Fall 2010 Cycle Group

[klinger13]

Tess - Great 2nd beta and glad to hear the job interview went well!! Fingers crossed that you get the "yay" call. Got your next beta & u/s date on the list now so thanks for sharing!

Lou - I can't imagine going through all the cycles you have. This FET is going to be the one for you though, so you won't have to worry about anymore cycles after this one. Not much longer and you'll be PUPO, YAY!

Krys - Any update? I know your beta is tomorrow so not sure if you tried POAS again.

Lauren319 - You seriously crack me up!! I love, love, love your posts.

LisaB - I had you as starting Lupron today, so if today's still the day, GOOD LUCK!!!

Freckles - let us know how your SnS goes today!


-hopefullintime (Dee) – Sept/Oct
-yingz - FET Sept
-lauren1171 – Oct/Nov D&C then fresh
-Cheri76
-carebear77 (Carrie)
-Sher – FET Sept/Oct
-moorebaby (Ester) – Nov – f/u appt with RE 10.11
-kbillsy – Sept/Oct
-macfamily
-anacris (Nov)
-babidreamz – starting IVM early Oct
-amanda1979 – Waiting until January
-karenthescorpio – Oct/Nov
-taxcplforivf (Ginger) – started Lupron 9.21, needs D&C then can start back up
-Anniegirl – starts Lupron 10.7
-Lauren – baseline 10.11, start estrogen, then AF, then stims – ER approx wk of 10.29


-Wondercat – Sept/Oct
-annashope – FET – starts Lupron 10.9
-riogirl71 – baseline end of October
-rypell1985 (Ryann) – Fresh cancelled, moving to FET, start Lupron 10.11
-margi26 – IUI with injectables


-klinger13 (Amanda) – start BCPs 9.21, start stims 10.8, ER approx wk of 10.18
-karin1 – back on BCP while waiting for test results


-lou71 - start Lupron on 9.7, baseline 9.17, FET w/ 2 frosties 10.7, Beta 10.16
-Osi – started injections 9.19
-nbfun (Nancy) – start BCPs 9.14, start Lupron 9.28, start stims 10.9, ER approx wk of 10.18
-crystal335 – start lupron 9.30, start stims 10.9, ER approx wk of 10.18
-LisaB75 – started BCPs, start Lupron 10.6


-DandMe (Sonya) – start stims 10.1, ER approx 10.11 or 10.12
-coop2010 – start Lupron 9.17, Follistim 10.1, ER approx 10.9, ET approx 10.14
-FrecklesDC (Kaylie) – stims, ER 10.12, ET approx 10.15-10.17




-Krys – FET 9.23 (2 3-day embies), Beta 10.7
-lauren319 – start Lupron 9.7, start stims 9.14, ER 9.27 w/ ET 10.2, Beta 10.12
-BLang4d (Brandy) – start Lupron 9.15, start Follistim 9.16, ER 9.29 w/ ET 10.4, Beta 10.13


-hopeforbabies (Teresa) – stims 8.28, ER 9.7, ET 9.10, Beta 9.22 = 276, 9.24 = 534, u/s 10.1 – TWINS!!! Next u/s 10.11
-Tess69 – FET 9.22 (2 5-day embies), Beta 10.1 = 150, Beta 10.6=1066, Beta 10.13 = TBD, u/s 10.26

on your journey
-DCRunningMama
-Tiger04
-dvcantu7378 (Victoria)
-TammyS
-turtle0619 (Franny)
-chilipepperrose46

Waiting for an update
-dawgs1257 – ER 9.3 w/ ET 9.6, Beta 9.20 - ??
-jla018 – stimming away - ??
-shahney (Alicia) – started stims 9.16 - ??

[Krys]

Hello again,

thanks everyone for checking in on me..
Yes my lovely beta is tomorrow I have not
poas since the last one which I saw the faintest
of faint line.
I'm trying to stay sane which means I have been
keeping busy with a thousand things that have nothing
to do with all this.
I don't feel like this cycle worked I'm trying not to be
negative but I don't feel anything at all...
Well I will keep you all posted, thanks for all the good vibes!!
Enjoy your day everyone!

[macfamily]

Hey everyone-
I can't believe that just by missing a few days on here how out of the loop I am! I had retrieval yesterday- not fun. I ended up in the ER for 8 hours- I felt like I had been drop kicked and was having trouble breathing. My clinic just said, you will have some cramping, take some tylenol. After being at home for 2 hours and being in terrible pain, we called the dr office and they said to go to the ER. After some pain meds I am feeling much better- there was a lot of fluid and some blood that was messing with me internally. Anyway, I got my report a little while ago- out of 12 eggs 9 were mature, and 8 fertilized. I am hoping that this is good news.... I am having a quick checkup with my dr today at noon since I was in the hospital yesterday. What are your thoughts? I hope you are all well!

[amanda1979]

Ladies I was catching up on the lupus sites and I came across this story a lady had wrote. Even though it is about Lupus you can use it with any illness or disease. I think it can be used when describing the pain of going through infertility to someone who has never experienced it. I hope you all enjoy reading it as I did.

The Spoon Theory:
My best friend and I were in the diner, talking. As usual, it was very late and we were eating French fries with gravy. Like normal girls our age, we spent a lot of time in the diner while in college, and most of the time we spent talking about boys, music or trivial things, that seemed very important at the time. We never got serious about anything in particular and spent most of our time laughing.

As I went to take some of my medicine with a snack as I usually did, she watched me with an awkward kind of stare, instead of continuing the conversation. She then asked me out of the blue what it felt like to have Lupus and be sick. I was shocked not only because she asked the random question, but also because I assumed she knew all there was to know about Lupus. She came to doctors with me, she saw me walk with a cane, and throw up in the bathroom. She had seen me cry in pain, what else was there to know?

I started to ramble on about pills, and aches and pains, but she kept pursuing, and didn't seem satisfied with my answers. I was a little surprised as being my roommate in college and friend for years; I thought she already knew the medical definition of Lupus. Then she looked at me with a face every sick person knows well, the face of pure curiosity about something no one healthy can truly understand. She asked what it felt like, not physically, but what it felt like to be me, to be sick.

As I tried to gain my composure, I glanced around the table for help or guidance, or at least stall for time to think. I was trying to find the right words. How do I answer a question I never was able to answer for myself? How do I explain every detail of every day being effected, and give the emotions a sick person goes through with clarity. I could have given up, cracked a joke like I usually do, and changed the subject, but I remember thinking if I don’t try to explain this, how could I ever expect her to understand. If I can’t explain this to my best friend, how could I explain my world to anyone else? I had to at least try.

At that moment, the spoon theory was born. I quickly grabbed every spoon on the table; hell I grabbed spoons off of the other tables. I looked at her in the eyes and said “Here you go, you have Lupus”. She looked at me slightly confused, as anyone would when they are being handed a bouquet of spoons. The cold metal spoons clanked in my hands, as I grouped them together and shoved them into her hands.

I explained that the difference in being sick and being healthy is having to make choices or to consciously think about things when the rest of the world doesn’t have to. The healthy have the luxury of a life without choices, a gift most people take for granted.

Most people start the day with unlimited amount of possibilities, and energy to do whatever they desire, especially young people. For the most part, they do not need to worry about the effects of their actions. So for my explanation, I used spoons to convey this point. I wanted something for her to actually hold, for me to then take away, since most people who get sick feel a “loss” of a life they once knew. If I was in control of taking away the spoons, then she would know what it feels like to have someone or something else, in this case Lupus, being in control.

She grabbed the spoons with excitement. She didn’t understand what I was doing, but she is always up for a good time, so I guess she thought I was cracking a joke of some kind like I usually do when talking about touchy topics. Little did she know how serious I would become?

I asked her to count her spoons. She asked why, and I explained that when you are healthy you expect to have a never- ending supply of "spoons". But when you have to now plan your day, you need to know exactly how many “spoons” you are starting with. It doesn’t guarantee that you might not lose some along the way, but at least it helps to know where you are starting. She counted out 12 spoons. She laughed and said she wanted more. I said no, and I knew right away that this little game would work, when she looked disappointed, and we hadn't even started yet. I’ve wanted more "spoons" for years and haven’t found a way yet to get more, why should she? I also told her to always be conscious of how many she had, and not to drop them because she can never forget she has Lupus.

I asked her to list off the tasks of her day, including the most simple. As, she rattled off daily chores, or just fun things to do; I explained how each one would cost her a spoon. When she jumped right into getting ready for work as her first task of the morning, I cut her off and took away a spoon. I practically jumped down her throat. I said " No! You don’t just get up. You have to crack open your eyes, and then realize you are late. You didn’t sleep well the night before. You have to crawl out of bed, and then you have to make your self something to eat before you can do anything else, because if you don’t, you can't take your medicine, and if you don’t take your medicine you might as well give up all your spoons for today and tomorrow too." I quickly took away a spoon and she realized she hasn’t even gotten dressed yet. Showering cost her spoon, just for washing her hair and shaving her legs. Reaching high and low that early in the morning could actually cost more than one spoon, but I figured I would give her a break; I didn’t want to scare her right away. Getting dressed was worth another spoon. I stopped her and broke down every task to show her how every little detail needs to be thought about. You cannot simply just throw clothes on when you are sick. I explained that I have to see what clothes I can physically put on, if my hands hurt that day buttons are out of the question. If I have bruises that day, I need to wear long sleeves, and if I have a fever I need a sweater to stay warm and so on. If my hair is falling out I need to spend more time to look presentable, and then you need to factor in another 5 minutes for feeling badly that it took you 2 hours to do all this.

I think she was starting to understand when she theoretically didn’t even get to work, and she was left with 6 spoons. I then explained to her that she needed to choose the rest of her day wisely, since when your “spoons” are gone, they are gone. Sometimes you can borrow against tomorrow’s "spoons", but just think how hard tomorrow will be with less "spoons". I also needed to explain that a person who is sick always lives with the looming thought that tomorrow may be the day that a cold comes, or an infection, or any number of things that could be very dangerous. So you do not want to run low on "spoons", because you never know when you truly will need them. I didn’t want to depress her, but I needed to be realistic, and unfortunately being prepared for the worst is part of a real day for me.We went through the rest of the day, and she slowly learned that skipping lunch would cost her a spoon, as well as standing on a train, or even typing at her computer too long. She was forced to make choices and think about things differently. Hypothetically, she had to choose not to run errands, so that she could eat dinner that night.

When we got to the end of her pretend day, she said she was hungry. I summarized that she had to eat dinner but she only had one spoon left. If she cooked, she wouldn’t have enough energy to clean the pots. If she went out for dinner, she might be too tired to drive home safely. Then I also explained, that I didn’t even bother to add into this game, that she was so nauseous, that cooking was probably out of the question anyway. So she decided to make soup, it was easy. I then said it is only 7pm, you have the rest of the night but maybe end up with one spoon, so you can do something fun, or clean your apartment, or do chores, but you can’t do it all.I rarely see her emotional, so when I saw her upset I knew maybe I was getting through to her. I didn’t want my friend to be upset, but at the same time I was happy to think finally maybe someone understood me a little bit. She had tears in her eyes and asked quietly “Christine, How do you do it? Do you really do this everyday?” I explained that some days were worse then others; some days I have more spoons then most. But I can never make it go away and I can’t forget about it, I always have to think about it. I handed her a spoon I had been holding in reserve. I said simply, “I have learned to live life with an extra spoon in my pocket, in reserve. You need to always be prepared”

It’s hard, the hardest thing I ever had to learn is to slow down, and not do everything. I fight this to this day. I hate feeling left out, having to choose to stay home, or to not get things done that I want to. I wanted her to feel that frustration. I wanted her to understand, that everything everyone else does comes so easy, but for me it is one hundred little jobs in one. I need to think about the weather, my temperature that day, and the whole day's plans before I can attack any one given thing. When other people can simply do things, I have to attack it and make a plan like I am strategizing a war. It is in that lifestyle, the difference between being sick and healthy. It is the beautiful ability to not think and just do. I miss that freedom. I miss never having to count "spoons".

After we were emotional and talked about this for a little while longer, I sensed she was sad. Maybe she finally understood. Maybe she realized that she never could truly and honestly say she understands. But at least now she might not complain so much when I can't go out for dinner some nights, or when I never seem to make it to her house and she always has to drive to mine. I gave her a hug when we walked out of the diner. I had the one spoon in my hand and I said “Don’t worry. I see this as a blessing. I have been forced to think about everything I do. Do you know how many spoons people waste everyday? I don’t have room for wasted time, or wasted “spoons” and I chose to spend this time with you.”

Ever since this night, I have used the spoon theory to explain my life to many people. In fact, my family and friends refer to spoons all the time. It has been a code word for what I can and cannot do. Once people understand the spoon theory they seem to understand me better, but I also think they live their life a little differently too. I think it isn’t just good for understanding Lupus, but anyone dealing with any disability or illness. Hopefully, they don’t take so much for granted or their life in general. I give a piece of myself, in every sense of the word when I do anything. It has become an inside joke. I have become famous for saying to people jokingly that they should feel special when I spend time with them, because they have one of my "spoons"

[Anniegirl]

Hello ladies!

So tomorrow I start my Lupron injections. I am finally starting to feel excited! I am actually really positive and hopeful that this is going to work out! Looks like my drugs include lupron, menopur, and gonal-f. I am NOT looking forward to the progesterone injections. I hadn't gotten that far in my last cycle before we had to stop. I am concerned about doing IM injections and to make matters worse, my husband is a fainter! I definitely don't think he will be able to help me out. Any suggestions?

I have a friend that I work with who is going to be about 2 weeks behind me in the whole IVF process. It is really nice to have someone to talk to. By the way, you ladies are amazing. I am loving reading everyone's stories and seeing how supportive everyone is. I think being on this message board is really going to help me. I have to say, I am not familiar with all of the abbreviations, so I have been looking online. It is like learning a whole new lingo!

[crystal335]

Well, I went for my suppression ultrasound and bloodwork today and now I have a cyst on my right ovary. The Dr seems to think that the lupron may have caused me to ovulate?? I thought that lupron was to suppress the ovaries!! I will not know the results of my bloodwork until this afternoon, but I am worried that my cycled will be delayed or cancelled. Needless to say, I am very discouraged right now because I want this to progress so badly. I am praying that my hormones are right where they need to be and that everything can progress as scheduled. Thanks for listening to the whining.
Crystal

[Lauren]

Hi ladies!!

CONGRATS TO THE BFP'S!! So happy for you ladies.

So AFM I an super nervous about this cycle!! Last time I only got 2 eggs! I dont know what I can do to increase my eggs??? I dont have many more cances and I would love to get enough to freeze if possible!! Any suggestions??

ALso does anyone know if theres a big difference in the progesterone shots vs. the suppositories? I just want to make sure I am doing ALL I can to increase my chances! I wasnt sure about those. and I felt like there was something I did wrong while taking my shots since it was my first time that I didnt produce properly? IDK girls im going to crazytown before I start..LOL This time I will not be using BCP so we will see!

Everyone take care..off to bed as I work tonight

[hopeforbabies]

Hi ladies sorry I was MIA yesterday but we were having a crisis! Monday night I started having bright red bleeding and cramping. I called my RE and he assured me this sometimes happens with IVF cycles especially if the outcome is twins and said if it got worse I should go to the ER. So about an hour and a half later I had sharp pains and started passing clots of blood. We went to the ER and were there for 5 1/2 hours! They did a blood test to check my HCG, a catether urine sample, and an abdominal and transvag u/s. The blood work showed my HCG to be 14,000and something which was where it should be. Urine sample showed I was free of any UTI and the ultrasounds showed that I have a subchorionic hemorriage. They said it basically means I have bleeding around the implantation site of one or both of the embies. However the u/s also showed a fetal pole and hb in one twin and nothing in the other. They said not to worry about the twin with no heartbeat as it is smaller and maybe to early to see yet.

Anyway, they sent me home and said if things got worse to come back. That there isn't anything they can really do, if I'm going to miscarry then I'm going to miscarry. So far the bleeding has slowed down and isnt making it to the pad anymore just when I wipe (sorry for any TMI). My RE said to try and take it easy and that he would just wait for Monday to see me at my regular scheduled u/s. Said that he didn't want to aggitate anything by poking around in there after they had just done it the night before. So I am once again in limbo...I have never been so terrified in all my life! My DH is trying to stay strong for me but the look of panic on his face when he came in the bathroom and saw I was bleeding was so awful. I might be MIA for a little while until I get more info but know that I am still reading on you and thinking of everyone. Please if you pray say one for us!

[klinger13]

Oh Teresa - you poor thing!!! How terrifying!! Definitely follow doctor's orders and take it easy these next few days. I've known a few people now that had a SCH. Luckily for all of them it happened really early on and then they weren't affected by it after that initial scare and a little bedrest. Will keep sending prayers your way and hopefully, you'll have no more scares like that. And YAY for seeing the hb in one of the twins!!! What a beautiful thing that is!

Crystal - hope the blood work this afternoon comes out good! Let us know when you hear back from the Dr.

macfamily - Congrats on having 8 fertilize, that's excellent! Sorry you were in so much pain! Was it OHSS that caused all the pain and fluid? And if so, are they going to proceed with the transfer or freeze them and do an FET later on?

[crystal335]

Today's labwork showed that I did indeed ovulate. I'm supposed to call the clinic when AF begins and then stimulation will begin the following Saturday (10/16?). I'm quite disappointed and hoping that AF gets here soon so that we can get this process started. Hopefully I will only be a week behind schedule.

[karin1]

Teresa.....I know that you must be scared to death, but this has happened to other women that have gone on to have healthy pregnancies. Try to remain calm and rest. You're gonna get through this. Sending you and your little ones lots of prayers!


Krys......you're almost there! One more sleep!

[klinger13]

Lou - Just wanted to say GOOD LUCK with your FET tomorrow!!!! We'll all be thinking of you and sending positive thoughts!!

Crystal - Sorry you ovulated through the Lupron, ugh how disappointing!! I'm glad your doc has a new plan in place so you won't be starting too far behind your original schedule.

Krys - Wishing you a great beta tomorrow!! Definitely let us know once you hear!

[katie99]

Sorry to thread crash again

Lou - aw, honey i've got everything crossed for you tomorrow! You'll be PUPO! And its going to work this time!!! Or I'm coming there to beat up your RE!
Try to relax and not worry about how many attempts it takes to bet your BFP - I promise when you get it, it will make all the hardship of trying take a backseat to happiness. Remember it took Gi & myself 7 tries. The odds are in your favor! Rest up and let those little guys snuggle right in - you're in my thoughts, I've been reading and cheering you on I've just been lurking silently - ugh I hate the way that sounds! Good luck - xoxoxo

Franny - Hope you and Barry are recovering well, and when you're ready I'll be here to cheer you on and so will Claudia & Gi - take good care of you both
I'm so happy that his surgery went well . My thoughts and prayers are always with you guys - xoxoxo

Lauren319 - Your acceptance speech had me pee my pants yesterday - you are a riot!
PS- I like Winston as a name too!

Es - Roscoe is too cute for words! How are you doing honey?

Lauren 1171 & Sonya - I've got everything crossed for you both and think this it it - BFPs all around this time - xoxo

Amanda - Your story brought me to tears, you are so strong and beautiful - xoxo

Teresa - Sub chorionic hemmorhage are of course frightening, but I'm with a few girls that have had them for weeks and their babies are doing just fine, try to rest as much as you can , drink loads of water, and just hang in there until your next u/s - xoxo

Good luck to everyone!

[lou71]

Thank you guys for the luck tomorrow. This time tomorrow I'll be PUPO again. I've got to run to an acupuncture appointment now but I will let everyone know how it goes. Hopefully both blasts will thaw perfectly.

[moorebaby]

lou- good luck tomorrow!!! i'll be thinking of you