My DH has had a vasectomy reversal and as a result has been diagnosed with oligospermia (low sperm counts). We have done 2 fresh IVF w/ICSI cycles (the 1st was a BFN and the 2nd was a BFP but ended in M/C at 11 weeks. When I went in for my 6 week U/S, there wasn't a heartbeat, measured 2 weeks small and appeared abnormal. An U/S was performed again at 8 weeks and nothing changed. I went through a natural M/C by going off prenatal vitamin and progesterone at 11 weeks (miserable and PAINFUL experience).
Has any of your DH's used Clomid for low sperm counts and had any benefits? He's on 50mg every other day. Along with natural vitamins (NOT HERBS) to promote the maturation of healthy sperm:
Multivitamin with minerals
Selenium - 200 mcg.
Vitamin B Complex
CoQ10 - 60 mg.
Vitamin E - d-alpha (natural) - 400 I.U. - TWICE DAILY (800 I.U. total)
Acetyl L-Carnitine HCL - 1000 mg.
Vitamin C - 500 mg. - TWICE DAILY (1000 mg. total)
Lycopene - 15 mg.
Zinc - 50 mg.
Omega-3 Natural Fish Body Oils
I just wanted to know if any other IVF-er's DH has found success with CLOMID especially.
I'm SO FRUSTRATED!!! It's hard going through this knowing that my doc has told me that I'm healthy w/o any fertility issues and yet I have to go through this. I love my DH dearly and I'm willing to do this but as you all know, it's an emotional rollercoaster!!!! UGH!!!!!! Sometimes I just want to SCREAM
Thank you for letting me vent, hopefully we will ALL overcome this together!
BABY DUST TO ALL!
~Acapulco
Me 33, DH M/Factor
#1 ICSI 9/07 AF came b4 BETA
#2 ICSI & AH 1/08 = BFP!
At 6 wks sac was empty, 8 wks nothing changed. Went off Endometrin, prenatal & baby asp. At 11 wks had natural, HORRIBLE M/C
I'm afraid I don't have a clomid experience to report but I just read your story and wanted you to know you're not alone.
Your story is very similar to mine. My DH had vasectomy, but no reversal. We went directly to IVF and PESA to extract the sperm, which we froze. We went through three fresh IVF/ICSI cycles with similar results to you - 1st BFN, 2nd BFP, saw perfect heartbeat at 6 weeks, no growth & no heartbeat at 8 weeks. By the grace of God, we are in our 17th week of our pregnancy from the 3rd cycle. We were never diagnosed with any specific issue regarding my DH's sperm, but we have always had less than great fertilization reports - but fortunately, I've been a fairly strong egg producer, so we have been fortunate enough to have a few excellent quality embies to use, but alas, no frosties.
I have a friend who has been taking "super sperm vitamins" - she'd have to tell you what the name is - she is ICSIGIRL, I'm sure she wouldn't mind telling you about them.
You sound very positive, but you are right, it is a very emotional, very difficult situation to go through. Keep up your PMA and know that it can and does happen. Just thinking of you and wishing you all the best.
IVF 1st-BFN, 2nd-BFP mc 8wk,
3rd IVF-BFP!
4th IVF-BFP!
5 snowbabies on ice
Thank you for taking the time to respond. And CONGRATULATIONS is an order girl! I'll pray that everything goes well for you throughout your pregnancy.
I'll be starting my BCP's near the end of July for ICSI #3. I must admit, I'm still NOT over the loss from my M/C. We go through so much to achieve a pregnancy and BOOM, it's taken away in the blink of an eye. I've always thought that things happen for a reason but for the life of me, I can't imagine why we have to go through all of this. And I'm SO sick and tired of my neighbor's asking us when we're going to have a baby. No one but my parents know about the IVF so I realize that they don't understand but by going through this, I'm also realizing just how INSENSITIVE & UNAPPRECIATIVE people really are. The neighbor behind me drinks like a fish and smokes like a chimney and I remember her saying that she wanted to have a May baby and wouldn't you know it, she did! It ticks me off knowing that I'm healthy and I have to go through this. I'm so tired of thinking about my husband's sperm all of the time, worrying about him taking his vitamins, meds, drinking water and eating a balanced diet. I love my husband dearly and I know it's not his fault but at the same time, I must admit that part of me is very resentful (and then I feel guilty about my feelings of resentment).
This has all been SO overwhelming and I'm scared to death to go through another cycle. Not physically but just the mental and emotional side of it. Especially since I haven't been the same person since my M/C. I'm scared that this will happen again. And I'm SO angry too. My mind won't shut off and allow me to rest due to all of the stress, I just don't know what to do to make it less stressful for me. I'm going to look into Acupuncture (without any herbs or meds) for me and my DH. But again, I feel resentful that I have to go through more procedures, ya know?
I KNOW that you know how I'm feeling and that helps. Just reading everyone's posts helps A LOT.
Thank you for your reply and for allowing me to vent. My DH is such a sensitive and caring man and he feels awful that we have to resort to ICSI because of him but no matter how supportive he is, he just doesn't have the slightest clue what it's like to go through all of this. IT SUCKS!!! UGH!!!!!!!
Thanx again for posting hon, it's just nice to really know that I'm not alone and there are other women out there that know EXACTLY what and how I'm feeling.
God Bless You and your baby!
(((((HUGGGSSS)))))
Acapulco (Stacy)
Me 33, DH M/Factor
#1 ICSI 9/07 AF came b4 BETA
#2 ICSI & AH 1/08 = BFP!
At 6 wks sac was empty, 8 wks nothing changed. Went off Endometrin, prenatal & baby asp. At 11 wks had natural, HORRIBLE M/C
Keep me updated on your next cycle. You will be in my prayers as the end of July rolls around.
I know it's hard to move on after what you've been through. And it's incredibly difficult to go through it - especially with the insensitivity of people who don't know what IF is like. M/C is the loss of a loved one - only it happens in the shadows. There's no memorial or process that is shared by family and friends to help you grieve. It's hard because part of us wants it to be completely private, but at the same time, it seems wrong that no one knows. And if we do tell people, you get those awful comments like "well, it's good you weren't further along" or "you can try again" - typical comments of people who just DON'T GET IT.
I know nearly everyone on this site has experienced that frustration of a person they know who can be as unhealthy as humanly possible and still can pop out children left and right. Sometimes it seems like you can get better results from crack and alcohol than vitamins, exercise and a healthy diet. It does seem ridiculously unfair.
I know that my m/c, while I still struggle with it, has made me a stronger person and I am more sensitive to others' struggles - regardless of what the nature. And know that God will use these struggles in our lives for good... even if we cannot see how it could possibly happen. I pray for that kind of peace for you and for every other woman who has or will experience m/c.
hugs to you, my friend. I'll be looking out for your posts in the next month!
IVF 1st-BFN, 2nd-BFP mc 8wk,
3rd IVF-BFP!
4th IVF-BFP!
5 snowbabies on ice
You hit the nail on the head with EVERYTHING that I've been feeling. It filled my eyes with tears because you know EXACTLY what all this is like. It's so nice to know that I am not alone. I had my DH read my posting to you so he could know what I'm feeling and I had him also read your response too because I want him to be a part of this. It's been such a LONG and difficult road and I KNOW it will be worth it in the end but it's such an emotional rollercoaster with all of the hormones, the waiting, etc. And you feel the same frustrations that I feel about other people and how easy it is for them "crackheads" or "drunks" that abuse themselves and have NO CLUE what IVF is like. People are SO insensitive! It's just unbelievable!
Reading your story does give me HOPE (no pun intended with your screen name...LOL!) because since my M/C, I know that I CAN conceive and carry a child and that's more reassurance for me. I'm still very nervous about starting my 3rd ICSI but each time we have succeeded a little more. I know that I have to start thinking more positively...and keep the PMA in check but it still hard not to think of what "could" happen especially after not only what has happened to me but to all of the other wonderful Mommies in waiting on this site. Science has come a LONG way in the world of Reproductive Medicine but it's still difficult to go such a long, unkown journey.
Hopefully we can take that journey together but until I get another BFP, I'll be here rooting for you & your little bean hon.
Thank you again, my friend. This is the BEST therapy that I could ever receive because all of you know too well the ups and downs of the IVF world.
(((((HUGGGSS)))))
~Acapulco (Stacy)
Me 33, DH M/Factor
#1 ICSI 9/07 AF came b4 BETA
#2 ICSI & AH 1/08 = BFP!
At 6 wks sac was empty, 8 wks nothing changed. Went off Endometrin, prenatal & baby asp. At 11 wks had natural, HORRIBLE M/C
Acapulco-
I read your story and had to reply. My DH has oligospermia and last year at this time he was on Clomid. Sadly this did not boost his count nor quality of sperm. He did unfortunately suffer some of the side-effects, he became angry at the smallest things. He was definitely PMSing. He was very happy to be off the drug for he reverted back to his laid back gentle self. His urologist did some genetic testing for chromosomal deletions and a few others associated with male infertility [have you been told about these?], but at this time escape my memory. Thankfully, the results were all within the 'normal' ranges. The flip side was we still had no information as to why he has oligospermia. Although medicine has come along way in recent years, the human body still holds many secrets. When we started this road over 2 years ago, the RE said it usually takes greater than 6 months to improve conditions such as my DH. Since we are over 40 we were on a ticking clock and she opted to just go immediately to IVF with ICSI. For all it takes is just one sperm to fertilize an egg. We went through 3 IVF cycles. The first resulted in a BFN, the second a BFP but m/c at nine weeks. The fetus had a chromosomal abnomality, trisomy 16. The third resulted in a BFP and I am currently 21 weeks preggers with a healthy little girl.
Have you two incorporated acupuncture into your treatment. I highly recommend it. My DH and I really enjoyed it, totally relaxed us. We were using a Chinese doctor and herbalist so he also treated our infertility with herbs. The goal is to promote the blood flow to all the proper reproductive organs as well as cleanse the body of toxins and improving the 'chi'. Our clinic suggested starting acu 2 months before treatment. To this day my DH still uses acu for various ailments. I on the other hand am not suppose to given my current condition.
Keep the faith. Be positive. I know it is hard. The path we are forced to take is not an easy one. I wish you and your DH all the best and will be keeping you in my prayers.
Send you and everyone else who has read your story lots of PMA.
Catharine
Thank you SO much for your reply. Congratulations to you and to your DH too! It's been VERY helpful being on this forum because it truely is like therapy for me, especially since EVERYONE on here understands and that makes all the difference in the world.
We are both looking into accupuncture now (I think I could use anything that would make me relax and put myself in a better frame of mind anyways...after my M/C, I haven't really been the same.) So far DH hasn't had any reactions to the Clomid (he only takes it every other day) and his urologist says, it's a "wait and see" kind of thing and it couldn't hurt his count so we may as well try it.
I know my RE initially did some genetic testing on both of us when we first made the choice for IVF. I was put through the ringer (so to speak) while DH had some minor BW and SA's. Good thing that we no is that I am healthy and able to get pregnant (IVF w/ICSI #2) so the RE seems very enthusiastic and hopeful. I could start my BCP's as early as my next period which would be at the end of July (I'm like clockwork) but if we have to wait, then we will do what's best. Since my DH has been taking all of his vitamins, his counts look a LOT better in quality. Neither my RE or his urologist really seems to think that him having a low count is going to effect ICSI at all since they obviously found a good sperm which did in fact get me pregnant so I am still hopeful.
All and all though, I'm just so filled with SO many emotions, I go up and down everyday. I know that I'm just scared to go through this again. Physically, no problem, I can take the discomfort/pain. But mentally and emotionally, it's a whole other story, you know? I think it makes it even harder in a way that no one knows that we're doing this (except my parents). I have 1 sister and 2 brothers, all older with kids and I want to have my "surprise" too. I don't want them asking me all sorts of questions and keeping tabs on me and just bugging me about it. It's hard enough to keep my emotions in "check" with all of those hormones. I can't even imagine anyone giving me pity and telling me to just go ahead and adopt or something like that. I KNOW in my heart that it will happen but it's just been hard keepin' the faith after the M/C. In one way, I don't want to get my hopes up because I don't want to lose another child and feel that pain, but on the other hand, I can't bear to see a future without having MY child. And it's frustrating because I am healthy and I do feel as a woman, I have the divine right to become pregnant and feel my baby move inside of me and give life to another human being. My DH feels terrible about having me go through all of this because of him and I realize that but he just doesn't realize how emotionally challenging all of this is. He doesn't have to feel all of the pressures, waiting, etc. I mean sure he's an involved DH but he doesn't know what it really FEELS lke and that's the difference.
UGH, I could go on and on and vent but I just have to put my trust in my docs, and GOD and I know that everything else is really "out of my hands". I really need to amp up my PMA!!!!!
Thank you again for telling me your story because it helps SO much knowing that I DO still have HOPE.
I pray that you have a healthy and happy pregnancy and that your little girl will be just perfect as I know she will be!
Thanks again Catharine,
(((((HUGGGSS)))))
~Acapulco (Stacy)
Me 33, DH M/Factor
#1 ICSI 9/07 AF came b4 BETA
#2 ICSI & AH 1/08 = BFP!
At 6 wks sac was empty, 8 wks nothing changed. Went off Endometrin, prenatal & baby asp. At 11 wks had natural, HORRIBLE M/C
unfortunately have no experience with clomid but we used the male infertility tablets from the zita west website. they are fantastic and even the clinic mentioned how much my dh's sperm had improved!!
best of luck!!
xxx
2nd IVF/ICSI - baby girl Elliana born 21.4.08 weighing 7lb 6.5ounces; 7 frosties left...
[img]http://dl3.glitter-graphics.net/pub/471/471593nd9346hthf.gif[/img] to all!
[img]http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/lamlamavi20080421_-1_Elliana+is.png[/img]
Thank you for your reply and your info about the vitamins. I checked their website and the vitamins that my DH is on contain the same ingredients that are in the Zita west one's, he just takes all of them individually (like Selenium, Vitamin E, etc.) instead of in just one pill. They're the same dosage and everything so I'm hoping that they help!
I really appreciate your reply, I cannot tell you how much this site has helped me, it really is like therapy! I think with all of the hormones, stress and everything that we all go through, if I didn't have an outlet like this, I don't know what I would do! All of you IVF'ers have been a GOD SENT to me! It makes it easier to know that there are many other couples going through this and I'm not alone.
Thank you again for sharing and I pray that everything goes well with you and DH! BABY DUST!!!!!!!
(((((HUGGGSSS)))))
~Acapulco (Stacy)
Me 33, DH M/Factor
#1 ICSI 9/07 AF came b4 BETA
#2 ICSI & AH 1/08 = BFP!
At 6 wks sac was empty, 8 wks nothing changed. Went off Endometrin, prenatal & baby asp. At 11 wks had natural, HORRIBLE M/C
I just wanted to stop by and wish you all the best. And to mention that I had increased my arginine during the tmt by eating at least a serving a day of mixed nuts or mixing a half a capsule of dietary suplement into my breakfast. It is though to promote blood circulation in the ovaries. I just wanted to do as much as possible to promote catching one of those embies once we transferred.
Acapulco - it is good to hear from you and see that you are getting ready for your next cycle and your miracle! My DH had cancer a high dose of chemo which impacted numbers, motility and morphology. The good news is that you did get eggs fertilized and got pregnant already, I heard lot of people including my RE say that the body (uterus) "remembers" what it is supposed to do and makes it easier. I am very, very sorry about your m/c. I can't imagine how hard it was to get through it and I am sure it still hurts, but please keep the PMA because there are a lot of us praying that you will get your miracle this time. I know it is frustrating since DH has the feritility ssues and we don't, but it doesn't matter cause we still have to do all the stimms and everything. My DH felt horrible but I kept telling him we are in this together and he would have done the same for me. I always told him that chemo allowed me to have these years with him and IVF is a small price to pay for him being alive. It is an emotional and tough process for both. I am sending you tons of baby dust and praying for you! Please keep us posted on the OCTmommies2b post since we miss you there!
It's SO great hearing from you! Thanx for posting hon! I hope that you, DH & bean are doing well! Thank you for the positive vibes too, my RE is VERY optimistic about our next cycle because as you said, the uterus does have a "memory" and it's easier to get pregnant once you already have been. The m/c was AWFUL and I'm still recovering mentally and emotionally from it but I'm definitely in a better frame of mind now and I feel like I can finally move forward. I'm definitely not looking forward to going through all of the bloodwork, u/s, injections, etc. but I KNOW it will be worth it in the end. I'm sorry to hear that your DH had cancer and had to go through chemo, that must have been horrible but thank God he's ok now and you have your little one on the way! And you're right about our DH's because I know if the roles were reversed, they would be doing whatever it took too.
I miss you girlies on the OctoberMommies2be site too! I remember when I started that posting! PLEASE let everyone know that I send my love and I'm praying for all of you wonderful girls!
Thanx again for all of the baby dust! I'll keep you posted!
(((((HUGGGGSSS)))))
~Acapulco (Stacy)
Me 33, DH M/Factor
#1 ICSI 9/07 AF came b4 BETA
#2 ICSI & AH 1/08 = BFP!
At 6 wks sac was empty, 8 wks nothing changed. Went off Endometrin, prenatal & baby asp. At 11 wks had natural, HORRIBLE M/C
Acapulco - I am soooo happy that you are preparing to cycle again!! I am thinking lots of good fertile thoughts for you and DH. I agree with the others that say your body "remembers" what to do. Keep the PMA and let us know how you are doing. We really miss you on the Oct. thread. Take care.
