The Over 40 Crowd

[Catharine]

MamaD-it is so hard to know what to do. Let me tell you our story. Back in Fall 2006 we tried IUI without success. Winter 2007 we did our first IVF w/ICSI and failed. Summer 2007 second IVF/ICSI new protocol and got BFP with hyper stim unfortunately miscarried due to chronosomal abnormality [determined through genetic testing of the mc tissue]. Then in winter 08 third IVF same protocol as summer 07, got BFP delivered FT baby girl in Fall 08. My understanding is I followed the national stats. I personally am a bit hesitant to play the stats but the outcome follows the national trend is the point. I gave birth to my daughter at age 44 using my eggs and DH sperm. I'm not certain what your back history is. I confess I couldn't find it on this thread and perhaps you have not posted it. IMHO-you have to do what is best for you and your DH and what brings you the most peace. I will pray for you as you ponder your options and undertake the task of making this decision.

Wishing you all your dreams to come true.
Catharine

[mamad]

Catherine,

Thank you so much for your encouraging words. Im 43 now and will be 44 next Spring. I have tubal factor infertility-both are blocked so we have to do ivf. We recently tried ivf using our own eggs and sperm, all was going well no problems with meds good responder, and 4 eggs were retrieved. Unfortunately I have 8/9 follicles but they couldnt access one ovary as a have a large fibroid (10 cms).

I'm a teacher and cant take time off right now. Plus we need to save for another cycle. My issues are:

1. Time! The doctor says that we cant wait another 9 months until the next cycle as I'll be 44, he says time is of the essence. We decided that now is just not possible because of time/money constraits so we'll wait. Im just very fearful though as the doctor has stated that the older I am the more difficult it will be.

2. The large fibroid. Although its outside the uterine cavity the doctor said it will not infringe on any pregnancy, but all research shows that the fibroids feed on estrogen which makes them grow. So I'm hoping that I can have it removed. (My stomach is huge, and people ask constantly if I'm pregnant)

So, my DH have made this decision and we're comfortable with it but I feel so responsible with time/money/fibroid/ my own eggs vs donor eggs, there is so much to think of and I just need help/advice. This is scary.

Its really reassuring though to read your stories, so encouraging but as time is ticking I fear I'll run out of time and worry about scar tissue with another operation.

Just dont know what to do/think-any ideas?

Mamad.

[sunshine and stars]

Hi Mamad,
I wish that I could be of some help...but I don't feel comfortable giving advice 'cause I haven't been in your situation. I will say that my doctor urged my husband and me to move forward, a bit more quickly than we anticipated, because we were using my own eggs, and my age was a factor. We were thankful to try to move forward in this way, even though it meant dealing with the finances in creative ways, and using donor sperm. I think that we might have delayed if we were using donor eggs too...but more because of trying to figure out the legistics...

I wish you the very best in your decision making... trust your heart.

[Catharine]

Greetings Ladies

MamaD-thinking of you and praying you have found an answer.

Sundhine and stars how are you doing?

Hi Tammy Yasmina and all of our lurkers. Wishing you well.

AFM-had IUI yesterday with donor sperm. What an experience that was. Funny there were two other families there with young daughters around my DD age. All three girls played together while their mommies had their respective tmt. So cute. All three girls are 'clinic products' as one father gleefully stated. All three sets of parents are looking to give their girls a sibling to grow up with. As one famly was leaving after tmt the father gave all in the waiting room the parting words of 'good luck to everyone'. Unusual but everyone responded positively including those patients other than the girls parents.
As for details with our tmt, we had the potential of 3 mature follicles with 2 more close to maturity at the trigger shot. Cross fingers that 1 gets fertilized and implants. The sperm was of great quality and very high numbers. My DH made the comment that all in total through our tmt over the past 3 years he doesn't think he's produced the sum total of what this one vial contained. It was a sad statement but he said it with out sadness but almost releif that we have a shot this go around. He is truely a strong man for that. Now it is a waiting game, eating fresh pineapple to make the endometrium sticky. This may be a wives tail but I want to try to promote my best chances even if it includes eating certain foods. Will be doing lots of yoga during the 2ww period.

Sending out lots of PMA to everyone.

Catharine

[CarolineP]

Catherine

Good luck for your 2ww and I look forward to a BFP - keep us posted.

Caroline P

[mrscutter]

Good luck Catharine. Wanted to say hi to everyone. Tammy wishing you luck with baby girl. Keep us posted. As for me
I have given up on another baby. Isabella just turned one. She is wonderful. I haven't gotten pregnant after unprotected sex for a year so I guess my time has passed. I will be 43 in November
I guess I thought since I had one at 42 maybe it would happen again. I believe there is a reason for everything. Bella keeps me so busy I have gone back and fourth on the issue anyway. I still can seem to give up this board though. I pray for you guys that you will get those babies you desire and deserve. Take care and may God pour blessing upon you.
Rhonda

[CarolineP]

Hi Rhona

My DD is fast approaching her 5th birthday and has started full-time at primary school. I struggled for many years wanting a sibling for her, but I have come to accept that she will be an only child. We are a very happy family of 3 and she is the light of our lives, keeping us very active and young. I watch all the young Mum's juggling with 2, 3 and sometimes 4 children and I wonder if I would ever cope.

As I approach my 49th birthday, I found myself in a very happy place with a good mix of things to keep me busy and enjoy being a mother without any compromises.

CarolineP

[margi26]

Catherine

I would love to connect with you...I have had 3 failed IVFs and have to move on to IUI because of financial reasons. I am trying to be hopeful! We are waiting for AF (in about a week) and then will start stims. Since we don't have any male factor issues we are using DH's sperm.

How much were you stimming? I am a bit worried that my new RE is putting me on a fairly low dose of Gonal-F. I know that he is worried that I will over stim, but I am more worried about under stimming. The last two cycles I produced about 10 eggs, and ended up with 4 embies each. But one cycle gave me a BFN and the other a BFP that lead to miscarriage (probably due to chromosomal issues). The very first time I was one high doses of gonal-F and produced 24 eggs which lead to the hyperstim and kept me in and out of hospital for 6 weeks.

SO--I am curious what dose you were on...he only wants to start me with 150. But I only have one tube, so I am thinking that I should get twice that, since only one ovary will be "useful" since it is IUI and not IVF?

Regardless of dosing issues...I am sending you lots of baby dust and prayers!!!!

I have been posting on the IVF forum and will continue because I haven't seen any IUI threads that seem to be moving much--unless you know otherwise?

[Catharine]

Greetings Ladies

How is everyone? Wishing everyone well.

Welcome Margi26. My protocol may have been a wee bit different from yours. Unfortunately I don't have it in front of me, but I took Clomid for 5 days I believe starting on day 3 of cycle in addition I took 150U FSH for a total of 3 shots] but it was a bit later [wish I could remember the details maybe starting around day 8] I triggered on day 11 with ovidrel and insemination was on day 13. U/S imaging revealed that I had 3 mature eggs and a few right behind them, technically not mature. Cross fingers out of 15M sperm hopefully one found a connection Now in regards to your case, my understanding is even in the event that a patient has one functioning tube and both ovaries are working there is still good chance that a fert egg will find the tube that leads to a nice rich and nourishing bed to lay in Remember the stim meds affect the ovaries and twice as much meds may lead to more eggs maturing than intended and this can have some unintended consequences. If you are concerned, I encourage you to voice them with your RE. Part of this journey is building trust with your RE so that you have no worries during your tmt. We all know how stressfull this process is. I wish you all the best. It may take a few converstations to know if you trust them or not. Have them explain to your satisfaction what the meds are doing and why they have chosen a specific protocol for your case. If you are uncomfortable with the RE then maybe you can find one that you have a more at ease rapport with. Regardless, I wish you and your DH success, sending you lots of PMA. Here's to your dreams coming true.

Update 4 me: Well, this Thursday is a big day for us we are moving into a new home This move has been a nice distraction from the 2ww just half a week left and crossed fingers BFP

Take Care All,
Cheers!
Catharine

[sunshine and stars]

Hello, Ladies--
I have been out-of-commission for a while, just anxious and not sleeping well. Last fall I miscarried, so it's been difficult having confidence in this pregnancy, though I am really very hopeful. I hope that I can still post here... I don't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable.

Catharine-- I hope that you are not going too crazy with the 2 ww. Sending LOTS of baby dust your way for a BFP...

Margi-- Nice to meet you through these boards. I hope your conversation with your RE will determine (and reassure) you about the appropriate dosing to help you.

Caroline-- Thanks for sharing your experience... My DH and I have talked about a sibling, but we will feel blessed if we just have one baby...It's nice to know that someone out there has adjusted happily with circumstances.

Peace to all.

[Catharine]

A quick note that unfotunately we had a BFN

[margi26]

Oh Catharine....so sorry... Sending you (((hugs))).

What are next steps for you?

[mrscutter]

Catharine I'm soooo Sorry.
Rhonda

[CarolineP]

Catherine

So sorry to read your update, my heart breaks for you. Come back to us when you feel ready, we are always here for you.

Caroline P

[sunshine and stars]

Catherine-- I am so sorry. Thinking of you and holding you in prayer.

Hello to everyone-- I have a big scan on Friday to check if things are progressing normally... nervous. I am also writing this in the middle of the night 'cause I am not sleeping well (probably a combination of anxiety and whatever else).

Best wishes to all of you.