Hi my name is Gracie... I'm 40 years old and been through 4 failed IVFs. I was wondering if anyone else has been through 4 failed IVFs and gone on to number 5 and had a successful pregnancy. I'm having two procedures done on Thursday the 20th, a Hysteroscopy and a Laparoscopy. I want to make sure everthing is ok before I go ahead with our 5th IVF cycle. So far the money we've spent is worth crying over. I was thinking about a donor, but my husband is totally against it. He feels that should be our last resort. But, I say how many IVF cycles do we try before we say it's enough. I'm not a bad responder. My eggs are good quality - not great but good.
1st IVF Cycle - 13 eggs were retrieved, 8 fertilized, 4 embroys transferred, (1) 8 cell, and (3) 4 cell - outcome - not pregnant
2nd IVF - 15 eggs - 7 fertilized - 4 good for transfer, 3 eight cell and one 10 cell - not pregnant
3rd IVF - 29 eggs - 18 fertilized - 8 blastocycsts - 4 blats transferred - Two 4BB and two 4CC - not pregnant
4th IVF - 18 eggs - 8 fertilzed - 4 blastocysts transferred, Two 4BB and Two 4CC. We had genetic testing done, came back normal. I'm beside myself. I tried Acupuncture, and herbs - but gave up on it after trying for almost a year. I'm really stressed out, and I was told that is a factor. Has anyone had Hysteroscopy and a Laparoscopy done, if so was it painful. thanks looking forward to a writing pal.
4 failed IVF's - starting 5th in October
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Gracielope2
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- Location: New York
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Michellyn8
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- Posts: 54
- Joined: Mon Jan 29, 2007 11:55 pm
- Location: NYC
Hi Gracie,
I have 2 failed IVFs and I am currently in me 2ww on my 3rd IVF. Before I did the 3rd I had the Laparoscopy and Hysteropy done in the hopes that it would give us some clue as to why it didn't work. They found nothing...I actually cried when I found out because I almost hoped that they would find something that could be fixed. I would definitely recomend getting it done to clear your mind because it is the only way they can get a total picture. I didn't find it very painful and I was completely up and about the next day. If that is clear they can do blood tests for clotting disorders or killer cells. I have read of a couple of people on this board that have gotten BFP on fifth. Brooke Shields got pregnant on her 7th try....I hope you get yours sooner than that! I wish you luck ...don't be nervous and if you have any questions let me know. Stay positive!!!!
Take care,
Michelle
I have 2 failed IVFs and I am currently in me 2ww on my 3rd IVF. Before I did the 3rd I had the Laparoscopy and Hysteropy done in the hopes that it would give us some clue as to why it didn't work. They found nothing...I actually cried when I found out because I almost hoped that they would find something that could be fixed. I would definitely recomend getting it done to clear your mind because it is the only way they can get a total picture. I didn't find it very painful and I was completely up and about the next day. If that is clear they can do blood tests for clotting disorders or killer cells. I have read of a couple of people on this board that have gotten BFP on fifth. Brooke Shields got pregnant on her 7th try....I hope you get yours sooner than that! I wish you luck ...don't be nervous and if you have any questions let me know. Stay positive!!!!
Take care,
Michelle
url=http://lilypie.com][img]http://b1.lilypie.com/y4hsm5/.png[/img][/url
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summerbaby
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- Joined: Tue Jun 26, 2007 3:29 pm
Dear Gracie, Hi and welcome! I can really understand where you are coming from. I've had 2 failed IVF cycles and am currently undergoing test after test to try to determine why things aren't working. Before we even began, I had a Hysteroscopy and Laparoscopy and as a result had a number of fibroids removed -- Neither of the procedures left me feeling totally out of it, and I was up and about soon after with little pain.
So, in all it is a good idea and another step in the right direction to have this done to see what is going on and perhaps provide you with some answers.
As long as you still have hope and can muster a truly positive mental attitude, I believe your dream will come true.
If you are looking for more buddies to share stories and experiences with, you can also take a look on the general forum. There are a number of wonderful threads to read and respond to - just jump onto one and you'll feel very welcome.
I wish you all the best and all things positive on your journey.
Michelle - best of luck to you in getting your BFP! My fingers are crossed for you.
Take care,
xx Amy
So, in all it is a good idea and another step in the right direction to have this done to see what is going on and perhaps provide you with some answers.
As long as you still have hope and can muster a truly positive mental attitude, I believe your dream will come true.
If you are looking for more buddies to share stories and experiences with, you can also take a look on the general forum. There are a number of wonderful threads to read and respond to - just jump onto one and you'll feel very welcome.
I wish you all the best and all things positive on your journey.
Michelle - best of luck to you in getting your BFP! My fingers are crossed for you.
Take care,
xx Amy
me:45, dh:51
3 IVFs - all BFN // 1 DE-FET - BFP!
Anna born October 7th 2009!
3 IVFs - all BFN // 1 DE-FET - BFP!
Anna born October 7th 2009!
Re: 4 failed IVF's - starting 5th in October
Hi Gracie , it's sad to hear ur story but we all are in the same boat . Gracie has your RE told you abt the endo biopsy tht checks the B3 integrin which is a protein which helps the embryo to stick during the implantation window ?.
I had 3 failed IUI's , 2 failed IVF's . So my RE did this endometrial biopsy called the E-tegrity test . I did total of 3 test .......
#1 & #2 showed tht B3 integrin was not present . I was totally devastated.
But #3 showed it was present . This was done a little later in my cycle .
I am going to hv a FET this mnth , and embryos will b put bk a little late , also i am kept more time on progesterone coz my implantation window is little late . Let's c what happens now.
gracie i hope this helps u ......coz there's no use putting the embryos bk , if the time is not right . May be you can discuss this with your RE nxt time
Fingers crossed for u .
I had 3 failed IUI's , 2 failed IVF's . So my RE did this endometrial biopsy called the E-tegrity test . I did total of 3 test .......
#1 & #2 showed tht B3 integrin was not present . I was totally devastated.
But #3 showed it was present . This was done a little later in my cycle .
I am going to hv a FET this mnth , and embryos will b put bk a little late , also i am kept more time on progesterone coz my implantation window is little late . Let's c what happens now.
gracie i hope this helps u ......coz there's no use putting the embryos bk , if the time is not right . May be you can discuss this with your RE nxt time
Fingers crossed for u .
Hi Gracie,
My situation is very similar to yours. I am a 40 year old woman who's been trying to get pregnant for about 5 years. We had one unsuccessful pregnancy that ended in a miscarriage early on in this process. In 2005 we decided to go see a ferility specialist. Had pretty much all the tests done. My clomid challenge test came back normal. I had something done where they put dye into you to see if the tubes are o.k. (forget what's it's called--was a little uncomfortable from what I remembered) At that time, it was discovered one of my tubes was blocked. Nothing was done at the time to correct this. I had 3 failed IUI cycles. The doctor I had at the time was pretty much only into doing 3 and moving on. We ended up taking a break after the 3rd failed IUI cycle--mainly because even w/ our insurance company paying 80% of IVF cycles it would have been too expensive to do multiple cycles. That was in October 2005.
In July 2006 my husband's insurance changed and it's now out of Massachusetts, which will cover the actual IVF cycles 100% so we figure why not try?
We stayed w/ the same doctor--different clinic--mainly be the new doctor at the old clinic was waiting approval from our insurance and I didn't know how long it would take for her to get approved.
Had a laparoscopy first to see what was going on w/ the blocked tube-they put me under so don't remember anything. They ended up taking out left blocked tube due to endo. Then I tried IVF.
1st IVF--got 4 eggs only 3 fertilized. Did a day 2 transfer because I only had 3. BFN
2nd IVF--exactly the same as above
3rd IVF--got 3 eggs none fertilized.
After the 3rd one, we decided to go to the other clinic--new doctor.
They did a day 3 FSH (also had one in 2006, but don't remember the numbers), and it was 11. They don't really like to see above 10. However, I was told that it really wasn't something to worry about since it was close to 10. Also had a sonohystogram (sp?). 2nd time I had that. Took motrin an hour before but don't know if it was wearing off by the time I got in for the appointment after waiting almost an hour--very crampy feelings and very uncomfortable. I guess it takes a look at your uterus and uterus lining, etc. Everything looked normal.
4th IVF--got 6 eggs. 3 were mature 2 fertilized. Was scheduled for a day 3 transfer this time. Got cancelled because embryos did not develop properly.
After 4th failed IVF went for follow up appointment and was told that this was probably issue all along. They didn't understand why the other clinic wouldn't wait the extra day to see how embryos develop because I probably had the same problems as w/ IVF #4. I was told that most clinics don't do day 2 transfers anymore because it gives a false sense of hope if the embryos are not developing properly.
Bottom line is before doing IVF cycle #5, they want me to do another clomid challenge test to see where my numbers are. I go back in on Day 3 again (and by the way at the follow up I was told that the 11, which I was told not to worry about is actually considered borderline). Then from day 5-9, I will take 2 tablets. Then on day 10, I will go back in for more blood work. if the fsh is greater than 15, I was basically told that there's really no hope for me to get pregnant because my ovarian reserve will be pretty low. I am not sure that even w/ that if they will try one more time. I was playing phone take w/ the doctor for a couple of days and I had my period while this was happening, so will have to wait until my next period which should be next week.
I know that my insurance company approves up to 6 tries, but the financial person said that sometimes if the doctor writes a letter saying it's medically necessary.
If i do another cycle it will probably be at the end of Oct./nov. I think the question of how many to do is a personal one. I was thinking of doing acupuncture because it supposedly helps, but I haven't pulled the trigger because of the expense.
My husband is opposed to donor eggs and adoption so whatever happens, I will have to live with it.
Don't know if you need to consider the clomid challenge test to find out the ovarian reserve because it seems like you respond pretty decently to stim.
Hope this is helpful>
Kara
My situation is very similar to yours. I am a 40 year old woman who's been trying to get pregnant for about 5 years. We had one unsuccessful pregnancy that ended in a miscarriage early on in this process. In 2005 we decided to go see a ferility specialist. Had pretty much all the tests done. My clomid challenge test came back normal. I had something done where they put dye into you to see if the tubes are o.k. (forget what's it's called--was a little uncomfortable from what I remembered) At that time, it was discovered one of my tubes was blocked. Nothing was done at the time to correct this. I had 3 failed IUI cycles. The doctor I had at the time was pretty much only into doing 3 and moving on. We ended up taking a break after the 3rd failed IUI cycle--mainly because even w/ our insurance company paying 80% of IVF cycles it would have been too expensive to do multiple cycles. That was in October 2005.
In July 2006 my husband's insurance changed and it's now out of Massachusetts, which will cover the actual IVF cycles 100% so we figure why not try?
We stayed w/ the same doctor--different clinic--mainly be the new doctor at the old clinic was waiting approval from our insurance and I didn't know how long it would take for her to get approved.
Had a laparoscopy first to see what was going on w/ the blocked tube-they put me under so don't remember anything. They ended up taking out left blocked tube due to endo. Then I tried IVF.
1st IVF--got 4 eggs only 3 fertilized. Did a day 2 transfer because I only had 3. BFN
2nd IVF--exactly the same as above
3rd IVF--got 3 eggs none fertilized.
After the 3rd one, we decided to go to the other clinic--new doctor.
They did a day 3 FSH (also had one in 2006, but don't remember the numbers), and it was 11. They don't really like to see above 10. However, I was told that it really wasn't something to worry about since it was close to 10. Also had a sonohystogram (sp?). 2nd time I had that. Took motrin an hour before but don't know if it was wearing off by the time I got in for the appointment after waiting almost an hour--very crampy feelings and very uncomfortable. I guess it takes a look at your uterus and uterus lining, etc. Everything looked normal.
4th IVF--got 6 eggs. 3 were mature 2 fertilized. Was scheduled for a day 3 transfer this time. Got cancelled because embryos did not develop properly.
After 4th failed IVF went for follow up appointment and was told that this was probably issue all along. They didn't understand why the other clinic wouldn't wait the extra day to see how embryos develop because I probably had the same problems as w/ IVF #4. I was told that most clinics don't do day 2 transfers anymore because it gives a false sense of hope if the embryos are not developing properly.
Bottom line is before doing IVF cycle #5, they want me to do another clomid challenge test to see where my numbers are. I go back in on Day 3 again (and by the way at the follow up I was told that the 11, which I was told not to worry about is actually considered borderline). Then from day 5-9, I will take 2 tablets. Then on day 10, I will go back in for more blood work. if the fsh is greater than 15, I was basically told that there's really no hope for me to get pregnant because my ovarian reserve will be pretty low. I am not sure that even w/ that if they will try one more time. I was playing phone take w/ the doctor for a couple of days and I had my period while this was happening, so will have to wait until my next period which should be next week.
I know that my insurance company approves up to 6 tries, but the financial person said that sometimes if the doctor writes a letter saying it's medically necessary.
If i do another cycle it will probably be at the end of Oct./nov. I think the question of how many to do is a personal one. I was thinking of doing acupuncture because it supposedly helps, but I haven't pulled the trigger because of the expense.
My husband is opposed to donor eggs and adoption so whatever happens, I will have to live with it.
Don't know if you need to consider the clomid challenge test to find out the ovarian reserve because it seems like you respond pretty decently to stim.
Hope this is helpful>
Kara
ME--42 DH 41
Hi All,
I'll be starting IVF #4 in about 3 weeks so am in a similar boat as all of you. I just wanted to make a comment about the FSH level. We've been trying for about 4 years. A year ago my FSH level was at 10.7 and was told border line. I went thru 2 IVF cycles, the first resulted in a chemical and the 2nd didn't work. (2 embies the first time and 1 embie the 2nd) I changed Dr's and 6 months after the 10.7 FSH they told me my FSH was at 18.3....depression sets in. We went forward with the 3rd IVF and only had 3 eggs which resulted in one embie...and I got a BFP. After 7 weeks we didn't have a heartbeat and the pregnancy wasn't viable...conclusion was bad egg. The reason I'm telling you this is that even with a high FSH there's still a chance for a pregnancy as long as you're producing eggs. There have been other posts with high FSH levels and successful pregnancies.
I'm not a high producer but since we were almost there last time we decided that we'd try one more time. My last FSH was 7 (go figure...) which they told me was irrelevant because I had the history of the higher levels but I'm choosing to beleive it's a good sign that my body is ready for round 4.
My husband is also against donor or adoption so this will be it. After the last experience I didn't know if I could handle the emotional upheavel of going through the process but figured that we were close last time so maybe his time will work. I did do acupunture with the last IVF...day before retrievel, day after retrievel and the day the embie got put back in. I'm convinced that it helped so I'm going to do it again. Thanks for listening! Anyway, good luck with everything. Keep the faith! Take care, KW
I'll be starting IVF #4 in about 3 weeks so am in a similar boat as all of you. I just wanted to make a comment about the FSH level. We've been trying for about 4 years. A year ago my FSH level was at 10.7 and was told border line. I went thru 2 IVF cycles, the first resulted in a chemical and the 2nd didn't work. (2 embies the first time and 1 embie the 2nd) I changed Dr's and 6 months after the 10.7 FSH they told me my FSH was at 18.3....depression sets in. We went forward with the 3rd IVF and only had 3 eggs which resulted in one embie...and I got a BFP. After 7 weeks we didn't have a heartbeat and the pregnancy wasn't viable...conclusion was bad egg. The reason I'm telling you this is that even with a high FSH there's still a chance for a pregnancy as long as you're producing eggs. There have been other posts with high FSH levels and successful pregnancies.
I'm not a high producer but since we were almost there last time we decided that we'd try one more time. My last FSH was 7 (go figure...) which they told me was irrelevant because I had the history of the higher levels but I'm choosing to beleive it's a good sign that my body is ready for round 4.
My husband is also against donor or adoption so this will be it. After the last experience I didn't know if I could handle the emotional upheavel of going through the process but figured that we were close last time so maybe his time will work. I did do acupunture with the last IVF...day before retrievel, day after retrievel and the day the embie got put back in. I'm convinced that it helped so I'm going to do it again. Thanks for listening! Anyway, good luck with everything. Keep the faith! Take care, KW
KAW
5 failed IUI
1st IVF 9/06 ended in Chemical Pregnancy
2nd IVF 12/06, BFN
3rd IVF, 6/07, BFP, ended in m/c 7 weeks
4th IVF, scheduled for 10/07
5 failed IUI
1st IVF 9/06 ended in Chemical Pregnancy
2nd IVF 12/06, BFN
3rd IVF, 6/07, BFP, ended in m/c 7 weeks
4th IVF, scheduled for 10/07
Hi All,
I'll be starting IVF #4 in about 3 weeks so am in a similar boat as all of you. I just wanted to make a comment about the FSH level. We've been trying for about 4 years. A year ago my FSH level was at 10.7 and was told border line. I went thru 2 IVF cycles, the first resulted in a chemical and the 2nd didn't work. (2 embies the first time and 1 embie the 2nd) I changed Dr's and 6 months after the 10.7 FSH they told me my FSH was at 18.3....depression sets in. We went forward with the 3rd IVF and only had 3 eggs which resulted in one embie...and I got a BFP. After 7 weeks we didn't have a heartbeat and the pregnancy wasn't viable...conclusion was bad egg. The reason I'm telling you this is that even with a high FSH there's still a chance for a pregnancy as long as you're producing eggs. There have been other posts with high FSH levels and successful pregnancies.
I'm not a high producer but since we were almost there last time we decided that we'd try one more time. My last FSH was 7 (go figure...) which they told me was irrelevant because I had the history of the higher levels but I'm choosing to believe it's a good sign that my body is ready for round 4.
My husband is also against donor or adoption so this will be it. After the last experience I didn't know if I could handle the emotional upheavel of going through the process but figured that we were close last time so maybe his time will work. I did do acupunture with the last IVF...day before retrievel, day after retrievel and the day the embie got put back in. I'm convinced that it helped so I'm going to do it again. Thanks for listening! Anyway, good luck with everything. Keep the faith! Take care, KW
I'll be starting IVF #4 in about 3 weeks so am in a similar boat as all of you. I just wanted to make a comment about the FSH level. We've been trying for about 4 years. A year ago my FSH level was at 10.7 and was told border line. I went thru 2 IVF cycles, the first resulted in a chemical and the 2nd didn't work. (2 embies the first time and 1 embie the 2nd) I changed Dr's and 6 months after the 10.7 FSH they told me my FSH was at 18.3....depression sets in. We went forward with the 3rd IVF and only had 3 eggs which resulted in one embie...and I got a BFP. After 7 weeks we didn't have a heartbeat and the pregnancy wasn't viable...conclusion was bad egg. The reason I'm telling you this is that even with a high FSH there's still a chance for a pregnancy as long as you're producing eggs. There have been other posts with high FSH levels and successful pregnancies.
I'm not a high producer but since we were almost there last time we decided that we'd try one more time. My last FSH was 7 (go figure...) which they told me was irrelevant because I had the history of the higher levels but I'm choosing to believe it's a good sign that my body is ready for round 4.
My husband is also against donor or adoption so this will be it. After the last experience I didn't know if I could handle the emotional upheavel of going through the process but figured that we were close last time so maybe his time will work. I did do acupunture with the last IVF...day before retrievel, day after retrievel and the day the embie got put back in. I'm convinced that it helped so I'm going to do it again. Thanks for listening! Anyway, good luck with everything. Keep the faith! Take care, KW
KAW
5 failed IUI
1st IVF 9/06 ended in Chemical Pregnancy
2nd IVF 12/06, BFN
3rd IVF, 6/07, BFP, ended in m/c 7 weeks
4th IVF, scheduled for 10/07
5 failed IUI
1st IVF 9/06 ended in Chemical Pregnancy
2nd IVF 12/06, BFN
3rd IVF, 6/07, BFP, ended in m/c 7 weeks
4th IVF, scheduled for 10/07
Well, I too can relate to everyone's stories on this thread. I will be starting IVF cycle #7 in a week or two (whenever AF arrives). Each time I've had a reasonable response and 'perfect' embryos - gosh am I sick of hearing that. Of the 6 tries so far, we've had 3 chemical pregnancies and 3 bfn. It has been a journey to say the least.
After this last attempt we had a review appointment with a new RE (same clinic but our doctor left). He has come up with a number of different strategies (1) transferring my embies into a natural cycle - we are going to do the IVF through to ER in October and then let my body rest before transfering them (2) do a double frozen transfer - they will transfer 2 3days embies 5 days post ovulation and 2 more 3day embies 7 days post ovulation and (3) look at my DH's sperm DNA fragmentation. Apparently this can play a role in the embie development after implantation. The embryos at the 3 and 5 day stages still look perfect but chromosomally they can be abnormal causing early miscarriage or failed implantation. Anyway, some things to ask your RE's about.
We have tried so many things up to this point that we are running our of options - I figure that one of these strategies is bound to be the solution for us!
Best of luck to everyone on this thread! After our perseverence we deserve some BFPs!!!
Kelly
After this last attempt we had a review appointment with a new RE (same clinic but our doctor left). He has come up with a number of different strategies (1) transferring my embies into a natural cycle - we are going to do the IVF through to ER in October and then let my body rest before transfering them (2) do a double frozen transfer - they will transfer 2 3days embies 5 days post ovulation and 2 more 3day embies 7 days post ovulation and (3) look at my DH's sperm DNA fragmentation. Apparently this can play a role in the embie development after implantation. The embryos at the 3 and 5 day stages still look perfect but chromosomally they can be abnormal causing early miscarriage or failed implantation. Anyway, some things to ask your RE's about.
We have tried so many things up to this point that we are running our of options - I figure that one of these strategies is bound to be the solution for us!
Best of luck to everyone on this thread! After our perseverence we deserve some BFPs!!!
Kelly
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Gracielope2
- Member
- Posts: 70
- Joined: Tue Sep 18, 2007 7:07 pm
- Location: New York
5th try
I just want to thank everyone for taking the time out and posting a reply. It's heart breaking when you read the threads, because you can actually feel what that woman is going through. It's an emotional roller coaster ride. Your posts are very much appreciated.
I'm not looking forward to IVF #5 - All the injections, blood tests, sonograms, and the progestrone injections. The 2WW is the most difficult time. Everyone says relax, don't be stressed. How? When you want something so bad, it actually hurts.
I've gotten my hopes up 4 times, only to be disappointed in the end. Dr. and nurses tell me everything looks great, then why didn't it work. I really don't understand.
I would like to believe that our little babies are still in heaven, and not ready to be born yet.
If I don't have faith in God then I really don't have anything. Hope is what keeps me going.
I'm not looking forward to IVF #5 - All the injections, blood tests, sonograms, and the progestrone injections. The 2WW is the most difficult time. Everyone says relax, don't be stressed. How? When you want something so bad, it actually hurts.
I've gotten my hopes up 4 times, only to be disappointed in the end. Dr. and nurses tell me everything looks great, then why didn't it work. I really don't understand.
I would like to believe that our little babies are still in heaven, and not ready to be born yet.
If I don't have faith in God then I really don't have anything. Hope is what keeps me going.
Re: 4 failed IVF's - starting 5th in October
This is my first time on any site like this. Today I had my fourth IVF retrieval. My first one We retrieved nine eggs and had a big fat failure. We changed doctors for my second, third and now fourth try we retrieved only two eggs each time. I am 34 years old very healthy and feel like My husband and I have been led down a path of tragedy and heartbreak. Our numbers are so low I feel like one of the doctors should have told us to stop. Does anyone else feel this way? We are in $100,000 over the past 4 years and I feel used and abused.