April/May Buddies??

[veronika]

Dear ladies,

just wanted to say thank you again for all your good wishes and thoughts! I am so much looking forward to being back here and telling you how it went!

Until then many hugs,
Veronika

[Xrayem]

Hi guys,

I bought Zita's book today - they had in stock at the local bookshop would you believe!??! So I'm off to read a bit before DH gets home and rouses on me for spending money on yet another book!!!

Jackie - Darcy-dog is the love of my life! He's a Rotty-Great Dane cross. He just looks like a tall, lanky black labradore. He has the gentlest nature and is just like a baby.....He'll let you know if you're not paying him enough attention! He's now 2 years old (we got him when he was 7 weeks) and is such a handsome dog, people stop us in the street to ask what breed he is and where they can get one! We got him from the RSPCA - he was just a miracle of nature.

Hugs to all,
Em

[jackoa21]

Veronika
You will be back here soon posting your great news

Em
DarcyDog sounds so sweet.. I want a dog but DH and I both work so much.. hopefully soon

Back to work
Love and hugs
Jackie

[LauraLou]

I guess I'm strange but I am actually looking forward to having the blood work done on Wednesday. I feel like I am actually doing something positive for the first time since my m/c. The doctor told me there was less than a 1% chance that I have any condition that would cause repeated m/c's, but this way I will know for sure.

I so was excited about my first round of IVF/ICSI. I couldn't wait to get started, told everyone about, etc. This time I am having almost negative thoughts about doing IVF again. I keep thinking I have to do all those shots, get black and blue, spend days in bed and it will probably not work this time either. I know I need to improve my attitude before I start the treatment at the end of August, but I am so afraid of getting my hopes up again.

Having a baby is the first thing in my life that I have really, really wanted and couldn't make happen. It's not something where I can work really hard and achieve my goal. It is completely out of my control and I think that's what is making me nuts!

I promise one of these days I am going to post something upbeat and happy!

[jackoa21]

Laura I set you a PM. I am thinking of you my dear and I truly know what you are going through. I am glad they are doing that test (I am sure it will be ok) but I think it would make you feel better to know that the test came out ok. When do they have you set to take it..

Carolyn how are you? Did you have your derserving sip of wine?

Veronika thinking of you and I know you probably can not post but we are thinking of you..

Em so what are your dates again for the IUI?

Dania thinking of you and your little one. Your appointment is coming up soon..

I am off to visit with my mom I am working today but off the next 3 days so my postings will be light. I will catch up later.. I just have been doing accupuncture and waiting for September..

love and hugs
Jackie

[veronika]

Hello!

just wanted to let you all know that I am already back
They let me leave the hopsital in the evening and told me to stay in bed for 3-4 days. But I am sooo bored already, had to sneak up to my desk...

Everything went well operation-wise. They were all really nice, explaining every step to me. After having waited quite a while I finally woke up in the recovery room. All they told me was that my tubes were fine but that I did have endometriosis But the doctor had already left and nobody could tell me anything else (until my review appointment in 2 weeks). I just heard two weeks and got angry and said I wouldn't want to wait another 2 WEEKS to know if this was in any way successful or not, and that I wanted to talk to the doctor immediately. I was still pretty dizzy and out of it - but it worked and they went and paged the doctor. Unfortunatly I do not really know more because I was too tired to ask the right questions. He said the operation was successful and that he could clean quite a bit - but I do not know what this means... I am already stressing about the fact that if it wasn't my tubes which impeded pregnancy than what on earth was it? And could THAT really be repaired and-and-and. Does anybody know more about endo and the places it can grow and how it impedes pregnancy?

So well, I find this part pretty frustrating whan I start thinking about it - but I try not to think about it and be positive and get well soon. And I am sure all your nice messages will help me a lot!

Laura,
I feel just like you. I have wanted nothing in my life so badly than having children. And I am so used to be able to do something active to achieve my goals. But this one goal and wish of them all I can do nothing but hope and be patient. This is just so paradox. But this teaches us so much about life and about how we have to be faithful, I guess. And if we once are mothers I am sure that we will be very strong and aware of the miracle it is!

Jackie,
hope you are having some beautiful and sunny and distracting three days off work!

Em,
Darcydog sounds lovely! I have a dog, a black and beautiful big monster dog called Pepe as well. Unfortunately, when we came to Canada about two years ago we left him with my parents because we didn't know how long we would stay and how everything yould work out. But when I go visit my parents in Germany this winter I will bring him here with me and I am so looking forward to having him trot through our appartment again

Carolyn,
how are you? I am sure you are working those 14-hour shifts again. It sounds like a really good plan to be leaving this behind you for a while! I just read through the posts again and it sounds so wonderful to be down in Devon by the sea with your mom for your recovery. I wish I could be there now! But I am sure recovery will be quite quick - I already feel soo much better than yesterday. Those incisions do hurt a little when I move about, but not too much. I have no idea how big they are - how do yours look?

Dania,
your appointment will be so soon! Finally!

Ok, I am hopping back to bed now. Wishing you all a beutiful, sunny summer Tuesday,

Veronika

[CarolynB]

This will be quick ladies as 10.30pm and dh waiting for me at home and me still in the office but had to pop in for a quick fix.

Veronika - great that it is all done. Very speedy. From the lap I just had 2 scars. One in my belly button and one just below my bikini line in the centre. I went back to work the next day but I am loopy!!! Both only like an inch long but they have warned me next go around it will be quite a long cut along the bikini line - think that will be more major than what you had as they are talking like 4 days in hospital now that I have read the leaflet. Where are your scars? My understanding is that endo..... (spelling) can grow around (and in?) the tubes and the op sounds like they will have removed it. Think that it impedes the movement of the egg through the tubes - but what do I know!? I am sure that it is hard to have to wait the 2 weeks for more news. Try if you can to focus on recovery. It sounds like it has gone well which is the main thing. Sounds like they did not find a big blockage which must be good news. Look after yourself and try to get better as fast as you can. Did they say when you might be able to try naturally? Sure you can search on the web and find out more. My assistant had endo....and she had been ttc for like 2 years. Had a lap and then conceived afterwards - don't know all the details but I should take this as positive. At least it is all done and you are back at home. Take good care

Laura - sure having the bloods done is a good idea - hoping that it will go well for you tomorrow. I understand the control and trying hard things that you say. I have worked hard and done well at school, uni and in my job. Try hard and you get results. I am also a control freak and cannot bear the fact that this is out of my control and I cannot change the outcome. Guess the trcik is to try to be +ve but not oh so +ve. Have you had any acu - that could help you to relax? or what about councelling - would you think of that to at least air some of your feelings after what happened with the 1st attempt. Probably you have thought of all those things already but just some suggestions???????

Em - how are you finding Zita's book? Hope that you have a good session tomorrow and that you are able to answer all the questions that you might have on ivf. Do let us know how you get on

Jackie - hope that you & your Mom are having a fab time together. No wine for me. I am going to wait until a week on Friday and then treat myself to a couple of glasses at my leaving do. My dh is already worried about the state that will put me in!!!!

Dania - will be looking out for news of your scan

So nearly 11pm - must leave as shattered. You are so right. My chances of getting a good outcome when I don't have all this workpressure to eal with must be better

Night Night ladies
Carolyn xxxx

[Xrayem]

Hi guys,

Appointment went well yesterday, bit daunting when she started pulling out all these pre-filled syringes and telling us what it would do to me! The regime they are going to put on me is:

Day 2-6: Sniffing Synarel to shut down the pituitary.
Day 6-15: FSH injections (puregon).
Day 16: HCG shot then EC.
Day 17: Fertilisation day.
Day 18: ET.
Day 18-?: Projesterone pessaries.

Does this sound like what you guys do? She also said that because of my age (30) and the fact that I ovulate normally, I am at a greater risk of hyperstim. Have you guys heard this?

Have to go, need to pack for a weekend away. Family do 3 hours south Friday night, then back up to the city for a ball (E&Y annual ball) on sat night and then christening on sunday!

see ya when i get back.
em

[jackoa21]

Carolyn I am so glad you will be off work.. I think you are right and the less pressure you have the better.. You have given 200% to your work so now its time for you to take time for you.. You deserve it

Em
That protocol sounds very similar and yes my doc said that sometimes if a woman is younger ( I am 32) that we can overstimiluate easier but the main thing is that they monitor you so they know how you are doing...

Dania my dear thinking of you and your bump

Veronika I am so happy that you pushed and insisted that you see the doctor after your opp.. I can not belive they wanted to just see you in 2 weeks.. You did the right thing. I don't have a lot of knowledge on the situation but I am praying for you...

Laura my dear I am so glad you got the test done and how cool that they came to you. When do you get the results..

Ok I know this was quick but off to shop with mom.. I miss you all.. I am getting excited and nervous to go on our next round of IVF.. It has been out of my mind a bit (which is good) but I wish my time was now..

Love and hugs
Jackie

[CarolynB]

Hi All

Just wanted to share with you something special. I have been put in touch with a lady at work (confidentially) who is also ttc. She is on her 5th attempt at ivf. 2 fresh and 3 frozen cycles. She lost the last little one at 5 weeks. Well she is pregnant and she was scanned today and it is twins. How cool is that. I hardly knew her before we were put in touch but we have bonded over the last couple of months as we are both in the same boat. She is 41. I was so thrilled for her (in the same way that I will be when you all get BFPs) and I almost started crying when she told me - firs that she was pregnant and then the twins. I am the only person who she has told beyond her dh. How cool was it that she told me before even her family. I was over whelmed but it shows how much we can all help each other. She said that she wanted to tell me to give me hope. So I wanted to tell you all to give you all hope too. She has been doing all of the following - watchin her diet, no booze, acu, took a less stressful role - she really thinks that it all made a difference and that she was not giving herself the best chance last year when she was watching so carefully

Jackie - starting to get v excited about the fact that I only have 2 more weeks at work - cannot wait to leave now & de-stress. Hope that you & your Mom are having a great time

Laura - when will you hear about the bloods? Hope that it all went well yesterday

Veronika- hope that you are looking after yourself and the recovery is going well - take good care - hope dh is looking after you lots

Em - promise that you get the hang of the injecting after a few days - it is quite easy although I know that it freaks you out when you see all the stuff at the start. I was on quite a different protocol but sure that is cause I am older..............to try to avoid over stimualting you must drinks loads of water and also ensure that you have lots of protein in your diet too. It sounds like they are trying to work as much as they can with your natural cycle which must be good news. Any way - you will not need to do when your iui works Was your dh with you? Is he ok with the ivf now? Have a great weekend away - sounds fab and will certainly keep you mind off everything else

Dania - hope that bump is progressing well

Love to you all.
Carolyn xxxxx

[DaniaBB]

Hi Everyone!

Veronika- I'm soooo happy for you to hear that you are doing well and all ready able to write to us. That's wonderful!!!

Jackie- Thanks- you're so sweet- I'm relieved to hear that.

Laura- you have a good reason to feel happy about the blood test- probably makes you feel like you ae in control again.

Carolyn- YEAH!! One week of work to go!!!That woman you net- that's an amazing story! At my acu clinic there is one of 42 that got pregnant thru acu and ivf combined! IT's wonderful to hear these inspirational stories!!

Em- Sounds like you've been doing a lot of Zita homework!!I agree with Carolyn and Jackie about your protocol- make sure you are not overstimulated- you're 32 like me and I found it tough with the dose they gave me- I don't know if you remember what happened in my situation from april29-may10. Drink Pedialyte- its baby diahrea prevention drink found at the drug store it has less sugar than sports drinks like Gatorade and it will guarantee that you are fully hydrated- you can ask your pharmacist about it.

Well,I went to the Dr. and he said that it was a miracle- his own words he said my uterus is the right size for 8 wks BUT... that I need to be extremely careful until Aug. 14th- 12 wks- being how difficult it has been for us and that he did feel a fibroid on my left side- he says every night when I get home I need to lie down and not do anything strenuous during the day. He only did a blood test but didn't do a scan- my dh and I were dissapointed- he said at 12 wks- that how he likes to do it.So our next appointment is Aug. 14th and they will be checking for major diseases as well. So we've opted not to officially announce it yet- that dissapoints me but even my Acu said to wait. I guess its for the best. I'll still be continuing acu once a week but yesterday she said I can stop the "tasty"(not) herbs!!!! They make my stomach turn!!

Thanks everyone for thinking of me(us) during my appointment!!!!

Hugs and Baby dust!!

Dania

[jackoa21]

Carolyn 2 weeks and you are FREE Mom and I are having so much fun but I am already dreading Monday when she goes home.. That is very hard because we are very close.... But she says she will come back in September to either pat my belly (she is very positive and thinks lets just pray for a natural bfp) or she will be here for my IVF so either is great

Veronika how are you feeling after the opp..Have you gotten any other information or do you have to wait for your 2week appointment?

Em and Laura hello lovely laides.. Just popping in to say hello

Dania I am so happy for you and your ticker almost made me cry.. Tears of joy 9 weeks.. You must be so excited.. I understand being nervous and cautious and you must follow those orders but this is your miracle and it will be ok...

Love and hugs to all
Jackie

[CarolynB]

Happy Saturday Ladies

Dania - I could not believe that your ticker was 9 weeks already - that is amazing. You must just do as your consultant said and it is only 3 more weeks to hang on. Time must be dragging - I would be so desperate to let everyone know. Look after yourself - you are our cheerleader. This is going to work for you & your dh - PMA - PMA - PMA

Jackie - Sorry that your Mom goes on Monday but it is great to know that she will be back. My mum & dad goe on holiday on Wednesday for 2 weeks so she will not even be in the coutry when I have the op done. Thank goodness for mobiles Not sure quite how we used to all manage?

Em - thinking of you and hoping that you are having a fab but busy weekend

Veronika - I do hope that your recovery is going well - guess you follow up must be just over a week away now - I so hope that it is going to have worked out well - guess then you can start trying naturally

Laura - hope that you are having a nice weekend

Well I expected to have to work all weekend as we announce our results on Wednesday but we are in such good shape that I just need to do some reading at home and have given all my team the weekend off. Such a nice surprise not to have to be stuck in the office today & tomorrow and I really needed a break as I was getting absolutely shattered. My dh is playing golf as he did not expect me to be around. So I think that I might go for a bit of retail therapy. Then I am getting my hair done so that I'll look good for the results announcement plus the parties after the results and my leaving do. More excited about the people who are coming - rather than allowing myself a drink.

So just Monday and Tuesday to face. Then results announced Wednesday. Then party party party !!!!!! Then handover the following week which should be easy. Weird to only have 10 days left when I have been there 11+ years. As some people are away on hols, people are already stopping by to say goodbye to me. I feel sad and elated all at the same time. Just another rollercoaster...................

Just caught sight of my ticker - op is only just over 2 weeks away - like Veronika I am so busy that I have not really thought about it too much - I guess that will only really hit me when I leave work??

Anyway - hope that you all have a lovely weekend.
Take good care.
Love Carolyn xxxx

[veronika]

Dear ladies!

Carolyn,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful PMA-story!
Wow, 10 days after 11+ years - that must be a crazy feeling! But I am sure it is one of those being happy and sad at the same time feelings, which are just so intense! It's probably good that after all your recent work stress you don't have to wait too long for the surgery, and can fell like being all active - on another level - right away.
I was disappointed for you when I saw that you wouldn't be in Devon for recovery (I always pictured you there), but for sure being with your DH and in your home will get you well just as quickly!!
I never understand why these endo-surgeries seem to be so different for everybody. Unfortunately I still don't have any additional information about mine, but I was astonished myself how quick I am feeling better. I, always the critic, do ask myself though: how can it be good if it was so easy....

Dania,
you and your little one are our miracle and don't you fear anything! If you do as the doctor told you and don't stress yourself, put your legs up in the evening and let nature do it's wonderful work, everything is going to be just fine!! It must be nerve-wrecking, I am sure, but it's only three weeks to go. In IVF/infertility time periods that's like the blink of the eye... well, kind of. Thinking of you!

Jackie,
I hope you are having a wonderful weekend with your mom. September is coming soon, andjust imagine how much closer you will be to your dream - it's such a nice thought - maybe your mom will be petting your pregnant belly!

Em,
that sounds like a busy and fun weekend you are having.
Don't worry about those syringes - they do look scary, and I can't say I miss them, although at the end I did enjoy the whole procedure a bit just because it is associated with so much HOPE.
They told me (31) the same thing about being at risk for hyperstimulation, which is why I drank lots of gatorade at the sight of the first symptoms. I was pretty disgusted by all the sugar; wish I would have known of this sugar-low version Dania spoke about.

Laura,
I hope your blood work went well. Did they tell you when you get the results? I hope you don't have to wait long!

I am almost back to normal, the only thing I am not doing yet is any heavy housework. I have two little incisions, one at the belly button and one a bit further down on the left. But really, they are tiny and I do wonder how any surgery could have been done My follow-up appointment is on the 28th.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, love and hugs,
Veronika


19th July - Em - IVF counselling appointment.
28th July - Em - AF due (start Clomid day 3).
28th July - Carolyn - Work Leaving Party
28th July - Vero - endo-surgery follow-up appointment
4th August - Carolyn - Last Day at Work - YIPPEEE!!!!
7th August - Carolyn - Tubal Surgery
10th Aug - Em - IUI?????
26th Aug - Em - Test date?????
July-Aug- Jackie baby dancing and having fun
11th Sept- Jackie starting final successful IVF
20th Sept- Laura tenative EC
25th Sept- Laura tenative ET

[CarolynB]

Veronika - sounds like your surgery was quite different to what they have planned for me. I don't have endo but I do have a very 'solid' block in both my tubes. I have at least seen it now after the lap. For me, he will open up my whole tummy, cut out the pieces of bad tubes and have a go at re-connecting me back up. I think that the op is more like a caesarian (spelling wrong) from what I have been told about not driving etc and the 4 night stay in hospital. They call it cornual anastomosis I think. Think the op takes like an hour & a half to 2 hours so they consider to to be quite major surgery. I am a little scared as thought that you would be able to tell me all about it but think now that yours was a bit different to mine??? Sounds more like the lap that I had already based on the scars

Think that with the endo that they just need to scrap it away. Sorry - this may be to much info. Think that is why they can usually do through quite small incisions.

Please don't be disheartened - I am sure that our surgons are doing the best for each of us - but seems like every one of us is unique. May be he did a really good job on you so the recovery has been speedy. And may be also helped by your determination to get on with things

I may still go down to Devon but might have to be week 2 or 3 of recovery. Just don't think that I can leave the area until all the stiches are removed. Makes me think that if you have stiches in your belly button that they need to remove then take some painkillers (imbrofen or like) a couple of hours before you have them removed. It hurt me a bit and the nurse said - well why didn't you take some painkillers - and I was like well nobody told me too

So now you only have to wait until Friday to see what is said and can then make a plan - Yippee

Jackie - I asked the lady at my work who is pregnant on go 5 about acu during 2 ww for you. She said that it is Zita West who does not advise acu in 2ww. However she had done lots of research and said particularly in US that there are acu centres spring up near ivf clinics so woman can drop in straight after ET (same day). She went a couple of days after ET but not again during her 2ww. It seems that there may be two different views on after ET??? Guess you'll need to see what your acu believes

Dania - hope you are takin' it really easy and you & your little one are being looked after by your dh

Laura - let us know when you hear about the bloods

Em - hope that AF arrives on time so you can get going again

Well doing all the final work ahead of our results announcement on Wednesday - final chceks on everything - Press Release, Presentations, Scripts etc etc. At least doing it in the garden rather than the office. As I know it will be such a busy week - have hung out all my clothes for the week already. Managed a hair cut yesterday and getting my nails done today so that I look good We went to a bar-b-q last night where there were 3 woman (all with kids) who had all had bad experiences with their dhs. Ones dh had run of with a 21 year old nanny. All seemed really bitter. They were all pretty much having to start dating again. Dh and I both left and were saying how we felt like the really lucky ones that we have each other and that we are happily married and together. Sometimes with all this stuff, we may be forget that we do have stuff really going for us. Have my last session of acu pre-op on Thursday to calm me down. Jackie - will ask the cutie about acu in 2ww if he has some more time this week

So back to my work - not long now.

Love to you all.
Carolyn xxxx