1st IVF/ICSI cycle - New to IVF

[albany07]

Just wanted to let you know I am hoping for positive outcomes today!!!!

I was bored out of my mind the day we needed to get all our pre work done. We also set all our appts. up for the same day pretty much. Definitely not because we are 2-3 hours away, try 5 minutes... (I am sooo spoiled) We live near and I work at the hospital our IVF clinic is at. You made the right decision with going to the more established clinic with better stats. Every % counts!

PMA, PMA, PMA - I guess that stands for Positive mental attitude! You learn something new everyday!

[christib]

Ingrid, I had a very encouraging appt. Sorry I didn't post yesterday, but I had a horrible HA when we got home. AF should be coming soon. They told me I would probably be in the November cycle. He said he wants me to do the long protocol. They're going to be shutting down their lab in Oct. and there is some IVF conference that they all have to go to.
My RE is nice. He is a little quiet, but I think so far he will be just fine. He did an exam and US and said he thought everything looked good. He told us about all of the tx. and risks.
They are going to start the tests after the DH has his biopsy. He did another SA, and as we knew, it was negative. The IVF coordinator is going to set up the biopsy for Sept. So, we're just waiting for the date for the biopsy.
They put me on prenatal vitamins and 4mg of folic acid daily. She went ahead and gave me BCP, and told me I'll be taking them in Nov. on the 2nd day of my AF. They seemed very optimisitic about my response to the tx. I guess we'll see. So, it looks like I'm going to be 2 months behind you.
I asked about the travel, and she said I might be able to do maybe one US here. There is a woman who works for a local OB/GYN that knows what to look for, and if she still works, they said she can do it. I think I'll just grin and bear it and go up there. I'm not as worried about having to drive, as I am getting off work. It's just hard since I'm not telling my work or anybody. I thought I'll just call in, but that's going to get suspicious. I NEVER call in.
Anything new with you? It's getting close to your injection day. That's exciting. Everything will really be getting started in a few days. Good Luck.
Are you enjoying your new car? Whenever I get a new car, it's like I'm 16 again. I'm thinking up places to go, and volunteering to run stupid errands. I even look forward to driving to work, which I usually hate.(it's about a 45 min. drive)
Thanks, for all the PMA. I appreciate your support. The DH and I are very excited. Just hoping everything continues to be positve.
Christi

[albany07]

I am sooooo glad things are moving in the right direction! Hey - I hear you about the drive. I bet we would drive 6 hours if that's what it took! None of this is a matter of convenience. No shutting down the lab here! RE is Jewish and he has to do our retrieval and transfer during Yom Kippur! Poor guy! (not so poor) JK. There are 3 RE's at our office, maybe the 3rd will be working that day as the other 2 are jewish.

I hear you about shift work. When I was clinical, I loved the PM shift - back in the day of 8 hour shifts. BTW - I wish it would come back! Makes for easier scheduling. I am currently in management.

Love the new car smell and sound of the radio!!!! It has a MP3 connection too! Oh, so many options - radio, CD, Syrius, MP3! Who can make a decision on what to listen to!

I can't wait until shots!!!! This Sunday!!!!! We are worried about my mood swings! We have family coming to Chicago the weekend of the 8th. I will try to be as nice as I can be! Oh, and make sure to hide the needles in the house!

Find out if you qualify for intermittent FMLA - this will help you with the days off. You may consider telling your boss - I'm sure she/he will understand. I will check in later - need to run to my acu appt.


ZENNNNNNN

[christib]

My DH asked me about mood swings yesterday. Poor guy!! He asked if this is going to be worse than normal PMS. I don't have it bad every month, but sometimes I can't even stand myself.

The coordinator said that they shut down the lab every so often (i can't remember how often she said) to tear everything down and sterilize everything and then they set back up. I guess they planned it for the same time as the big conference they are all going to.

She called today to say that they had a cancellation for the TESE, and that they could take DH on 9/6. So, I guess we'll be getting that done sooner than I thought. Keep you fingers crossed!!

I hope your family doesn't find your needles. They'll think your on drugs or something. My DH just got off IV antibiotics. He was at a meeting and had to go push one of them in the bathroom. He has a port inserted so he can do them by himself if he has to. There wasn't a conference room empty so that was a last resort. He said he felt like a druggie. I'm sure that's the way we'll feel by the time this is over.
Christi

[albany07]

THAT IS GREAT NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Did they give you some sort of timeline? Have you started BCP or do you even need to with the TESE protocol? Do you know when your retreival date will be???? Once again, our ER is Sept. 22 - 26. This is dependent on the size of the follicle/eggs during those dates. ET is 3 days after retreival, unless they find reallllllyyyyy good eggs - we may qualify for the 5 day transfer. It's based on survival of the fittest concept... I think I would prefer the 3 day, just knowing I am in charge of their care and growing and not some cold, dark lab!


Mood swings! I get very emotional. I am surprised my DH married me! LOL. I start crying very easily and am very sensitive during that time. The all time classic is when I started crying watching "Shallow Hal".

Hope all is well with you. Hope DH is tuned up!

Will you be administering your shots or will DH?

Ingrid

[christib]

The coordinator gave me some BCP to start on the second day of my AF in Nov. They have not given me specific dates, just that we will probably get started in Nov. I still have some of my testing to do. They just want to wait until they find out about DH. It makes sense. No need for me to go through all of that if there are no sperm. We wouldn't use donor sperm or eggs. We made that decision from the start. Not that I think there is something wrong with it, it is just not for us.

I asked about what day they usually do the transfer, and she said the 3dt. She said they can do the 5dt if you want. She said once they had an older woman insist that they do a 5, and they kept telling her they thought she should do the 3, but she insisted that they wait, and none of the embryos made it. Isn't that terrible? Why would you do that? I understand the situation with her age and the blast, but I don't think I would do that. I told her I was just asking. Whatever they think is best. I don't want to sound like I don't have a mind of my own, but really, when was the last time I fertilized an egg and grew it in a petri dish?
Can you believe you could be pregnant by next month? That is so crazy!! I'm excited for you. It seems like once the process gets started it takes off. (except for 2ww) It is going to be a year in Nov. since he did his first SA, and that is when they predict we will get started. Then, it will be over in a month.
I guess I will be giving my shots. I haven't asked him what he thinks, but I'm sure that's what we'll do. Good luck on Sunday! Only three more days. Do you have to give them in the morning, evening, or is it whatever is easy for you?
What in the world were you crying over in Shallow Hal? I loved that movie. I think my favorite part was when she jumped in the pool and that kid ended up in the tree. "Billy, where are you?" "DADDY!!"
PMA for you and me!!
Christi

[shantala]

albany - just wanted to pop in to give you and others with male factor hope. my husband's sperm count has consistently been 250,000 (quarter of a million) and we've just gotten a BFP.

this 2nd time round i bought some tablets from the zita west website to increase hubby's sperm quality and quantity and without mentioning this to my clinic they commented on how much better his sample was this time round with his egg collection. who knows what made the difference this time but i just thought i would share this with you.

best of luck everyone!!

xxx

[albany07]

Shantala - That is great news! Congrats on the BFP! Thanks for sharing - I am sure many of us will use that information for our benifit!!!

Christi - I got confused! I thought you would be cycling in September! I'm blond by the way! We are thinking about the both of you and wish you much fortune!

Shallow Hal - I cried for all the fat people out there watching the movie! You are right, I think that is the funniest part!

I hear you about donors - my dh and I feel the same way. We feel we would adopt an existing soul rather than creating one... maybe TMI... Nothing wrong with it... I guess it's just not for us...

The weirdest stuff is happening since I started acupuncture - I get quality sleep, dreams are vivider than ever (cant even wake up, they are so intense), more focused, lost 3 lbs, calmer, good baby vibes, I KNOW ITS GOING TO HAPPEN!!!!! Mind over matter???

I read somewhere about a girl which laundered her clothes and bedsheets in Dreft before the transfer - I think I will adopt this idea!

Happy Labor Day weekend! Do you have anything fun and exiting? DH and I are cleaning the backyard and garage!!! Don't want to deal with the traffic and can't drink! Besides acu and lups this Sunday! We might have a couple of friends over on Monday afternoon for a BBQ!

Ingrid

[christib]

shantala, Thanks for the positive post and congratulations on your BFP! DH is into taking supplements, so he would probably be up to taking more. We have to do IVF/ICSI, so anything that might boost the quality is worth a try. I'll have to check it out.

Ingrid,
We are going to a football game Saturday, going to a comedy show with my BIL and his wife on Sunday, and no plans yet on Monday. I do have to work 7p-7a on Monday, but not sure what we'll do in the daytime before I go to work. Have a good Labor Day. Have fun cleaning!! Are you still getting things in order after the mini tornado that you had?

People will do anything to try and increase their chances. Dreft clothes and bedsheets?? That's a new one. I guess it couldn't hurt. After all the other things you have to do, that's an easy one.

IVF coordinator called today to tell me that we have to see a genetic counselor since he has CF. She gave me a name and number to schedule an appt. I think I'll call on Tues.

Sounds like the acu is working out for you. I guess your getting your money's worth. That is great news! Hopefully, it is getting everything in order on the inside too.

Have a great weekend!! Be sure you let me know how your injection goes.
Christi

[christib]

Ingrid, INJECTION DAY!!! You finally made it. How did everything go. Let me know. I hope you are having a good weekend so far. I am. We had fun yesterday at the football game. We won, and that always makes it better. I'll check back later.
Christi

[albany07]

I love the lupron!!!! I can't wait for my shot everynight!!! I just took it an hour ago. I am feeling like an actual addict! LOL It does not hurt a bit! I think we leaked some out last night, did not release the skin before taking the needle out. I think it should be ok. I did get a hot flash in the middle of the night. That was quite interesting, as my DH didn't understand what was going on when I threw my down comforter half way across the room at 2am!

My DH and I love football games too - particularly Notre Dame, they started the year pretty shitty! So it's definetely good WVA won - I am assuming that is your team correct?

Good Labor day weekend, cleaned everthing as planned, weeded the garden, went to see Bourne Ultimatum, Acupuncture on Sunday and even baked Pumpkin Bread - I can't wait until Fall. That is my favorite season!!! Oh, and Drefted my sheets and PJ's!

One funny - Wore a one piece outfit on Sunday to Acu, DONT DO IT!!!! I was in a hurry, showered and put on the easiest outfit I could slip on - Wrong! Thank god she had an extra gown. Still not as comfy as having pants and a top on. She saw me in my britches!

I remember those days, working nights during holidays. Hope you are holding up ok. I know you are probably a little tired - hang in there!

The genetic counseling should go by quickly, a one time appt. Let me know.

Ingrid

[christib]

I'm glad everything is going ok with the injections. Hopefully the side effects won't be too bad. How long will you be on the Lupron?

Yes, your are correct, we are big WVU fans. We're hoping for a great season. The next home game isn't until 9/20, so we'll be watching from home for a couple of weeks. Everybody usually comes to our house for the game and "tailgate food".

You finally got to see the Bourne Ultimatum. Did you like it? I did. I went to see Halloween last night with my brother. My DH doesn't like scary movies. (yes, we give him a very hard time!) It was pretty good. I jumped out of my seat a couple of times.

I love the fall season too. It's my favorite. That's crazy!! I like the cool air, the fall scents and the food. I can't wait to start decorating for Halloween.

We have to go for the TESE tomorrow. I hope the outcome is ok. It could all be over if they can't find anything. I guess we'll find out. We have to be there at 7AM. We thought about getting a hotel room there, but we have dogs to let out in the morning. So, I think we'll be leaving the house at 4AM. This ought to be fun. We went and picked out a jock strap Monday and got ice packs. Poor DH!!!

Funny story about the acu outfit. I'll keep that in mind if I ever get started. I would probably be uncomortable laying there in my undies. At least it wasn't your first time.

I'll let you know how everything goes. Have fun with your meds.
Christi

[albany07]

TESE Luck, TESE Luck, TESE Luck.....

I seem to be chanting everything lately... I think it comes from the PMA mantra I keep reminding myself of.

I have a good feeling you will be cycling soon! Good vibes to you and DH. Let me know how everything goes. Will they or have they saved any from the TESE? Will they have to do it again? Man, what a trooper. Jockstrap and Ice huh? Poor guy. DH and I praying for only the best!!!

Fall IS great. I bet it's beautiful in WV! Have you checked out the Yankee Candle Fall scents yet? I purchased butter cookie and pecan pie or something like that???... The house smells great! Yeah, did I mention -I jump the gun and get really excited about things I am looking forward to? It's 90 degrees here in Chicago right now.... no sight of Fall.LOL.

Yes, liked the movie. Not as much as I normally would. Reason being I try not to stress myself out too much during these times - destroy the Qi (CHEE) per say. My DH proposed not to see anymore "constant action" films until we are well along in the pregnancy (god willing). I was jumping out of my seat the whole time!

Lupron is going well, day 5 today. I stop BCP on Saturday and go for my first US and E2 on Wednesday!!! I am sooooo excited. Hoping for quiet ovaries that day. I also start the Gonal F and decrease Lupron to 5 units on that day until retrieval. I hope I don't get the OHSS. I have been told by my nurse friend which went through this whole thing also (she will be giving me my progesterone on days DH is out of town) - Plenty of water, no salty foods and stick to vegetables and fruits. Minimal carbs and proteins. I will listen as she has been through it all.

Moving along... like a milestone on Saturday you know - no more BCP's!!!!

[christib]

Ingrid, Unfortunately, it is over for us. They could not find any mature sperm in the tissue they collected. They only found very immature ones. They told us that the tubules did not have all of their linings in which the sperm mature, but they were going to send it off for histology to see exactly what the problem was. They talked to us about donor sperm, but as I said before, we are not willing to do that. I didn't want a child, I wanted OUR child. We'll be ok. We still have each other. It sucks that I still have to go through AF every month, even though I won't ever have any children. As a consulation prize, I get my dining room suite, a trip to Australia, and Christmas presents!!

I still want to follow your progression through this journey if you still want to post to me. I wish you all the luck in the world. I really do mean that!!

DH is holding up emotionally and physically. He has his pain med and ice pack. He says the strap is kinda tight though. He's been in bed most of the day, so he took it off since he's not up moving around. He's a tough guy. He's been through worse.

The leaves haven't started to change yet, but when it does, it is very beautiful. I love the season. but hate raking leaves. If we didn't rake them, they would be up to our knees. We have alot of trees surrounding us. We first looked at our house in the fall, and I think that is part of what sold us.

Well, I had better go check on DH. Thanks for all of the support, thoughts and prayers. You and DH will be in ours as well.
Christi

[albany07]

Christi,

Never loose hope. You definitely can put it up on a shelf if you want to right now - but you and I know... medical knowledge, therapeutics and procedures change everyday.

Please let me know if you prefer to obtain my email, I your's, private message through this portal or continue to post on the tread. I don't want to make you feel - you need to visit this website - when you really don't need to. I don't think I would want to be on this website if I didn't need to be. Hell, I didn't ever want to be on this website. So, what I am trying to say, is there are other ways of communicating if you want to. I can definitely say - you are my best message buddie on this message board! What ever you choose to do, I agree with.

Now, that we got that out of the way... let's talk about more important things.

I want details... what type of dining room suite? Formal, French Country (that is what I decided on), Pottery Barn....????

Vacation - all inclusive or roughin' it in the outback?

I bet both of you are wonderful people surrounded by wonderful families and friends. DH (Erik) and I are.... and I know that is what we fall back on if efforts in this are unsuccessful. Sure we already thought of the possiblities without - we would probably end up being the rich aunt and uncle, all the nieces and nephews want to visit in the big windy city!!! LOL.

Whatever you choose to do - I wish you a lifetime of love, luck and happiness!!!!

Ingrid