1st IVF/ICSI cycle - New to IVF

Discussion forum for those particularly interested in IVF and embryo transfer including frozen embryo transfer.

Did you get BFP 1st try with IVF/ICSI with less than 10 million count?

Poll ended at Thu Aug 23, 2007 8:49 pm

Yes
1
25%
No
3
75%
 
Total votes: 4

christib
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Post by christib »

Albany--Sorry to hear about your test. Try to be optimistic. I did read that sometimes the HSG helps to clear the tube. Did you ask your mom her opinion on what they might do? She might be able to lend some advice. I hope they go ahead with it, but with the cost you want to make sure you have every chance of reaching a BFP. When will you fully talk to your RE? I hope it won't be too long because one way or the other I would want an answer. I agree with you though, I would like to try a cycle and prove them wrong! I don't know much about that subject. I guess I'm always focusing on the male issues. There might be someone on the boards that has had the same situation. I will try to do some researching myself in the meantime. On the other hand I'm glad you got through your test. Hopefully it wasn't too unpleasant. Try to take it easy. Go do something fun with the DH. Let me know what you find out.
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albany07
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Post by albany07 »

Christi - I love your genuine spirit and caring personality!

My mom feels that I should explore the alternative medicine arena, she has heard much success from those that tried acupuncture, nurtritional support, mind/body and meditation techniques. They are pricey. I have completed some research and am currently looking at a place in Chicago named Harmony Health - Very pricey (don't like that). As all of them ARE.

I have the shot class tomorrow 8-10am - my husband said not to inquire whether we should go or not. He feels it is just another thing we can get out of the way. I think we may be able to see him at his office afterwards (he has clinic in the AM).

The test was fine - just make sure to medicate before the procedure. Have you completed this yet? Don't worry - I think I was expecting worse pain and just experienced the filling of the uterus and a feeling which felt similar to a balloon being inflated inside (maybe two total cramps). I have never had any repro problems in the past. All these problems are showing up left and right now! I guess the old saying holds true "if you seek, you shall find". Thanks, Ingrid
christib
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Post by christib »

Ingrid, I have read alot of posts where others did acupunture. I have seriously thought about it. I also believe in the nutritional aspect of health as well. I think the body can do amazing things given the right foods and supplements.(not so many processed foods etc.) I watch alot of Dr. Oz on Oprah LOL. Of course, being a nurse, I believe in medicine. I know that IVF is the only way that my DH and I can have children. The two together would be great. I haven't looked into acupunture yet, but my sister's mother-in-law does it to lose weight and it is $50.00 a session. I guess try to take it one day at a time like you have been. I agree with your DH. Get the shot classes out of the way. The more you do now the less you have in your way, and the closer to the goal. Are you sure you're not just stalling so you can wait and cycle with me? (just kidding! At this point we wait for no one)
I have yet to do the HSG. So far I have only had the 3day FSH (which was 5.something) and CF screening (which was negative). I am hoping to get alot of tests ordered when I go for my appt I'm sure there will be a surprise or two waiting for me. You can't be 33 and still perfect.
albany07
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Tests...

Post by albany07 »

Yes, I too believe in the combination as we definitely have male factor 5-6 million and 40% correct morphology (nutrition, medicine and the hokey stuff)...JK. I am finding many people find success deciding on alternative methods. For example, finding out about the blocked tube lead me to find studies regarding this topic. Not always are they taking the tube out but have found that a 7 day course of doxycycline pre and post impland may avert the damaging effects of the blocked tube. My Dr. has not contacted me yet. I will let him know this is my preference along with accupuncture ( I found someone and will be starting this Sunday, better pricing $60 per session and credentials than the company based accupuncturist $120 per session!!!!).

Has your sister's MIL lost weight? I would love to do that too! I have gained over 35 lbs since I got married!

BTW, I think I do want to stall and cycle with you! So, my dates are pushed back, b/c my husband is out of town on our retreival dates - we originally planned. Schedule is now as follows: 9/2 Lupron, 9/8 last day of BCPS, 9/12 Gonal-F, 9/22-9/26 retreival!!!!!!! Hoping for a June baby! I as well am a June baby! We get the meds this Monday. I am excited and hoping my RE goes along with my suggestions. He has so far.
Kristin1112
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re

Post by Kristin1112 »

I'm thinking that we'll be starting our first IVF next month, too.
We had our consent signing and mock transfer on Friday. They also gave me BCPs to start when I start my next cycle. Probably middle of September. I'm starting to get nervous, but I'm sooo excited.
We're doing IVF based on my high FSF-15.5, 11.5, 11.4, and DH is missing his vas deferens. (I think someone posted on here about the same issue with their DH?) He doesn't have CF, but they said he's probably a carrier.
Anyway, best of luck to everyone!
I"ll be in touch!

Kristin
christib
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Post by christib »

Ingrid, I think that would be wonderful to take Doxycycline for 7 days as opposed to surgery. I give that med all of the time at work. Who knew I could have been helping blocked tubes and didn't even know it! It is very important to research for yourself.

I need to start seeking out a place to get acupuncture. The woman on the CF website (that I posted about earlier) did acupuncture and ate pineapple. I think she just had a session before and after her ET. Anyway, like I posted earlier, she had 2 embies put back in and had triplets. So, I think it is worth a shot. (No pun intended LOL) My sister's MIL did lose weight, but she stopped going B/C it was a 40 minute drive there and back and it got to be inconvinient. Plus, they are always traveling, and she couln't go on a consistent basis. I know what you mean about gaining weight. I have to go on a diet every summer. Right now, I'm not carrying alot of extra weight, but I am starting to gain my winter fat.
I think a June baby would be great. One of my nieces is a June baby. Can you believe in just about a year you could have a baby? My DH said this year on vacation, that when we go back next year we could have a baby or I could be very fat. I guess we'll see. I am very excited for you to already have a schedule. Did you ever think you would be this excited to give yourself a shot? We've all gone mad. I can't wait until my appt on Tues. I hope he gives us some good news.
christib
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Post by christib »

Kristen, I was such a windbag with Ingrid that I decided to break up my two posts. My DH has CF and is missing his vas def on the right and is small/narrow (he just loves it when they say it's small LOL) on the left. He has to do another SA on 8/28 just to confirm and then they are going to do a testicular biopsy to retrieve sperm and save. Has he been tested to see if he is a carrier? I had my test in July and it was negative. Since he actually has CF our children(if we have any) will be carriers. How are they going to get sperm from your DH? Maybe we can share stories. There is a thread on this forum called DH is 53, and it's all about male factor and the biopsy. Someone else let me know about it. I have my first appt. on 8/28. Hopefully, I will know more about me and DH then. I'll keep you posted. Good Luck with everything!
Kristin1112
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re

Post by Kristin1112 »

Kristen, I was such a windbag with Ingrid that I decided to break up my two posts. My DH has CF and is missing his vas def on the right and is small/narrow (he just loves it when they say it's small LOL) on the left. He has to do another SA on 8/28 just to confirm and then they are going to do a testicular biopsy to retrieve sperm and save. Has he been tested to see if he is a carrier? I had my test in July and it was negative. Since he actually has CF our children(if we have any) will be carriers. How are they going to get sperm from your DH? Maybe we can share stories. There is a thread on this forum called DH is 53, and it's all about male factor and the biopsy. Someone else let me know about it. I have my first appt. on 8/28. Hopefully, I will know more about me and DH then. I'll keep you posted. Good Luck with everything!

Christi-
Dh was not tested to see whether or not he's a carrier. I tested negative, so they said there was no need for DH. They assume he is a carrier, since neither vas deferens tubes ever developed. They did say that if we have a son, he could very well have the same problem. My DH wants to tell him when he's 15 "so he can have some fun" :lol: Over my dead body!!
DH had the testes biopsy in May. They found sperm, so we're going forward with IVF with ICSI hopefully late September. They will go back in (poor guy!!) retrieve the fresh sperm, freeze some for later, all while I'm having my egg retrieval. They suggested we go at the same time, since they're not 100% sure any sperm will be able to be frozen. Two invalids at our house! Lord help us!!
Hope your appt goes well! I'll be in touch!

Kristin
christib
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Post by christib »

Kristin, That is hilarious. I didn't think about a fifteen year old running around with that info. I'll have to keep that to myself or my DH will be thinking the same thing. He said we will probably have to fund his own IVF someday. I guess if we do end up having children they will be the most expensive children ever!! Expensive to get them here and to provide for them. When we met with the urologist, he said that if they got sperm from the biopsy they would just freeze that. I did think about what would happen if they didn't make it. I'll have to ask the RE when I go. I'm not trying to make more trouble for DH, but if I go through all of that and the sperm don't make the thaw then that would be worse. Were his sperm alright? I have read that they may be immature, but wondered if anything else might be wrong. When do you start your meds? I was told we would probably start in the fall but you never know. I'm sure there will be hang up somewhere. I'll let you know.
albany07
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Dear CKristi(ns)

Post by albany07 »

Cristi,

I am so looking forward to hearing from you regarding YOUR schedule this Tuesday (fingers crossed). I couldn't wait until I got the schedule, always trying to figure it out on my own and all... Wait until the battery of tests you have to go through! I am not trying to scare you, but as all my near and dear friends say - go to Ingrid if you want the truth. I will tell you how it is. The next steps before you are cleared... (nobody ever told me)... Pap smear, Blood work (FSH, E2, Rubella, HIV, Hep C, HSG (make sure to take pain reliever), Psych exam, Counseling by RN, Shot class. I think that is all... If anything else comes to mind feel free to ask... Oh, and the CF genetics test which you have completed, as I did and am negative.

Kristin and Christi - I must be awful, as I have asked DH if we can ever tell the kids?????!!!!!

Speaking of vacations... We have Christmas in Virginia and have planned a February Maui vacation. I hope all this is ok... Does anyone else have any trips planned? Oh, and we do have next august booked for my DH's Global Sales meeting in Las Vegas with +1 (God willing).

There is one thing I hope all of us do during this whole experience. Do not put your life on hold - enjoy and experience evey moment. We never know what the next day holds for us. My Mom gave me this advice before we knew what the problem was while we were ttc naturally. I did do all those things. I was very catious, scheduling everything, not going to family gatherings and such to ensure we never missed the right moment. The whole process consumed me. We then found out there was nothing either one of us could have done to change the outcome.

Ingrid
christib
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Post by christib »

Ingrid, Thanks for the info. I knew about some of the tests,but not all of them. I didin't know about the counseling and the psych eval. That ought to be fun. I also didn't know about the shot class until you posted about that earlier. That shouldn't be too hard for me since I give them all of the time.(not to myself, but the technique should be the same) I am so looking forward to all of that.LOL Thanks for being honest. I'm the type of person who likes to hear it straight. Usually, you'll find out anyway. I would have, when they start poking and prodding where I don't have a tan line. Might as well be prepared.
As for vacations, we usually go to the beach in the summer. We spend Christmas here. We don't have any big trips scheduled. We would like to go to Australia and take a cruise. If this IVF doesn't work out we're buying a new dining room suite and taking one of our trips right away.So, we'll see. If this does work we might have to take a winter vacation like you. I would probably not feel like going to the beach by next summer. Maui sounds nice. I haven't ever been to Hawaii. His Aunt lives there, and is always telling us to visit, but we never have.
Good advice on the experiencing life. I don't want to become the invitrocouple. So far, we haven't let it consume our lives. I read alot about it and let him know about it, but we don't talk about it excessively. We have some experience with illness since he has CF. We don't let it consume our lives either. I mean there are things we can't do because of it, and things we have to schedule around like his treatments, chest PT, and right now IV antibiotics, but for the most part we lead normal lives.
albany07
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Post by albany07 »

Christi,

Hope your weekend was great! I think you are hilarious! I love the idea of the dining room suite!

My DH and I have never been to Australia - but are hoping to do that some day!!!

I think you should definitely jump at the chance to go to Hawaii for the price of an airline ticket! I am assuming that DH's aunt will let you stay at her place.

Where are you living? Sounds like the east coast, I may be wrong...

I know you are looking forward to your RE appt!!!! Let me know how it all goes!

The psych thing was not bad at all - It was more of a counseling and what to expect through the IVF process, some stats, what to do with your eggs, options, etc....

The accupuncture was GREAT!!!!! I love it! I am scheduled to go 2x per week until retreival. Hey - It's worth a shot! No pun intended...
I guess it is good prep for the needles to come. I had 1 needle in my head, 3 on my forehead, 3 in my abdomen, 1 in each arm and leg (4), and I think 3 in each of my feet.

My DH and I looked at new cars this weekend - Jeep Commander (cool features - automatic windshield wipers and automatic rear door - opens and closes with the press of a button!) and the LR3. I am soooo excited!!! I currently drive a a car that is unreliable - so it's time for something nice!

Looking forward to hearing from you!
christib
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Post by christib »

Ingrid, We had a good weekend. We had a birthday party for my sister on Friday night, and a birthday party for my brother-in-law on Saturday. Sunday, we just laid around until the afternoon, then we went to eat and went to see the Bourne Ultimatum. It was really good.
I live in WV and always have. It's a nice place to live. My DH has been offered a job multiple times at his company's corporate office in SC, but he has denied. I told him that we can move if he wants to, but he says he knows I wouldn't be happy away from my family. It isn't all me though, he would have to leave his too. On the other hand, I love the beach, and I mean love!! When we go, I am the biggest beach bum. So, that wouldn't be so bad.
My cousin has a Jeep Commander and loves it. It looks really nice It's black, and just looks really classy. My husband looked at a Chrysler Aspen. I liked it too. We saw it at a car show, but right now, we don't need a new car.(knock on wood)
Has your RE said anything else about the blocked tube? I guess things are just going on as planned. I'm sure everything will be ok.
So, you started acupuncture. I think that is exciting. I told my DH about it, and he got a funny look on his face and asked,"Where do they put the needles?" I said they probably put them in your abdomen and limbs or something like that. He's an idiot. I looked online for an accupuncturist that specialized in infertility, but they are all too far away. I'll have to do some more research.
I am a little nervous about my appt tomorrow. I am exicited to hear what they have to say, but nervous at the same time. I hope it's encouraging news. They'll probably take one look at me and stamp "Denied" on my forehead. I'll let you know as soon as I can. We are about 3 hours away, so it is going to be a long day. Wish me luck.
Christi
albany07
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Lucky Dust, Lucky Dust, Lucky Dust

Post by albany07 »

Christi,

I have a good feeling everything will be ok. They will NOT deny you! Even if they do, fight for what you know is right! For example, we started seeing RE for DH - and they were able to find something wrong with me and tried to talk me into disassembling my body! No way! I did talk to my RE, all I have to say - this whole experience is the best prep for being a Lawyer! I feel like one everytime I talk to him. I sent him 2 studies - to back my position in the matter. Be prepared and do your research! I know you probably know this, especially with your nursing backround and DH's situation (new drugs, therapeutics, etc...).

I hear you about living close to your family! My husband wanted me to move to the east coast - but I guess I WON!!!! He moved in with me in Chicago 6 months before we married.

Did I understand you correctly??? Are you 3 hours away from the RE? You will probably need to stay at a hotel during ER! And all those usg's?

Wow, we intended to see the same movie this weekend!!!! Unfortunately, going to the movies turned into cleaning up our backyard after a baby tornado ripped through inner Chicago last week!!!! Our 15 foot boysenberry or blackberry tree fell to the ground.

Well, we got the LR3! We found a great deal and we decided to go with it - has a lot of head room - DH is 6'3. Also, 7 passenger seating for all the kids and their friends! Baby Dust, Baby Dust, For you and me! It doesn't have the cool features the commander had but was the same price.

We love the beach also, luckily we have Lake Michigan! Yeah, us Chicagoans consider the beach! My husband thought I was nuts until he moved here and experienced it for himself. LOL.
We also enjoy the beach (the real) as we get together with DH's family during the summer in Nag's Head. We did not go this year as the house they rented last year was very $$$$ and we could not afford it as Lupron bills are headed our way!

Regarding the Acu, I demanded a Chinese woman! If you can't find one, I deeply suggest meditation and relaxation.
Don't be nervous, everything will be A OK!!!!! You are both in my and DH's prayers tonight.

I can't wait until Sunday! First shot of the LUP!!!

Good Luck, Lucky dust to and DH!!!!!!! Keep me posted! I will be thinking about you tomorrow!

Ingrid
Me 33
DH 32 low count and motility
TTC 3 years
IVF#3 - Nov '09 BFP!
Maren Laurel 20 inches 6 lbs 7oz
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christib
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Post by christib »

Ingrid, Thanks for the well wishes. I appreciate it. DH is asleep right now, so I've been writing in my journal, posting, and watching tv. I always stay up late and always have. That is probably why I chose to work the nightshift at work. (7p-7a).
Yes, you understood me correctly, we are about 2 1/2-3 hrs away. There is a clinic at the local hospital (about 5 min. away) but they can't store the sperm after they harvest them. They also haven't been up and running very long, and the one we're going to has been around for a while and the statistics are good. I looked them up on the CDC report online. That is one of the questions I have to ask tomorrow. How will all of that work with us being so far away?
Congratulations on the new car. That is the way to do it. Be optimistic in everything you do. Hopefully, you won't fill up the whole vehicle with one cycle though!! Don't you just love that new car smell? I do!! Enjoy!!!
I'm so excited for you to start your injections. You can be my guinea pig. Sorry!!! but you can tell me what to expect, like you have been. Maybe once you start your injections time will fly.
We had some bad weather last week, but nothing compared to you. We just had some severe thunderstorms. We have a wooded backyard, and when there is heavy winds we get all kinds of limbs in our yard but no 15 foot trees. Goodness girl, be careful.
Thanks for the prayers. I'll let you know.
Christi
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