Anybody IVF progesterone ring study in Texas?

[angram]

stressball - I'm so happy to hear they retrieved 10 eggs and 9 of them fertilized, that is excellent news!! I could not get ahold of anyone the day after our previous ER and I just kept calling until someone answered the phone. I swear, I cannot understand why they make us wait...do they not understand we are very sensitive, hormonal women

Not sure if anyone on this thread has used Crinone, but that's what I used during the last study. It's actually very easy to use, although I was told to use it at night and this study has you use it in the morning, but either way it's simple. The only issue I had with it was that it made me feel like I had a constant yeast infection, very sore and raw type of feeling. I only had to use it for 10 or so days, since I got a BFN, so hoping that feeling improves over the course of 3 months. Anyway, I'm so happy to get great news and let us know about the 3 or 5 day ET.

Quick question...have any of you gone to a support group for infertility? I'm having a pretty rough week and just feel like I need to talk to someone that understands how I feel, in person. My DH is great, but it's not the same for him and my close friends are fertile myrtles, so they have no idea. I was thinking about attending a support group and just wondering if you all had any suggestions?

[IndieBlue]

The Resolve website has some listings of support groups. You might want to try there http://www.resolve.org/site/Calendar?view=MonthGrid You may have to do a search on the main website, or your area might be listed on the calendar

I don't quite understand using the gel at night either, you'd think that would be a better time? Oh well....I'll just lay here so none of it will 'creep' out in the mornings LOL if I get that.

[beccatx]

Stress: I am so happy you had a good experience and you have 9 fertilized...that is awesome! One more hurdle behind you with success. Did you find out how much the ICSI will cost you? At least you'll be paying for something that worked and may have frosties left too. I agree about the lottery system...let me see you pull my ticket...a little suspicious! LOL I had to have extra anti naseau stuff this time because after my last procedure- (I think polyps removed) I threw up in the recovery room, on the way home, at home, ets... Horrible!

Indie- I know you're not in a total panic over Freedom since there wasn't a time crunch- but that is crap! I can't belive how ineffecient they are being...hopefully it will be smooth sailing from here on out.

At my clinic they only do 2 embryos for any transfer unless you're over 40. I don't think it has anything to do with the study. I looked at their statistics on the center for disease control website and the avg. # of embryos per transfer is 1.98. http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/ART2005/clinics05.asp

Click on your state, find your clinic, and can also see sucess rates and stuff.

Staying positive- don't let a few cramps get you down...I was sure I was starting AF because of how I felt with cramps. I recommend HPT at least right before the beta so the phone call from the clinic isn't such a gut wrenching wait...it softens the "blow" either way...maybe I'm just a chicken...not too much loner..I know it feels like FOREVER!

Have a great day!

[IndieBlue]

Hmm, my clinic says average for my age is 2.7...so I guess they do more 2 to 3 at that age then most? Percentage of transfers resulting in live birth is 40.7....so not even 1/2 Again, I guess this is all the cases though, text book and difficult combined. Oh well, it's all in God's hands now.

I checked online this morning and Freedom did get my meds out today, I think LOL Now once I get them I can call the doctors office and make my final payment there and all the money will be taken care of Yay, that's a relief!

[IndieBlue]

Ladies....gotta ask again, what were your side effects of the BCP's? I've had on and off cramps since I've been taking them, nausea and I'm still spotting!!! It's very irritating, and then my wonderful husband said "You do know that BCP's cause clots and sometimes heart attacks.....?" GREAT!!!

They can cause cyst too can't they? I already have one of those....LOL, so I hope it's not causing more, as I don't want to be disqualified before I even start, although the Lupron is supposed to make them shrink....so who knows.

Just trying to reassure myself that these side effects are normal.

[whynotus]

I don't know what is going on, but my last three posts haven't made it on the board. Ill try again.

Stress! Yay! What a great report. Looks to me like you already have very positive results. I don't know anyone else that had almost every single egg fertilize! And no, I didn't have many symptoms after retrieval. No headaches, no nausea, not really sore boobs, either. Sorry... in the end, it will be worth it when you get the good news!

Indie - I got stressed about the drugs in the mail, too. Don't worry, I have never heard of a perfect cycle where nothing went wrong or nothing was cause for worry. Don't think you are off to a bad start! You are on your way...

Stay+ I'm keeping my fingers crossed! I thought I posted something about HPT's... but do what you have to do to make your day less stressful (ha... I know). If it is more stressful to wait for the call, test. If it is more stressful to worry about detection limits, don't. Nobody knows how you will deal with that situation except you. Good luck, we're rooting for you on Sat.

About the darn valium. I'd better not find out the rates were lower with valium, or I'll be pissed. I'm prepared to hear they differ with respect to the gel/ring (that is the chance I took) but not that. And I didn't have the choice to transfer 3... I'm 33 (was 32 then!) and it was two or less. Hmmm.

Well, got to get to work. Hopefully this one will get posted!

[whynotus]

oops, sorry, guys. my last message was posted, it was just on the previous page. Sorry for the repeats...

[StayingPositive]

Hey Ladies,

Indie, Don't worry!! Those symptoms are normal. BCP's have a lot of side effects but you would have to take them for an extended amount of time to be concerned with the major ones! I was only on BCP's for like 2 weeks so you may not even do a full cycle of them.

Stress, How exciting! I totally understand about the "whatever" approach, I think it is good to hold onto that for as long as possible. But, 9!!!! That is a great number! You should have some to freeze! YAY!!!

I read on the Crinone site that it is better to do it in the morning because the movement throughout the day helps the gel to stay in place. It didn't completely stay in place for me but I can only imagine what would have happened at night then!!! LOL!

I think the one application of Crinone was not enough for my body because it has not kept my period from coming. Last night at the Visitation I went to the bathroom to collect myself and there was blood. The bleeding got increasingly worse throughout the night and the cramping was so bad that I had to take a Tylenol just to fall asleep. I don't know if this is considered a period but I am definitely not pregnant. I did POAS last night just to reassure myself of this truth. BFN! I am doing ok. I am handling this BFN a lot better than the last two times. I even made it to work this morning. I cried myself to sleep last night and I hope that this will be the last time I cry for this loss. I guess this board is 1 for 4 so the rest of you have a little bit of pressure to bring us some BFP's!!!

DH and I are thinking about our next steps. I think we will start the adoption process next week and we will probably try another IVF in July. I figure, with adoption, you are guaranteed a baby in the end. Oh well...

Just a side note, I wish I didn't have to continue with the Crinone, I don't see the point! I also wish I didn't have to go to the Beta apt. Oh well, that's how it works I guess.

OK, ladies...bye for now.

[IndieBlue]

Sorry about the AF showing up Staying Positive. Did you call them and tell them that you started? I guess it wouldn't make much of a difference, since they have to follow protocol for the Beta test...etc but I'm sure it does seem awkward to keep taking it, along with AF being there.

Are we really 1 for 4? Wow, those odds aren't too great....I really pray someone starts bringing in some BFP's soon. On the other group I post on (study participants) they have had about a 1 in 4 result too...but on the other side (4 positives for every negative).

It's just still such a gamble, even with known factors. I wish you all the best in your July cycle and also in any adoption you start on

[IndieBlue]

Okay, got my meds from Freedom and I have a question. What do you do with your sharps container when you're done? There was a box in the shipment that fits it, but no mailing label. I thought that most of these places offered you to ship these things back to them....maybe Freedom doesn't?

I checked it all and nothing was in a foil bag (meaning it needed to be put in the fridge).....so nothing needs in the fridge? Wow, I guess I was thinking since it had to be overnighted that something was supposed to stay cold? Well, that's good....I can just put it in the closet in the bathroom where I'll be getting the shots and keep it more organized that way

Sure are lots of needles....I'll have to read what each needle goes to and label it, as they only labeled the Lupron ones.

Well, just wanted to ask that one question about the sharps....thanks!

[angram]

StayingPositive - I am so very sorry to hear your news, I know this is a difficult time for you and DH. Hopefully your RE will give you some information as to why it isn't working, and have you thought about donor eggs? DH and I had discussed adoption (if the 2nd IVF doesn't work), but now we're looking into using my sister as an egg donor or possibly using an anonymous donor, that way we at least have our genes or partial genes if it’s anonymous. Either way, I wish you the best of luck in whatever route you take.

IndieBlue – I think BCP’s are supposed to help you from getting cysts, although I got a huge one during my last round and was about 6 days late in starting, since my body waited for the cyst to go down before starting. The Lupron also didn’t help and I had to do injections for about 3 additional weeks, until the cyst went away. I’m 6 days late again (waiting to start BCP’s), so wondering if I have another darn cyst!! Other than that, the only side effects I had were very sore BB’s, but I know everyone is different. Are you taking Gonal F, because I think they say to keep it refrigerated until you open it for the first time. Don’t think it’s a huge deal, but that’s what they told me. I kept the Lupron in my bathroom cabinet though.

Regarding the number of eggs transferred, I thought my RE said he would only transfer 2 last time, but then when we went to the actual ET he said he wished I had 3 to transfer. Only 2 of my eggs made it to day 3 and they were only 4 and 6 cell, so hopefully this time I’ll have more to choose from and higher quality and he’ll transfer 3


Whynotus – I would also hope the rates are not any lower with valium, as that’s not part of the study. I wouldn’t think that is the case, especially if you don’t cramp during the ET.

[stressball]

Indie: BCPs do not cause cysts infact they are prescribed to take them away...my sister is taking them and her largest cyst shrunk to almost 1/4th of its size.

Indie I have noticed that you are very organized but please do not take me wrong....we are living in this world where things do not move the right way all the time...so for any reason if something goes wrong....then try your best to make it right but in the end...just think that you did your best...now whatever would happen would happen...I am feing very awkward writing you this...becoz...in this thread you have been helping all of us calm down...

about the shapies...I have saved that box with me since the last time...so really dont know what to do with that...will ask the office..

Angram: I have never been to a support group...I think you can ask at the office...I know there is a pamplet or something in the waiting room that about this lady who does gruop councelling every month??? I guess..look around in the main office/ waiting room.

Becca: I think they will trasfer 2 for my age...and putting 3 would freak me out...I would be more concerned about triplets than being happy about being pregnant...

Why: I agree with you about HPT..one time I did it...was so prepared..the next time did not do...was going crazy waiting for the call..and ofcouse the nurse did not call. At 4-5 ish I called her and she said they dont call if its negative....

Stay+: keep the crinone going hun....I know its hard...thinking about the next step would bring some peace and structure to this situation...I am already thinking about adoption...I always wanted to do that but DH is not sure....I know that even after I get pregnant by IVF by any chance I will still adopt....its my dream...becoz giving birth to a life is one thing and making one life more beautiful and livable is another...thats why I think Indie is my role model. The only thing that I am scared of is "how to go about this process"...

Me: Yes...9 is a good number...but what matters is 'if someone sticks'...I woke up today with a dizzy feeling....still dizzy...Proges.IM never did this to me...I sooooo want this all to be over....my boss sounded rude when I told her that I was sick and will not come....oh well...I had to take off the day after ER since I was felling very light headed....now if its a 3 day...then its fine becoz I can go to work on Monday...if its sunday..then again will have to take off...

[stressball]

Indie: I almost forgot...Gonal f is supposed to be refrigerated...not sure about the follistm....call freedom and double check...than repent later...

[IndieBlue]

My GonalF says to keep between 35 and 77 degrees....so I don't think it has to be in the fridge. I'll call and make sure though, thanks for letting me know. None of it came with a cold pack either....and I'm sure it's hotter on that FedEx truck then 77degrees....it's hot outside LOL

Stress: My husband was gently saying this yesterday when I got irritated at Freedom for not getting my meds out. He said while I'm very organized and I do what I tell people I'm going to do, the rest of the world does not always follow my standards of being competent and accountable, and then sometimes things just happen to the best of us. I've never been a person to not plan though.....heck I already have our dining reservations made for our September vacation LOL, in part because it's Disney and you have to be prepared or you won't get reservations, but on the other hand....because I'm a planner, and a darn good one LOL Having such a large household has only made that part of me worse I'm afraid....everything is scheduled (again, partly because our adopted kids thrived on that when they came, asking when they were going to eat, sleep, bathe...etc). My MIL gets so irritated at my schedules...but then she watched them once and didn't have a schedule and she had some WILD kids on her hands LOL so now she kind of understands there is a method in all this madness of post it's and menu calendars...etc.

I do understand that anything to do with children or trying to create them is very unplanned though....and I'm trying to remember that with IVF. Our adoption was maddening! Once you turn in your paperwork it's out of your hands and you rely on a lot of other people, many are overworked and have a caseload that would boggle the mind....but you still want them to only see you, speed up your file, call you back the minute they hear any news...etc. I think I've actually done well so far with the IVF, but then I've not really began the process yet....I'm kind of in Limbo with BCP's LOL so I'm sure my OCD will take over at some point. The psychologist said that since my mother left me at such an early age, that I was compensating by being a superwoman. I kind of agree with that....but then my nannie (who raised me) was a superwoman/supermom so I had a good role model to mimic LOL and while I think that I can be very irritating to someone who just goes with the flow (as my MIL does), I also think that this is who I am....whether it's because of being scarred as a child from my mother leaving, or because I was raised by another obsessive person....either way, I am who I am and I can only try to turn it down a notch for procedures such as this LOL

I am trying though just keep reminding me to breathe and I'll be fine LOL I'm glad to hear that BCP's are supposed to make cyst shrink, and thanks for your input too Angram

[stressball]

Indie: I beleive its not a problem to be a planner...its a problem when others do not cooperate....I like to be on time for everything...and DH is totally opposite...he is late for everything....and resists to change...to tell you the recent incidence...I was supposed to take th trigger shot at 6.15 and that day I nappend until 6.10....I woke up to find that my husband is doing the yard work and totally forgot about 6.15 time....At that time I felt that this is so important for me but its not for him????? what if I would have slept until 7.30???? and on top of that he calmly siad 15-20 mins here and there would not change much....at that point I had no words for him...while taking that shot I cried and cried and cried....so that I can expel my anger that way and not get mad....becoz I know he WILL NEVER CHANGE....I never even told him why I cried...but I deceided I will not try to change him....He is who he is....I cannot change him...but surely I can change the way I take his sluggishness....In life no matter how much we try to take things in our hands and be on it all the time...we still need other people to function....and if they are lazy and sluggish...thats who they are....

I lived with my grandmother for an year when growing up and she is a supermom.....in that one year....I unknowingly learned to do things the way she did....for example..she keeps her house super clean...and on the other hand my mom just does not know the definition of clean....so I think rolemodel plays a role in who we are....

Indie: You have a very understanding and loving family to support you...and you will be fine in this crazy ivf journey....I am 100% sure for you than I am for myself.....