Winter Cycle Friends 2009/2010 - Everyone Welcome!

[lou71]

Hi preggos!

Quick flying post here... horrible Monday at work so I'll have to catch up on personals tomorrow.

I got the call with my 2nd beta. It was 717 . "Right on track" according to the nurse. My doubling time is exactly 48 hrs. I get to decrease my Estrace to twice a day x3, then once a day x3, then stop. Yay! My progesterone was > 80 but I'm still supposed to take 1 ml every day. I am scheduled for my first ultrasound on Monday March 29th. I'll be 6 weeks 5 days then so hopefully I'll see a heartbeat (please, please).

More tomorrow... gotta run.

[moorebaby]

Hi Everyone. This is my first time on this side of the thread. I have been reading the few last pages and wannted to update you on my second beta. Remembe rfirst beta was 1685 at 18dpo. Today at 22dpo beta is at 8007. Needless to say when the nurse called I panicked and asked her about triplets possibility. She said twins definately but triplets unlicky since we transfered only 2 embies. So I feel a little bit better. U/s is in 2 weeks. I dont have the date yet. So far not too much side effect except being tired and my stomach feel a little "weird" but nothing dramatic. I hope it stays that way...
Love to everyone...I wish I had more to say but my life is pretty boring lately. Talk to you soon

hey positive! congrats by the way!!! i giggled when i saw your post...my sil did ivf 7 years ago...put 2 in & got TRIPLETS!!! did you do ah? she did & i guess ah increases the chances of the embryo splitting. so both implanted & 1 of them split...2 identical & 1 fraternal triplets...all boys! so you never know! but i think twins would be less of a worry since with triplets there is a possibility of more complications! i will be stalking you

[ktelise]

Hope 644 - I am taking PIO. With my last transfer I used vaginal gel and did not like it at all...so strangely enough I prefer the PIO shots!

As you can all see...I have not added a ticker yet as I am still being cautious due to my past history. I will be adding one after my next u/s on 3/24.

[Hope644]

ktelise - i totally understand your hesitation in adding the ticker... similarly... i have started each of my 4 IVF cycles with the intent to do a journal... leading up to the baby's birth - this last time, i (oddly enough) started on the same day of the cycle that I had started with my son. I've never written more than 2 entries, for the fear of having a sad ending. My first BFP ended in a missed m/c, so even with all the positve signs, I hesitate to get attached in some ways. it's a very scary process and some things which might seem small to others are huge things to us when it comes to accepting. Obviously, not trying to explain anything... just understanding your hesitation and fears... i will keep you and your little one(s) in my prayers. March 24, here we come!!

about the progesterone gel - weird. i have read a lot of posts about it, but mine is not gel. they look like giant chicklets or huge flat asprin tablets. but trust me, no more appealing than the gel. eewh. i was surprised at not having any PIO this time. went straight from ER to tablets. previously, i had done PIO until after beta. weird how the protocols change. I just found out tho, that if we ever do a FET, we'll ONLY do PIO!! the whole time, no change to inserts of any kind... plus I/M injections of estrogen as well. super weird. oh well, we do what we gotsta do, right

hope everyone is having a lovely night. sleep tight mammas!

[Arabsrcool]

lou,

awesome 2nd beta! Our u/s will be on the same day and we will both see a heartbeat!

PositiveT,

wow, your beta numbers are off the charts (for a singleton anyway). It will be interesting to see if you have twins or triplets (they do split occasionally as you know).

afm, not much going on with me. Just waiting for more bloodwork on Friday then u/s on 3/29.

Ronda

[lou71]

Hi Girls! Happy Tuesday!

Ronda -- Yay for u/s and hearing our babies heartbeats on 3/29! You're a little farther along than I am I think. Very exciting!

Positive -- Love the ticker! But I think you may soon have to add another baby (or babies) to it!

Katie -- Maternity clothes already? I guess I should start shopping. Thanks for the Old Navy tip, I'll have to check them out. Good luck on your b/w today and being released to OB!

Hope -- I feel great so far! A few twinges here and there but nothing that feels unexpected. I am sleeping about an hour more per night but I've got a lot of energy and feel great. No morning sickness yet and I'm sorry for yours. I don't look forward to it. I figure I have a week or two left. Reiki? Interesting! Glad it worked for you if only temporarily. Oh gosh.. .and I'm so sorry about your mom's fight with lymphoma. I wish her the best in this battle. It was so sweet what your DH did so she could see her grandson.

ktelise -- How are you feeling these days?

Karen -- Where are you? Hopefully the twins aren't making you sick with m/s. Let us know how you're doing.

AFM -- I'm still trying to figure out what amount of exercise is OK to do. I've done a lot of reading. RE said I could do anything low impact without a lot of bouncing (i.e. horseback riding, sprinting). Last night I did a spin class at the gym since RE recommended stationary bike for me. It was an endurance ride and I didn't go all out. Tonight I'm going to do 30 min on the elliptical (another great low impact exercise) and another 30 mins of weights (not too heavy). I plan to take Wednesdays and Sundays off from exercise but otherwise will do an hour to an hour and a half a day as long as I feel good. From what I read, it's best to work out at an intensity that you can carry on a conversation. Anything more is too intense. So I've really got to scale it down. I'm no longer running or kickboxing. Anyone else out there a pre-ivf gym rat? What are you doing for exercise?

[Stephanieford78]

Lou - You know, everyone is different and if you are used to working out hard and are cutting it in half, I think you should be just fine. I remember my RE telling me a story about a girl he had where she was very intense and would run 10 miles a day. She refused to stop her workout because of her dedication and reduced her workout to 5 miles a day and still got pregnant. So I think it depends on what our bodies are use to. For you, stopping to take it easy might be a shock to your system. I think you will be just fine and will stay nice and healthy through your pregnancy. I only wish I could be like you. Unfortunately I have done too much resting throughout this whole process scared of what would happen if I did too much that I gained weight and can't exactly start anything new now. I would like to get into yoga, I hear that is good for mom and baby.

[lou71]

Lou - You know, everyone is different and if you are used to working out hard and are cutting it in half, I think you should be just fine. I remember my RE telling me a story about a girl he had where she was very intense and would run 10 miles a day. She refused to stop her workout because of her dedication and reduced her workout to 5 miles a day and still got pregnant. So I think it depends on what our bodies are use to. For you, stopping to take it easy might be a shock to your system. I think you will be just fine and will stay nice and healthy through your pregnancy. I only wish I could be like you. Unfortunately I have done too much resting throughout this whole process scared of what would happen if I did too much that I gained weight and can't exactly start anything new now. I would like to get into yoga, I hear that is good for mom and baby.

Thanks Stephanie! That sounds like very good advice and pretty much what I've been reading. I would be comfortable with doing that (cutting down my intensity to 50-60% and taking at least two days off per week). I've heard yoga is good too. I want to get a specific DVD for pregnant women because the ones I have are too intense I think. Let me know if you come across a recommendation!

[meganlynn]

Hey Ladies! I am new to the winter cycle board and since I got my BFP, I thought this would be a good place to go. My DH and I finally got some good news after our 1st IVF cycle in February but I am still nervous about the BFP. I am currently about 6 and half weeks along with my u/s scheduled for this friday the 19th where we should be able to see whats going on and hear the heart beat. I really don't feel any different.... a little bloated at times but I guess that could be the progesterone I am still on? Shouldn't I be feeling something..?? I am staying postive and taking care of myself and really looking forward to Friday.
Congrats to all the mommies and I love hearing the postive stories. I am appreciate all the advise.
Happy baby thoughts!

[Stephanieford78]

Welcome Meganlynn! It's ok to not be feeling any different. I was like that with my last pregnancy. This one I feel a little blah, tired and sore boobs. Seems we are about the same as far as how far along we are. My us is on Thursday. I think we are all scared regardless of our reassurances like positive and doubling betas and us's. I know I will be better once I hit the 2nd trimester, but probably will continue to worry until birth. Congrats on your BFP!!! WHOOO HOOO MOMMIES!!!!

[karenthescorpio]

Hi ladies I hope all is well. Boy am I annoyed with technical aspect of this board. I wrote a post yesterday with personals and all and I don't see it here! UGH. I'm not feeling too great the last couple of days. Mostly nausea, headache, super tired and I feel flushed. So it seems my little beans are making their presence known! hehehehe Yesterday I had a red blood spotting episode in the early morning so I went to my RE office to be checked. All is ok and they are growing like weeds with strong heart beats. No indication of why I was spotting red, but the RE that I saw (my RE office does doctor rotation) said she has done thousands and thousands of scans of women who are worried about spotting. And only ONE patient she scanned had a miscarriage while just spotting. She said if you are m/c'ing you will bleed like a period and you will be uncomfortable. Now, that isn't to say that maybe there are exceptions to that, but she said spotting is very very very very normal and nothing to worry about. Bleeding and pain, you need to worry. I appreciated her putting it that way. I'm not worried anymore.

Megalynn- Welcome fellow mommie-to-be! Congrats! You must be so excited. Good luck on Friday. I'm sure all will be ok. I didn't feel many symptoms until recently (like the last couple of days) other than sore boobs and bloating. Some women don't ever feel much more than that! Maybe you'll be one of those lucky ones! ha!

I'll catch up with everyone else later. Too tired to focus on updates. UGH. Big hug to all! Happy St Patty's Day!

[ktelise]

Stephanie - Good luck on your u/s tomorrow; keep us posted!

Karen - I agree that spotting can be very stressful. I had spotting and went in to my doctor as well and he also did a cervical exam and he was able to see where the bleeding was coming from. He said it is due to an increase in bloodflow and the veins are very sensitive. This was reasurring and we did see the heartbeat as well. I had spotting the next morning which I know was from the exam and nothing sense...thank goodness! Spotting is one more thing to worry about....will this be over soon? (not for 7 1/2 months but well worth it in the end!!!)

All in all, I am doing well and I have terrible headaches and some dizzy spells with nausea most evenings but not all evenings. It is not as bad when I take a nap during the day but my son is on spring break this week so my afternoon naps are nonexistent this week!

Wishing everyone luck.

[katie99]

Hi everyone -

Sorry I was MIA yesterday, after getting up at 5 to go drive 4 hrs R/T for b/w - fun yes? I couldnt get caught up with the rest of my day. Jeez, i wonder how long this feeling exhausted is going to last? between that and being held hostage by nausea its rough getting everything done! So they called with my results today - you always know its bad news when they call earlier than they said they would, dont you? My progesterone didnt rise at all - it went dowm by 1 point now its at 25. I'm trying to not freak out, the nurse said that its a safe range, but that your body should take over progesterone production between 6 to 9 weeks, I thought it was later than that I'm at 8.5 weeks right now, whats my body waiting for? So I'm to stay on the same 1ml dose with a vag insert also. I think if Re was really unhappy with my levels wouldnt he have raised my dose? So I guess i'm in the middle, not great, but not a scary level either - ugh. I keep wondering what if my body totally refuses? like its done throught this entire process? Ok, so more waiting for now and I'll go for more b/w on the 30th. Boy I hope it rises by then!

Do you all think we need a list of where we're at? I'm having a hard time remembering who's got what & when - let me know what you think

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

Lou Hooray for a great 2nd beta! We saw the HB at 6w3d - you're gonna carry that sono pic everywhere you go - if your DH doesnt swipe it first! Hmm, better ask for 2 of them! Your new lighter workout plan sounds great, its better to be safe than sorry - but I have to say that I'm giggling a bit at how you're feeling good right now - I felt great from 4-6 wks too - then i hit 7wks and couldnt believe how I went from feeling fine to "Holy crap! I feel awful!" and it was like overnight. Yes, maternity jeans already. I know WTF?, right? Its because my abdomen feels tender and I cant stand anything toching me thats tight. they should get here tomorrow, so I'm hoping that the stretchy band at the waist will be more comfy, we'll see tomorrow.

Gi Happy St Patrick's day to you! our wild Irish rose! How are you feeling? I have to say that you're doing a fantastic job of not becoming deranged this time! I'm so hapy that you're feeling more relaxed - now will that u/s just hurry up already?

Hazel Where are you my friend? I do hope that its not you're all day all night sickness returning! Hopefully you're out enjoying the Spring!

Hope Awww, your DH is so sweet! that was a beautiful gesture! And i'm sure you enjoyed the extra hrs of quiet too! I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I had a brain cramp about your Mom's struggle. I'm sorry I forgot, or I would have asked about her sooner. I hear that she's quite the fighter! I'll keep her battle in my prayers. I'll bet that a surprise visit from her Grandson helped a lot!

KTelise How are you feeling? I asked my nurse yesterday because I've been wondering also, and she said that when they stop estrogen is when they stop baby aspirin too. Try to get those naps in! hey, what ever helps with headaches, right? Feel better!

Meganlynn Welcome! Nice to see you again! How are you feeling? Good luck at your u/s on Friday!

Steph finally! your u/s is tomorrow! that was a long weeks wait wasnt it? I'm so excited to hear the official answer as to how many! i'll bet your DH is on pins & needles too! Good luck!

Ronda How are you feeling, girl? I'll bet you can hardly wait til the 29th too! Are you hoping for 1 or 2?

Karen I'm sorry, honey - I know how scary spotting is! But its common with multiples so I wouldnt worry about it too much. Yes, I know! Much easier said than done! When I was spotting they told me to increase my water intake ( they're happy with 3 liters a day! So now all I do is pee) and to go lie down and take it easy. Which i'll bet you have to do often anyway with 2 beans in there! Oh, yeah before I forget - at 9 weeks they are no longer embryos - and now are finally fetuses! yay!

Ashley & Jacqueline Where are you guys? I hope you're both feeling good and not being held hostage by m/s!

[JG_379]

Hi Ladies-
I'm sorry for crashing, I wanted to pop in and day Happy St. Patty's Day to gi! I hope your pregnancy is going well! I'm soooo happy for you. And all of you guys!

Katie- I noticed in your last message you mentioned something about being on a vaginal insert for progesterone. You may want to confirm with ghost over on the IVF board, but I remember he/she has mentioned in the past that if you're on vaginal inserts, progesterone won't show up in your blood levels, even though you are getting enough. It goes directly to the source (the uterus) instead, so it is doing it's job. Hang in there! I have followed your story and I wish you the best of luck!

Jen

[Stephanieford78]

Katie - Yes can't wait, just 24 hours to go! I know what you mean about the fit of clothes. I haven't gained any weight but my body has changed already. My boobs are the size of watermellons and I can't stand tight jeans either! Even my looser jeans cut in when I sit down. Sooo, I went and bought some maternity clothes. I was careful to only get babydolls that I can wear now and get away with but grow into just fine.. picking two novelty type shirts as well just cause they are so cute. One says baby baby baby baby and the other says expecting. I couldn't bring myself to buy the maternity pants yet so I decided to go with a bigger pant size. Shopping is rough enough as it is being a hobbit like I am, even buying jeans that specifically says "short" on it still doesn't meet my hobbit measurements. I was in a hurry and bought the "short" larger jeans without trying them on. I get home and put them on and I am swimming! Just one size bigger and they come up to my boobs??? Well, I have plenty of room to grow before I will need maternity pants at least. I will have to cut the legs a bit, rolling them just doesn't look right... too much fablic. I would have gotten capris.. they would likely fit me as well as pants, but I wasn't going to take a chance at highwaters either. I did also buy a few shorts with elastic bands. Makes me feel old, but I live in Texas and it gets hot in this state! I rather look like I am wearing grammas shorts than be completely miserable in the hot weather. The tops I bought will look cute with whatever anyway. Wearing the baby doll maternity tops has DH drooling since they accent previously mentioned watermellons. Oh well... going through pregnancy might be uncomfortable and miserable at times but it is such a joy nonetheless.