December-January Cycle Buddy's Our New beginnings

[Fed7281]

Hi Ladies,

Just got home from my EC. we only got 5 eggs. I started to cry in the hospital room. My doctor projected more and I figured since I was so young that I would have a better response. But I dont know. I have to go back probably SUnday for my ET but I will find out tomorrow after 11AM to find out how many fertilized and find out the specifics on my ET. Well I am going to go lay down now. Talk to you all later. Thanks for thinking of me today!

Erin

[shantala]

fed - dont be upset hunny!! i can imagine you must be disappointed especially as it came so unexpected (being young i can understand you probably just assumed you'd get quite a lot) but 5 is still good. it only takes one of those to make a healthy little bundle!! let us know as soon as you know how many fertilised. sending special hugs to your embies!!

ems - i'm thinking of you also and praying really hard. like aunty said, maybe they just wanted their mommy!!! keep your spirits up and i'm praying for a well deserved BFP for you!!

nouna - sorry cant help with injection query but would be interested to find out what the answer is! have you heard from your nurse yet?

mom - great to hear from you. thank you, i hope the real thing goes smoother too. but hey, you know what, the day i get my kiddies back you could chop my hands off!!

haylie - you are such a brave lady!!! and that child will really deserve to have such a determined mum like you!! i hope you know we're all right behind you!! *hugs*

xx

[PMApsy]

Good morning ladies!

My... so many emotions on the forum today so far! Makes me want to begin with personals!

Sassy oh sweetie... I feel for you, I really do. I could imagine you last night not being able to sleep and trying to get some warmth through the forum, all alone in front of your computer and thinking of your little ones! *hugs* I admire you for sticking to your motto and I think it's the wisest thing to do. I sincerely hope that there is at least one little fighter in there, like Shantala said, and that you will be able to get a transfer soon with some good news. It looks like you have a good relationship with your doc and I think that's a big plus. I'm with you in thoughts.

Fed: I'm so sorry the EC did not get as many eggs as you had hoped for. Being young definitely creates different hopes at least for stimming (I'm guilty!) and I know exactly what you're talking about. But hey, even if these greater numbers seem reassuring, look at all the stories here... some got a lot of eggs and only a few fertilized... some got only a few eggs and all of them fertilized... I know it's hard but please don't assume that your chances are lower just because they got 5 embryos... hang in there hun; when will you have news from your doc?

My and AMD, I'm also looking forward to have news!!! It's exciting; we'll have lots of results in the next few days! I want to see many BFPs in here!!!

nouna hi hun! Don't worry about the blood. It just means that your needle hit a small blood vessel on its way in; the meds were still injected sub-cutaneous all the same. I, too, sometimes picture the meds flowing out through the needle hole, but lol, it doesn't work that way. At the beginning, every single Puregon shot I gave myself created a tiny bleeding and believe me, the meds stayed in.

Haylie *hus* wow... it seems like things are moving so fast! He really seems like he's carrying on with the separation full speed with very little regard to your situation right now (e.g., IVF). It's unbelieveable! I'm really shocked here; he deserves a big kick in the b... (choose the word you want!). Hang in there sweetie, you know were with you in thoughts! I'm sure there are hotlines in your area that you could call for some support in a crisis like this... don't hesitate to call before you need it too badly. Better prevent than cure...

mom glad to know you're feeling better; I keep everything crossed with you for your job applications! go girl! Go get 'em!

Shantala hello darling! *hugs* Nice to see you here, as always! I'm sorry that your ibs acts on you like that before appointments. Sometimes, however, it's not stress-related... have you checked the website? It might be something else entirely. I thought I had the food triggers under control, but let me tell you the website changed my mind radically about that! And it keeps working, you know. I stuck to the "calm down your gut" diet after that crisis I had and, even if my meds doubled, not a sign of any crisis so far. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed!

Aunty: thanks for your note! How are you doing? All excited to grow your future babies? Are you the slow starter type or do you usually react quite fast to the meds? Is it the first time you try Gonal?

As for me, there are good news. First surprise of the day, they did the sham transfer. When the doctor told me, I suddenly regretted that I didn't ask my sweetheart to come with me to the clinic. He told me he was going to measure my uterus and bwl... it's exactly what that resident did; it hurt like hell and... well, I've told that story already.

LOL you know what? He installed the speculum, then he said he would start measuring and... JUST as I wondered when he would open my cervix (like the resident did), he declared, "Okay, 7 centimeters, that's good. I'm finished!"

So that's it? LOL I didn't feel one thing! The relief, guys, the relief! I'm so sorry for all those who hurt real bad during that procedure, because someone hurt me in the past and I know what it feels like... but I was happy to be labelled "easy" and to feel nothing. Sure takes some stress of my shoulders for the D-day.

My lining is good: 11mm. They said they aim for something over 8mm. Then they checked my follicles:

RIGHT: 8 follicles, all around 7mm, and a cyst measuring 29mm.
LEFT: 5 follicles, all around 7mm, and a cyst measuring 25mm.

He said the cysts are probably what hurts me like that (I woke up in the middle of the night, moaning; I'm not even able to sleep on either side; gravity pulls the cysts down and it huuurts! it actually woke me up quite a few times). He said it poses no problem for the EC; he said the cysts will simply be punctured during the procedure. He also said he didn't want to take a chance and assume the cysts were in fact follicles; so of course no trigger for me tonight.

He upped my Puregon from 200 to 300 units per day. I have another scan on Saturday morning. Given what you guys said, I might be triggered in two days if my ovaries suddenly "turn into grapes" (LOL Bec!) But I really don't expect too much from that scan, just like today. That IVF ride is really influenced by expectations. I am young so I expected more reaction, hence the initial disappointment on Tuesday. Now I really take things as they come, so I was simply happy this morning, and that's that. If it takes 2, 3, 4 scans even, so be it. I just want as many mature eggs as possible, and as ripe as they can be. It will take the time it takes.

So that's it for me ladies. I feel a bad headache coming back; I'll take some Tylenol (started taking them this morning...). I'll be around and check for updates!

Take care ladies!

Sophie

[sassynlv]

just a quick note to nouna: i'm thinkin' no worries on the blood thing... as long as he injected all the med, you should be good to go. I had that happen pretty frequently... a little blood when the needle comes out shouldn't be a problem (except that you would need a band-aid ). Happy stimming!

[shantala]

sophie - hey hun, lovely to see you on here too! i completely forgot about that website so would you please please mind posting it again?? sorry hun! fantastic news about your trial and about your follies! way to go!! cant wait to hear your next results on saturday! ok, and i'm trying to use your advice and start getting used to just taking one day at a time and not to have too many expectations for each visit! (*remember*) sorry to hear about your cysts hurting so much though! did he say whether they will go down or whether you will have to endure them until EC? if it is the latter then you wont have long and it will all be worth it?

xxx

[PMApsy]

Shantala tee hee hee, you do stick around today, don't you? it's great to have you here! Thanks for your note about my ultrasound; it feels like a good pat in the back and I need some cheerleading even if I'm still in PMA mode; it always feels good! The website is

www.helpforibs.com

About the advice, yeah... I think it's the biggest thing I've learned so far. I thought I had had my lesson just before I started when I got all upset by how AF's lateness kept changing my estimated dates for every step of the process... but see, you're never totally expectations-free! I still assumed a little bit about how fast the stimming would go. And I got disappointed on Tuesday, even if much much less. So it's definitely something to keep in check. The one thing you can always assume is that... nothing is certain.

Don't worry about the cysts. I've had ovarian cysts that came and went with several ovulations since the age of 13! I went to the hospital on my first ovulation ever because they thought it was appendicitis! I'm pretty good at dealing with that kind of pain, as I wrote before, it's so familiar...

I didn't ask the doctor anything about the cysts, other than if it would impact on the EC (he said it would cause no problem and that was a relief especially given that some ladies reported on the forum that their cycles had been cancelled like two days prior to EC because of a cyst). I don't expect the cysts to go down, they might even get bigger with the stimming. But that's life. Right now, my headaches are the worst part of it; I'll just have to remember to sleep on my back... after all, in a few months that position will be a no-no! PMA!

Thanks for cheering my follies.. I hope they heard you!

Kissies,

Sophie

[sassynlv]

oooo, forgot a few things...

ems: i so sorry that you are upset. it is so scary and frustrating when things don't seem to be going well... then add all the hormones on board, and, well.... . But you know, aunty is right... hopefully just a couple late bloomers you got there. I agree w/you... they would not have transferred them if there wasn't a chance. There are women who have gotten preg with "poor quality" embryos and had beautiful, healthy children. I happen to know one myself... she now has a beautiful 7 yr old boy. Thinking of you, and *hugs*

Aunty: Gonal in, and you are off and running! Fab! Those ovaries had better cooperate! Have you been playing them soothing music and feeding them their favorite foods to make them play ball? dh recommended i do that when i was trying to grow a pretty lining . So i kept telling him... but dh, the lining wants cheetos! or, the lining wants chocolate cheesecake!!heeheehee

Haylie: thinking of you, and sending you "strength vibes". Hang in there. (and, whenever you are ready... i'm sure the group of us can come up with some pretty inventive things we would like to do to your dh )

in to work early today as planned... was to work until ET. Now think i will go help dh at his office afterwards, much better than sitting at home and waiting.... and waiting... and waiting for RE to call (although... all my favorite "comfort" foods i bought yest am for the post-transfer days are sitting at home calling my name... )

[sassynlv]

Man, guys, i am not doing well this am... think it is the sleep deprivation!!!

I missed erin in my last posts... oh, man. I am sorry that you are disappointed w/the # they were able to grab for you. You are young, though which bodes (sp?) very well for the health and strength of your eggs. I will be anxious to hear your fert #s. Fingers crossed for you!

[Macca8]

Ems,

Please don't worry about the embryos. It is very true that sometimes the culture is not the best place for them, the womb is. I know the embryologist grades them but I honestly don't believe it makes any difference if the environment isn't right. Your embryos are in the best place now and they will continue to grow and attach.

I know you will get your BFP...Keep the faith sweetie.

Love Lisa XX

[nouna]

Hello again,

Thanks sassy, Chantala and sophie for your reply, you were all right, in regard the bleeding, the nurse told me that I might've hit a small blood vessel, but it is totally fine, the med went through no problem. She also adviced me to lie down when my husband does the injections. I really hate taking injections, all my legs and belly are sore now.
Sophie: I hope the cysts won't hurt much and the follicules grow faster.

Erin: Sorry to hear about your dispointment, but I hope all the 5 eggs will start dividing. I'm sure you will have good news tomorrow!

[Ange]

Hi all...

Haylie... try and stay strong, you will rise above all this turmoil. Don't know what's going on in DH's head, but springing this on you out of nowhere is just plain not nice. Hang in there. HUGS!

Aunty..So happy you are on your way, grow follies grow!

EMS... try not to worry, follies all grow at different paces, when they are in us and out. PMA vibes to you

Sassy...being an insomniac myself, I felt your pain last night. Argghh, nothing worse than not being able to turn the spinning wheels off. I share your fears on abnormal embies and will be holding my breath during our PGD testing. I am staying hopeful for you. Everything crossed!! HUGS!

Nouna...No need to worry about the blood on the way out for the needle. My Dr. told us that once the needle goes in, we should draw back slightly and if there's blood at that point, remove it and inject again. If you hit blood on the way in, you might've hit a blood vessel. I've had blood on the way out and it's just from the puncture.

Sophie...owie on the cysts! When I was having my u/s before my previous retrieval, my dr. told me I had one so big, he could attach a string to it and fly it like a kite! Keep those follies growing, settle down cysts!

Erin.. 5 is not a bad number! It's all about quality and you're right you are young and that's why the quality will be awesome!

Cook..glad you're feeling better and good luck with your job search. Looking for a job is a full time job!

Macca... what awesome stats on your embies! Yipee!!

Jackie...AF jig for you, bring it on!

AMD/My... anxiously awaiting your news today.

Mia.. I would love to see your you tube. Do I need to request to be your friend on my space? Or can I just look at it? Big dog fan myself. I have 3 furry children and love them to pieces.

That's it for now, back to work.

hugs,
Ange

[sassynlv]

Hey, a quick note (i know, i know, i am a total 'post whore" today!). But, thought this might be important. Just got a phone call from a dear friend (one of two that know about ivf). Little background... took her 3 yrs, 3 m/c, multiple clomid cycles and an an ectopic preg surgery when 6 wks preg (one in uterus, one in tubes) before she got her #1. So, in other words, she is not a total IF virgin. Anyway, she has always been very supportive and loving. She called to tell me today that on Oprah today they had a show re: 30 yr olds. Apparently there was a segment on IF. She called me to tell me that after watching this, she realized that she previously had NO idea what i was going through. Apparently it made quite an impression on her re: the emotional upheaval involved w/ivf and IF. Don't actually know if it was any good, or what was said, but like i said, clearly made an impression on her. so, it is kind of late for most of you, but just in case, thought i would pass on the info. If it is really any good, might be a helpful thing for families and/or friends.

[beachbaby]

Hi ladies, gosh this thread moves fast, just caught up, here goes.

Haylie, sorry about your life at the moment, you are a very strong person to move on with your life. Please take care and try to relax ready for your babies coming home.

Lori and AMD congratulations on bfp, AMD looking forward to your beta numbers today.

Mia, good luck with your transfer.

Sassy, sorry its not going smoothly, i hope you get good news today you deserve this, be strong and i have everthing crossed for you.

Shantale, sorry your practice run was uncomfortable but im sure this is from your bladder being empty, they use the full bladder to help see the direction. they tried me on an empty bladder useless, its hard enough when i'm full to bursting.I'm sure you'll be fine on the real thing, good luckn for next week.

Lisa, congrats on getting your embies back, take care.

Cook sorry your feeling unwell, no wonder with all the eggs you had, rest up as you need your strenth for ET.

Fed, 5 good ones is better than loads if there poor quality, let us kmow how many fertilised, they'll be back with you before you know it.

As for me everything was okay, and i started my eostogen tablets. 3 a day for 6 days then increase to 4 for 3 days, back on 2nd Feb, should all be okay as was last time and same protocol so FET will be 5th or 6th Feb.

sorry to all i've missed but cooking dinner, lots of baby dust to everyone.

Aunty, almost forgot i am so happy for you grow follies grow.

[hopeful-in-LV]

hey sassy, I'm still rooting for you and the embies!

I just got a call from the clinic moments ago. Transfer is at 1pm today! caught me off gaurd. Was going to do a bunch of stuff today, but I guess I'll be stuck in bed. gotta get ready now.

thanks for all the well wishes!

Can't do more personals now, but all the best to everyone!

[sassynlv]

Mia: woohoo!!! I am thinking that is good news... must have blasted well this am. Fab! You go girl.... ooooo will be waiting for update, so post when you get back!!! oh, and while you are there... go give my embryos a good talkin' to!!!