Anybody IVF progesterone ring study in Texas?

[IndieBlue]

Stress, yes they can check your progesterone levels after transfer They will be high directly after transfer I think....due to the follicle fluid that was taken (progesterone is always a bit higher after ovulation from my understanding....and ER is sort of like a medical ovulation). Anyhow, they test you after ET, I've read many times when they've told ladies that their progesterone was low and to up the shots, or suppositories....so I know they can test it

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Fertility ... /3360.html Here is a link where one person actually ask about her progesterone levels, after transfer....so again, I'm pretty positive it can be done from the various post and sites I've read. Maybe your nurse was saying that they don't check it though? Who knows....but I'd ask if it was something I wanted monitored.

I didn't know about the trigger shot shortage. But I've seen some on the free garage sale boards....so if it got too short and you couldn't find it anywhere, that's always an option Most are still sealed...etc so again, an option in the case of the extremes.

KNR: Did you ever ask about the tampons? I thought I read that you couldn't use tampons once you started the study (which from what our coordinator said was when I began the BCP's and Lupron....so I guess you've started LOL). But anyhow, when I went in for my midcycle ultrasound, she even offered me a tampon when she was done...so I'm going to continue to wear them until I begin BCP's. I hate pads too....I have a heavy flow so YUCK! Glad you remembered though, since you have 'officially' started the study, I suppose you can't wear them. (Page 4 of 21 of the study agreement right above where it says Visit 5 is where it notes that Good memory...again thanks for the reminder. That's funny about talking to your coordinator. This should be considered my psychologist visit, LOL

Well, it's nice so we're headed outside today. Going to phone my coordinator in a bit and ask her about my next step. She's mailing me a calendar but I am not sure if that is after I begin my next AF or before with estimates on the dates.....so I'll ask

[Knrjack]

Indie ~ I wanted to give you my timeline maybe it will help you when to expect your calendar I hope..

3-13-08 Period started called RE
3-14-08 Blood Draw (picked up bcp waiting for call to start)
3-18-08 Start BCP
3-19-08 Rec'd plan of care and color coded calendar
3-31-08 Started Lupron
4-4-08 Stopped BCP

So I had an overlapping of BCP and Lupron. So far my plan of care is to the T. I told them it is not allowed to vere from it since it is written in pen. lol Is the Trigger shot the gonad stuff?

Stress ~ I also remember they can test for Progesterone. When I first started getting tested for INfertility back in 2005 the first thing they did was check that. CD 23 usually so that they could see if I ovulated. It was a .4 then put me on clomid and it was 40. Clomid did nothing for me that time wouldn't have cured but that is how they checked progesterone for me.



I got the go ahead and started my Menopur & Follistim. They should me a way that I can take them together in one shot. So I don't have to take them seperately making it 3 shots a day. It is only 2. YES. And the needles for injection is the same size as the lupron shot and I didn't feel a thing. I did notice that there is obviously more to inject and that feels like it will squirt out. all was good and successful. Now, they ordered anti inflamatory meds for me for ER. NEXT WEEK IS GOING TO FLY..

Becca ~ I am catcing up to you.. he he

Lisa ~ How are you doing?

[beccatx]

Yippee- I am doing the trigger shot in 2 hours! ER on Friday a.m. My follicles were bigger- but a couple still lag behind- 2 smallest at 11-12, several around 15-16, a few at 18-20 and a few at 20-22. My uterine lining was 7.6 at one angle and 8.3 at another angle. This worries me because I have heard it should be over 8! She said it will get thicker after tonight.

I did BCP, overlapped with Lupron, then just Lupron until Follistim and Menopure started. I didn't think the extra shots really hurt either- but there is a lot more liquid to shoot in and it takes longer and sometimes really stings-during and afterward- but it goes away pretty quick.

Thank you for all the progesterone info ladies. I feel better now. I seriously never considered that of course they wouldn't let me lose a pregancy- they'll give me more progesterone!

KNRJ- yay for you! Catch me if you can Time will fly!

PS- I didn't have to refridgerate my meds- I know the box says to- but when I packed them with a little ice pack and brought them to the clinic the first time for the nurse to show me what to do she said it wasnt neccesary unless I had the Follistim longer than 1 month. Just FYI to ask your clinic in case refridgerating them is hard with work, etc.

Rebecca

[stressball]

Thanks for the info....I have tested proges. before..when I started infertility diagnosis....So proges. level can be tested in the blood....but what I am saying is that...after the EMBRYO transfer progesterone in the blood will not be tested...so after the trasfer we go home and then after 2ww go for the preg. test.....will you all be testing progesterone level after the ET?????How many times???? Does anybody know if it is written in the study protocol??? When I asked my nurse she said...no test for proges. after ET....HMMMM...

[IndieBlue]

Hey Stress I'm guessing they'll test for Progesterone at that first visit 11-12 dpt, and then with every consecutive visit until they release you or the study visits are complete. I'm sure during the 2ww that you won't have anything testing unless your RE thinks it's necessary. After the 11-12dpt visit, you have to go back 2 days later and have a blood draw done again. Then the next week, another visit where they will draw blood, the following week for more, then the next visit they don't draw blood but visit 9 they do. While the paperwork says that it's a blood test to measure the pregnancy hormone in your body, I'm sure that they have a progesterone level being written down in there too....they want to compare numbers at the end of the study I'm sure based on levels and what type of Progesterone your were using.

I really hope that everyone has a BFP out of this study and that we're able to sustain them with either Progesterone we're given.

Speaking of the study, was anyone told that you got a FET out of the study too? The first coordinator told me that it covered 1 IVF fresh cycle and one FET.....obviously the first person that told me meds would be 2000-2500 and failed to mention the Psychologist visit....so again, she's completely mixed up LOL She's been out of town since I started the study though, so maybe I won't run in to her. LOL

Becca...YAY. I can't believe we already have someone at ER stage!!!! I wish I was there LOL So let us know when you find out if you'll be doing a 3 day or 5 day and how many eggs you're able to retrieve.

KNR: Thanks so much for the calendar. That helps a LOT. I was thinking I was going to have to wait till my May AF.....but it seems that BCP's are the start of the cycle? In the shot class they told us that we'd start BCP's and then our next AF would be our baseline.....but again, I wondered how we'd do BCP's for a full month, and continue on with them till we started the Lupron when they only give us 1 packet of BCP's. I must have misunderstood her.

I was not able to start BCP's with this March cycle because they still had to do the Saline US and they said that I couldn't have that done if I was on BCP's....odd but I figured it was another study rule. So it sets me back another month After she said that we'd have a baseline after starting BCP's...I was sad because that would put me back until the end of May .....not fun!

Well, off to bed....so glad again we all have study buddies and we're all at different stages. By the way, anyone at the same stage as me? Not yet starting BCP's but I've had all the test, 3 day, ultrasounds and my husband has had his SA too and his B/W....just waiting on AF for April now and also our psychologist visit.

[beccatx]

Goodmorning

Indieblue, I started my birth control pills on March 4th or so, Lupron on March 21. I did have a period again in late March when I stopped my pills- about March 24th. The nurse said I may or may not because of the Lupron, but I did. Let me just say- I thought the pills were the worst part of this whole thing. I think I've gained about 10 pounds since March 1st...I'm sure it has nothing to do with my diet or laziness at the gym

The trigger shot was EASY! I was shocked at how little I felt (this was intrmuscular in my behind from DH) and thrilled to have it over. I go this morning at 8:15 for a blood test- I guess E2, that will tell them if the HCG is doing what it's supposed to. I get nervous anytime I feel like something could go wrong or cause me to end this IVF cycle. I convinced myself last Sunday that I was ovulating and all was lost!!! Ahhh- so silly, me of little faith. I also took my last Lupron shot with it and now I am taking an antibiotic and one other prescription. h yeah, we were also "prescribed" sex last night too. I really don't think it mattered cause we're using frozen sperm, but oh well!

So, that's all until ER tomorrow...I'll let y'all know how it goes. I'm 99% sure my clinic is doing a 5 day transfer...they haven't discussed 3 day and it says 5 day on my calendar.

Have a great day all! Prayers for babies for each one of you.

[StayingPositive]

Hey ladies,

I am happy to hear everyone seems to be progressing along just fine. I got the good news yesterday afternoon that my thyroid levels came back normal. It was either a mix up with the blood analysis or divine intervention... I like to think it was the latter and that my prayers were answered. Either way, no disqualification for me!!!

I had all of these crazy mix ups the last few days with my clinic. The clinic I go to has several locations in different towns. When they called to tell me I had to retest my thyroid they also said I had to resign the study consent forms. I was all set to go to the clinic and then they called back to tell me I had to go to a different location. When I got to that location there were no consent forms to sign. I called the first clinic to tell them there were no consent forms to sign and that I could swing by and sign them but they told me to wait until tomorrow. So, the next morning I got a phone call from the study coordinator accusing me of blowing off the blood work and the consent forms and basically threatening to kick me out of the study. I guess no one bothered to tell her that they sent me to the wrong place and they didn't even tell her that I tried to stop by to sign the forms. I don't know what is going on with them but they seem very disorganized. It makes me nervous. Is anyone else getting the run around?

To top it off, I can really tell that I am hormonal because everything seems to be upsetting me more than it normally would. I watched Idol Gives Back las night and basically cried through the whole show. Sorry this is so long but I really needed a good venting session, thanks for listening!

[Knrjack]

Staying Positive ~ That doesn't sound like very good customer service at all. I have had nothing but really great relations with the clinic I am going to. Did you tell them that their office sent you to the wrong place and then told you to never mind. I think I would have been telling that women to sit back down in her chair and talk to her staff before she comes unglued on a patient paying their paychecks. Not nice at all.

[StayingPositive]

Thanks Knr,

I know, I can't believe they would take out their own mistakes out on me. The customer service is appalling! The only reason I stayed with this clinic in the first place is because of the study. I think they are too big for their own good. And then they have me going to like four different locations so then they really can't keep anything straight. If it weren't for the study I would be out of there! I actually went there to sign the forms yesterday and just lost it. I was crying and I told the lady off. The worst part is the study coordinator at the other location believes them and not me. And, they act like everything is fine to my face, but I know when I leave they try to place the blame on me to cover their own butts. This clinic comes highly recommended and I just don't understand how. The doctors are great but the administrative staff is horrible. Maybe I should tell the doctor what has been going on. What do you think? I am really trying to let this go and focus on what is important here. Maybe I should just let it go. If this IVF doesn't work I do not want to do any FET's with them! Do you or anyone else know if I end up cryopreserving my blasts, do I have to do an FET with the same clinic or can I go somewhere else? Thanks for listening!

[IndieBlue]

StayingPositive: I know what you mean. My clinic has a different person see me everytime I'm there so it confuses a lot of people. The first visit went well, but was a lot more involved then they mentioned over the phone (Vag. Ultrasound...etc on just the meet and greet). This last visit was my final visit for all the pre-testing and they had out a Pap kit to do on me...etc. I was like WHOA, hold your horses, I had that done 2 visits ago. She said...oh yea I see....so you just have to have your FSH tested then? Ummm, not that was 1 visit ago LOL

It's really amazing that anything gets done. I was tempted to tell them that I'd had the psychological already done and hope they just marked it too LOL...but I realize that would be wrong and plus my luck they'd say 'with who' and then go searching for the paperwork LOL I really don't know how to tell them that I really really want to skip that visit though. It should be my decision since it wasn't told to me upfront, it's another 350.00 and a 2 hour trip to and from that appointment since they only use 'their' psychologist. Plus the visit itself is 2+ hours

Oh well, going to call her today and get a run down of where exactly I'm at on the calendar and when she brings up the visit I'll bring up my questions about skipping it, or maybe signing something stating that I understand the rights I have, and understand my thoughts on this or that...whatever I would have talked over with the psychologist.

Well, glad to see everyone is doing so well and we're all moving forward....do wish I had a more relaxed RE though, I feel like I'm being made to jump through hoops for this study.

[StayingPositive]

Indie~ Well, at least we have each other! I am glad I am not the only one with these types of problems. My second visit they told me to get undressed for an ultrasound only to then tell me oops...get dressed again you are only here for blood work. I laughed it off in the beginning and now it is just not so funny anymore. Well, it can't get any worse. That's a positive attitude, right?

The psychologist thing sounds like a pain in the butt! The fact that it is 2 hours away and a 2 hour visit does not help matters. I didn't have to do the psychologist thing for some reason but don't worry I have had plenty of pains in the butt to replace that one! Well, I think you will be fine. My diagnosis is that you sound perfectly sane and well prepared for this study. It sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders and a great attitude! Here's to jumping through hoops together! LOL

[stressball]

Oh my god...I knew I was not the only one....Hey Positive and Indie....I had the same thing...I went for the fisrt visit and I was told that I would just sign the consents then...surprize....during the visit I was naked down on the table with my RE checking my breasts, searching that hole in the black forest...since I had not shaved and then...doing the pap...oh my gosh..i was so embaressed...my legs were hairy too...Okay then I was assigned a nurse who works only 3 days a week and has no direct number....After many confusions and lack of information...I decided that I will just do one thing at a time....if anything goes wrong because of them....I will really be loud with my RE...becaz..the real culprit is HE/SHE....the RE's are doing this for money without assesing their staff potencial and the number of patient ratio....and if I am screwed really bad and out of the study becoz of their mistake....then I will call the number fo the study people thats there on the paperwork.....

BUT..right now...we all will not let these things overtake us...we will all be strong...and forgive and forget....so lets all take a deep breath and beleive that its going to be okay...

Indie...again I DID NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE FET...my paperwork has nothing about it...nor about any blood test if BFN happens...if BFP..then I guess more bloodwork will take place...

I have a prelupron sono tomorrow....and more paperwork to sign..I think?????

Hi Becca...yeee...I am glad things are going well...

anybody doing acupunture...I am...

take care all,
S.

[IndieBlue]

Stress....NOOOOOOO, you can not do accupuncture on this study!!!! It states it in the paperwork and on the first page of the allowed medications in the pink book! I hope you haven't already started...if so I'd stop and ask my nurse about it. I know they were very specific about absolutely no herbs, accupuncture or other 'natural remedies'.

As far as the FET, I think that my first coordinator was mistaken. My paperwork doesn't say it includes an extra cycle or FET...so again I think she was just way way off with her information (including med costs).

I'm fine with the staff at my RE's office, as unorganized as they are....I'm extremely organized so every appointment when they say "this is what we're doing" I just pull out my calendar and say "nope, this is what I scheduled and this is what has already been done" and they check the chart and move on LOL

We'll all get through it! Did you find your trigger shot yet?

[Knrjack]

WOW Girls. I am so sorry you are getting such odd service at your clinics. I am very VERY thankful and estatic with my clinic. I have complete faith and trust in them. COME OVER TO MY SIDE or My clinic.

So I went ahead and booked my hotel room for Reno. I had to book something before we didn't have any good options. So with the best to my ability and dates I booked a room at the peppermill (1.1 miles from the clinic) in the new Tuscany Tower Suites. It is a really nice looking room and just remodled. I booked it for the 17th ~ 23 and have until midnight on the 16th to make changes or cancellations. My first ultrasound is the 16th at 8am so I should be ok don't you think? I am nervous about this part of it all. AUGH.

Thankfully it is Friday. YEAH.

INDIE ~ When is your next appointment again?

Stress ~ Good luck at your pre lupron Sono tomorrow. Let the games begin. I agree with Indie on accupuncture. Indie is the expert on the consents. I have mine at work with me today I will try to search as well.

Becca ~ I am sure you are taking it easy. When is the Transfer???? What Drug is used for the Trigger again???

Staying positive ~ How are you doing?

[IndieBlue]

My next appointment will not be until after I start BCP's at the end of the month. I have to meet with a psychologist this month, but I won't meet with the RE for that. I will meet with them after the BCP's for a baseline US I think and then on to the Lupron....so starting BCP's sometime around the 25th if AF cooperates LOL