May/June Cycle Buddies

[gbnut]

Julie all the very best for EC tomorrow. any idea how many follies are there??? Hope it goes well.

Sophie have you hered how many embryos you have ????

Well had IVIG today so now really tired so i think it will be an early night for me.

Take care everyone

Susan x

[PMApsy]

Hello girls!

How are you doing? I'm doing as great as I can, lol! Pain increased in the evening and I ended up with a hot bottle on my tummy. I slept well, though, so that's good. Hehehe I walk so slow, I'm really not used to that! But so far, even if I still feel a dull pain, Tylenol helps. At least the pain does not irradiate in my lower back like it did last time. Keeping everything crossed for it to stay that way. Anyway, I work at the hospital today, and there are a few courtesy wheelchairs around, so hey, I'll hop into one of them to visit my hospitalized patients if I have to! No OHSS symptoms so far, and I've apparently stopped bleeding quite early yesterday afternoon. I'm bloated, that's for sure (watched TV with my pants unzipped! and alarmingly... they didn't drop! shame!) but not too much. I'm wearing a loose one-piece dress today so I don't make things worse with a tight belt.

I can't wait to hear about my babies tomorrow morning! *jumps up and down... mentally*

marsxp: it's so great to have news! Thanks for dropping by sweetie! *hugs*

mandeeq: hello dear! Thanks for your enthusiastic words! *hugs* How are you doing?

jen: thank you for your kind words! Good luck for your apt today; tell us about it when you can! As for the FET protocol... my clinic does close monitoring for a natural FET. Maybe it's just a question of preferences? Honestly, I haven't done any lit search on the subject; maybe waiting after ovulation does not make that much of a difference if your lining is good when you do the FET. I'd ask your doctor if I were you.

literatriz: hello dear! It's so good to have news! *hugs* Poor thing, you sound overloaded with work and with worries a little bit, too. What do you do to help you lower your stress? You have your DH of course, but do you talk to other people around you about your anxiety? I'm sure it would help; I'd hate to see you keep all that for yourself... you need "real-time" support and hugs, that's for sure. Things are looking good for you right now... and if it doesn't work, unfortunately... worrying about it won't change anything. I'd have a chat with my DH if I were you, discuss about your expectations for this cycle and what a BFN might mean for you. It's very important... especially that you seem to be under a lot of pressure. He seems to feel the same... with that poison ivy thing and the way he reacted to it. Hang in there! *hugs*

TansRN: "A little R and R would be in order"... what does that mean? Thank you so much for your post! Holy cow indeed! *hugs* Awwwww I'm so sorry you missed your chance for u/s! But the girls are right; think about all the nice things you'll be able to see next week just because you waited a little longer! LOVE THE TICKER!

arizonakiwi: I'm so happy that your PMA is back a little more. DH seems to take real good care of you and that's amazing, it reassures me a great deal! You just made me realize that it must be quite a big embie party in that petri dish! WOW! If your baby is to be particularly resistant to cold, mine will be particularly gregarious, LOL! And thank you, I did enjoy those DVDs... Hang in there sweetie, it's a rough patch, but I'm glad you were allowed to take time off. You deserve it and need to take care of yourself above all. And that weather sounds absolutely lovely!

Jul1e: yeah yeah yeah, behind each joke there's a little bit of truth... and because of that, I'll give you a friendly slap on the hand for your insinuations! Why no anaesthetic, well, just because my clinic doesn't use it. I don't think any clinic in the province of Quebec, or even in Canada, does a general anaesthesia for ER. I had local anaesthesia and that's it. Thank you very much for your comments about the list! And I'm real happy that I could move you to the ER section! Good luck for tomorrow sweetie, and I'm really looking forward to have news about my stimming buddy!

Okay, gotta run ladies... patient waiting... Take care!

Sophie

[Jul1e]

Susan, thanks for your message for tomorrow. I know there's a few on each side, maybe 5 to 7. I'm really so happy for you, it's amazing how well this board is doing, let's hope for the rest of us it keeps that way! What's IVIG?

Sophie, sorry you've had pain, I guess that was to be expected after yesterday. I'm with you on the baggy clothes, I work from home Monday to Wednesday so have been in dungarees (I think you guys call them overalls) the whole time, I feel about 12! My tummy's been really uncomfy for the latter part of today. Walking slowly must suck too if you're an active person, I'm having to watch DH go off to the gym without me, I hate it. I'm also missing 2 dance classes this week and for the next few weeks too, but it's all for a good cause. Was it you that did salsa? Will you go back after the 2ww if you're preggers? I really want to be a fit mum to be as I'm such an active person and it can really help staying in shape for afters. My friend who's a dancer just had a baby and ten days after she looked like she'd never been pregnant and not a stretch mark on her! I'd like to get to the gym and classes as soon as poss but not sure if it's advisable.

Tanya, I love that you've got your baby ticker on now, that's so great.

Well I'm looking forward to tomorrow, kinda. DH is off to the gym so I'm off to have a bath.

Jules x

[nimble]

Sophie, wanted to pop in and say well done on 21 eggies and can't wait to hear how embies you have tomorrow - not long before that BFP!!!

So happy to see many BFP happening on this thread - wow !!

Roll on for lots more

love Jackie xx

[shantala]

hi everyone

sorry ive been so quiet but ive been really busy at work trying to catch up with everything and everybody after having nearly 2 weeks off.....and the thread is moving quite fast so its hard to keep up!!

anyway, just a quickie from me as i have to go to sleep!

sophie - hey girl!! fantastic news about your 21 eggs!! wow!!!! cant wait to read your fert report tomorrow!!

steph - dont give up hope honey (i know its easier said than done)....they are still very high and going up so you could have a slow starter (or starters). will be thinking of you and keeping everything crossed for you.

julie - watched the movie.... brilliant!!

hi to everyone else....sorry, i know ive missed loads but have read all your posts and wishing you all the best of luck with every stage.

as for me, i'm waiting for AF (due on sunday) then have to phone the clinic to book in and then start downregging 21 days later. so excited but so nervous too!!

the main thing i'm worried about is actually the trigger shot. i wonder if i did it wrong last time. i usually use a pen for the stimms but the trigger is a proper injection that i have to draw up. and when i pushed it slightly to get rid of the air last time, some came squirting out (which i know is supposed to happen)...but i now wonder whether too much came out, i therefore didnt have enough and thats why so many eggs were immature (only 5 out of 15 were mature). its either that or the clinic took them too early (i only had one follie scan after 9 days of stimms and only stimmed for a total of 9 days plus the trigger). hhhmmmm.... anyway, will have to be more careful next time with the trigger....

hi to everyone and lots of sticky baby dust.

xxxx

[My2LnT]

OK ladies keep your fingers crossed tomorrow is the 4th beta. To my clinic it is supposed to double.... Even tho last time it didn't I guess we will see what is going to happen with my lil bean. Say an extra prayer that lil one decides to have a growth spurt.

Thanks Shantala.. Yeah I am finding it real hard not to stress. I have been cramping with back pain since after my 2nd beta I am hoping that it is just my kidneys or something other than the baby.But I will be a bundle of nerves till they call. Hell maybe even after they call.. I hope not but who knows!!!

Steph

[jen779]

Hey Girls!! Don't have a lot of of time, but wanted to give everyone an update!
I saw my RE today and my FET is scheduled for Tuesday morning at 7:30am!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited! My E2 levels were 476 and my lining measured 9mm. They said it looked beautiful! Funny comment, huh? Anyways, I start my progesterone injections and suppositories tomorrow (not too excited b/c of the allergic reaction to the injections last time. Ended up in the ER and had to spend the night! YUCK!!!!) along with prednisone, antibiotic, along with the other 8 pills I was already taking! Crazy!!!! Other that that, I feel great and I am very excited about Tuesday! I am going to live it up this weekend! I am going to play beach volleyball on Friday and eat some sushi before my transfer, since hopefully I won't be able to do that for 9 months! Please keep my in your prayers, that I don't have another reaction to the progesterone! I will do personals later! Hope everyone is doing GREAT!!!
XOXO

[mommytobe]

Hi Ladies,


Susan WOW!!! CONGRATS ON THAT BFP. That is such wonderful news, I just know you are on cloud 10.

Sophie, Your surgeon sounds really nice. 21 eggs WOW that's great.


I did my ER today and I am right there with you Sophie, they took 24 eggs I was like WOW!!! , no wonder i was so bloated.

Did anyone feel pain after their retrieval, they had to give me some extra medication in the IV, i still have a lot of discomfort. I just took some more pain killers, and oh the gas/air is killilng. This is not fun, but I know it will be worth it when i get the BFP.

[PMApsy]

Good morning ladies!

How are you doing? I'm doing MUCH better than yesterday! Phew! I started bloating big time in the afternoon, to the point that I had shortness of breath due to the liquid pushing on my diaphragm. Let's say I was walking slooooowly! And in the evening, lol, I was HORRIFIED when I took my dress off. I was so bloated in the abdomen that I looked like the "before" picture I took before I passed from size 17 to size 12! (I'm 6' tall, so size 12 is slim for my silhouette!) I had to keep repeating myself, "Ok, it's just water... juuuuuuust water!" I had to get up to pee several times during the night, but this morning, woooow! I almost got my normal waistline back. I can wear pants and button them, so that's great! That Gatorade did miracles in 12 hours!

Here I am, at the computer, waiting for the embies babysitter to call... can't wait to have news of my little ones! I'll write personals while waiting...

Jul1e: I hear you on staying an active mom. I sure want to stay in shape as much as I can during my pregnancy and after. That friend of yours who got her shape back after 10 days is very encouraging and... scary, too. Either she really has the body type for it, or she didn't gain enough weight during her pergnancy, or barely enough. But I still hear you; I sure don't want to take too long to get my shape back. I don't do diets, but I have a nutritional program that will help me lose the extra pounds. No, I don't do salsa, I dance flamenco. Yes, I would go back big time after my 2ww, but we won't have classes this summer. At least not before August. But I'll definitely go. Some women start bleeding and just have to stop. I've seen others do a show two weeks and a half before their due date! Sure you can't jump too much and you have to be careful with the turns, but it's very manageable. Good luck for your EC today! And look below; I have info about the 3 days vs 5 days transfer debate.

nimble: thank you so much for your kind words! They warmed my heart! How are you doing? Had any scan so far?

shantala: hello sweetheart! Nice to have news! I was wondering if you were still alive! Glad to know that you're in shape and enthusiastic about your cycle. If I were you, I wouldn't stress about your trigger shot. I don't think the meds you lost could account for your maturity rate. Remember the stats my doc gave me. It's always the 50% rule. If you have 50% mature eggs in your EC batch, then you're happy. Of course, I would discuss the stimming phase with your doc and ask questions, but I would not feel guilty if I were you. It was not your fault, okay? And 9 days of stimming plus trigger is actually the norm at my clinic. Doing the AF jiggy dance for you sweetie! How is your DH?

My2LnT: keeping everything crossed for your 4th beta and I really hope it will give you the numbers you're hoping for! *hugs* hang in there sweetie!

jen: WOOOOOOOHOOOO! LOOKING GOOD, GIRL! I'm SO happy that you got your FET date! Exciting, isn't it? I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Sorry about the progesterone! I hope they gave you a different oil this time.

mommytobe: congratulations! 24 eggs is AMAZING! Yes, the bloating and the pain are perfectly normal. I was in pain for three days after my first ER. It irradiated in my lower back and even Tylenol did not make it better. This time, I felt pain in the evening, plus yesterday. Bot today, with Tylenol, I almost feel normal. No pain in the back, which is great. But I had the super bloating I wrote about. So key words are: Tylenol extra strength every four hours, and a hot water bottle on your tummy. (YES it's okay to use it before ET, but NOT after).

Okay, well ladies... I got the embryologist's call. What the heck, I'll be honest: I'm disappointed. Last time, we had 10 ferts out of 14, so my expectations were real high with 21 eggs retrieved. I was on such a high with that EC result. Well, we technically had 11 ferts, but she did not count two of them in the official result because they were very poor quality and won't make it to transfer anyway. On the positive side, she saw right away that one of my embies had divided to two cells on day 1 already, so it's definitely a little fighter and she put it aside already. If that embie keeps going like that, it will be one of the ones transferred tomorrow. That detail is very inspiring and that's probably one of the things I'll really cling to when I go through the 2ww. The others are looking good too (hence why she counted them) but she'll know the quality tomorrow morning when she looks at them again. My clinic only uses grade numbers for studies. They say it stresses women unnecessarily. So to them, it's either transfer/freezing quality, or not.

I know, it only takes one. Well, two. I want two. But I have no illusion, you know. She said we might have 7 eggs to freeze tomorrow, but I find it very unlikely. Last time, we were told we had 10 embies. Well, two were transferred, one was abnormal, three were way too fragmented... two were borderline fragmented and two were perfect. So basically, we froze 4 out of 8. Passing from 21 to a mere 9, or 7, or even less, is quite a drop. *sigh* all that because my expectations were super high, silly me. I should have been more cautious. It makes me sad also because I was really hoping it was the last time I did this. I was hoping that, with 21 eggs, I would have so many frosties that, even if it didn't work this time, we would have enough FET trials to really see if IVF can work for us. Silly, silly, silly! Apparently, our clinic does not have the same survival rate than other clinics with thawing frosties. Can I hope to have more than two FET cycles? I don't know...

Aaaaaah well. What can I do, right? I might have my twins this time and then those numbers won't matter anymore. We have to wait and see what the final verdict will be tomorrow. And I must trust the process... and the part that's not in my hands, but in others... human or not.

I need chocolate.

As fort the 3 vs 5 days transfer, here is what my embryologist told me. She said that, before, they did day 5 transfers indeed. The main reason was the same someone else's embryologist mentioned. They wanted to have a better idea of who the front runners were. Now, it's different. They look at the embies on day 1 and they already have an idea of who the front runners are. By day 3, it's a certainty. So basically, instead of waiting longer before transfer, they just do the selection earlier in the process. It's that simple. And with experience, they know what to look for, too. She said it was my choice if I wanted to wait for a day 5, but I won't do it. First of all, she said the survival rate is about 40% when you wait till day 5, and second, the success rate is absolutely not affected (e.g., you don't get better success rates if you wait till day 5, contrary to what was originally believed in the field when they began experimenting with IVF). So my transfer is planned for tomorrow at 9am.

I know I'll be more enthusiastic in a couple of hours. Right now... I'm dreading tomorrow morning as much as I'm looking forward to it. I'm just scared to know how many embies are freezing quality. It was just more reassuring to think about my embies as 21 little buggers...

Okay guys! Time to update the list and get that hot chocolate... and waffles... and grab a shower... then work a little from home, then a quick trip downtown for acupuncture... and then back home and work again.

*hugs* and have a lovely day! Mine will be better after a shower and that hot chocolate!

Sophie

[PMApsy]

Our proud moms-to-be
gbnut BFP! Congratulations! (Beta = 98.3 10dp5dt) First u/s on June?? Receiving ivig tomorrow.
TansRN BFP! Congratulations! (Beta = 709 10dp5dt) First u/s on June 5th!
My2LnT BFP! Congratulations! (Beta = 98 11dp3dt) 2nd beta 221 (13dp3dt), 3rd beta 504 (15dp3dt), 4th beta May 31st!
Jovigal BFP! Congratulations! (Beta = 87.9 10dp3dt)
Nimble Positive HPT; natural pregnancy! Congratulations!

Going through the 2ww

jenn 2 perfect embies transferred on May 22nd, beta June 1st (10dp3dt)
mandeeq 2 perfect frosties transferred on May 23rd, HTP June 7th (16dp2dt)
arizonakiwi 1 perfect embie transferred on May 25th, beta June5th (10dp3dt).
Pat19 1 perfect embie transferred on May 23rd, HPT June 4th (12dp2dt)

Embryo transfer

ltaylor, AF finally arrived! Now on estradiol; waiting for FET planned for June 15th.
Jen779, waiting for FET in a natural cycle; looking good! Transfer scheduled for June 5th!
PMApsy, ET on June 1st!

Egg retrieval
PMApsy 9 embies! Divide and conquer my little ones!
mommytobe EC on May 31st! 24 eggs retrieved!
Jul1e EC on May 31st! 7 eggs retrieved!

Ovarian vacation
souris.... started downregging April 28th
Literatriz.... started Lupron May 15th
hrobinson.... started Lupron on May 22nd, u/s on June 1st.
annag.... started Lupron May 24th, FET cycle
daly.... short IVF cycle, started Lupron on May 18th

Birth control pill
tpiper55.... Fresh cycle IVF cycle

Waiting for AF
Literatriz.... fresh cycle, donor embies, started Lupron on May 15th
Shantala.... fresh ICSI cycle AF due June 4th

In our thoughts and prayers
CarolynB, good luck for your postponed cycle in July 2006! And good luck in Dubai!
daly, our thoughts turn to your four-legged little boy who is very sick. Sending you many hugs through this difficult time.
marsxp, we are sorry to learn the news of your BFN and we all send you love, hugs, and good luck wishes for your journey towards motherhood. Take care sweet friend.
arizonakiwi, we are sorry to learn the news of your four little embies that, unfortunately, did not make it to blast/freezing stage. We are all rooting for the lucky little fighter that's snoozing inside of you right now. Take care sweet friend.

[Jul1e]

Only got 7 eggs, am really gutted, got 16 last time on the same dosage, go figure. Am hoping it'll be a case of quality rather than quantity but am feeling pretty low just now. Off to sleep off the anaesthetic, back later.

Jx

[PMApsy]

Dear Jul1e,

I totally know how you feel. Totally. *hugs* It's disappointing to go through such procedures and have less results than last time. Sweetie, I really hope that fert rate will be to the roof and cheer you up! Come on embies! Divide and conquer! Take some rest dear, and I'm thinking of you.

Jenn: sorry, I totally forgot... GOOD LUCK for tomorrow!:D

And well, an update on me already... talked to DH. He's clever, my sweet love... he told me that we don't know what's too little embryos and too much for FET backup. He reminded me that, even if we had, like, 12 frosties this time, if we get pregnant... and even have our twins... then we'd be embarrassed to have so many embies we won't use. He said it's better to go with the flow and see what happen with these ones.

Love him. Still need the chocolate, but love him to death!

Everything happens for a reason!

So bring on those embies tomorrow! I want my babies back home! PMA's back! (conditional to chocolate intake)

Sophie

[Pat19]

Hi Guy's,

Sorry I haven't posted lately, just been feeling very tired and spending my 2WW mostly on the sofa watching tv, eating, drinking water and falling to sleep.

I just wanted to wish you all GOOD LUCK with what ever stage your at EC, ET, 2WW and leaving the best to last, loads of BFP for us all.

Jul1e, mommytobe & PMApsy - Wishing u good luck with your eggs and embies.

Speak soon

Pat
X

[jen779]

Hello All! Quick post because I have a hair and nail appt to get to...PROMISE I will do personals this afternoon!
Sophie...no big deal and whenever you have time....my FET is actually June 5th. Thanks for keeping up with the list...it is a huge undertaking I'm sure. I hate to even say anything...

Hope eveyone is doing well!!!!

[TansRN]

Hello all of my lovely cyber friends. I hope that you are all well today. I am having a good day. It is nice out and i was able to sleep well last night which is hard for me to do on my night off from work so I was thrilled about that. Now I am preparing for school.

Jen
I am so happy for you to be going to get your babies on Tuesday. I can understand you waiting....that is the day of my u/s and I am going nuts! I know EXACTLY how the waiting game goes for that day! I hope that you have a good relaxing weekend before you are pg...hehehe I just repainted my toe nails yesterday while I was watching the kids in the pool at my mothers. Lookin' good if I do say so myself.

Pat
Glad that you are getting some R and R on your 2WW. That is always well needed at any point in our lives eh? I am glad for you to be able to actually get it! Cool!!!!

Jules
I know how the disappointment feels as well and I was also on the same amount. My RE said it just all depends on the cycle and hormones and blah blah blah. Hopefully you will have a couple of outstanding little embies that you can bring home girl! Hang in there and see how they do. Hope that you are not too sore. I decided that it was time to put the ticker on there and I was so thrilled to see it like that. I put one on my web page as well so I can watch the baby move across. It is a neat way to keep track. You are right. 8 months of waiting is lovely! i hope that you are here as well.

Jenn
Tomorrow is the big day! Sending you lots and lots of sticky baby dust!!! Can't wait to hear!

Sophie
I know that you are so excited about tomorrow to be going to get your babies and join the others on the lovely 2WW. You will be able to go in tomorrow morning and get your little babies to bring home with you! I am so happy for you. I know that in light of everything you might be discouraged but hey who knows. This could just work out fine!!! Then you won't be so discouraged right? Eat some chocolate. That is what I do and I think that it really helps. In fact I know it does. It is so hard dealing with all of this IVF stuff because it is out of our hands. We are control freaks and when we can't control it it makes us frustrated. I can totally understand that. Hang in there and see what they say tomorrow. WEre you being sarcastic and the R and R thing like you are so busy you "fake" havent heard of it or for real? Like when someone asks me do you watch American Idol I am like oh on the glowing box in my living room I dont know what that is...LOL because I am so busy I never have time to watch it. If you were not kidding....Rest and Relaxation.....Sorry hormones...dont know if you are playing!!!!!

mommytobe
Glad that you got so many eggs!!!! Holy Cow that it a lot! I had a lot of pain on one side and they had to give me some additional Fentanyl to help with the pain. I did take some of the pain pills as well. That part stinks but think how you will feel when you get your results!! Wooo Hoo girl! Cant wait to hear the fert report!

Steph
I am thinking about you! I am hoping that things are looking better today. I have been having that AF type cramping on and off again. Worrisome isnt it? I hope that you get your beta back and you wont have to worry anymore. I know how you feel. It stinks waiting for that call after you go in. I would just sit by the phone and do nothing but worry last time!!!

Shantala
Good luck with the trigger. Some coming out is not that bad. I only used half of the usual dose. Remember medicine is a practice!!! They are trying. Playing with our emotions unfortuately is part of the process. I hope that it goes smooth this time.