Hi All,
My wife will begin injections tomorrow night and are slated to conduct egg retrieval around April 25 or 26. Then inseminate embies around May 4/5, if all goes well at this point. This is our first/last IVF cycle. Next option is artificial insemination, if needed....very much less costly.
Just to share some history, we've been trying to get pregnant naturally for the past 1 1/2 years and have been unsuccessful. Although, we've had one son together naturally back in 2004. He's now 3 yrs old. In addition, my wife became pregnant naturally and gave birth to her first child from previous marriage back in 1995.
Currently both my wife and I are now 37 yrs old. Age maybe a significant factor why we can't become preggo naturally. So, we've opted to do IVF and, fortunately, my insurance covers 80%....made decision easier to move forward with this option.
I'm very cautiously optimistic about this whole thing, unfortunately, and keeping expectation low....the fear of failure is what I'm dreading. But nurses and doctors are more optimistic due to the fact my wife has had two live births. Both of us have gone through physical examinations and appears both of us are capable of having another baby.
Does anyone have any advise on how I should approach this whole process? Also, has anybody here experienced successful live births in first IVF cycle? Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated.
Warm Regards,
Don
First IVF Attempt
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carolina1girl1
- Member
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- Location: south carolina
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answer
I did get pregnant on 1st ivf. My dh and i have a 11 year old son together and have tried for #2 for 5 1/2 years. We are high school sweethearts and i got pregnant my senior year of high school. I now have pcos and that is why the 2nd time was harder. Doing ivf can get emotional... with all the shots and all the feelings that come along with it but it is well worth it. We have a baby girl due in 9 weeks to prove it!! So good luck with everything and keep us posted.
melanie
melanie
If this helps, I am now 37 and my DH is 43. We did IVF with ICSI because of low count, low motility. We got pregnant on our first try and we are now 14 weeks along!
This is an emotional process and it really does affect you phisically and mentally. Be good to your wife and to yourself through this!
Good Luck!!!
This is an emotional process and it really does affect you phisically and mentally. Be good to your wife and to yourself through this!
Good Luck!!!
me 39 + DH 46 low mot - chemo
#3 IVF Lost one twin at 8 wks
#2 IVF May 2010 Ectopic
#1 IVF
#3 IVF Lost one twin at 8 wks
#2 IVF May 2010 Ectopic
#1 IVF
carolina1girl1 & riogirl71,
Thank you both very much for you replies and congrats for being successful in 1st ivf cycle. Now just hoping and praying for the very best for my wife and I.
Perhaps I should consistently start focusing on being more positive about this whole process. Regardless of what the outcome maybe, we won't have any regrets.
I administered my wife's first injection last night (450mg of Follitism). 7 more doses to go, then move on to final injections prior to retrieval. I must say that all the needles and medications we received can be overwhelming. But we'll take one day at a time.
Again, thank you both and I'll be keeping you all posted.
Best,
Don
Thank you both very much for you replies and congrats for being successful in 1st ivf cycle. Now just hoping and praying for the very best for my wife and I.
Perhaps I should consistently start focusing on being more positive about this whole process. Regardless of what the outcome maybe, we won't have any regrets.
I administered my wife's first injection last night (450mg of Follitism). 7 more doses to go, then move on to final injections prior to retrieval. I must say that all the needles and medications we received can be overwhelming. But we'll take one day at a time.
Again, thank you both and I'll be keeping you all posted.
Best,
Don
Hi everyone. Well, my wife has been through 5 days of follistim shots thus far. This morning she went into the clinic for ultra-sound and blood draw appointment.
My wife just informed me of some egg/follicle development issues. Nurses mentioned that there are 11 follicles. Although, one egg/follicle appears to be larger than the all the rest. Not quite sure why this is an issue, but the cycle can, potentially, be cancelled if other eggs/follicles don't catch up to this one over sized egg/follicle in the next couple of days.
We maybe contacted later on today if blood work shows abnormalities and confirm cancel of cycle. If we don't hear from a nurse today, we're supposedly ok until next U/A and blood draw appointment (2 days from today).
This is an unexpected outcome and I never had an idea that this would be an issue.
If possible, can somebody please explain to me or has experienced why one over sized egg maybe detrimental to all other eggs? Potentially, lead to cancellation of the cycle?
Thanks,
Don
My wife just informed me of some egg/follicle development issues. Nurses mentioned that there are 11 follicles. Although, one egg/follicle appears to be larger than the all the rest. Not quite sure why this is an issue, but the cycle can, potentially, be cancelled if other eggs/follicles don't catch up to this one over sized egg/follicle in the next couple of days.
We maybe contacted later on today if blood work shows abnormalities and confirm cancel of cycle. If we don't hear from a nurse today, we're supposedly ok until next U/A and blood draw appointment (2 days from today).
This is an unexpected outcome and I never had an idea that this would be an issue.
If possible, can somebody please explain to me or has experienced why one over sized egg maybe detrimental to all other eggs? Potentially, lead to cancellation of the cycle?
Thanks,
Don
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Mellie_1233
- Regular
- Posts: 284
- Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2007 9:20 pm
- Location: Chicago
My first IVF cycle was cancelled due to poor response. One or two follicles got huge and the others didn't get big enough. Sometimes the dr just has to put you on a more aggressive protocol. In my case it was due (at least they think it was due) to an ovarian reserve problem. I think the "dominant follicle" problem is more prevalent in the "over 35 population" (I'm 36).
Happily, we switched clinics to CCRM in Colorado (out of state for us). They are one of the best in the country and even though I only stimmed a little bit better on my next try w/a more aggressive protocol we got pregnant and are now 13 weeks along! We even had one embryo to freeze!
Happily, we switched clinics to CCRM in Colorado (out of state for us). They are one of the best in the country and even though I only stimmed a little bit better on my next try w/a more aggressive protocol we got pregnant and are now 13 weeks along! We even had one embryo to freeze!
ME: 36 DH: 36 - now both 39
DOR
DOR
Hi all....just wanted to give an update. Well, we did E/R yesterday (4/27) morning. 9 eggs total were retrieved, then ICSI a couple of hours later.
Today is Day 1 fertilization check...got a call from embryologist this morning and they mentioned that out of the 9 eggs, 7 were mature enough to fertilize. Although, only 2 actually fertilized on Day 1. We're hoping other 5 will begin to fertilize and show potential by tomorrow (Day 2 Fertiliztion Check).
I'm a bit disappointed that only 2 fertilized on Day 1. As we all know, this is somewhat of a numbers game when it comes to chance. I, certainly, hope the other 5 embies will fertilize successfully by tomorrow....btw has anybody experienced this type of scenario? If so, please do share.....
I'll be sending another update sometime tomorrow. Have a good one all.
Best,
Don
Today is Day 1 fertilization check...got a call from embryologist this morning and they mentioned that out of the 9 eggs, 7 were mature enough to fertilize. Although, only 2 actually fertilized on Day 1. We're hoping other 5 will begin to fertilize and show potential by tomorrow (Day 2 Fertiliztion Check).
I'm a bit disappointed that only 2 fertilized on Day 1. As we all know, this is somewhat of a numbers game when it comes to chance. I, certainly, hope the other 5 embies will fertilize successfully by tomorrow....btw has anybody experienced this type of scenario? If so, please do share.....
I'll be sending another update sometime tomorrow. Have a good one all.
Best,
Don
Hey Don,
I will help with you the male perspective. My wife and I had been tying for 9 years to become pregnant. In that time she had to two ectopic pregnancies which is a horrible thing. You go from happy to sad in about 4 days.
We decided to go with IVF at the advice of our OBGYN. We knew that she could get pregnant it was just her tubes were bad. We were also fortunate that we live in OKC where Dr. Reshef practices and is in the top 5% in the nation for success rates.
Our insurance didnt cover squat. Not even a semen analysis. My wife is 33, so they would only allow to transfer two eggs. Hey, it only takes one. They were able to retrieve 18 eggs. 14 fertilized with ICSI but only two made it to blastocyst stage. Dr. Reshef will only transfer blastocysts.
We transfered two and then had the two week dreaded wait. During this time we were still doing progesterone shots twice a day. We started testing at home about two days before the results would to come in from the doctor. All I could think about was....what will we do if this comes back negative. Can I give my wife enough support to get us through this again.
The home tests came back postive but I tried to contain her excitement until we heard from the doc. They confirmed the tests were correct. We are now 27 weeks pregnant with a boy and a girl. This was obviously our first IVC cycle. It can and does happen everday. One thing you'll love is that you will have so many ultrasounds once shes pregnant that your fridge will be covered with pictures. You get that kind of attention with twins and "older pregnant women"
Let me know if you have any questions at all. It's a ride you wont soon forget.
I will help with you the male perspective. My wife and I had been tying for 9 years to become pregnant. In that time she had to two ectopic pregnancies which is a horrible thing. You go from happy to sad in about 4 days.
We decided to go with IVF at the advice of our OBGYN. We knew that she could get pregnant it was just her tubes were bad. We were also fortunate that we live in OKC where Dr. Reshef practices and is in the top 5% in the nation for success rates.
Our insurance didnt cover squat. Not even a semen analysis. My wife is 33, so they would only allow to transfer two eggs. Hey, it only takes one. They were able to retrieve 18 eggs. 14 fertilized with ICSI but only two made it to blastocyst stage. Dr. Reshef will only transfer blastocysts.
We transfered two and then had the two week dreaded wait. During this time we were still doing progesterone shots twice a day. We started testing at home about two days before the results would to come in from the doctor. All I could think about was....what will we do if this comes back negative. Can I give my wife enough support to get us through this again.
The home tests came back postive but I tried to contain her excitement until we heard from the doc. They confirmed the tests were correct. We are now 27 weeks pregnant with a boy and a girl. This was obviously our first IVC cycle. It can and does happen everday. One thing you'll love is that you will have so many ultrasounds once shes pregnant that your fridge will be covered with pictures. You get that kind of attention with twins and "older pregnant women"
Let me know if you have any questions at all. It's a ride you wont soon forget.
[img]http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/1;15;35/st/20080725/k/b356/preg.png[/img]
Don: First of all Congratulations on making it this far!!! Our bodies are pretty mysterious...you never know how they are going to react from cycle to cycle. The important thing is to remain positive! That is the only thing you really have any control of!! 
As far as your embies go.....just remember, it only takes one good strong embryo to get pregnant!! We had 11 mature follicles, 9 fertilized. We opted to put 2 embies back in with the hopes of freezing the rest. Only one embie made it to the freezer, but its 2 brothers that were put in are growing strong! I am now almost 6 months pregnant with twin boys!
Like the others said...this is a VERY emotional process, and it doesn't stop once you get pregnant! Just have patience and lots and lots of love for each other. You will need each other more through this process than ever before!!
Good luck and lots of baby dust!!
Marybeth
As far as your embies go.....just remember, it only takes one good strong embryo to get pregnant!! We had 11 mature follicles, 9 fertilized. We opted to put 2 embies back in with the hopes of freezing the rest. Only one embie made it to the freezer, but its 2 brothers that were put in are growing strong! I am now almost 6 months pregnant with twin boys!
Like the others said...this is a VERY emotional process, and it doesn't stop once you get pregnant! Just have patience and lots and lots of love for each other. You will need each other more through this process than ever before!!
Good luck and lots of baby dust!!
Marybeth
[img]http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/1;20760;35/st/20080820/k/1fbf/preg.png[/img]
1st IVF-BFP 12-13!!
13 dp3dt beta 387
15 dp 3dt beta 850
1st IVF-BFP 12-13!!
13 dp3dt beta 387
15 dp 3dt beta 850
vickersx3/Marybeth,
Thank you both for your replies and sharing your experiences. You both are right that it only takes one to be pregnant. Although, my wife and I hope and much rather be in the twins delivery category.....The ultimate dream I've had since I was a teen.
It's just discouraging and frustrating to hear that only 2 eggs fertilized on Day 1. We really had high expectations. Oh well, I'm sure it will continue to be an emotional roller-coaster moving forward.
I should be hearing from our embryologist later this afternoon for Day 2 update. Crossing my finger in hopes to have more eggs fertilized by today. I'll keep you all posted on today's results.
BTW, we started progestrone shots 2 days ago. I'm a bit concerned about my wifes well being. I'm trying to do everything by the book in administering these shots. Although, she's been experiencing pain and soreness.....will she eventually get use to this or am I doing something wrong on my end? Curious to know how you all are handling progestrone shots. Please provide feedback/advise, if possible. I'd be more than willing to take some of the shots for her, but that wouldn't do us any good.
Take good care all and I'll be in touch soon.
Best,
Don
Thank you both for your replies and sharing your experiences. You both are right that it only takes one to be pregnant. Although, my wife and I hope and much rather be in the twins delivery category.....The ultimate dream I've had since I was a teen.
It's just discouraging and frustrating to hear that only 2 eggs fertilized on Day 1. We really had high expectations. Oh well, I'm sure it will continue to be an emotional roller-coaster moving forward.
I should be hearing from our embryologist later this afternoon for Day 2 update. Crossing my finger in hopes to have more eggs fertilized by today. I'll keep you all posted on today's results.
BTW, we started progestrone shots 2 days ago. I'm a bit concerned about my wifes well being. I'm trying to do everything by the book in administering these shots. Although, she's been experiencing pain and soreness.....will she eventually get use to this or am I doing something wrong on my end? Curious to know how you all are handling progestrone shots. Please provide feedback/advise, if possible. I'd be more than willing to take some of the shots for her, but that wouldn't do us any good.
Take good care all and I'll be in touch soon.
Best,
Don
Don: That is very sweet for you to offer to take your wife's progesterone shots for her! However, you are right, that would not help the cause any!!
Unfortunately the progeserone shots are the worst! The oil is so thick, there is not much you can do, but keep reminding yourself why you are going through all of this to begin with. One tip I can give you....take the bottle of progesterone and place it under your arm pit or in your wife's bra...somewhere close to the body, to warm the oil...this helps thin the solution a little, to make it little easier going in. Also, make sure you are alternating injection sites...if you are injecting in her hips (where I did my injections) switch back and forth from left to right each night. No matter what there will be some bruising and discomfort.....but like I said before...Just keep reminding yourselves why you are doing all of this!
I would also place an icepack on my hip for about 1 min before my dh injected me....this helps with the needle, but not much for actual injection.
After you get pregant, all of this will become a distant memory! It is hard to believe that now, but, I, along with the other success stories on this site, are living proof!!
Unfortunately the progeserone shots are the worst! The oil is so thick, there is not much you can do, but keep reminding yourself why you are going through all of this to begin with. One tip I can give you....take the bottle of progesterone and place it under your arm pit or in your wife's bra...somewhere close to the body, to warm the oil...this helps thin the solution a little, to make it little easier going in. Also, make sure you are alternating injection sites...if you are injecting in her hips (where I did my injections) switch back and forth from left to right each night. No matter what there will be some bruising and discomfort.....but like I said before...Just keep reminding yourselves why you are doing all of this!
I would also place an icepack on my hip for about 1 min before my dh injected me....this helps with the needle, but not much for actual injection.
After you get pregant, all of this will become a distant memory! It is hard to believe that now, but, I, along with the other success stories on this site, are living proof!!
[img]http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/1;20760;35/st/20080820/k/1fbf/preg.png[/img]
1st IVF-BFP 12-13!!
13 dp3dt beta 387
15 dp 3dt beta 850
1st IVF-BFP 12-13!!
13 dp3dt beta 387
15 dp 3dt beta 850
As has been mention... you REALLY want to alternate shots sites. Left one night right the next night. My wife would put an ice back on her rear-end about 10 minutes before the shot. After the shot I would massage the area so it wouldnt build up under the skin and cause more pain.
[img]http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/1;15;35/st/20080725/k/b356/preg.png[/img]
Hi All. Again, thank you all very much for your much valued feedback, suggestions and encouragement.
Just want to quickly mention that we are doing embryo transfer this morning (Day 3). Only 2 out of the nine eggs fertilized. Although, embryologist mentioned that quality of both embryos are good, no fragmentation and cell lining looks good. We'll know more about embies when we get to the clinic.
Doctor was originally going to transfer 2 embies, but sure wished we would have had extra embies to freeze for safe keep sakes.....oh well, at least we had a couple that fertilzied. Better than none at all, huh?
Well, here's goin' for broke and wishing for the best.
I'll be in touch soon.
Don
Just want to quickly mention that we are doing embryo transfer this morning (Day 3). Only 2 out of the nine eggs fertilized. Although, embryologist mentioned that quality of both embryos are good, no fragmentation and cell lining looks good. We'll know more about embies when we get to the clinic.
Doctor was originally going to transfer 2 embies, but sure wished we would have had extra embies to freeze for safe keep sakes.....oh well, at least we had a couple that fertilzied. Better than none at all, huh?
Well, here's goin' for broke and wishing for the best.
I'll be in touch soon.
Don