The Over 40 Crowd

[chriss]

Andrea & Catharine
Thanks for the replies. I guess like they say about everything in life, moderation is the key. Thanks for being here you guys. It helps get me through each day. Talk to you soon. -chriss

Oops, almost forgot, welcome Pricecake. This is a great place to be. You are in very good company. We understand what you're going through. The 2ww is tough. Hang in there, you are getting very close now.

[pricecake]

Thanks for the welcome Chriss.
Did you have any symptoms during your 2wws? I have been feeling a lot of pressure, bloating and little twinges. I guess from taking all those stims I could be having side effects from that alone. Any opinions ladies? Officially one week away from PT!!!!

[chriss]

Pricecake, unfortunately I felt pregnant all three times and all three were ultimately BFN (One was chemical). The meds played tricks on me. I was tired, bloated, crampy, etc. (And I was pregnant once before so I remembered what it felt like... that was before I miscarried.) Try to be patient if you can. Just stay strong, be positive and know that it does work the first time for some. And if it doesn't work the first time, don't give up. My doctors tell me that at my age, I need to be persistent. We are here for you either way, to celebrate and to support. Good luck. Have you been trying for long? Tell us a little about yourself. It's always nice to meet new people here. Enjoy the day-chriss

[pricecake]

Thanks for the support Chriss....It's just nice to know that I am not imagining anything here, symptom-wise. I went to ER today, complained about how yucky I feel and he said it is normal reaction from all the stims. They did a sono just to see what was going on with the ovaries. Lining measured 8. That number has been all over the place. What is a good measurement there? RE also added that if it continues to get worse could be a good sign for a BFP. Let's hope so. I am also freakin out cuz we transfered 5 embies. I know it only takes one, but we didn't have any to freeze and it is going to be quite awhile till I can afford another round of IVF.
Have not been ttcing cuz of Tubal ligation......that is why we went straight to IVF. My ob/gyn didn't want me to go the tubal reversal way. He said at my age I need to get busy and get right to IVF. I am pretty positive about this cycle but it is all consuming. I can't stop thinking about it...and I am pretty busy person with 3 boys, twins age 13, and one boy age 11 and a full time teaching job. I have been trying to keep my feet and chin up. Where are you in your cycle? Are you IVFing right now? If not, when will you start again?

[children]

Hi Welcome, Pricecake.

Good luck on your 2ww. I remember these days: I went to visit all the message boards that I could find. I also played internet games to pass time. I could not sleep well, usally at these horrible waiting days and I took HPT daily, 2x/day after the 7th day. Crazy, right?

Hi Chriss, Catharine, and Andrea,

You all made me blush since I was no where near to be sporty, but marrying a 10 year younger husband who used to be a triathlete changes everything. I did Yoga for fun years ago and then quited after coming to the US 16 years ago. And then picked up when I was identified as secondary infertile. Anyway, I do want to share my experience during tmt. I was bloaded due to OHSS but I did not know it was not good to run at this state, since increased egg-making with high level of estrogen can cause blood clotting and can kill me. I ran 5K, 3x/wk, then, I was lucky, neither I died, nor hurt in anyways. However, Chriss, If I were you, I would be careful as LVF I ran and produced 25 mature eggs. that was my only fresh cycle.

[chriss]

Hi everyone,

Pricecake, I know that at time of transfer they want to see at least 8 for lining. I'm not sure after that. I've never had a sono after transfer. Hang in there, you are getting closer. I transfered 5 last time too with none to freeze. Sucks being old. I was hoping and hoping. This is tough, isn't it? Well, it does work so keep thinking positive. Each time, I pick myself back up and get ready to get back to it. It's hard to be so strong all the time. When do you go in to test? I am a teacher also, first grade. And I am in between ivf cycles right now. Will start up again within 2 weeks. Getting ready for the rollercoaster. Thinking of you. Remember, there is tons of support here, so feel free to write whatever is on your mind!

Hi Yasmina, thanks for info about running. It leaves me a little confused. How does running affect blood clotting? Seems like I only produce 8-10 eggs, so no worries of OHSS. Fill me in if you can. Thanks.

Gotta run, time to meet up with students. I'm thinking of all of you. -chriss

[Catharine]

Good Monday Morning Ya'll

Welcome Pricecake. My last IVF cycle I was bloated, well maybe more than bloated. My belly was expanding. I had to borrow clothes. Turned out I had OHSS. The silver lining of it was I ended up being pregnant the day after the clinic BFP, I was admitted to the hospital with the OHSS. Listen to your body. Don't be afraid to ask your nurse coordinator questions. Try to relax. Try not to get worked up. My first IVF we had 5 embies transferred [BFN] and the last 4 transferred [BFP, mcc ] Yes, DH and I were a bit nervous, but the reality is the REs are transferring a number that would give the best possiblity of BFP considering our age. Wow you have twins already and teenagers at that. Bless your heart. Sending you some baby dust.

About the blood clotting and OHSS, leads to elevated levels of estrogen which can lead to abnormal blood clotting. I was but on blood thinner once the OHSS was diagnosed. I believe some clinics ask their patients to take a daily baby aspirin, but ask your RE before self-perscribing.

Well I need to get on with work. Wishing everyon all the best.
Catharine

[summerbaby]

Hi!
Welcome pricecake! sending you lots of baby dust! when do you test? hang in there! fingers crossed for a bfp for you!!

how are you doing chriss? Sorry that I haven't a clue, but how do things work with IUI? are you also on a 2WW? thinking of you!

THANKS Yasmina for all your continuing support of each one of us as we continue on our journey, a journey that has brought you Eloise and through your generous and encouraging words & pictures, provides a great inspiration to me. I'm glad you've stayed on this thread and continue to post. Thanks for the picture. She is really precious!

As for me, I got my thyroid results back and am back to normal, in the optimal range, according to my doc..great news, I think!
I go for my baseline testing & 1st shot on the 21st (hooray for AF arriving on 1/1 to make math easy for me!) -- then we'll go from there...Will be so happy to finally start using all the meds being stored in my tiny fridge...

Catharine, Andrea, Sonia? Any of you also starting tmt soon? I feel so behind on where you are at these days! please fill me in!

Hello to Sonia, Catharine, Andrea, JenB, Tammy, Gracielope, Anna, LuAnne, BigJ and anyone I may have missed.
Have a great week!
Amy

[chriss]

Hi Amy, wondering how you've been. Glad to see that things are moving along. Good news on thyroid test. You will begin soon. Are you jumping right into stimms or do they put you on something first for a while? So many different protocols, just curious. As for me... yea, I guess you could say there's a 2ww for IUI. But, there are no PIO shots so no false symptoms to deal with. It's kinda like waiting the old-fashioned way. After 2 weeks if I don't get my period, I'll POS. I could get blood from lab if I want, but I'm kinda thinking this is a long shot so I'm gonna let it ride. (This is a natural cycle, so one egg. We've got male factor issues so IUI rates of success are low for us. But... you never know, I couldn't let the month go by without a good fight.) The 2ww for IVF is so tough, I don't want to get all caught up in the 2ww for this iui cycle. Get what I mean? Anyway, if the miracle does not happen this IUI cycle, then we will jump back on the IVF rollercoaster as soon as AF arrives. So very close timing to you. Oh goody, someone to go thorough it with. Very good to hear from you. THings sound good. THinking of you. Keep in touch.

Good to hear from you Catharine. Hope you are well.

To everyone, just saying hello. Miss hearing from you all. -chriss

[pricecake]

Hi all.....I test Saturday the 19th! The wait is killing me....haaaa. I actually had the EPT in my hand at the drug store today. It says can get a pos as early as 5 days before AF. So wouldn't that be like today or tomorrow for me? Hmm, not sure. It is gonna be a long week.
Hope you are all well. Thanks again for the warm welcomes.

[chriss]

Hi Pricecake,
How are you feeling? Still have those cramps, etc? It's so hard to know what to think. My DH and I just try not to pay attention to any of it because we've been disappointed a few times. So now we are just wait and see. Many people use the sticks. But once again, we are wary of using them. One time I got a positive and we were so psyched, then the next day it was negative. Turned out to be a chemical pregnancy. We had our hopes up and then crashed the next day. So now, we wait and see what shows up on blood test. That's just me. Many others use the sticks and it works for them. Up to you I guess. Sorry I can't be of more help with that. So this is very exciting. I hope it works for you this time, that would be awesome. Hey, it does for some people, maybe you will be one of them. The 2ww is so hard. Especially the 2nd week. Stay busy and keep thinking positive. We are here for you whenever you need us. Good luck! Keep posting. -chriss

[pricecake]

Hi Chriss....yes it is very difficult this week. Especially since I have a wicked cold and swollen glands. I can't believe I am sick now. What else?
The cramping and twinges have subsided. I still feel very bloated and wake up every morning at 5 am because I am so uncomfortable. Not sure what these symptoms mean. It is such a guessing game. What's in store for you? Are you into another cycle?

[chriss]

Price,
Not yet, still waiting to see what happens. (Had that miracle IUI last week) gotta wait till that plays out. I'll know next week (See if I get AF or not) then will proceed from there. I am ready full steam ahead for IVF #4 if that is what's in my cards. Isn't this whole message board cool? It is very interesting. Always someone to talk to, so nice. How are you holding up? -chriss

[pricecake]

Oh, IUI, that's right, I remember reading about that. I get everyone all mixed up. You are in NY also? Where about? I am on Long Island.
What would be the AF date for you, approx.? Maybe this is gonna be your lucky charm! I am really enjoying the boards as well. I do get a bit off track sometimes, and only end up freakin myself out. Sometimes I think I am better off not knowing anything about the whole IVF process....haaaa.
Well, have a great nite.

[summerbaby]

pricecake - just 4 more days till your test! thinking of you and wishing you lots of luck that this will be your time! sorry to hear you are feeling under the weather! get well soon!

chriss - I'm on a so-called long protocol this time. Both times before I was on a short one...I get something called a depot shot on Monday and if the scan and bloodtests are all in order, then I'll continue with tmt after AF arrives again and could expect ER/ET around the middle of Feb, or so I'm guessing from the last plan they gave me before things got cancelled due to my thyroid...

wishing you lots of luck that AF doesn't arrive when she is supposed to this month! really hoping everything works for you and DH!

xxAmy