us it isn't available on the NHS. As for clomid, we had to pay for the prescription which was £6 something. So we class ourselves very lucky.

When we discussed going on the NHS waiting list for IVF we were told it was 4 years! We seriously thought about paying for it privately but at £3500 decided to wait as there is no guarantees that it would work. When we got our letter confirming being put on the waiting list it was down to 9 months! We are in the Highland area but the IVF is done in Aberdeen (Grampian area) and although the Highland waiting list has reduced the Grampian list is still 2 years!! Then out of the blue we receive a letter saying we are getting seen in March so we only had to wait 4 months!!

Oh hell, have to go a patient has got up!!!

Will try and speak again tonight.

Love Niccyx

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

Hi Girls, sorry I couldn’t back to you last night, it got too late after my annual appointment at the Oscars with the “girls”, nothing more entertaining than a group of gay men commentating on outfits, décor and jealous glances amongst nominees.

Angela –How’s dh doing with the work at the club? I’m a little confused, in your other post you mentioned IVF in May, then trying (if needed) IUI afterwards, will NHS pick up the tab for all? How lucky but let’s hope you do not have to go through all of that, as BFP in 6 days!. Btw, regarding the “Stars” and their skinniness, know exactly what you mean. Last night, Keira Knightley looked beautiful but far too skinny, she looked much better in “Bend it like Beckham”.

Jan – You made me laugh about Nicole Ritchie, despite being slender, even at my skinniest I never got that thin. Quite convinced that my skeleton weighs more than she does soaking wet. Funny you should mention Country Music, I went to Calgary’s Stampede 4 years back and the young cowboys on show there were gorgeous!!! Which reminds me, gutted that “Brokeback Mountain” got totally ripped off at the Oscars, was so looking forward to seeing Heath and Jake walk up and down a few times.


Niccy – Once again, I’m so sorry to hear your disappointing news but I’m dead excited that you’re not giving up and you’ll be trying out IVF next. Of course I’ll share as much of my own experience with you as poss, I found getting info from all different sources was extremely useful. You mentioned treatment is in Aberdeen, will the NHS cover hotel expenses or won’t you need a hotel? Will you be working during IVF (it takes about 6 weeks in total)? Have you told any friends/family yet about it? So many questions…..I have to say that one of the main things that kept me sane was an optimistic but realistic expectation (I found that really important), which brings me onto…

My wed Ultrasound. I wouldn’t dare to be that presumptuous girls The possibility of a Chem. Pregnancy is still very real, so all we’re hoping for right now, is one strong heartbeat and we’d be over the moon.

Got to get back to “work”….I’m doing research for my next trip but I’ll try and speak to you chicks later

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

Btw, Jan forgot to mention, TomKat were voted the most tiresome couple by Razzie, which is a parody of the Oscars, so it seems everyone agrees with you

[Niccymc]

Hi everyone,

Aberdeen is about 200 miles away from Inverness but we don't get any travelling expenses or hotel expenses but as we are getting free treatment we are happy with that. It does take a lot out of your day though. Next Wednesday we have to be there for 11.30am for my hubby to provide a sample then wait for our appointment with the consultant at 2.30pm! We will have to leave Inverness about 7am so it will be a LONG day.

My boss has said he will 'accommodate me' as much as he can but not sure what that means. Probably have to go to the scans/blood test on days off but hopeing the week of the EC and ET I will be off all that week and then I'm on holiday for a week if it goes to plan!!

Have told my best friend and a few work collegues and are parents, not sure if my mum is that supportive - long story but she is very pessimistic and thinks we should adopt - far easier!

Have been trying to prepare myself mentally for this meeting but all I seem to be doing is eating!! I'm sure my weight will be mentioned, not that I'm grossly overweight just cuddly!! With the clinic they wont give people treatment if their body mass index is 30 and over - my is 28!!! Going swimming in the morning after work!!!

Im off Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday so will read how you all get on on Friday night. Good luck with your scan I-1-2-b-a-mum, I will be thinking about you on Wednesday.

LOL Niccyx

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

Hii Niccy – Just saw your message, funny, I didn’t tell my mum until we got the BFP. Not only is she superstitious but she is also religious (devote Catholic) and is not too keen on these procedures, I’ve yet to let her know I’ll be donating left over eggs to research, (stem cell and research to help improve this procedure for others), I know she will disown me but anywho!…..

BMI of 28 is good! They made me fatten up a bit more because my initial BMI was 19, which is probably why I only stimmed for 10 days. Re: IVF, there is so much to tell you and to be honest, I have learnt that there are varying opinions but there are honestly ways of tipping the scales in your favour (my doc and I discussed a few things in my first meeting and looking back, I am extremely grateful to him) I’ll send you details by email, the one registered on this site, details and also some of the medical references I found useful. I’ll also send you my Wednesday results aswell

I’ve got a feeling this will be the last time you ever have to worry about this Have 3 wonderful days off and I’ll speak to you soon