The Over 40 Crowd

chriss · Post by **chriss** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 3:13 pm

Hi guys,
Well pricecake, we may be neighbors. I live on Long Island as well. By the end of next week I will know where I stand as far as AF is concerned. I'd love to think that the iui worked, but I am trying to be realistic. I know the odds. You never know I guess, but that's ok, I know what to expect with IVF. Not so scary after doing it a few times. Who would have thought I'd be a pro at IVF, I never would have imagined this. So, do you test on Saturday? Trying to remember? Don't freak out about IVF, it's not that bad. So, hang in there!

Hi Amy, thanks for the good wishes. Eventually things will work out for me and DH. I know they will. Faith. I was on the long protocol the first time with BCPs and I did not respond well to stimms. Only 3 eggs. The next two cycles we did the short protocol and I responded better. Why is it so different for everyone? It's so confusing. Is it just hit or miss or what? Sometimes I feel like it's all a big experiment. That's okay as long as it's right in the end! Enjoy your day. Keep posting

Hi everyone, miss you guys, -chriss

pricecake · Post by **pricecake** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 4:18 pm

Chriss. My RE is in Mineola and Stonybrook. Who do you use?
I like them so far. The nurses are especially sweet.
I test Saturday, yes!
Amy, thanks for the Get Well wishes. Good luck to you.

chriss · Post by **chriss** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 7:08 pm

Pricecake, wow, we may have sat together in the waiting room OH my! I go to the same place! I've been using the west islip office lately. This is a small world. Aren't you glad you found this site. I've seen all the doctors at stonybrook office at one time or another. there are always appointments with blood, sonos, etc. Doctors are great. And yes, the nurses are the best. -chriss

summerbaby · Post by **summerbaby** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 8:54 pm

chriss & pricecake -- small world, you guys!

chriss- with my so-called long protocol, I don't have to go on BCPs...just this one shot, then wait, then it is basically the short protocol again...I've responded well on the short protocol, but last time they discovered a low estrogen problem, so with the addition of DHEA and this different start, I guess they think it will make the difference and keep a healthy environment. I'll just go with the flow and do my very best to keep thinking positive and think pregnant. After having to wait for such a long while, DH & I are very excited about this cycle and look forward to the outcome. Our RE and his entire staff have been so supportive and patient and kind, we feel we are in good hands.

take care you two! looking forward to hearing good BFP news at the end of the weekend or soon after!

hello to everybody!
xx Amy

pricecake · Post by **pricecake** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 9:44 pm

Haaa Chriss...... That is too funny. And all the people and all the threads on this site, it is funny how we managed to meet up! I am at Stonybrook tomorrow morn and Mineola Sat morn for the big preg test. I started with Dr. Sung, but I ended up having most of my appts at Stonybrook and she is not usually there. She was recommended by my ob/gyn in Mineola. Dr. Cain removed a fibroid and did the ER and Dr. SR. Have you always been with RS?
Amy, Positive attitude really makes a difference.

chriss · Post by **chriss** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 12:27 am

Hi Amy,
It sounds like you have a good plan. I guess the more we go through, the better the doctors are able to help us. So yea, keep thinking positively. You're right, go with the flow. that's what I'm trying to do.

Pricecake, Yes, I've always been with Rsofny. I like all of the doctors. We started there last December so it's been an official year now. Before that we did a couple of IUI's at my obgyn without any medication. After we started going to Rsofny, I got pregnant on the second IUI there. I was like WOW! This is easy! Things were great until the m/c. Ever since then, not so good. Well I had to take three months off to heal after the D&C procedure. Then we did 2 iui's with no luck. Then we started IVF at the end of the summer. I am trying not to waste any time. That's why we did the IUI this time between IVF cycles. No drugs, but maybe that one egg will be the magic one. It happens for some poeple, why not us? How are you felling today? Any more cramping? Let us know how you are. Keep the faith.

Miss you all. -chriss

pricecake · Post by **pricecake** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 1:10 am

Chriss, I find the whole process so amazing. There is so much to learn and to have this kind of support makes it all the better.
I haven't had any symptoms lately. Just tired, bloated and still waking up at 5 am every morning. The cramping and twinges have subsided. Saturday cannot get here soon enough.
RS has been really thorough with us. They really keep the ball rolling. I thought I was in for a major setback with the fibroid, but we only were off track by 2 weeks. The only thing was that they kept me on the bc for almost 6 weeks! I think that might of slowed everything down. Hopefully we will not be looking into what we can do for a better 2nd IVF cycle. Fingers and toes crossed for all of us gals over 40!

pricecake · Post by **pricecake** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 1:10 am

Chriss, I find the whole process so amazing. There is so much to learn and to have this kind of support makes it all the better.
I haven't had any symptoms lately. Just tired, bloated and still waking up at 5 am every morning. The cramping and twinges have subsided. Saturday cannot get here soon enough.
RS has been really thorough with us. They really keep the ball rolling. I thought I was in for a major setback with the fibroid, but we only were off track by 2 weeks. The only thing was that they kept me on the bc for almost 6 weeks! I think that might of slowed everything down. Hopefully we will not be looking into what we can do for a better 2nd IVF cycle. Fingers and toes crossed for all of us gals over 40!

chriss · Post by **chriss** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 8:32 pm

Pricecake, I was on the BCP's too and I think that and the lupron was tooooo much for me. First cycle, I only had 3 eggs. Next two cycles were better. It's a little bit trial & error I think. Just part of the process. It's tough for us older girls because there is a smaller percentage of our eggs that are "good." So it often takes more cycles to find the good one/s.

Hi amy, hope you are well today. How's it going?

Bye for now, chriss

Sonix · Post by **Sonix** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 9:19 pm

Greetings all, I’m back again. Can’t stay away from the boards for too long either.

I often wonder how some of the former 40ies buddies are getting on. Especially Bev and Kat … and Kim and others who haven’t posted for a while. Have been missing you and hope all is well.

Yasmina - so glad you feel at home here. Many thanks again for your continued support. Don’t know why but Eloise is invisible on my screen.

Boo hoo. I keep logging in see if she’ll pop up… or should I be looking on the photobucket web site? How is she taking to the jogging stroller?

Chriss, I can relate to what you say about it all being hit and miss with the meds. I can get my head around most of how the IVF process works but I’m a bit lost sometimes when it comes to the meds. I suppose everyone reacting so differently makes it so complicated. I'm certainly feeling like part of one big experiment at the moment.

My fingers are crossed tight for you on this cycle.

So pleased for you Amy.

I’m getting really excited for you again. Hope the weather holds for those long travels to Austria. Looking forward to hearing about your progress.

Hope you are doing well, Andrea, and not overdoing it with the alcohol free diet and exercise regime. Actually I’m quite surprised because none of my docs or specialists have ever forbidden much except the really obvious ones like rigorous exercise after ET. In fact I keep reading that a wee drop of (red) wine is good for you, even during treatment. So I’d say just relax and stick with what you feel comfortable with. And keep up the acupuncture as well. I’m sure that really helps.

Grace – any news? Thinking of you and hope all’s well.

Hi Pricecake. Welcome! Hope you are feeling better. Time seems to go so slowly in the last few days of 2ww, I know. Sending you lots of baby dust and relaxing vibes. Got my fingers crossed for a BFP coming your way.

Thinking of you, LuAnne…

The results of my scan last Thursday were good. When I reported it to the clinic I had a vague niggling feeling that they were trying to find a reason to postpone start of treatment.

Maybe because donors are scarce at the moment or because of a 2-week break end of Jan / beginning of Feb. But an email arrived in the afternoon confirming that I can start with the meds.

This time the protocol is without the decapeptyl injections and with arrival of next AF I’ll be on a considerably increased dosage of progynova. First lining check will be on cycle day 9 or 10. A sort of short protocol instead of a long one, I suppose. No tentative plan about when I might be getting to transfer. I suppose they’ll wait to see how my lining develops. On their standard programme of meds you’re supposed to be able to hold out for over 40 days(!), if needed, until transfer.

In the meantime, all of a sudden things seem to be catching up with me and my body is starting to give me signs that this whole journey is effecting me more than I’ve been prepared to admit. I’ve been trying to stay strong but have probably just been kidding myself and you as well.

Not quite sure what action I’m supposed to take now. I’ve made a few more acu appointments, am keeping up the yoga and hope I soon get back into the more positive, energetic mode I was in before Christmas.

Keep in touch everyone!

Love
Sonia

summerbaby · Post by **summerbaby** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 9:45 pm

All is well here. I got my depot shot from my favorite pharmacy, toto lotto...or so they call themselves, in the mail today and have made my appt for Monday at my obgyn. The bloodwork they do will likely be back on Wed, so after that I'll get my plan - and put that plan into action!

sonia - just saw your posting and happy to hear that your clinic has reacted to your last 2 cancelled tmts and have mixed things up a little. looking forward to having you as a cycle buddy if things work out that way! probably best to hang out a bit longer to get a donor after the upcoming fasnacht holiday...or that baby might end up a bit too narrish...

But, hope you won't have to wait 40 days...you'll run out of space to give yourself shots

I think I know what you mean about these cycles taking their toll on your body and your psyche. I haven't done many myself, but the waiting time inbetween has sometimes left me with too much time to think...was happy to have started a new job to focus my mind on other things...still haven't decided if it is best to say everything outloud or try to refocus my thoughts in a more positive direction - which is what I've tried to do... it has been so long since we have done a cycle, it almost feels like starting fresh again with a new outlook. Do hope the change to your protocol complimented with your yoga and acu program, will give you the same feeling. let's make it our time! looking forward to hearing more from you.

to chriss & pricecake - fingers crossed for you!!! the week is almost over! the weekend is almost here!

hope the other over 40's are doing well at the beginning of this new year. thinking of you and hope all is well.

xx Amy

chriss · Post by **chriss** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 12:20 am

Sonia,
So good to hear from you! I know how tough this is. I know how it can take a toll. It's hard to keep picking oneself up again after let-downs. Sometimes I wonder if I am a glutton for punishment. Then that little spark inside tells me to keep at it. I've seen it work for many people. I just have to keep at it and put in the time. I can say that now and hope that I have the staying power needed to get this job done. I want to help to motivate you. I think that there is strength in numbers. All of us on this thread understand. We are supporting each other. You have a good plan, your RE is looking at your history and is changing things up. That's good. I hope that it doesn't take too long for you to get going. And once again, sooooo good to hear from you.

Amy, you just have to make it through the weekend and then you are on your way. Thinking good thoughts for your appointment on Monday. I understand about all the waiting!!!! And I agree, how much of this do I need to keep talking about? Sometimes it helps, but its tough to keep focusing on this all the time. Never does a day go by that I do not think about this. Actually, it's pretty much always on my mind. It's scary to think that I can not remember life before infertility. I look forward to the day when it does not occupy my brain the way it does now. Here's to all of us for 2008 successful pregnancies.

Pricecake, hey. How are you doing? I still think it's funny that we know the same doctors. Ha, ha, ha. You know everytime I am there I'm going to be staring at people wondering if it's you! They will think that I am very strange. Why is that lady staring at me??? We should have a secret signal. Maybe wear a flower in our hair?? Ha, ha. Keep in touch.

To everyone, miss you guys. Look forward to reading your posts soon. -chriss

pricecake · Post by **pricecake** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 2:57 pm

TWO DAYS TILL TEST DAY!!!!!
Chriss....at RS have you discussed with them the "grades" of the embryos? I haven't discussed that at all and now feel so dumb for not asking. All I know is they put back 2-8's, 1-6, 1-5 and 1-4. Do you think I should call them and ask?

chriss · Post by **chriss** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 3:06 pm

Pricecake, I did discuss the embryos and like you I hade a bunch of different # of cells and some were A's and some were B's. But the doctors (All of them at one time or another) did not put emphasis on the rating. They've seen pregnancies occurr from all sizes & shapes of embryos with all different ratings. So, not to worry. I would not call them. If things don't go as we hope this round, then you will make a consult appointment. At that time you can ask lots of questions about the embryos. All of that data will be in your file. 8 cells are great. But like I said, they've seen it happen with all differnet kinds. Hang in there. -chriss

pricecake · Post by **pricecake** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 3:26 pm

Chriss.... thanks for getting right back to me. Of course I am in severe freak out mode...haaaa! There was just some sort of look of uncertainty on Dr SR face at ET....can't quite get it out of my head.

The Over 40 Crowd

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