IVF HAMMERSMITH

[CarolynB]

Hi Margaret

Really good to hear about all your progress and ivf journey. Wow. Test day tomorrow. I shall cross everything for you. Thailand - shooting up - that really made me laugh. Buserelin gave me really bad headaches too. 4 eggs is great. Could they only reach 1 side. That happened with me on go 2. Such a pain.

I like to know what I will do next. I am a planner and it does help me to know what my steps will be. I am not sure that anything can really cushion the blow of a negative. Hopefully that will not be something that you have to deal with.

Very best of luck for tomorrow. Do let us know. Sending you tons of baby dust. BFP for you!
Carolyn xxx
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Dearest Lola

Cannot believe that I shall have to face the dam blue-yellow sofas without you. I think that you were scared of the effect that the two of us could have in that place together!! Ha Ha I hope that you are doing ok. I found some time over Xmas being a non-ivf person did me the world of good. I would love to take more time out but just scared that I am rapidly approaching 4-1 in May so time is not on my side. Good on you with trying to get fit and control your hours. It is all such a juggling act.

Well now I am catching up and will be just behind you for no 4

Thanks for the info on drug prices. I have shopped around. I found that Hammersmith were best for Puregon 900 cartridges. Bought them today. Now need a new perscription. Getting the rest from Applied Dispensary Services - can let anyone know details if needed. Bit of a hassle to get 2 perscriptions but works out at £678. Calea were next best at £712 all in, whilst Hammersmith would have been £778. Saving of £100 pays for a couple of acu sessions so is well worth having. Pharmacist at Hammersmith heard me talking about why I wanted to split by perscription. She was shocked and claimed that they lose money on ivf drugs. She took copies of all my notes and price checks (I called about 6 places) and said she would find out why places could offer cheaper so at least some good may come in future??

So I get started on stimmies in around 10 days and will be EC/ET at the end of this month.

We put in the papers to ARGC about 3 weeks ago, having heard the wait list was 3 months. We heard on Wednesday that we have our initial consultation on 1st March. Nearly collapsed - less that a month. Somebody must be liking me. That means bound to be EC day for no.3!!! Can do Hammersmith am and ARGC pm. OMG! Not going to turn it down. Acu man reckons that I should go ahead, they will make me wait a month after no 3, then do a monitored cycle and then I might be good to go in June. Would have to wait 3 months at Hammersmith unless we did FET so no loss of time at all. I am a planner and it really helps me to know our way forward.

I have had a bit of a loss of confidence in embryos sticking for me without some extra help. So I am like let's get no 3 out of the way so I can do something different for no 4!!!!!! How mad is that!!!

Sending you big hugs. Let me know how you are doing. Hope that you are making the most of your down time.

Lots of Love
Carolyn xxx

[margaretgo]

Hi All!

Carolyn -thanks for the positive vibes. Unfortunately had most of left ovary removed a while back (cyst) - hence only harvesting from the one. The funny thing was that my adhesions worked on my favour because the remaining ovary is stuck to the uterus - meaning it doesn't drop and become inaccessible. Finally something in my chequered medical history that works in my favour!

Great to know about the drugs prices - £100 is a good ol' saving - and I would definately spend that on acupuncture next time.

The bad news though, is that it looks like there will be a next time for me... Did a pee test today and although I'm not sure if my pee was concentrated enough, or if I did it right - it came out with the rather rude 'Not pregnant' in the display. Honestly. I wish they could say something a little kinder - perhaps 'Really sorry for all your efforts (not to mention hard cash spent), it honestly wasn't anything you did wrong but we're afraid that this time you are not up the duff'.

I might write to Clear Blue.

So we have a blood test tomorrow, I suppose there is still a chance, but I'm now prepared for a negative result. I'm sad, but ok. Life goes on and I do like my life! Preggars or not.

Looking forward to a debrief with Lavery - might think about stumping up the cash for another private go before the nhs one (which isn't until June/July). I too love a plan! We'll see...

Anyone know what the effects of back to back (every 3 months) IVF is? Is it possible to tire out the ovaries? I actually feel healthier now than for ages - not drinking has done wonders! Feel like I could tackle it physically - just boring myself with my IVF obsession!! But having learnt so much this cycle I can back off a bit from Googling every conceivable aspect of the treatment during the next one - and get on with other stuff.

Anyways - that's enough rambling. Up early for blood test tomorrow.


mxxx

[margaretgo]

Oh dear. Got period this morning -so it's a 'no' this time for me.

Looking at the timing in more detail it seems sensible to wait for NHS one - would start injecting around 12th June. Means waiting 2 months longer than we'd have to but at least we save our money for cycle number 3 (which of course we hope won't be needed!!)

Well I'm off to the gym now (been missing that) - might have a full-on coffee - and a little red wine even - WOW! No more suppositories/ injections/blood tests or paranoia for a few months at least.

Hope you're all well.

Take care and be good to yourselves!

mxxx

[CarolynB]

Dear M

I am so sorry that it did not work out for you this time. Sending you hugs. Be kind to yourself. It will hit hard at the start but it does get a little easier as the days pass.

I agree with you that the lack of booze has clearly helped my health.

I did find the acu helped my body recover after the cycles and get back on an even keel faster. If you would like details of acu or places for drugs then please PM me. As far as Trew told me as long as you wait 3 months then there should be no issue of back-to-back cycles if you can take it financiallly and emotionally.

Thinking of you. Stay in touch.
Love
Carolyn xxxx

[margaretgo]

Thanks Carolyn for your kind words.

I've been recommended an acupuncture place in Queen's Park called 'Oeuf' that is convenient for me so I'll give that a try.

Not sure if it's the post cycle drop in adrenalin coupled with a period but I feel EX-HAUSTED! Thankfully I'm still off work - starting again soon - so I've just had a 2 hour nap! I suppose all the drugs are leaving my system - helping that along with some steaming at the gym.

Right. Better ring up for my follow up with Lavery...

mxx

[CarolynB]

Hope that you are all having a great weekend.

Margaret - hope that you are looking after yourself. Any news yet on when you get to see Mr L for the follow up?

Lola - miss you hun. Know that you are chilling out right now. I am cycling this time with Oct 05 Chick Jen1d and she keeps me posted on you to stop me becoming a stalker! Let us know how you are doing when you feel like it................

Just to let you ladies know that after my research on drugs (about 7 different companies) the cheapest way for me to get my drugs was to get Puregon cartridges at Hammersmith and everything else at Applied Dispensary Services. Have number is anyone needs just Pm me. It cost be £630 all in versus £780 if I'd got it all at Hammersmith. Calea was £680 so that was a £50 saving.

Talked to pharmacist at Hammersmith who was gobsmacked and took copies of all my notes to find out why they could do it for less than Hammersmith. My dh had to ask for a new perscription for the other drugs in sofa city. Dr came out to ask him why - he could not believe it either - and said that Hammersmith would follow up given the volumes of these drugs that they were supplying.

Thought that this was interesting. Pays for a few sessions of acu! Acu on Tuesday. Expect AF from Wednesday onwards although if she is a few days late then likely timings for EC/ET may just miss a board mtg where I have to present so no bad thing. In denial still about this whole cycle. Trying to stay busy and not think about it too much.......

Hugs to everyone
Carolyn xxx

[lolajones]

Hola ladies!

margaret - sorry to hear about your cycle. You sound pretty chipper though which is the important thing. So when is your follow-up with El Lav? And you're planning to wait for next fresh on NHS - is that right?? Hope you're still feeling up beat and positive, let us know what Lav says.

Lovely Carolyn - good work Agent on the medication prices - every penny helps in this most expensive of pastimes.... Your cycle about to kick off, woo hoo! Denial - there are far worse places to live buddy, but! It is time to move from denial into enforced, full tilt, postivity mode! Yes, I prescribe positive visualisations 3 times a day before meals, plus acu, plus vitamins, plus cheering from the squad (ie, this board). Have you been reading - so many inspirational stories recently, women who have been through hell and out the other side with good news!! They make me feel better about the future. I hope this works for young Jen, the octos05 need a boost after prolonged neg streak. Maybe you will the charm and you will both be up the duff by easter - man! That would be SO FANTASTIC. I am sending extra strength successful vibes your way, its giving me frown lines!

As for me, am glad I didn't start cycle. I've been limping along in poor physical and mental state, like a Dickensian waif. Heh heh. Am starting to sort stuff out and hopefully will feel up to it in a few weeks (due to start next cycle 27th Feb) but may even leave it another month. I see the syringes in my cupboard and I don't want any part of this anymore. Must get my head around it - maybe hypnotism is the answer? Quick! get Paul McKenna on the phone!

OK dudes, be well!
Lolastima
xxxxxxx

[CarolynB]

OMG - we were on page 2 again.

Margaret - let us know about your follow up

Lola - Have read some amazing stories of late. Persistence appears to be the key for some of us who are more challenged! Sorry that you have not been feeling well. Best to get yourself in shape before you take the plunge - although sometimes I find the waiting is worse than just getting on with it!? I want you right behind me!!!!

AF appeared a couple of days late on Thursday pm so dear Hammersmith as you all know count Friday as kick off. So I am all registered - although not yet paid which they reminded me on the call Credit card here we come!!! Shot up this morning. Dose is up to 200ml puregon from 150ml to try to get the side that they could not reach to drop under the weight of follies! Start second lot of injections on Wednesday. Then 1st scan is Friday. Have to try and avoid a week Tuesday for EC as I have to present at a clients board meeting. Must be odds on favorite therefore Try not to worry now and stay calm. Serenity must be my middle name. Chilling out these weekend as busier at work again so need to use the w/e to catch up on sleep and chores. Quite happy to have a great excuse not to be going out and staying in and watching junk TV!!!

Enjoy the weekend. Take good care. I'll be back with the Hello mags by Friday!!

Lots of Love
Carolyn xxxxx

[AGallagher]

Hello to all those going through Hammersmith.

I have had some time out from IVF and am now trying to prepare metally and physically for the next cycle which is coming up soon and should start in March/April time.

Is there anyone else who is also starting?

Have been very stressed the last few weeks with a bad cold and lack of sleep but am trying to rest and get over this.

[poochie]

Hi All

Lola - I think you made right decision, its best to be good and ready before starting next cycle. I like the idea of starting a cycle in spring as I think it’s a fertile time of year, everything coming out or winter hibernation and ready to grow and bloom. Answer to you much earlier question I think Essex Fertility 4th in UK.

Carolyn - So the dreaded stabbing has begun, good luck to you girl you will be the first of our BFPs for 2007. Stay focused 200ml should give you a lovely crop of eggies. Drink lots of water, positive visualisation and try to stay as chilled as possible.

Marg - sorry to hear about your BFN there are no easy words. Hope follow up went OK.

A Gallagher - Good luck you will be starting your cycle similar time to me. Be strong and stay positive. Spend your time from now being good to yourself.

Me good and getting ready for cycle which will start begin April. I having ac at home now which is really nice and relaxing. The healthy eating has done me good I’ve even lost a few pounds but that could just be down to the alcohol ban boo-hoo. Well the Sperm run went well took most of day but those valuable four tubes are safe and sound in their new home. So just on count down to April. I have to have E2, FSH and antral follicle count done on day 2 but all being well short protocol here I come.

Love to you all stay positive

Vicki X

[AGallagher]

Hello Vicki

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I have booked myself in for a facial and aromatherapy session next week with a good friend to really start chilling down. The healthy food and early nights certainly helps and I have been trying to do this for a while with a few slip ups. Now that the days are getting brighter there are more distractions like relaxing in the garden and I keep hearing about spring being the most fertile time.

I am also planning to take some time off work during the treatment as I found this added to the stress last time, particularly travelling on the tube, but I have given myself lots of things to do at home to keep the mind active.

Good luck to you on your cycle.

I know it sounds draft but I keep hearing about the visualisation but find this hard to do. If anyone has any tips on this please let me know.

[CarolynB]

Dear Hammers

Thought that I'd just give you all a bit of an update.

Scan Friday. Good news is that I have lots of follies. Quite small but she showed me 26!!!! OMG

Rubbish news is that they are worried about access - not to one side again but both sides!

Had a melt down on Friday as was knackered and fed up with the whole lark. dh been ill with a chest infection.

Scan again tomorrow. Likely EC on Wednesday when they'll find out whether they can get to one side, both sides or no sides at all. I will be so gutted if they cannot get to any of the follies and they all go to waste.

Lola - where are you sweets. I know that you have been taking some time out. Are you feeling any better? Are you going to join the rollercoaster or take some more time out. Think of you often

AGallagher - sounds like you are getting yourself into good shape for your next cycle. Sorry cannot help with visualisation. I try but always get distracted

Vicki - glad that you are feeling positive and everything is safely in place for you to cycle in the Spring. Soinds like you, AGallagher and Lola might all be together?

Margaret - any news yet on your follow up with Mr L?

Busy week for me with EC. Plus we have first appointment at new clinic (ARGC) on Thursday afternoon as we will move there for next cycle. Figure that 3 cycles plus 2 ops at Hammersmith is enough especially as they cannot give me any reasons why it is not working...................

I'll keep you posted. Hope that you are all well.
Love
Carolyn
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[lolajones]

Hi guys!

Carolyn - once again your cycle is going like the clappers! So good news and bad... it always seems to be the same with this ivf lark... fertility godess gives and she taketh away. Hell with her! Hopefully this will be false alarm and you'll have bumper crop to choose some delicious embryos. I am positive they'll be able to reach at least one side - I just know it, then you'll be pregnant and no need to schlep on down to ARGC. Good that you've got that underway though - its like a parachute. I mean a second parachute. hmmmmm. So more news tomorrow - fingers crossed for you rock chick.
I was due to start my next cycle on tuesday but am, once again, bailing. DIVE! DIVE! I'm just not up to it, tank on empty. Going to chill some more and get some perspective back then will start end of March. Y'know I want to have next fresh cycle on the NHS? Well, The Lav (in Jan) told me that I could just book myself in with him or anyone in NHS clinic and wouldn't need another referral from my GP just ring the co-ordinator and arrange it as I am already an NHS patient from a year or so ago. Of course, the co-ordinator had other ideas. So I try getting in touch with him to find out what I should do. 2 weeks later I get a call from his secretary, yes, you need a new GP referral. I was really p*ssed off, so much so I told the secretary to please pass on my thanks to him for delaying my treatment by a further 2 months. I pay enough money to get proper advice and a prompt response frankly - it is not good enough. I reckon I'll end up paying again as it'll take about a year to get this sorted out. Its utter bullcrap. Rant over!! maybe i should join you at the ARGC - man, I don't care what he does, even voodoo, just get me up the duff!

Vicki - we will be springers together! You'll be before me I guess as you'll do the short protocol.... how exciting!! Glad Operation: Sperm-ocity went well - precious cargo. Acupuncture is fantastic, haven't started it again yet but will in a few weeks.

AGallagher - never tried visualisations but guess its just NLP type think and be stuff. Good luck for your next cycle

Margaret - what're you up to?

Ok ladies - take care of yo bad selves, I'm off to slave over a hot stove - I'm giving it some Cinderella today, wink wink, just for Karma payback later....

Lola
xxxxxx

[CarolynB]

Lola - Great to hear from you. So sorry they have messed up your nhs go. That really does stink. If it is the male co-ordinator/finance guy then he is so rude. I don't like him at all. If your feeling low then best to wait another month but you cannot wait for ever. The sofas are beckoning you back. Sorry. I feel the same at argc. I am like what ever it takes now - drugs, money - just tell me what I have to do. I am getting too old waiting...............

So ladies.........

My 2nd scan was much the same. Follies doing really well - size and numbers - but can they reach them??? About 10 on right and another 8 on left. Some up to 19mm so trigger is tonight. All sorts of fun and games with clinic not being able to reach me and my Mum creating a mad panic as dh has been on antibiotics & was that ok...............but shoot up for the final time at 11pm. Just 40 minutes time. OMG! Here we go. Has crept up on me quick as I am still in total denial about this attempt. They are still worried that access may be restricted on both sides but scanner (lovely lady again - she is so informative and takes time to say what is going on even though the clinic was mad busy this morning) said that they would alert Trewster and he or another consultant would be on standby if required to ensure that they have the best go possible at getting to them. That reassured me a little. So just have to wait and see what happens. Planned my diary around EC on Wednesday so that worked out well. Let's hope that they can collect and dh and I quite keen to try for 5 day blasts as only had 2 day transfers before. Any way one step at a time. I'll try to come on here on Wednesday before dh sends me to bed to update you all. I am not even on the 7.30am slot. Get a lie in. Called in for 9am so guess that they have a v busy day or else I am in the slot for difficult case!!!?

Love to you all.
Carolyn
xxxx

[poochie]

Hi all

Carolyn - Good luck for tomorrow hope all goes well and they get access to all those lovely eggies you’ve been growing, nice to know they got the Trewster on standby if needed.

Lola - Hope you doing OK and getting prepped for April we are the Easter bunnies.


AGallagher - Visualisation is hard, first I started with Meditation which I learned from my yoga class, once I mastered that I moved on to Positive visualisation. I imagine me pregnant and the bump growing and the baby inside, if bad thoughts creep in I use my meditation skills to calm my mind and I go back to visualising my big bump, it is hard at first and its not for everyone, good luck.

Marg- Hope you well.


Love vicki X