February Has My Heart - February Cycle Buddies Wanted

[kswann]

Hi Everyone,
So good to know you are all out there. We did our transfer today, but before getting into the details, let me type up some quick responses:

Dexter - I'm so sorry about that damn pregnancy test. I think Auntpebbles is right though (thank you by the way, Auntpeb, for tying that up. What a help!). You should not totally lose hope. LOTS of people get negatives followed by positives. At least more than you might imagine from looking at the tests that say 99% accurate. Still, I know how it is to feel like you are totally on a roller coaster. They should invent a word for the particular flavor of grief, disappointment and hopelessness that hits at those moments in IVF when there's not such good news. (Again, not that you are there yet.) Then someone needs to design the perfect milkshake or cookie to love it back into life again. Hang in there, I know it's rough ...

Minerva - Thank you so much for your encouragement. Sometimes just a few words from a fellow IVF-er like yours bring a smile to my heart. Guess what! We transferred on the same day. I think you said you transferred today, the 13th, right? My fingers are crossed with you. So glad you had better embies to transfer than last time. I hope that is helping you feel more positive now. I also hope third time is a charm! Keep me posted through the wait..

Steph - Valentines day plans sound lovely -- light lots of candles Sorry you had to cancel the acu. appt. but glad you could reschedule as soon as Thursday. As for the baby shower help you are offering -- I'm pretty blown away that you are doing this. UGH!! I remember reading in a couple of IVF books that you should give yourself permission to not go to baby showers. I can't imagine organizing one for someone! What a courageous angel you are! ( I just told my husband that you were doing this and he said, "Tell her to take care of herself" (in a sweet way of course. Anyway, you have my admiration and support in case it gets painful. I did go to a friends baby shower recently and actually, it was much easier than I anticipated, it was a little painful at times, but good also to parctipate in her joy.

Wannababy IVF - What your husband said is the sweetest thing!!! That should be typed up on paper, framed and hung by your bed for comfort. I guess, the better alternative would simply be to cuddle in bed with the sweet man who said this!

Sorry if I haven't responded to others. It's hard to keep up!

So, in terms of our news, we did our FET at noon today. Accupuncture right before and after. I listened to my IVF guided visualizations while at the accupuncturist -- not sure that worked too well, too many things at once, but at least it was a good faith effort.

We didn't get good results yesterday from our thaw but found out today that the two front runners were doing very well the morning. Then we thawed our four blasts and two of them made it out of the thaw looking great, a third is still a good candidate. We ended up transferring a total of 8 embryos, though a number of them were 'runts' from the litter.

I know that sounds like a lot for those of you with fewer embies, but the doc thinks my eggs may tank early due to my age and because I am highly prone to miscarriage, it's a relief to have been able to transfer this many. We still only have a 50% chance, but this is the best chance we've had so far, so I'm praying, praying, praying... Just want to stay present and in contact with my embies now. I don't want to forget how hard they are working in there!

DH and I will be staying in tomorrow, but we're doing something special later in the evening. We see a very good masseuse every so often who does Thai and deep tissue massage. He's going to come over and teach each of us some of the basics of massage so DH and I can learn how to give each other massages. It's a little weird, but I'm actually looking forward to it.

My fingers are crossed for you all, not matter what stage you are at right now. So, so, so nice to have you to check in with on this big post-transfer day.

xoxo
kswan-in-waiting

[REACH-AEJ]

Hi Ladies! Happy V-Day to all...a little early, but hopefully I won't be able to find time to get on the computer tomorrow evening!!

Dex - hang in there girl! My best friend transferred a 6-cell and two 4-cell embies (they through the last one in for good measure) and she had triplets!!! So, you have just as good a chance as anyone else. And great layout from AuntyPebbles - that really helps.
Also, read back a few pages and Wiggal did a HPT the day of (or before) her blood test and got a BFN...then got a BFP from the doctor!! So, keep thinking positive thoughts!

Anita - sending good thoughts your way and hope your cycle continues to go well!

Wannababy - thanks for you note - I am glad AF came and hope I can show you girls up in March!!! Keep up with your positive thoughts and I'll definitely be watching to help cheer when you guys make it happen!

Thanks Minerva and congrats on your ET today. I hope you're taking it easy. I will definitely be praying for you. Lots of, Lots of baby dust to you !

Hope you all are doing great and Have a great Valentines Day

[Angie65]

Happy Valentines Day girls - hope you all get lots of treats - we all deserve it I think.

Here are my V -day plans.

Down here in Melbourne it is a lovely warm day so after work we are heading down to the beach for a nice walk and may be some fish and chips. Tonight is also my first injection following my scan today so amusingly I will have to shoot up on the beach. Hope no junkies come and join me!

Congrats on your transfer kswan - wishing you lots of luck. Hang on in there Dexter - you still have a long time to go before the official test and that is the important one.

[AuntyPebbles]

Hi there, Dexter it was my pleasure i cant wait for you to prove those HPT's wrong again....hugs...when do you test now?...i will be praying for you

wanna...i did 3 blasts this time im doing HPT tomorrow so my babies are 9 days old 4dp5dt....we shall see.. i will let you know if its wise...LOL

i actually like POAS it helps me not have such a huge fall the day of bloods not by much but its something....

love and big baby belly's to all Aunty

[mumtojazzie]

well i have been sooooo busy getting my daughter off to school,on monday the 12th, was her first day in grade 1,and she loved it
then trying to organize the tiles for our new house...boy that is hard job...lol,i did three trips back and fourth with different samples,but in the end we have chosen something we both agree on and all is happy.

i had my blood test also on mon and am very happy that my levels are all good and i do not need to up my dose from 150iu so a big fat WHOOHOO!!!,am off tomorrow (15th) for another blood test and a scan in the morniong at 9.40,am getting closer to the EPU day and am very very excitted
WHOOOHOOO!!!WHOOOHOOO!!!

[Dexter]

Hi beauties,

Just getting back to Aunty...Feb 21 is my official test at the clinic. One week today. Half way at least! 2nd half is def much harder. Have been grumpy, pissed off with the world and teary today. Had a massage and it brought up all the tears. Felt SO embarrassed... Def feel like AF is approaching. Got that dark cloud hangin over me!

Enough about me and my bringing you all down. It's not the end of the world. We'll try again if we get the official BFN. It's a long journey and we're all in it together. Heck knows, just about all of you have been thru what I'm going thru ten fold.My sister in law fell on the 2nd attempt IVF but was only 31 and the prob was with my brother. However, she refuses to talk about it and treats the process as taboo. I called her at the start of all this and asked her what her FSH levels were and she handed the phone to my brother. Felt so stupid. Each to their own I guess.

Thanks for all your responses..so heartfelt and I feel like we're gonna have some good news from some of you soon. At least I might be able to pop that champagne and toast you from Aussie!

Don't think I mentioned this previously, but I am a suspected DES daughter. They have no conclusive proof as my mother took a drug when I was 9 weeks in the womb, and she started to miscarry with me. Even though she only took the one injection & tablet, there are no medical records of the drug she took, so they did all the tests on me and I didn't have any of the evident symptoms...main one being a T shaped uterus. DES causes infertility in daughters of mothers who took the drug. My specialist doesn't seem to think I have it, but it is still a cause of concern for us, particularly my Mum who blames herself. I have been off the pill for 6 years, since age of 29, so with nothing 'technically' wrong with us maybe there is an underlying factor that we're missing.

Anyone familiar with this?

Lots luv,
Dex

[Wantababe]

Hello ladies

Happy Valentines to everyone on the boards!!!!

Ok let me start with the personals

Pep23- Yes I saw in the news the reports about snow 12 and 15 metres high. That must be a lot of snow, can't even imagine what it must look like out there, that is if you can get outside

You have such a great idea doing the snuggle in thing especially in cold weather Wine, warmth, and your sweetheart, all the perfect ingredients for a swell V day. Wish I could have some wine today, DH and I are off alchohol for now and I must say I do miss the odd glass every now and then. Funny thing is I'm just a social drinker but when occassions roll by I find myself missing the freedom to indulge. Oh well it's all for a good cause.

Anyways, Pep you and your DH have a lovely snuggly Valentines day.

WannababyIVF- They say implantation takes place 6-12 days after ovulation. Now since ovulation & fertilization is more or less simulated by administration of drugs I think we should count this way for IVFers. Ovulation is the day of retreival so counting retrieval day as day 0, it means that a 5 day transfer should start and complete implanting between the day after ET till day 6 following ET. Like anything that has to do with nature all don't implant on a particular day, but this is the general range.

It takes a while for the implanted embryo to produce enough HCG to be detected in your test so it's advisable to wait another 5-6 days. In total that's at least 10 days wait for you missy before you can test. Of course receiving booster shots of HCG means you have to wait longer.

From my experience days 10-12 after ET are always good days to test. But as all will tell you STAY AWAY FROM THE PEE STICKS. (If only I could take my own advise )

Sorry about the bloating already, it is difficult for docs to know what to do with us HSS people. They always have to thread a fine balance between proper maturation and HSS. But that's their job, your job is to take care of you and your DH. Oh and I read somewhere that the follies will grow anyways even without the shots just that I think they don't grow as fast as with the meds. So don't worry dear, they're still growing just not as fast.

Oh boy what a sweet husband you have. I wish all men could take a leaf from his tree. I bet he'll make a very attentive and helpful father. Lucky you and Happy Vals day!!!.

Dex- Wishing you a sweet valentines day. You are such a good friend too. Don't worry it'll be your time soon and the showers will be for you then. Happy Valentines.

Mominwaiting- Good luck with ET today. Sending you snuggle in vibes and bucket loads of baby dust*******

Minerva- Yeeaahhh congrats on the ET. Many don't get to this stage so kudos. You are one step closer to your bundle of joy.

Yes I do take Glucophage (metformin 1500mg) for PCOS, not sure if it's doing anything but hey what does it matter, doctors orders are orders. These days I try not to stress too much about all these things especially since I know most of these decisions are really not in my control. Having said that, a lot of people swear by it and say it has improved their cycles a lot.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day cos boy do we deserve it. DH and I are going out to dinner. It has this packaged dinner thing with a live band and all so I guess it'll be fun. I'll tell you all about it when I get back. Just got back from buying his gift, the flower shop was so busy I had to stand in line for 30 mins and then had to leave it to pick it up later in the evening. Men people here really caught the love bug.

[99]

Hey, everybody! I have only one more week until the pg test and I dont' think I'll be able to to make it! I was so positive and optimistic until the past couple of days and now I just have this nagging feeling that it's not going to work. PLEASE HELP!!! I need lots of happy thoughts!

[mominwaiting]

I don't have time to do posts, but I am thinking of all of you!!! I have been sick think it is the flu. Bad chest congestion,and all over body aches. UGHHH Hoping to feel better by tomorrow!!!
Just a quick update I got Day 3 report yesterday and ALL 3 ARE DOING GOOD!!!! I was told there was 1-10 Cell 1-9 Cell and 1-7 Cell, so Dr siad that was right on track, ET is in the morning, I am ready I do not know how many we are transferring yet, I will update.
I have a serious question that I need help with, I have been on the Progesterone inj for 3 days now and the shot itself is not bad at all and the med going in is not bad either, it is the aftermath, both of my hips are in so much pain that I can hardly move or sit. I have been using a heating pad after,and at least 5 to 10 minutes of exercise to stretch the muscle so it doesn't tighten up, but this is not working, I don't know how much more of this I can take. I can't move with out being in pain. Any Advice you could give me would be great, I am afraid that the stress of the pain in my hips is going to hinder ET success.

[kswann]

Mominwaiting,

SOOOO sorry you aren't feeling well. Ugh. And then the progesterone shot problem to boot. I'm wonderng if they are related?

I have not heard of this kind of reaction to the shots. I think you should definately call the dr, they may have a suggestion. Seem important.

Hang in there. YOu sound like you're begin a real trooper. I hope you are remembering to get some big time TLC.

Happy valentines day!

kswan

[rachelq]

Hi everyone

Its my first time on here i started first ivf cycle today start naisel spray on friday. We have been on the nhs waiting list for 4 years and its now here im not quite sure how i shoud be feeling. Has anyone got any tips on things i should be doing to help things go a little eaiser and things to avoid. I feel very alone at the moment it this normal?

[CarolynB]

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY EVERYONE

Quickie from me as just got home from a nice evening out with dh.

Dex - way too early to test even with the best HPTs. They are evil and often give a -ve when that is not the end result. You have a way to go. Hang in there. I have a v good friend who is the mother of a DES taker. She has an odd shaped uterus but they have told her that she would be able to carry. If you have any specific questions then please just PM me and I can ask her for you. She is in France and is being treated by the top dr there after no success in the UK - I am sure that she'd be happy to answer any questions that you might have

Wannababy - glad the info on ivf was helpful. Just to let you know. My acu does not treat at all after ET so I should check that out carefully before you go ahead

Rachel - so glad that your v long wait on nhs has finally got to this point. You'll feel everything - happy, sad, excited, beside yourself with nerves..........but sharing it with other ladies will help you every step of the way. Ask away as someone will have faced most issues before and be happy to help you

Mominwaiting - hope that you are feeling a little better. Hugs. Embies sound like they are growing great guns. Very best of luck for your ET tomorrow. If you are worried about your hip then ask your consultant and sure that he'll be able to help you

99 - Hang in there. 2nd week is so hard. Try to take it a day at a time. We are here for you and cheering you on

Jen1d - hope that you are not too busy. Know exactly what you mean about not wanting to rush to 2ww!

Angie - Hope that you enjoyed the fish and chips and that your 1st shot went well - you'll be just ahead of me again

Hugs to everyone else.

As for me AF looks to be a day or two late. Not unexpected. It actually helps me a little as was stressing that I had to make a board presentation at the client that I am working with on the likely date for EC. By being a little late I hope that EC will be after the presentation is out of the way. For once therefore I am cool about a couple of days delay as I shall be calmer when in cycle. All drugs arrived yesterday. My guess would be that I will start shooting up on Saturday. Better amend my ticker.

Love to you all.
Carolyn xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Angie65]

Hi Carolyn - 1st jab went fine thanks - very proud that I managed to it out of the comfort of home. Found a changing room which wasn't too suzzy - too many boys kicking footballs on the beach so not safe to do it there.

Hi to everyone else - must do some work now - this board is such a distraction!

[mumtojazzie]

my scan went well i have all up 13 follicles,8 on my right side and 5 on my left,the biggest size is at 14 and the others range from 12,11 and 9 so i still have a few days of growing to do my nurse said i should have at least 10 good follicles to collect very happy with that but the sad (sort of)news is that EPU will not be on the 17th now we r looking towards the wed 21st which means ET is on the same day as our wedding but they are aiming for the 22nd as that will put the transfer on the 25th a day after the wedding,in a way will be alot better as i will be stress free,the wedding will be al over with and i can concentrate just on IVF.
i have another blood test and a scan on the 18th mon so we will know alot more then,so all up i am pleased everythng is working and growing...WHOOOHOO!!!

[Dexter]

Hi again,

The evil HPT got the better of me again today so I thought what the heck and did another test (10dpo / 8dpt / 2nd day trans). This time I tried another sensitive test with first morning urine. Still BFN but I'm coping. After 5 mins I saw what I believed to be a "shadow" of a line, so faint I can't differentiate if it's my imagination or just an evaporation line...Jeez...Just to torment me!! So I showed DH and he said there was def something there, but might just be a dent in the test. I think we're clutching at straws now. SO... I did another first response test few hours later and nothing came up, so I'm hangin on to the shadow hope!!!

I called my clinic and asked how long I had to continue the Crinone progesterone gel and explained I'd done a couple of neg tests, and whether I should discontinue them (I hate them, they are making my BBs massive and swollen and sore!!) but the nurse said it is too early for a HPT, so I have to continue til the morning of my beta. Bugger.

Mumtojazzie - Can't believe you are planning a wedding!!! I thought I was the only one doin crazy stuff on here...Good luck and I really hope you have a smooth ET so you can pop on your gorgy frock and waltz down the isle..What a life!!

Over & out
Dex (prayin I have some of Wiggy's luck on Wed) x