April/May Buddies??

[CarolynB]

Heather -I am so sorry to hear your news. What a complete and utter bummer. It is good that you are already thinking of other options for the future. Drop in and let us know how you are getting on if that helps at all. Wishing you lots of luck for the future with your lovely dh.

Dania - OMG - you have been through so much over the past week. Well done you for staying calm - I am sure that most of us would have lost it having to deal with all you have faced. Think that it is good to stay away from the pee sticks from hell. I did one when I started bleeding but by then I knew that it was over for me & I just needed confirmation so that I could start to get through the grieving process last weekend rather than having to do it at work. You so deserve a BFP after what you have been through. Not long to go know.

Cyot & Tash - the cramping can as much be a sign of implantation from all that I have read as it can be of AF arriving. The signs are all so similiar, it is best to stay positive and think that it is signs of your body gettig ready for the next 9 months. I am a right one to talk but try to stay away from the pee sticks for as long as you possibly can

Natalie - I have those pessaries ! I see some of the girls are given injections (oil) rather than pessaries. Any idea why that is? and if one is better than the other

Wendy - hope that you are taking it easy and getting ready for the beanies to be back on board on Monday. Make sure that you take time to rest & recover

Tash - sorry that you'll be on your own when you test but at least dh will be back in the evening. Great idea to have booked a holiday. We have been looking to take a week in June since we got the news on Wednesday as we figure that we need sometime together to just chill out. Hoping that you are going to get great news on Monday

So dh and I had a really long chat last night. He keeps it all inside so I had to bribe him with saying that he could play golf today as well as tomorrow if we had a long chat about everything. It was really good. He really wants me to try again but is concerned less about all the moods etc etc but more about the interaction of the drugs with my overall health. I have an auto-immune disorder (sarcoidosis) and he feels that we did not discuss it as much as we should with the consultant. I didn't because I did not want them to say that i could not do ivf. He knew as he had letters from my drs so not like we kept it a secret. So we are making a list of questions that we can ask when we go back for our review meeting. A friend who knows I am having treatment has found out some stuff for me about acupuncture and another has found a nutricianalist (spelling?) who works with woman going through ivf. So it will keep me busy investigating these things. I have only being working 3 days a week since Easter but I stop at current company at the end of July. Starting a new business with friends but think next time that I will not work at all in 2ww. We just think that we should give it our very best shot and learn from the first attempt.

Hope that you are all having a good weekend. Sending you all baby dust (no funny faces as on dh's laptop and cannot get them to work?)
Love
Carolyn xxxx

[Xrayem]

Hi guys,

I'm just going to cut and paste what I put on my thread so if you've already read it, skip me. I'm sorry its impersonal but I'm a little low and can't manage any more than this.

Before I do though: Heather, I'm so sorry for you. What an absolute shit thing to happen (pardon my french) to you! As low as I feel for me at the moment these tears are for you. Try the donor. I will be thinking of you.

I'm afraid its a BFN this time round. Was hoping for beginners luck but its not to be. And to add inuslt to injury, AF arrived within 2 hours of getting the results. Tomorrow is Mother's Day in Oz and DH has to leave at lunchtime for a week in Alice Springs (middle of desert in middle of Oz). I guess that's what you get when your test date is the 13th!

I'm ok. I wasn't suprised. The 2ww was awful but for the last 4 years I've felt like this each month when AF arrives, so its nothing new.

The positive thing out of all this is that next time we'll be prepared. We started this cycle the day after getting all our test results back and had no real time to digest what we'd been told and what it all meant.

We will take a month off as its my 30th on the 28th may and we have a big cocktail party planned (I'm cooking for 60!!!) and DH is travelling with work pretty much for the next 3 weeks. We are taking my 30th as the final "Do". After that no take away, caffine, alcohol, hot baths and all other things naughty for BOTH of us. We are going to concentrate on IUI with 100% of our strength and if that gets us no joy after 6 tries....Its the IVF train for us.

Thank you all for your thoughts. Without this site, I would have been a mess. I am going to hang around in the meantime, if thats ok, cos I'm kinda addicted to you all!

Hugs, Em

[CarolynB]

Dear Em

Have just posted for you & dh on your own test thread. Big hugs. Please stay on this thread so we can keep on cheering on the other April/May ladies and then stay in touch with those who with us will have to be extra strong & will try again.

Take good care. Hold onto your dh and be there for each other. We are all here for you if you need to be sad or rant.

Thinking of you.
Carolyn xxxx

[Sofia]

Hi everyone

Sorry to hear your news Em. You are in good company here on the April/May thread - its so good to have somewhere to come and share stuff about AF, BFN, PMA, IVF, ICSI, IUI and lots of other acronyms which no-one else has ever heard about, let alone experienced. Full marks to Dania - how brave are you?

I feel like I am way behind everyone. Still stimming - 19 folicles all about 7 mm. RE 'found' the polyp AGAIN. I am sure he is mistaken - polyps just don't come and go..... Well if I get a BFN, I guess I will opt for a hysteroscopy and the works to get cleaned out for next time.

One of the good things about this board, is that it gives you a more realistic idea of your chances of success. After seeing everyone else going through IVF with mixed results, I think I might be more prepared for a BFN than I would have been if I hadn't found this board. Sorry if I'm not making much sense - I'm listening to Flamenco music LOUDLY and it is hard to concentrate.

Sofia

[WendyW]

Heather - Im really sorry to hear that you're not able to continue with treatment, it must be so hard having injected your body so many times to get the news that you should call it a day. Thinking of you and wishing you lots of luck for the future.

Em - Really sorry to hear your news, take good care of yourself and DH. Enjoy your 30th birthday and I'm sure you'll come back stonger for your next attempt, you certainly sound as though you've got things well planned already.

Dania - Can't believe what you've been through, you must be really strong, keeping everything crossed for a BFP for you.

Carolyn - Glad to see you're sticking with us and to hear that you are making plans for your review meeting. You seem such a strong person and I'm certain your dreams will come true in the not so distant future.

As for me, I got a call from the hospital this morning with my fert report. Out of the 8 eggs collected, 7 were suitable for ICSI and out of those, 4 have fertilised. Me and DH are really happy with this result, especially since we weren't even sure we would get to this stage following my first follie scan. They couldn't tell me about the grade of embryo as they hadn't started to divide so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all 4 are of suitable quality to use now and on a frozen attempt. I'm back at the hospital on Monday afternoon for ET and will know more then.

Love
Wendy x

[vessi]

Girls,
I am sorry no personals. I ussually always read and try to rep;y to you. But now i am in a hurry. I am leaving in 10min for ET!!!!!!
3 days ago they collected 6 eggs (8 were visible on u/s). Only 4 were mature and only 3 fertilized. I was soi depressed. BUT I got the call a little bit ago -2 of the 3 are excellent quality- more than 8 cells, no fragmentations. The 3rd one is only 5 cells and she said it looks bad- not equal cells, fragmentations. She does not want to Tx it, it look abnormal.
But in 1h I will be a little pregnant. The 2 embies will live in me for Mother's Day. What bette rpresent could I wish for? (In USA tomorrow in Mother's day).
I am so nervous, anxious, happy, scared. Please, please, please, make it work!!!!
OK, I need to take my Valium, the water and get going.
Love and hugs

Vess

[CarolynB]

Well ladies

The last version of our list that I could find was on page 26 - things have moved on quite a lot since then.

So have tried to update/overhaul. Sorry if anything is wrong or I have missed things. Please feel free to amend.

Hope that ET goes well for you Vess.

Fingers crossed for you Beth for tomorrow.

Love Carolyn xxx

----------------------------------------------------------------------

USP - Start Lupron - 8th May
Sofia - Start Stimmies 8th May
Emma - Start Buserlin - 8th May
Claire - EC/ER - May (no exact date as yet)
Jennifer - Start tmt – 10th May
LauraLou - Stimmies Scan – 10th May
Em - Test date - 13th May - BFN - SO SORRY
Vess – ET – 13th May

Beth - 2ww - Test Date is 14th May
Tash - 2ww - Test Date is 15th May
Ellie - 2ww - Test Date is 15th May
Wendy - ET - 15th May
Jackoa21 - Start Stimmies - 16th May
Sarahface - 1st Stimmies Scan - 16th May
Jess - AF/Start BCP – 17th May
Dania-2ww- Testing Date- 17th May
Lucy - 2ww - Test Date is 18th May
Cyot - 2ww - Test Date is 18th May
USP - Start Stimmies - 18th May
Sarahface - 2nd Stimmies Scan - 19th May
Natalie - 2ww - Test Date is 22nd May
Prissy - 1st Scan - 25th May
Em - 30th Birthday - 28th May
Carolyn - 40th Birthday - 30th May
Carolyn - BFN Review Appointment - 31st May

Jess - Start Stimmies - June 2nd (ish

[Natalie Anne]

Hi everyone

Wendy - well done on getting 4 embies, you'll soon be joining us on the 2ww (which is dragging for me already i must say but i am so much more relaxed than previous attempts which is good). Good luck for Monday and Vess good luck for you today.

Em, i am so sorry to hear your bad news, we are all here for you.

have just amended the dates slightly as my test date was slightly out (but good guess though Carolyn!), it's actually the day before my birthday. last time it was Xmas Eve, always seems to be bad timing.


USP - Start Lupron - 8th May
Sofia - Start Stimmies 8th May
Emma - Start Buserlin - 8th May
Claire - EC/ER - May (no exact date as yet)
Jennifer - Start tmt – 10th May
LauraLou - Stimmies Scan – 10th May
Em - Test date - 13th May - BFN - SO SORRY
Vess – ET – 13th May

Beth - 2ww - Test Date is 14th May
Tash - 2ww - Test Date is 15th May
Ellie - 2ww - Test Date is 15th May
Wendy - ET - 15th May
Jackoa21 - Start Stimmies - 16th May
Sarahface - 1st Stimmies Scan - 16th May
Jess - AF/Start BCP – 17th May
Dania-2ww- Testing Date- 17th May
Lucy - 2ww - Test Date is 18th May
Cyot - 2ww - Test Date is 18th May
USP - Start Stimmies - 18th May
Sarahface - 2nd Stimmies Scan - 19th May
Natalie - 2ww - Test Date is 24th May
Prissy - 1st Scan - 25th May
Em - 30th Birthday - 28th May
Carolyn - 40th Birthday - 30th May
Carolyn - BFN Review Appointment - 31st May

Jess - Start Stimmies - June 2nd (ish)

sending positive thoughts to everyone.
Natalie
x

[Sallyc]

Hi Girls...I´m back!!!

Back home at last, I´m so glad.

I had my Transfer on Thursday, one 4 and one 5-cell both grade II. My testdate is the 23rd, lets hope and pray.

Hope all is ok here, I will try and catch up after the weekend (its a bit mad this weekend, sorry).

Carolyn-just saw you had a BFN on your signature...I am sooooo sorry hun. Sending a big fat your way. Shame we couldnt meet up while I was over there. Hope you r coping ok.

Take care all!

USP - Start Lupron - 8th May
Sofia - Start Stimmies 8th May
Emma - Start Buserlin - 8th May
Claire - EC/ER - May (no exact date as yet)
Jennifer - Start tmt – 10th May
LauraLou - Stimmies Scan – 10th May
Em - Test date - 13th May - BFN - SO SORRY
Vess – ET – 13th May

Beth - 2ww - Test Date is 14th May
Tash - 2ww - Test Date is 15th May
Ellie - 2ww - Test Date is 15th May
Wendy - ET - 15th May
Jackoa21 - Start Stimmies - 16th May
Sarahface - 1st Stimmies Scan - 16th May
Jess - AF/Start BCP – 17th May
Dania-2ww- Testing Date- 17th May
Lucy - 2ww - Test Date is 18th May
Cyot - 2ww - Test Date is 18th May
USP - Start Stimmies - 18th May
Sarahface - 2nd Stimmies Scan - 19th May
Sally - Test Date - 23rd May
Natalie - 2ww - Test Date is 24th May
Prissy - 1st Scan - 25th May
Em - 30th Birthday - 28th May
Carolyn - 40th Birthday - 30th May
Carolyn - BFN Review Appointment - 31st May

Jess - Start Stimmies - June 2nd (ish)

[LauraLou]

I went yesterday for another sono and I had 14 follicles, but the doctor said he thought only 6-8 would be mature enough. I go again on Monday for another scan and should have the EC on Wednesday or Thursday.

I am a little nervous because I am getting cervical mucus. I know this is a sign of ovulation and I am worried I'm going to ovulate before the retrieval. Did anyone else have mucus while stimming?

Best wishes!

[DaniaBB]

Hi all!

Thanks for your supportive thoughts. It hasn't been easy but I'm trying to stay strong.

Cyot- I’ve had bruising from the injections, my bloating has gone away but I have had some mild cramping on and off. I spoke to my friend who is 12 wks preg. And she says she started feeling them b4 she got her AF and still feels them. She also felt them in her 1st preg. Too(but she miscarried at 8wks) she was worried that a bad sign but the DR said no its the liagaments of the uterus that are stretching(it also confirms it in the book « what to expect when you are expecting » mild cramps, achiness or a pulling sensation.So maybe this is a good sign!! PMA!
I know about the darn pee sticks- I have one in my bathroom right now and have been thinking about it every day if I should or not. It has been 14 days since EC as of midnight now.BUT I WON ‘T TOUCH IT…. For now.=DH went out with friends and I couldn’t sleep so I decided to come here and not lie in bed thinking.

Heather- Sorry that they cancelled your tmt I feel sad for you. Its good you and your dh are preparing a new plan.Take the time to deal with it and heal yourself. God bless.

Tash-It won’t be easy but you have to be strong. You have the comforting thought that you will be together Monday night- Baby dust to you!!! A big BFP!

Carolyn- sounds like you had a great heart to heart with your dh. I have heard that acupunture is very good- but start as soon as you can- I did it for 6 months b4 begining my tmt. Make sure they are certified and qualified in fertility cuz there are certain points that they cannot touch as it will have the opposite effect. What is good is that they will put needles in points to send more blood flow to your uterus. It can be relaxing too. I have heard of auto-immune ( i was tested for it this week- waiting for results) I just checked my book « What to expect when you are expecting and it mentions (p.112) that for this condition « Immunotherapy may be helpful. »
Starting your own business sounds really exciting and fun- It think its a great idea., plus it will give you the freedom to take days off when you need to(if you can).
It happens that I spoke to my Dr about injections, suppositories and cream progesterone.since they thought I might be allergic to the seasame oil based one. He told me he did not like the cream one, the suppositories were just as good just that you have to take them 3 times a day and lie down after each one(kind of hard to do at work) he said he preferred I would switch to the peanut oil based injection instead. If I needed to.

Em- I feel so sad for you- I posted on your personal thread. Remember that we are here to support you so stay with us. Hugs!!

Sofia- Great news 19! Follies fairy to you to get nice big ones! Wish away that polyp to make it shrink.

Wendy- that’s wonderful- 4 embies. They’ll be home soon to settle in comfortably. Good luck with ET.

Vess- Yeah! Those 2 embies are in your belly now. Take it easy for the 2ww and PMA!

Natalie- how’s it going on your 2ww? I'll keep my fingers crossed that you get a BFP as a bday gift!

Sally- That’s great 2 embies. You’ve joined us on your 2ww. Get as much R &R as you can.

Lauralou- yes I had CM a day or two b4 my first stimming U/S and it turned out OK- I did do my EC 5-6 days later. However, I forgot to ask the nurse about it. I think you shoulds call them. Just to be 100% sure.

Well girls, its almost 12 :30 am and I should get some rest. I feel better now.

Hugs to everyone!
Dania

[CarolynB]

Dania - much better to come here and post than use the evil pee stick. I know that I am a right one to talk but really only used after I was bleeding to confirm what I already knew. I read also that cramps can just as much be a sign of a BFP as of nasty AF arriving. The toughest thing of all is the signs - as they are not too dissimilar. Have promised myself no pee sticks next time at all. Stay strong hun. Thanks so much for the advice on acupuncture. Did lots of research on net yesterday. Found practitioner who as you say specailises in infertility & complimentary treatments with ivf. No phone answer but mailed them and hope they will get back to me tomorrow and I can set up an intro appointment. Need to ask my consultant more questions about my auto immune disorder & what effect that could have when we go to our review appointment. Feel this time that we will be better prepared & know a bit more about what to expect. I only had to use 1 suppository each evening but we are certianly going to ask whether they are as good. Rather indure the injections if it gave me a better chance of success

Beth - have not seen any news from you today as yet. Thinking of you and really hoping that you get a BFP - we have not had one for quite a few days so must be the right time

Tash & Ellie - will be checking the board tomorrow from work to see your news.

Em - Hope that weekend with dh is not proving too painful. How is your dh doing? I think that it sometimes hard for them to feel so involved as we do all the injections/scans etc & also when they don't talk about it so much - I think that it is really hard for them too. Hugs to you both. Glad that you are going to stay on this thread so we can stick together.

Sofia - as you say really sound strnge for the polyp to be there at one scan, gone at the next and then to re-appear - how weird. You have a great number of follies so focus on them and let's hope that the polyp goes away as quickly as it came.

Wendy - hope that the 4 embies are all doing nicely. Good luck for Monday. Then 2 will be back where they belong & may be you'll have so frosties as well. Make sure that you take it really easy for the first few days - lots of restand loads of water & pineapple juice (sticky!!!)

Vess - hope that you will not be on the baord for a couple of days whilst your 2 little ones get cozy - sending very sticky vibes to you. 8 cells with no fragmentation sound just perfect

Sally - glad that you are back at home safely. Shame that we did not see each other a Hammersmith that would have been so cool. Plenty of rest now - no running around like mad just cause you are back at home I have a quick couple of questions for you when you feel up to it as we are both at the same place and see that you said you had both Grade II. They told me that we had 7 good 4 cells and 1 average 3 cell. Are the grades - excellent I - good II - average III? Also do Hammersmith only do 2 day transfer? or can you consider 3 day and 5 day. No rush to answer but just keen to know so we can ask all the right questions at our review appointment. Take good care

LauraLou - good number of follies. Hope that scan tomorrow shows that they are growing nicely. Not sure about your CM question. Sure that they will be watching out for that and will up the down regs if they need to. If you are there tomorrow for the scan - I would just let them know. Better safe than sorry!

Natalie - glad that you are able to relax a little during the 2ww - I am sure that will be doing you lots of good. Sorry about your date. Know some clinics count 2ww from EC and others from ET. Close anyway May be this will be great timing - best birthady present that you could get!!!

Lucy & Cyot - hope that you are resting lots and being pampered. Not too long to go now.

Hope everyone is having a nice weekend. Thinking of all those on down regging and stimmies too. But we have 6 testers in the next week so let's hope for lots of

Love Carolyn xxx

[LucyBucy]

Hi girls,

I was going to have a good long whinge but having read your latest postings, my issues seem kind of piffling..

Em - I am so sorry that you're AF arrived. I just turned 30 myself and was quite tearful about it due feeling surrounded by pregnancies and babies. It is good to think that you can take your time over your next cycle and start again when you're ready.

Heather - I am sorry to read your news too. I hope you're taking time out to look after yourself and recover from your treatment.

Dania - what an ordeal! Poor you and dh. I hope you're feeling better today?

Carolyn - your posting about you and DH at the charity do brought tears to my eyes. It must have felt so good to have things put back into perspective when you see others not so fortunate as yourself. I'm finding it quite difficult to keep a perspective on things when IVF is on my mind 24/7! Quick question - what's with the pineapple juice? Good idea about acupuncture and nutritionist - give yourself the best chance possible. I can definitely recommend acupuncture, I go to one in Wimbledon - Acuherbway - which I can highly recommend. Have you thought about sending dh to nutritionist too?

Sarah - how's it going with the Puregon? You should have seen me with my first injection, I ended up dropping the first one on the floor and bending the needle - what an idiot! I know exactly how you feel about feeling alone with IVF, no matter how supportive DH, friends and family are; you're the only one who is physically going through it. Thats why this board helps so much - lots of lovely girlies who know exactly what we're going through!

LauraLou - my answer is yes about the mucus, loads more than usual too (tmi, sorry)

Welcome Jackoa21 - good luck with starting the stims!

CYOT - not long to go now, hang in there!

Tash & Ellie & Wendy - the best of luck to you on Monday!

Vess - ooh I'm so excited for you!!! I can't wait to get to your stage

Beth - how'd you get on today?

I don't really have much news, nothing has changed since the last posting - my Oestradiol levels are still sky high and I haven't had any injections for 6 days! I went in for a scan today and my follicles are all ready to go but the dr said he won't operate until my levels are way down. So I've got to continue with the 4l water + 1l milk. Am so sick of drinking!!!! I keep getting concerned looks from the nurses asking if I'm feeling nauseous, having trouble breathing etc etc but I don't seem to have any side effects apart from bloating and general tiredness. Here's hoping that EC will be this week. I've been quite low the past few days - dh has landed a promotion which means he's working in Singapore for the next month, with a view to staying there for 1-2 years!! I'm feeling sad because he won't be here during my 2ww or to hear the news, and because of our financial situation I'm not sure when I'll be able to join him out there . I'll be needing your support more than ever girls x

Glittery twinkly baby dust to all xxx

[CarolynB]

Hi LucyBucy

You can whinge as much as you like - we all know the highs & the lows.....I am sorry that you are still waiting. You really must feel a bit in limbo. It is good that they are keeping a very close eye on you though. Sure that they do not want to do EC and then find that you have OHSS as some of the other ladies on here have had. It must be hard on you with dh away in Singapore too. We are here for you. It is fine to come here and just rant or be sad. We all really do understand.

I am sure that Natalie was the one that told us about the pineapple juice so may be she will add some more. Think that it contains selenium (not sure of spelling). It is meant to help make the uterus nice and sticky for implantation. I started drinking it after EC and on though the first week when I implantation would have been taking place. Did not do the trick for me but sure that Prissy who started this thread did it too and she got a BFP. Either real pineapple - it is in the hard bit in the centre - or fresh juice (from the fridge) not the artifical stuff.

Guess we all do what we can to help!!!

I'll take a look at the place in Wimbledon on the web. Thanks. Just completely the wrong side of town for me. We live in West Hampstead. Treatment is at Hammersmith. I work at Canary Wharf. My new business will be based out of Covent Garden. Not sure that I can cope with another side of London! Have so far made contact with one based in Harley Street so at least I can get there from Baker Street which is only 4 stops on Jubilee line. Sent them an e-mail ans witing to hear back. They specialise in infertility and assisting ivf treatments. Went to Zita West web site yesterday and invested in multi vitamins for me. Dh said he was happy to take. But we thought that we would invest for me first and see what they were like. I guess that I think that I am more of the problem. Of our 13 eggs. 10 fertilised without any help although 2 were no good. That seemed pretty good to me. He has given up smoking and does not drink much so think that in our case, it is me that is the problem! Am going to talk to girl at work (confidentially) about the nutritionist. Don't know all the details but sounds like she has been doing ivf and had a BFP only to lose at 6 weeks. I'll post anything that I find out which might be helpful.

Hoping that you do get to EC this week. Sounds like you will have a good amount of eggs to look forward to.

Take good care.
Carolyn xxx

[luby]

Hi Girls

Sorry haven't posted for a while....

Carolyn - I am so sorry you got BFN. You sound a very strong person though and although this is hard to take I know you'll be strong enough to carry on. Hope you and DH are OK and the heart to heart was what you both needed..! Take Care Hun

Dania - Just want to wish you luck for Wednesday, day before my test date, let’s hope next week is a good week for all us testing.

Natalie - How is it going for you on 2ww? Hope it isn't too bad. Not long now. Good Luck for 24th. You can it.

Lucy - We are all here for you to winge whenever you want and we'll all be here through your 2ww, I know it’s not the same as having your husband but we will support you as much as we can. I know it must be hard knowing your hubby may have to work away, I know I'd find it quite hard, especially when we are going through enough emotional stuff at min. Like I said we will be here through your 2ww and when you get your BFP..!

Sorry not many personals - I want to wish everyone loads of luck though with their tmt, test dates etc..!

As for me I am not feeling very positive, I always get PMT 3 - 5 days before AF and I feel it today, I feel I've got bad PMT and I always crave chocolate before AF and guess what? Yes I am craving chocolate big time, (not really a big choc fan only before AF) I've had a bout 3 bars today. So now I am convinced AF is going to be here on due date which is 19th, day after test date. I know I need to keep positive but I'm finding it hard now. I even nearly bought a HPT, but I didn't because I bought one first cycle and it showed neg when it was actually positive so I thought I best keep away from them.

Oh well only 4 more days to go...!

Take Care everyone

Once again sorry about the personals.

Lucy