FEB / MARCH 2011 Cycle Buddies!! can't wait!

[nicnad1]

Hi all,

Just got back from Mexico, eager to tell my clinic that Day 1 of my period happened while were were away so we could get a date for FET in the next couple of weeks. They called back saying that one of their lab techs is off sick and they are not doing any FET's this month and to call back with day 1 next month... Feeling kinda blah about this.. Part of me just wants to get it over with so we can move on... Then on the other hand I think that things happen for a reason so.... Anyway, I am eager to hear all of your results and will check-in in March re when our transfer will be... Baby dust to all...

[JenMink55]

SD-- Major prayers and thoughts heading your way. I know it's what everybody says but it only takes one. I know your going to be fine.

Well AF finally came on Saturday BUT... it was 5 days too late to catch the March ER/ET bus at my RE. My new ER/ET is looking to be in April possiblly May. As I have mentioned we are doing PGD on the embryos so we find the 'golden egg'. My RE only does PGD now on 5 days blasts. So because of that they have to freeze the embies and wait for the results. The results take about 2 weeks to get back. During the wait on the embies I have to have AF again and then spend another 2-3 weeks building up the lining again for an FET. We are really irritated because at our consultation with this new RE they said they did PGD on day 3 blasts, but they changed their protocol within the last 3 weeks... my luck.

So it looks like I will be bouncing off this board and creating an April board. I am seriously beside myself about this because so many of you ladies I cycled with in November and you are getting ready to transfer in the next few weeks. I feel like I am leaving good friends behind! I am hoping you will stalk me on the April board and cheer me on!!!!

Much love to all of you. I will be lurking in this thread to check on progress.

Jennifer

[cwehrs]

Shay- Any news on how things are going? Do you know yet if you are going to be able to go ahead with this cycle or do an FET later? Hope everything works out.

SD- Keeping my fingers crossed for your 3 little embies. I know how nerve wracking it is when you don't know if you will have anything left to transfer. Keep up the PMA, I'm sure it will all work out for you!

Jenmink- Wow, that would drive me crazy!! So sorry you are having to wait so long. I'm sure that the clinic had their reasons for changing the policy though, so maybe you will be better off in the end, although I know that isn't much comfort now.

AFM- I had my baseline ultrasound today, and apparently I had a "shadowy" (she thought filled with blood) 10 mm follicle that the nurse thought was probably nothing, as did the RE, but they wanted to draw an E2 level just to make sure it wasn't too high. So I had a few hours today where I wasn't sure if we were going to be doing anything this cycle. Turns out it's fine and we're ready to go (thank goodness). We also pretty much changed up the whole plan for my drugs this month. Originally they were planning a "low responder" protocol, more like an IUI cycle, were I would do clomid for 5 days and then 100 UI of Gonal F. I spoke with one of the REs (there are three at my clinic that pretty much work together, but the one I spoke with today is the "Queen Bee") and asked why we were doing clomid vs. femara which I used for my previous IUIs. She agreed that clomid wasn't a good idea since I hadn't been monitored previously with that and they didn't know what it would do to my lining. In her words "this is no time to experiment with stuff like that when you've responded well with femara in the past". Looking back at my chart she also didn't agree that I am really a "low responder" (she apparently wasn't there when my new plan was developed) and said if anything the egg quality problem was because we had pushed too hard at the beginning of my cycle (I had 16-17 mm follicles on my day 9 US). So I'm still going to be doing both menopur and gonal, but we are doing half doses from what we were doing last time. So essentially we're being doing a "happy medium" between what we did for my IUIs and what we did for the first IVF. I have to say I'm much more comfortable with this plan. I only developed 2-4 follicles on any of my IUI cycles, so I didn't know how they thought they were going to get much of anything that way. So anyway, after that really long post I have my next US next wednesday to see where we are and make any adjustments if necessary. Wish me luck!

[Shaymama]

Well Ladies,
I am sad to report my first IVF cycle is a bust. I ended up with 80 follies and my meds were adjusted everyday. My estrogen went from over 1600 to 79 today. My RE called today and said we had to stop and start over because it was dangerous for me. He said I have many mature follies but because of my estrogen they would not continue to mature and most likely would not fertilize. I cried for 3 hours straight. In the mean time my RE came up with a new plan for me. He said because my estrogen is so low now that I can start BCP tonight and take them for 21 days and start over. He is adjusting my meds next cycle to try and avoid OHSS. He also said in all his years doing this he has never had this happen and that I am very brittle. The nurses were also amazed and said that no one has ever seen an estrogen level drop so fast and so low. I guess theirs a first time for everything...just sad it had to be me.

[cwehrs]

Shay- I'm so sorry things went that way. I can definitely see why your RE was concerned- 80 follies?????? Wow. I don't think I've ever heard of so many. At least you only have to wait 3 weeks before you get started again. Hopefully they can make some adjustments and get you a better result. In the meantime, do something nice for yourself and try to keep up a positive attitude (hard, I know). Someday it will work out for all of us!

[BlissfulCS]

Shaymama- I am so very sorry hon! It really hurts I know. I'm glad you're okay though and will be able to try again soon.

SD- hang in there! I have a feeling your 3 embies are in it to win it. Lifting you up just the same. You must be beside yourself... I'm on pins and needles for you! Deep breathing and meditation helps (as my shrink friend knows... Sounds like you have a very interesting and honorable job BTW)

JenMink- you better stay with us in spirit and on the board!

More personals coming over the weekend. I am on the road all week for work and can't stand posting from my iPhone but had to send some hugs to some friends in need.

BIG ((((((HUGS))))))) LADIES!!!

[to_have_fun08]

Shaymama - Sorry you were canceled. In hindisight it was probably better off. 80 follicles would not have been good. Hope your Dr. can adjust the meds to make your next cycle better. I know its a let down but your not at the end of the road.

SDtrying - Good Luck today!!

cwehrs - YEY on the new plan. Glad they switched you from clomid. i don't think many RE's like using clomid with cycles because it messes with the lining. Hope the new protocol is the one for you.

Jenmink - sorry you have to wait so long. Its frustrating. Enjoy your time off of the IVF rollercoaster.

tryingfor2nd - Congrats on the 12 fertilized embies.

[blairwh58]

The LIST

Tina-Marie: ER in March
JenMink55: ET/ER in April/May
Nicnad1: March





Blissful: AF 2/16
ER 3/1

Blairwh58- on prometrium so should have AF around 2/12
Lupron 3/5
ER/ET late March




Nancy1: Started injections Jan 31
Cwehrs: Next US 2/16
Mamaboo: Lupron 2/5
ET 3/11

To_have_fun: Lupron 2/3
ER 2/21


Crissylove: Start stims 2/1
ER-2/12
ET-2/15-2/17


SD Trying: ER 2/6, 5dET 2/11 Beta 2/22
Trying4second: 3dET 2/11
LYD10: ER 2/10





[/quote][/quote]
Shaymama- Too Many Follicles…holding off until things settle down


Let me know if I need to update anything. I know a few of you will be moving over to the 2ww very soon!!! Sorry I havent updated it sooner but its been a beyond busy week at work. Hope everyone is doing well- will do personals this weekend.

[crissylove]

Hi All!

Sorry I've been off the boards with my updates it's been a crazy roller coaster week. On Tues., my day 7 of stims, my RE called to say that I had to trigger b/c my E2 was already 3000! Luckily, I had 15 follies raring and ready to go. Wed I felt like crap all day-backache city. So yesterday I did my ER and they managed to pull out 14 eggs of which 8 were mature. Today the lab called to inform me that 7 fertilized. I'm on a holding pattern til Sunday. When I go in they'll lemme know whether I'll do the ET then or wait til Tues. 2/15.

SD-so over joyed your babies are hangin' in there!

Shaymama-I know that must have been a huge disappointment. The good news at the end is we know you're definitely responsive. I expect a much different outcome in a month. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. You're certainly AFM (a future mother). In no time this will all be behind you.

Sending out baby dust to the entire group. Keep the faith-as will I.

[Shaymama]

Thank you eveyone! I feel much better today. I always say that everything happens for a reason and for some reason god just did not want it to happen this go around. I started my BCP last night so looks I am looking at a mid-march ER/ET. On the bright side my back already hurts a lot less. I am sending all my fertile thoughts (80 eggs worth ) to everyone!

[Kyleen81]

Hi shaymama,

So sorry you were cancelled this month, have faith I know it will happen and you will get your BFP.

AFM, am waiting for ovulation for a natural fet next week I think?

What is everyones opinion on coffee, I am struggling to give up my momrning cup and evening cup?

[blairwh58]

Sd_trying: wooo hooooo. PUPO!!! I have a good feeling about this little embro. She's (he's) going to stick in tight so we can all celebrate the good news. Keep us posting on the POAS. Since I still have about a month and a half I will be living vicariously through you until then. You'll have to stick around here for those of us who will just be hanging out for awhile. Congrats again.

Crissylove: congrats to you on what sounded like a successful retrieval. A little unexpected but everything happens for a reason so its your time!! Keep us posted on the fertilization reports.

[happy123]

Hello

Can I join? I am looking for support and advice---I can offer back support right now!
Forgive me for not being acronym-savy just yet.

Here is a little about me:
Me: 42
DH: 44

TTC for 6 months but have not used protection for 4 years
April of 2010 PG and we are like

whoo, whoo

We do not tell anyone except my sister since we are of advanced age we wanted to wait until CVS test results/decisions
June of 2010 MC...wind up in the emergency room, overnight, dnc
Period does not return, put on progesterone
See RE, the head of fertility at one of the best Hospitals in the Country, in Sept and period returns. RE says to keep trying
November 2010, see RE again. He runs test. Tells me I am old and there is not much to do except to give me shots. But to wait until January to see if I get PG naturally.
January 2011, see RE again. Tell me same thing as in Nov. I say

yes, that is what you said 2 months ago, that is why we are back...i am going to have period soon and don't we have to start the shots on day 3?

RE says

I cannot start shots until your insurance (thru my assistant) is cleared and you have to come to shot school and I have so many patient that it will take 2 weeks to get your insurance cleared. Come back in Feb. Thanks for stopping in!

. I leave so
Can you believe that it gets worse...I wait 2 weeks to get insurance information only to get the wrong and incomplete information. And the assitant tells me I have to go thru the nurses. I hang up the phone so
January 2011 Get a second opinion. I know this is not novel, but I really thought we could get PG again
Feb 8, 2011 get Second Opinon from FCI, Dr. Kaplan. He tells me I have a low AMH but good FSH. I am like: a whos-it-whats-it and how does he know. Well, of course, first RE did all the bloodwork and the results are right there .6 AMH and 2 FSH. I turn into a stealth academic searching for what else did I not know and am kicking myself for trusting the doctor to do right by me...stupid, I know better than to not have a patient advocate, I mean, I have seen Oprah! Kaplan says I have options but not great as I have low eggs...so we talk egg donor ( I am not ready) and IVF, IUI...AND finally it dawns on me, I am like:

why would the first RE tell me to do and spend $$ on shots if I am 42 and I have a low reserve---would not I have only a 1% chance of getting PG

.
Feb 10, 2011 DH and I agree to seek IVF. Did you feel this way..sad, happy, lost. I also am anxious..I want to do PGD , but they think I will not have enough to test without runing the embroys....anyone, anyone, help here!
Feb 11, 2011 I am overwhellemed.

[katieb1231]

Happy123 - Let me first just say OMG!!! REALLY as if you don't have enough to deal with! I unfortunately have a pretty brutal story myself so I completely understand the emotions..first off just take a few cleansing breaths & try to clear your mind of all the mumbo jumbo of this experience. I think that there are so many options out there as you mentioned and you just need to process them and decide what is best for you. We ultimately adopted and now we are doing IVF - we got a BFP (big f'ing positive) in December only to MC later on and we have 6 on ice so we are doing an FET (Frozen Egg Transfer). I think that it is so overwhelming and the RE's just regurgitate the info back to us and sometimes they need to stop and have a little sensitivity and some compassion. I think the most important thing is to go with what makes you most content & happy. Sorry for your icky experience this board is great we all try to be as helpful as possible and give as much advice as we have so keep on posting!

[Shaymama]

Kyleen- Thank you for the support. I will be right behind you ladies and still have hope that March will be my month. My RE told me absolutely no coffee! Not even decaff! It was really hard for me to give it up as well. I am a nurse and I work 13 hour shifts so taking my coffee is like taking my lifeline. My RE also told me that I could not get my heart rate above 140.

SD-I am so excited for you! I know you will get your BFP and it will be a girl!