IVF HAMMERSMITH

[Vickyp]

Hi all

Sorry not posted for a week or so -

A Gallagher - I really hope your feeling a bit better - I wouldn't feel at all guilty about falling off the wagon - I think there are times when it really does help - particularly if you aren't able to speak to your partner about all this. You need some release!

Margaretgo - fantsatic news about the hydrosalpynx you must be feeing pretty positive- I hope so anyway. Have the headaches gone?

Bernie - I really hope you can start this month - it's SO annoying to have to wait another whole month when you have it all planned in your head. Fingerscrossed.

I got my HSG results last Friday and it was all fine - okay to go so Lavery sent me downstairs to register at the clinic and get the low-down on what I needed to do etc. It turned out my day 21 was 2 days later so I suddenly had to spring into action and sign forms, get drugs etc ready to start injecting. So I've been on the Buserelin for 5 days now - no side effects at all (luckily - I didn't have any last time either) and have my appt for query suppress on the 17th. So fingers crossed everything will look okay. I am taking a very relaxed approach to thte whole thing and am fully expecting my embies not to thaw okay - all calm now - we'll see what happens to my head nearer the time! I am just trying to prepare myself for the worst.

Right I hope everyone is doing okay in themselves. Love Vicky

[bernie01]

Afternoon ladies,

Just to update, VERY pleased all went well and Iam starting my Buserelin on the 22nd July. Seeing the nurse for my lesson on it all on the 16th.. ekk
Thanks Mags, I spoke to the nurse and I had had an FSH blood test done a few months ago so didnt need to do it again. I cant believe after all these months/years we are at last about to start our first cycle, it feels like such a relief, but then I am very nervous about the side effects etc. I tried to buy a new hot water bottle today - have you ever tried to buy one in July - I cant find one anywhere?

Vickyp, so pleased to hear you havent got any side effects, I think it was probably a good thing you had to jump into action to organise it all so quickly, you didnt have ages to worry and think about it if you know what I mean. I hope its still going ok?

AGallagher, if you feel up to it let us know how you are, you were so low, give us little note so we know you are ok?

Poochie, any news from Madrid yet?

Enjoy your weekend everyone, we are off to town to watch the Tour de France celebrations!

Bernie

[margaretgo]

Hi All,

Just a quick one - today's rollercoaster event. After blood test today I have been asked to up my dose to 400iu Puregon! Was 350. Hope this works.

Seems like such a high dose - oh well - if it means we get more eggs (4 last time - but only have one ovary) then it will be worth it. Just a bit worrying that my ovary is so rusty it needs a serious kick to get going.

Anybody else been on such a high dose?

Bernie - glad you're getting to start. Anything you need to know - just ask. I know the injecting is daunting at first - but it's really not bad - better than blood tests I think.

Mags x

[Quinny]

Hi mags

I was on 450ui they increased my dosage from last time (1st atttempt failed Icsi) but I still produced fewer eggs this time, had 6 last time and only 5 this time of which 3 fertilised and 2 were put back, but doc says they were of good quality so fingers crossed!!

Good Luck

Quinny x

[margaretgo]

Thanks Quinny - was beginning to feel like the odd one out!


m x

[AGallagher]

Hello everyone,

I have just come back from a short break and registered for my third cycle yesterday. This will be a frozen cycle and I start the burselin on 29 July. I note that some of you have just started or are about to start and want to wish you the best of luck.

I am keen to get going and am feeling better than I was a few weeks ago. The break I had was good. I spent time with my family including my father, nephew and niece who all leave abroad. The children are growing up so fast and I like to make the most of the time I have with them.

I have ordered my next batch of medicine and am going to switch off now for the next couple of weeks and not think to hard about anything. Lots of rest and sleep is on the cards. I haven't booked any time off work but have a loose arrangement with my boss where I can take time out if I need to. I will play it by ear and see what happens during the treatment.

[Vickyp]

Hi Everyone

I had the weirdest day yesterday...2 days ago I decided to do a HPT as my period hadn't started and got two positive results so I called the hospital the next morning really early and they said come in for a blood test and amazingly after taking Buserelin for 10 days I have now found out that I am pregnant naturally - I absolutely can't believe it and am fully expecting it to be ectopic as I have blocked tubes - so how could this happen!
They said it was 137 on the numbers. Anyway now have a scan in two weeks (on my birthday no less! - not sure if that's good or bad) to see whether it is in the right place etc. The hospital don't seem worried about that or the buserelin - so I'll just have to wait and see. I am in total shock and won't believe this is real until I have the scan. I just can't understand how it is physically possible!? Okay I best do some work - didn't get much done yesterday! I hope you're all doing okay. Love Vicky

[bernie01]

Hi

Hey Vickyp that is so fantastic! Congratulations, you must be so pleased. What a relief.

AGallagher, glad you are back with us and feeling so much better after your break, looks like we will be close on dates as I start down reg on the 22nd.

Is there anything you more experienced ladies suggest I start doing now in preparation for this marathon? I only drink one cup of tea a day (and always have done in the morning), I am still drinking maybe 3 glasses of wine a week max, I have gone organic, and have been for a while now (unless we go out for dinner), is all that ok? I dont want to be paranoid, and life goes on, but also want to give myself the best chance. I tried acupuncture when we were "trying" and have read that once a week during treatment is good, but am not sure. I also thought I would buy a relaxation tape, oh and I bought a hot water bottle because I also read that helps during down reg.

Sorry I cant offer you any advise Mags, but it sounds like you are being well looked after even if you think your dose is high.

Have a super weekend.

Bernie

[Vickyp]

Hi Bernie

Thanks very much - still not feeling confident that it last but we'll see.

Some of the things i did were -

Gave up caffiene completely - I substituted normal tea for redbush - which I still drink but with milk - I didn't like it much at first but now I actualy prefer it.

I also only ate organic animal products - I didn't bother about veg too much as it gets really expensive but meat, milk, cheese etc only organic.

I did yoga and relaxation - which really chilled me out.

I had baby aspirin when they transferred the embryo's (when I got pregnant 1st time) - I read that they thin your blood and this helps with embryo sticking (I think that's right)

I took pregnancy vitamins (which contained selenium)

I drank loads of water - at least 2 litres a day

I only drank alcohol very occasionally.

Even though I did all this stuff I think it's still worth remembering that most people get pregnant without doing anything and are probably quite often drinking when they concieve! So I just think it's really important to be relaxed and think pregnant. I just assumed I was as soon as they transferred the embies. Anyway I hope that helps. Love Vicky

[bernie01]

Hi there

Thanks for the help Vickyp, how are you feeling?

Thanks to you I have now bought a yoga book, and have to say, I normally have trouble with my neck and for the last few days (since doing the yoga) it seems to be much looser - I am a yoga convert, although havent gone as far as chanting just yet, I listen to my relaxation CD instead!

My apt with the nurse went well, I now have a very tasteful new purple handbag, not, meds arrive on Friday. There was so much to take in so fingers crossed for my first jab on Sunday, at least I will have plenty of time to pluck up the courage before I go for it. Whats more comfy leg or tummy?

How are you Mags, you must be about due to go back again soon? Are you ok?

Good luck to you all........

Bernie

[Vickyp]

Hi Bernie & all

Really glad to be of help.

I'm about 99% sure that I had a miscarriage today - lots of blood etc. I'm having a scan tomorrow - not at Hammers - trying to avoid additional costs just to find out I'm not pregnant anymore!

Feeling V sad now but am not at all surprised that this has happened - I was taking Buserelin for ten days whilst pregnant so my hormones can't have been right for the baby. I feel really Ggrrr about this as of course that was my fault and I should have read all the stuff before injecting - I guess I just assumed I couldn't be pregnant due to blocked tubes -0 I never have been before after all. I wish I didn't have to feel to feel guilty as well as sad but it's my own stupid fault! Oh well.

Anyway - sorry to be on a downer. Hope everyone is doing okay. Love Vicky

[Vickyp]

Sorry me again - Bernie

I meant to say - I always go for leg but I have to say after about a week of injecting I find it strangely difficult to get the needle in- as though it's just sick of it and has put up a wall of steel against invasion! Vicky

[Angel505]

Hi!!!

I've been on this thread very briefly. Just wanted to say that we've now undergone all our testing and decided to go to Hammersmith privately as there is a long waiting list on the NHS. I've got my first appointment with Dr Strew (I think thats how its spelt). anyone got any advice / experience with him?

[bernie01]

Hi there

Vicky how did your scan go? I cant imagine how you feel, you mustn't feel its your fault or feel guilty though what were the chances, it really wasnt your fault, you didnt know.

Angel, we see Mr Lavery who is very nice, I havent heard of Strew, but I do think there is a Mr Trew (they loose their Dr bit at the Consultancy level - not sure why!). We are also private, shocking eh! They have looked after us very well so far, my dh had an extraction op and they put the little buggers in the freezer and that was very successful, so dont worry I think we are all in good hands.

My meds arrived today, so i am all ready for Sundays start. ekk.

Have a lovely wet weekend!

Bernie

[Vickyp]

Thanks Bernie

Didn't have scan in the end - had 'manual'!! check - rather painful and unpleasant. Confirmed that pregnancy was over. I'm now waiting for Mr Lavery to call me - I left him a message yesterday asking a variety of questions - but mainly - What is going with my tubes?! How could one get through in the first place and could it happen again? Not feeling too hopeful that the response will be positive as when I had my lap three years ago they seemed well and truly bunged up. Anyway.

Exciting News that your starting on Sunday. What are you taking - are you doing whole IVF from scratch? Is this your first go? Sorry - I'm sure I must have read this before - but can't remember.

Hi Angel - Don't know Mr Trew - I'm with Lavery also - who I have always found very nice and has an excellent bedside manner - during the good and more importantly bad times. I have had really good treatment at Hammers and have a bouncing baby boy from a frozen embryo to show for it. Good Luck.

Hi - A Gallagher - Good luck for starting next week - as just mentioned I am a FET success story from Hammersmith (my first FET as well) - so I'm keeping fingers crossed.

Hope everyone else is well - I'm off to feel a bit more sorry for myself! Love Vicky