AUG/SEPT BUDDIES!

[jharris12]

Good morning/almost noon ladies!

Muggsey: I'm glad your consult went well! It is always helpful to get a doctor you actually like! Makes the process so much less stressful! And glad to hear insurance will pay some of your costs. That is wonderful! Sounds like you have a wonderful birthday present to look forward to!

valerie: I went in this morning, and my nurse gave me a ton of meds! We had asked about a discount, and it looks like they came through! We got all our Gonal F today from them! She said it would be okay if I had to wait until tomorrow for the Ovidrel. So I'm waiting for my BW results to get the green light to start stimming tonight! Your message was so powerful! I got chills reading it! Sounds like you & your AP have a wonderful connection!

karen: Don't feel bad you are behind some of us. Some of us joined this just to keep in touch with ladies we failed with last cycle. When I found out I was stimming earlier than I expected, it was too late for me to want to leave you ladies! Keep up that PMA! You are doing great!

JDC: Thanks for the congrats! And I agree, everything is in God's hands, and everything happens for a reason. Just knowing that keeps me positive!

hopininpa: Wow!! I'm glad I will have someone stimming with me! I feel like I'm so far ahead of everyone in this thread! Let us know how your appt goes!!

So for me, I went in for my day 2 FSH/US. She said everything looks good. I will get the results this afternoon, and should begin stimming tonight! I still can't believe that I will be PUPO by the end of this month! I am so excited, and I am so glad I am getting to share this journey with all of you wonderful, strong women! Thank you all so much!

[to_have_fun08]

Hey Everyone,
Can I join? I defiantly see a lot of familiar names. I will have to go through previous post to see where everyone is at. My cycle was canceled due to a high E2 level. They couldn't suppress my ovaries. My first cycle they over suppressed so hopefully this third try is a charm I find out more info on Monday or Tuesday but right now it looks like I will be on the Antagonist protocol. I will be on BCP then when I get AF I will go in for b/w and u/s on day 2 or three and then begin stims. I will be using Follistim and Menopure and instead of Lupron I will be using Genirlix(sp). Hopefully I can start BCP ASAP so that would put me for ER in the middle of August. That is keeping my fingers crossed that everything works and I actually make it to ER.

Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Chris

[valerie68]

Hello ladies,

jharris~ I'm glad things are working out for you, I figured they would give you some meds in the meantime. Congrats on starting stims tonight...This is going to be fun!!

Welcome Chris !!~ I read about you on the other thread and was sad that you had your cycle canceled. Not to worry, this time will work out a lot better for you.

Well, I had some more time today to absorb what happened last night and other things have become clear.
As human beings we have the amazing capacity to think and in many cases it is a very positive thing but sometimes it's not. In this case it's not.
While working today, I'm looking at the trees and the orchids and the fact that they JUST LIVE...they're not thinking about anything...they're just doing what they're supposed to do. As humans, we are part of nature but we often forget how to LIVE, we forget to BE.
I think the best thing I can do during IVF is to just be...be myself without thinking, only enjoy this process wherever it will take me. Stressing and wondering about every little detail will NOT change the outcome and if I let go of all that, I will have enjoyed and appreciated every day.

My AP told me yesterday that even if I don't get pregnant that I have so much to be thankful for and that is so true. She said that if it was the case (not getting pregnant), it is something I have to accept.
It may sound harsh and insensitive what she said but it's so true. It was the first time that I accepted that idea without feeling hurt and it felt wonderful. Again because we can't change the outcome.
We have to let nature do its thing and it will work out like it should.
I've given up the control of all of this and yet I feel more powerful than ever...like JDC said, it's serenity.

I've been crying today, on and off, feeling happy, overwhelmed by this discovery of something soooo simple yet so hard to grasp. I hope I get to hang on to this for the rest of my life because it's applicable to all that we do in our lives.
Maybe accepting the fact that I may never get pregnant go hand in hand with the fact that I was able to let go and yet I feel more open, confident and positive than ever.
Karen said it very well: 'I'm available for miracles'...I like that a lot!
I'm like you a lot in the sense that I'm always wanting to 'understand things'. Don't be fearful for your next cycle. I'm sure you're still going through your grieving process, so take your time to work through that.

I'm enjoying sharing IVf cycles with all of you.
Thank you all so much for being a part of my life, it means so much to me!

Hugs to all...

Val

[SueQiwi]

wow Val~sounds like you have had an epiphany. Thanks for sharing your inspirational story. I admire you for finding such good in this whole IVF process. I suppose all of us have been tested and exposed by having to go through IVF. We learn things about ourselves that the average person may never figure out. I wish I was as enlightened as you and able to let go--Im not quite there yet. I'm really glad you are on this thread. (have you studied Budhism? you sound like a natural!)

JDC~yep. Im doing herbs too. I really need to boost my egg quality and quanity and hopefully lower my FSH. Ive heard the herbs will help. Man are they gross, though! But I'll do anything for more/better eggs. I like having the ear points in constantly--it is quite reassuring and comforting that they are still working long after leaving the AP office!

Muggsey~we are lucky as the New Zealand government is paying for our IVF (we have socialized helathcare over here.) Because of our problems and ttc for 4 years we qualified for governent funding. If we were paying ourselves it is $6000 for ivf and aprox $2000 for meds over here (kiwi dollars). I hesitated mentioning that we are govt-funded as I know so many of you are struggling with the fees and I feel for you! I cant even imagine having financial pressure on top of the stress of IVF!

JHarris, Babyloves and HopinginPA~I am soooooo excited for you guys to start! You guys are going to blaze a trail to BFPs! Please keep us posted. We are all living and breathing each hurdle with you. It's funny how I feel connected to you--even though we have never met!

[JDC]

SueQiwi It sounds like we are both on the some track - My mission is to get more and better quality eggs as well. I was wondering if it was possible to have the ear points in constantly! I'm going to ask my ap on Monday when I see her if that is okay for me. I was concerned that after awhile it might cause irritation or infection or something. I guess they are so tiny that it is unlikely. I am also one of the very lucky people in that most of my ivf is covered by my health insurance as I am a government employee. The only thing that sucks is that any egg donor services are not, and my RE was really pushing egg donor for me. That concerns me, but I will cross that bridge when and If I have to. Which I won't! PMA.......

Val I have been taught that acceptance is the solution to most of my difficulties. If I am able to give up the internal fight, than I may find peace. Some things in life we obviously cannot change....but we can change our viewpoint on those matters. I'm not saying it is easy! It is not. It is so weird because what you are going through right now is similar to what I went through a few weeks back. I don't know....like a relief that......okay.....I will do all I can, I will pray and take care of my body to the best of my ability....but after that it is out of my hands. And knowing that I may not be happy with what happens, but I will be okay, and I will be able to move on in life. Somehow, that thinking makes it so much easier. Like I said before....I am very happy that you are going through this time of insight and understanding. I think that's when we really grow in life - so thank you for sharing it with us! I teared up reading your last post!

jharris, hoping, and babloves: How's the stimming going girls?????

To everyone else......let us know how you are! Hope all is well and everyone have a wonderful day. It is supposed to be beautiful here in New Jersey today. I'm off to get my day 21 bloodwork. Yeah!

[hopinginpa]

JDC and Val-Thank you for that wonderful insight. I actually do feel the same way. This cycle is the first time that I am not nervous or anxious about the outcome. It is what it is! Can't change it. I have been exercising more and trying to focus on other things. It really helps plus I feel better about me.

JDC and SueQuwi-you are lucky that IVF is covered. Mine is actually covered 80%, the meds aren't covered this cycle and I spent 4000 so far on those. My last cycle the meds were covered but I met my 4000 max. When I did pay for IVF out of pocket is was 10000 for IVF 1000 for ICSI and 4000 for mes. So we paid 15K out of pocket. That hurts.....

Jharris and babyloves-how are stims? Any less pain with injections babyloves?

I started micro dose lupron yesterday and follistim this am. I got back for another US on Wednesday. The RN saw 9-10 follicles yesterday....so hoping for lots this cycle.

Welcome to all the newcomers. Hope you get as much from this thread as I do. It is great.
Hope everybody is having a good weekend. I am running out the door for a massage

[valerie68]

Good morning!

JDC~ Good luck with your BW this morning! I hope everything turns out ok. I'm sure that AP has helped you this time.
I'm glad you went through what I went through because it's such a wonderful feeling to have. I thought I had accepted before but I realized I hadn't until 2 days ago. Yes, I do what I can and what's best for my body, and after that it's also out of my hands. See, we think we are in control, but we're not because IVF really controls US. That's why I realized it was time to let go.
I'm glad you understand and that you found that same serenity.

SueQiwi~I've never studied Buddhism but it certainly would be something I'd be interested in. Also, I'm going to ask my AP to recommend some books on Chinese culture. From the little bit she told me, it sounds very interesting, I always like to learn about other cultures and how they view life.

I'm reading " Eat, Pray, Love " and I'm enjoying it. This woman goes on trips to different country in search of herself and she goes to India and Bali to meditate and discover her true self. I'm going to go back a few chapters and read again because I think there are parts I might have missed.
Like JDC said, it's going through these times of insights and understanding that we grow in life and to me, that's what life is all about. We never stop growing. In every difficult time we go through in our lives, there is ALWAYS something positive that comes out of it. IVF is no different. We may not see right away what it will offer us, but it's there if we only look deep enough, beyond the joy of having a baby of course.

jharris~ How did the first injections go? Did you get the rest of your meds? And did you get the results of your tests? The last 2 days have been so wonderful that I even forgot to call my nurse to get the results. Oh well, I'm sure it's fine and I'll get them Monday.

Hoping~ Yeah for starting stims too. In a few days we'll already know about all your little follies.

A lot of girls MIA lately!! How are you all doing? Coco, have you gone on vacation? Kate, Babycrazy, Bell, Turtles, Mztia... we have not heard from you in a while and I hope all is well.

Have a great Saturday and talk to you soon.

Much love

Val

[mally]

Hi Everyone,

It is good to know that we can get support from good people like you. I am also hoping to start in september to see if this time it will work, let us keep ourselves informed as much as possible, so that all of us can come up with good news!!!!!

Mally

[to_have_fun08]

Hi Everyone -

I noticed most of you are doing AP. I am on the fence if I should do this or not. I have looked in my area for AP that specializes in infertility and I can't seem to find anyone that does. Do your AP Dr. specialize in infertility or are they just familiar with it? Also in my equation to determine if I should do AP or not is that I was going to a personal trainer until the end of June. I quite when I started my last cycle. I have been going to her since March and I haven't lost any weight but that is because I haven't changed my diet. I feel that even though I haven't lost any weight it is still good to get some exercise 3 days a week. Having the personal trainer is the only way that I will work out, I have no will power to do it on my own. Needless to say if I go back to my trainer then i can't afford to do both AP and have my trainer. I just wish we could all be normal people and not have to worry about all this stuff.
Does anyone have any input on my situation? I just don't know what is more important, physical exercise or AP.
And just to let you know I am overweight, my BMI is a 32.

[valerie68]

Chris~ Here's my take on your situation. I do believe that it's important to have an AP that specializes in fertility to get all the benefits from it. I'm not sure what it would do if the AP had no or not much experience with fertility. Personally I don't think I would do AP if I could not find one who specializes in fertility. I'm sure you're getting benefits from the physical exercises!
I would strongly encourage you to change your diet, make little changes to start with and add more as you get comfortable. But I think that's important.
Good luck.


Babyloves~ Any news on your follies. Have they decided to grow on the other side. I'll go check on the other thread to see how you're doing.

Mally~ Welcome to our group. Why don't you tell us a little bit more about yourself. Have you done IVF before? Wishing all the luck and we're happy to have amongst us!

SueQiwi~ Have you studied Buddhism? I forgot to ask you before.

Val

[cocosmomma]

Hey gals! Sorry I haven't been on in a few days. Traveled to Austin on business with DH and he had to have emergency gallbladder surgery. Some of you might remember he was to have it this coming Tuesday, but not any more! He is doing fine and we are just hanging out here in Austin until he is well enough to travel home tomorrow.

So many new women joining us. WELCOME all of you. Look forward to getting to know all of you more in the weeks and months to come.

Sounds like everyone is rocking along just fine. I'll try and do personals once I get back home.

Have a great weekend, all!

[JDC]

Hi ladies.....I went for precycle day 21 b/w today, and tonight I am to start taking Estrace (estradiol) twice per day until I get AF. Has anyone else ever taken this medication? I'm not quite sure what it is for. Also, any side effects?

Until later.......

[lovesme4me]

Hello all!! I started out doing my first IVF in July, but unfortunately my eggs didn't develop as quickly as they wanted so I got canceled and moved back until middle of Aug.

Anyone here in there 20's still?

Emily,

[valerie68]

Hi Coco ! Good to hear from you. Sorry to hear about DH's emergency surgery. I'm glad he's doing well. I guess he'll be getting a lot of pampering and then it's your turn. Have a good stay in Austin !

Lovesme4me~ Welcome to our group and I hope that your next IVf will be successful. I wish I was 23 again but age doesn't matter in all of this, we are all on the same journey. I had read some of your other posts and I'm a little familiar with what you've gone through.

JDC~ I wish I could help you with Estrace but I've never taken it. All I know is that it's estradiol. How long do you estimate you will be taking it? Once you have AF, are you starting your stims?
I started BCP tonight. It's nice to be doing something instead of waiting. Three more weeks and I'll be starting again. That will give me enough time to get ready.
My AP left today on the day I start BCP and returns on the day that I finish them.

Thinking about all of you girls and have a good night!

Val

[karenvancouverisland]

hi ladies... looks like we are gathering more strength in numbers! how exciting to feel the energy of it.

valerie- thanks for sharing your thoughts on acceptance and the struggle towards that..i find myself in this struggle for a state of 'surrender'...and i too loved the book 'eat, pray, love'- just loved it. i ended up writing a letter to god like she did in the beginning of the book, during my last IVF cycle- in my first cycle i was so private, but in the 2nd, after reading that book- i wanted (within reason) for the world, and for god to know VERY clearly that i wanted a baby. it was an uplifting experience to write god (i'm not a very religious person either) a frank letter, and then talk regularly to god, letting him know what i wished for and talking about my struggle with surrender. that's where i came to being 'available for , but not in charge of miracles'. i even had my dh talking to god.. and i told many more people about my ivf so i could feel their PMA for my cycle and i figured the more people who were rooting for me- maybe god would really get that i'm supposed to have a baby. i dunno- maybe i sound a little crazy right now, but it's the most hopeful thing i've done throughout this and it's hard to describe it all in words. basically- i really enjoy your posts valerie.

hi and welcome emily, chris, mally. i'm doing my 3rd ivf in sept.
chris- i'm not doing AP either..was trying to hook up with someone, but noone works saturdays in my town and i've already taken off too much time from work for ivf related issues..so i'm doing 'gardening therapy'- makes me very happy and just trying to live a good, happy life. i'm also a dairy-aholic..which apparently TCM is not supportive of..so i just figure what's meant to be, will be..i'll do my best and the rest is in another's hands.

sue- no worries mentioning your health coverage..i think we can all only be happy for you

sorry for the lack of personals...i'm very happy to hear about everyone's stim's and consults, and excited for more updates. all the best, karen