MARCH-CYCLE BUDDIES

[rae76]

So I had my first acupuncure appointment today... was supposed to be just a consult but turned into a session as the doctor had time for that after our talk and planning and I said sure Like I said before, to get the full advantage for IVF one should start the herbs +acu 3 months prior to the IVF, but some benefits can be gained even within such a short time. I'll be taking the herbs (supposedly improve egg quality) until actual meds start - the acupuncturist said she thinks by doctor will prefer me to not take them while doing IVF. In my situation the best things to be gained by receiving acu treatment are stress relief and the improvement of circulation (can help implantation). Egg quality could be improved in 3 months. I will go back once a week until starting meds I guess, and then the recommended frequency is twice a week. Sounds pretty good to me. I was also encouraged to bring my husband (has low morphology and so-so motility - these can be significantly improved by Chinese medicine treatment) and I'm sure he'll be happy to go - he's tired and stressed out as well, too much work. I got herbs for myself to drink as tea once a day and some kind of a ginseng product for DH.

The treatment itself was quite pleasant. She stuck needles on my forehead, ears, lower abdomen and legs; didn't hurt a bit. Some of the needles I didn't even feel and with others I felt a minor, minor tingling sensation. It was very relaxing just lying there in the semi-dark room and time flew by - before I knew it she was back to extract the needles. I heard some people actually fall asleep. I was told that I should start feeling the de-stressing benefits right away, cannot be sure about that yet but I sure was more relaxed physically coming out than going in. Now I have a slight headache but am not sure whether it's related. Have to ask next time.

This definitely seems worth a try, although I have no unrealistic hopes. The price wasn't bad at all - the consultation was free and the treatment costs 70 dollars/visit. The herbs and the ginseng I brought home with me weren't expensive either.

[nicolamark]

thx for the info on the accupunture, sounds really good, however I have thought about it , I will not be doing it with this IVF, it's my 1st IVF......the needles scare me, which is the only thing about the whole IVF that does scare me!!! I am not worried about EC or ET at all!!! But needles!!!! Arghhhhh!!!!!

I taking all the vitamins, and folic acid etc...... I am cutting out caffine, chocolate, Crisps, junk food, and eating wholesome pure foods.

I am slightly concernec about the stress i have at work, it's just work pressure, but get easily wound up when things go wrong, like today I was having a bad work day, and just cried my heart out when i got home. I donmt want that, anyway the cry did me good, as i feel fine now!!!!


Anna, Happy birthday honey!!! (again, sorry it's late)

Lucy, how did u get on with your appointmnet 2day???

Shantala, It's odd that they do the trial on empty bladder, as it's surely best to have the same conditions as the real thing, Ive had IUI's 9 times and thats a doddle!!! Yeah, it does depend on who does the iui, and if your bladder is full to bursting thats even worse, it's got to be just the right amount full..

Hope everyone else is ok, hope you all have a good evening, and hey the US ladies, have a good afternoon and evening!!!!

Love to ya all, x x x

[nicolamark]

THIS IS OUR GROUP



ANNA
CARBEV
KARINA
LUCY
NERMS
NICKI
RAE
SHANTALA
VICKY
HOLLY


WELCOME!



A big hello to JENN, JILL & AMANDA!!!


WAITING FOR AF…..LETS ALL DO THE DANCE



End Jan--Vicky - AF due
End Jan-- Rae- AF due & baseline scan and pill
01 feb --Nerms--AF due
01 Feb – Anna- AF due
10 feb-- Shantala-AF due
14 feb--Nicki-AF due
04 Mar – Holly – AF due
14 Mar—Nicki AF due



APOINTMENTS, BLOOD TESTS AND SCANS



End Jan – Rae-- baseline scan and pill
30 Jan Shantala-Consultation meeting
24 Jan Lucy-IVF follow up appt @ 9am
26 Jan Nerms- Baseline Scan
01 Feb – anna baseline scan
09 Feb--Nicki- Blood test for egg share
16 Feb-- Nicky - IVF appt for cycle plan.
27 feb—Amanda- Trial transfer

DOWN REGGING, STIMS, DRUGS and BCP’s




16 Feb—Amanda—Lupron
Feb—Anna-- BCP’s
1 Mar-- Nerms- Stimming
1 Mar-- Karina - down regging
2 Mar-- Shantala- down regging
4 Mar—Karina- starting Ivf
4 Mar—Jill- Stimms
6 Mar-- Nicki- Down regging
MAR—Jenn—starting IVF
9 Mar—Amanda-- Stimms








EGG COLLECTION


18 mar—Amanda—EC
27 Mar-- Nicki- EC




EMBRYO TRANSFER



21 Mar—Amanda—EC
30 Mar-- Nicki – ET


FET


End Feb—Vicky-- FET
End Mar—Carbev-- FET



2WW





TEST DATES



Nicki- 11 April


CONGRATULATIONS!!!! BFP!!!



BFN

[nicolamark]

vicky and Rae, when Af comes end of Jan, then what, is that when u both begin on BCP's, are you both down regging with your cycles???

Lucy, how did you get on at the clinic??? x x x

[luby]

Hi My March Buddies

Can't believe how much this thread is growing.. !! Sorry if I don't get to post much but I'm really busy with work lately..!! I'll try keep up though promise..!!!

Nicki - You're doing a great job on the list, it looks lovely. Oohhh a sea wrap, who's organised that for you.? Sounds gorgeous.. Well done on your healthy eating, cutting out all the bad stuff like Choc, crisps, caffine etc, at my appt yest I told my consultant I did all that, and he just said don't bother becuase it doesn't work, don't change anything about yourself or daily living, people get preg while taking much worse things...... But I, like you wanted to give myself the best chance. On my 1st 2 cycles I didn't change anything and got preg, on my last 2 I changed everything and cut out stuff and got neg's....Anyway hun I've got a good feeling about your cycle, your going to be one of the ladies it works 1st time for..!! Take Care sweetie.

Holly - welcome to the thread. Would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the luck in the world with your next cycle, your a bit infront of me, my AF isn't due till 24th March, hope we'll all be celbrating BFP's.. Take Care Hun

Nerms - Good luck with your baseline scan tomorrow, hope it goes OK. Not long now till AF then a month after you'll be stimming.. Take Care Hun, let us know how scan goes..

Vicky - Hows you hun - has AF arrived yet? When are you doign Acu?

Karina - Hi to you, hope you're OK?

Shantala - I'm glad the scan and trial transfer went OK for you, Roll on the 30th to see if you can do it early or not. Take Care

Jen - Welcome to the thread, if you need to ask any questions at all just ask, we are all here to support and ehlp each other..! Take Care Hun

Carloline - Hope you're OK?

Anna - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU FOR YESTERDAY...

Rae - Glad the acu appt went OK, you sound very positive about it, acu is something I've thought of doing with this cycle, but can't find a good therapist..!! Take Care

Right I'm in such a rush here, so sorry if I've missed anyone out - hello to you if I have..

As for my appt yesterday It didn't go too well, can't seem to stop crying, my eyes are sore today with crying last night, really don't want to be here today…. Feeling really really down… My consultant said to me that because I'm on the highest does of stims I obviously can't go any higher so can't change my tmt.. He has told me to do my next cycle like I've planned because I'm wanting to do it but after this one, he wants me to stop tmt using my own eggs, he doesn't think I should carry on because each cycle my response is getting poorer and poorer, last time I only got 4 eggs but he also said my quality is good and I need 2 good embies. H has referred me to see a counsellor for the Egg Donor procedure, he said I don't have to go ahead with it but its good to get me on the list and speak with someone. Egg Donor is something I would definitely consider because I knew it would come to this one day anyway, but I have to be positive and think the next cycle will work...

I'm really going to have to go, at working and going in a meeting now, so I'll post again later, but wanted to tell you I will be going ahead, but after this one, if it doesn't work, its over me using my own eggs..!!

Take Care all

Love Lu

[shantala]

hi luby

i'm really sorry to hear that but i'm keeping my fingers crossed that this one will work and you wont have to go there!!! the best of best of best of luck for this one to work!!! did he tell you why you're getting poor responses with your eggs??

xx

[vicky77]

Lubi, hun, don't be sad, I know it must have been heartbreaking hearing that from RE, it is probably a shock when you hear it for the first time, but with time and after seeing a counselor things will be better, I know, and besides, you are still using your eggs on this one, so lets concentrate very hard on this cycle, all of us, to send you all the best vibes possible, you can do it!!!!!!!! . I haven't started acu yet, will go to the seminar next Tuesday and after that will decide where to go and make an appt.

Nicky, your list is getting everyday better...and bigger!!. About your question, after AF I start BCP's for a month, and after the BCP's I start with estrogen and progesterone for about 15 days and I have the transfer at that time (I guess by mid/end March). Don't be scared of needles, I was too, but most of them are very very tini (insulin like, don't know if you know them...), the first time you stab yourself will probably be the difficult one, but after that you get used to it, believe me, it is nothing, and even less if while giving it you think of the reason why you are doing it.......

Rae, seems like your first apt at the acu was great!!, thanks for the info, as I said before, I am going Tuesday to the seminar and at that time will probably make the apt. I guess I won't have a problem about the egg quality thing since I am doing a FET, so starting now I hope will not be a problem........

Nerms, good luck on your scan tomorrow!!!!!, keep us posted!

As per me, nothing new for now, no signs of AF, and I am not very sure really when should she hit, since after the m/c I don't really know how my body is reacting or what is going on in there ......., so maybe on the first days of Feb, who knows!!!

[HOLLY SANDERSON]

Nicki
I was the worst person with needles I pass out with blood tests.I also pass out if I see someonelse have an injection. My mum said I would not be able to inject myself because she knows what I am like, but after the first one I was a pro there really is nothing to it.I till pass out with the blood tests which is strange.Ha Ha
Holly x

[rae76]

Hi everyone!

Lucy, I'm so sorry that you are down. All that is a lot to think about. I have even my toes crossed so that this time will do it for you!! But if not, the game is not over yet. And we're all here for you!

Vicki, hopefully AF will find her way to you sooner rather than later The acu was great although, like I said, for me it'll probably be more for stress relief than anything. And of course this is my first IVF so it'll tell me much more about e.g. my eggs - right now there's no reason to think my eggs are bad but after this we'll be wiser. I think I like to feel like I'm taking good care of myself - because, as much as I admire those of you who have managed to cut all the unhealthy foods etc from your diet, I haven't and a part of me doesn't even want to. Sure I eat good stuff but also the bad, that's my vice I guess

Hopefully your seminar will be a success!!

Nicki, sorry to hear that yesterday was such a tough day for you Hopefully you're feeling better now. A good cry is sometimes just what the doctor ordered...

As to your question, I was told that once AF arrives and I go in for cd2 scan, we'll discuss the protocol. But should start downregging and before that do the trial transfer.

I'm ill - again! I just had bad cold a month ago and now I'm home shivering and blowing my nose again. Really sucks. I'm trying to think positive and tell myself that better now than in the middle of my IVF - but then again, what will stop it from coming back ( a lot of stuff is going around here).... I take my vitamines, eat veggies, exercise - not a lot to do expect accept that I got sick anyway and lie on the couch. I actually had a flu shot last week so thought I was definitely on top of things But of course it doesn't help with the common cold.

Anyhow, have a great day eveyone - well, evening, actually, in the UK!

[nerms]

Hi Luby...i'm so sorry to hear how sad you feel...but you're so sweet...you remembered everyone before bearing your own news...thats what i call selfless...i think you're practising to be a great mum ...which with all of our prayers you will be one day..so don't be sad...hopefully this one will work and you won't have to think about donor eggs...one day at a time hey!

[nicolamark]

Hi girls, i am feeling better, NO tears!!! But work was still hell.....Arghhh!!!

Hate it, I live for the w-end, IVF and having babies!!!!


Rae, I am sorry to hear that u are feeling ill, but better now than during your tmt.. I had a cold on my last 2ww in Nov, it was awful, as the cold came about 3 days before the end of the 2ww, and then when Af came and i wasnt Pg, it was 1o times worse!!!! I hate colds!!!
Get well soon honey!!!


Holly, thanks for the support on needles, I am sure i'll be fine when it comes to it..... I am having a lesson with the nurse before hand!!


Nerms, all the best with your scan, hope evrything goes well!!

Lucy, honey lets not worry about the egg donor yet, as this will work for ya!!! Sending you big hugs, I hope the tears have dried up now. It's a hard journey.
Have u spoken u Jen (pheonixes) she's doing the donor egg thing, of course I am sure u know that!!!
I am the other side of the Egg donor program, I am donating 1/2 my eggs this cycle, to whom I dont know, but the clinic are matching me to someone there, some one like you i am sure.

Can u recieve eggs from your clinic or do u have to go abroad??

But anyway, lets not think about this too much, it might not be needed!!!

By the way the sea wrap is a seaweed wrap, it get rid of toxins in your body and deep cleanses the system, I am having it done at a salon in town!!
I know what u mean about not changing your life style, but surely it helps huh???
I know tonz of girls accidently preg on drugs and smoking and drink etc..... but i dont want to take the risk!!

Vicky, when i had m/c in aug, my periods were all over the place took 3 mths before i was normal again....

Better go and up the list....Love to everyone else, sorry i cant mention everyone, but i do care. Love ya all. xxx

[nicolamark]

THIS IS OUR GROUP



AMANDA
ANNA
CARBEV
HOLLY
JENN
JILL
KARINA
LUCY
NERMS
NICKI
RAE
SHANTALA
VICKY

WELCOME!




Any more march cyclers, welcome to join?
Looking fwd to meeting ya!!!


WAITING FOR AF…..LETS ALL DO THE DANCE



End Jan--Vicky - AF due
End Jan-- Rae- AF due & baseline scan and pill
01 feb --Nerms--AF due
01 Feb – Anna- AF due
10 feb-- Shantala-AF due
14 feb--Nicki-AF due
04 Mar – Holly – AF due
14 Mar—Nicki AF due



APOINTMENTS, BLOOD TESTS AND SCANS



30th Jan—Vicky—acu appointment
End Jan – Rae-- baseline scan and pill
30 Jan Shantala-Consultation meeting
26 Jan Nerms- Baseline Scan
01 Feb – anna--Baseline scan
06 Feb—Nicki-- seaweed wrap
09 Feb--Nicki- Blood test for egg share
16 Feb-- Nicky - IVF appt for cycle plan.
27 feb—Amanda- Trial transfer

DOWN REGGING, STIMS, DRUGS and BCP’s




16 Feb—Amanda—Lupron
Feb—Anna-- BCP’s
Feb—Vicky—BCP’s
End of Feb—Rae—Down regging
1 Mar-- Nerms- Stimming
1 Mar-- Karina - down regging
2 Mar-- Shantala- down regging
4 Mar—Karina- starting Ivf
4 Mar—Jill- Stimms
6 Mar-- Nicki- Down regging
MAR—Jenn—starting IVF
9 Mar—Amanda-- Stimms








EGG COLLECTION


18 mar—Amanda—EC
27 Mar-- Nicki- EC




EMBRYO TRANSFER



Mid- end Mar—Vicky—ET
21 Mar—Amanda—ET
30 Mar-- Nicki – ET


FET


End Feb—Vicky-- FET
End Mar—Carbev-- FET



2WW





TEST DATES



Nicki- 11 April


CONGRATULATIONS!!!! BFP!!!



BFN

[annag]

Hello everyone!

Thank you for your happy birthday wishes! There's so much I've missed not logging on for 48 hrs. Wow, the list is getting bigger too. Kudos, Nicki!

Lucy, I'm so sorry about your news. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you too that this is the cycle you get the best eggie to develop into your baby. I know it is hard to accept what we don't have (I have no left tube and bad rt tube) and I have cried myself to sleep a lot of nights including blaming myself for being the infertile one. But there are days when I just accept me for who I am and what I have and move on to what else is there for me to have my bundle of joy. It helps to talk to somebody who is going through the same thing or of course you can rant here with us. Best of luck to you this cycle!!!!

Nicki, I wish I could do what you're doing. Seaweed wrap...that sounds so relaxing. I'm trying to eat healthy too and drink more water but some days I just can't do it. Oh and your question for Vicky and Rae, my re makes me start bcp's on CD 3 then start Lupron (down regging) on CD 20. Then another af comes in a week then start stims. Does that sound similar to anybody else's schedule?

Rae, that acu session you had sounded great. I'm having my 1st one on Tuesday too. I guess that should be my stress relief too. I have knots everywhere in my neck from stress! Feel better from your cold/flu!

Vicky, hope af comes for you soon!! I feel my boobs hurting already and when I was doing my IUI's they were so sore that I thought i might have been preggy but of course it was prob. just the progesterone getting ready for af. I then get af a week later. So hopefully mine starts soon too (so we can get this party started!!!)

Take care all...Have a good weekend ....TGIF tomorrow!

Anna

[rae76]

Thanks Nicky & Anna for your get well wishes!

Nicky, the seaweed wrap sounds just divine....

Anna, the schedule you quoted sounds just like what we might be doing (except that the protocol is not set in stone yet - my doctor will tell me after the scan whether we'll be doing Lupron or something else). Hopefully we'll be cycling closely together!

I am feeling incredibly sick, just the headache is enough to wipe me out completely. So better get back to bed.

Have a beautiful weekend everyone

[luby]

Hi Girls

Hope you're all OK? HAPPY WEEKEND TO YOU ALL, HOPE YOU HAVE A GOOD ONE, NOT MUCH PLANNED MYSELF, LOOKING AFTER MY GORGEOUS NIECE TOMORROW, THINK WE MIGHT GO SWIMMING, SHE'S ONLY 3 1/2..... (JUST REALISED CAPS LOCK ON SORRY)

Shantala - I am a poor responder becuase I ahve high FSH, I am on the highest dose of stims and still don't do very well, most eggs I've got is 10, which to me is very good, then I got 6, then 5, then the last time only 4, it only takes one though, right? Hope you're OK? ASnything ncie planned for the weekend?

Vicky - Thanx for the good vibes hun, you are so right, I do need to concentrate on this cycle, I know its my last cycle using my own eggs, but I also know this one could be the ONE - I am going to be very positive about it...

Rae - Soorry to hear you're not feeling any better, hope you get better soon, its horrible having a cold and feeling crappy.... you rest up hun. Take Care

Anna - Thanks for your message, same prob as me, although I still ahve both tubes, they are very very damaged.. I am going to put everything into this cycle, I am going to be so positive about it - MY LAST CYCLE WILL BE THE ONE.... Have a great weekend


Nicki - Hi sweetie, hope you're OK? Hope you've had a better day at work? Don't like to hear you're haveing a crap timeat work, you don't need it - thanks for you message too, I am going to pm you later on when I have a bit of time. Your right it migth not come to egg donor as my next cycle migth just be the one, but if it isn't I know I will be OK going down the ED route, I truly admire you for doing egg sharing, you will be helping another couple have what we are all trying very hard for and to do that for another couple is very special, so good on you.. My clinic have already put me on the waiting list (mustn't have much hope this one's going work huh?) anyway they said the waiting list is quite long but if I had a donor I'd go to top of list, once a match was found. My sis is preg at min, due in May, she wants to donote her eggs to help someone and also help me..

Anyway like you said lets not think Egg Donor just yet..... IT WILL WORK FOR ME..!!!

A big hello to:

[b]AMANDA
CARBEV
HOLLY
JENN
JILL
KARINA
NERMS [/b]

As for me feeling better today, going to concentrate on this cycle and not think about all the "what if's" Thanks for all your support..

Take Care everyone

Lucy