Cycling In 2012 Board (formerly Fall/Winter 2011-2012)

[akdelp]

We- nice quote. I just cried!!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing. Have a great day!

[Sunshine1576]

adkelp, I'm praying for you right now.

[akdelp]

Sunshine - Thanks...I appreciate it.

[WeHaveHope]

I am still waiting for my RE to call me today. I know he will I'm just feeling quite anxious. I don't really understand what occurred with the calendar but there is no use stressing over that, there is nothing I can do to change it. I just reviewed my notes an it turns out that I was wrong about grading of the two 5 day embryos we have left. They are actualy a 3BC and a 2BC. These at the lowest quality embryos I have left. But they are 5 day embryos which the lab says they have a higher success rate over 6 day embryos. When I got pregnant this last time it was with two 3BB embryos. I wasn't expecting this. I will need to speak to my RE. I am still inclined to leaving everything the way it is but I'm a little confused now given that I just realized the grade of embryos we will be transferring. I feel like crying right now and i know that all of the hormes dont help how i feel. I just pray that God guides me to make the right decision.

Adkelp-I am praying for you. Don't loose hope.

[fvrogers]

Sunshine1576 - Sending you tons of hugs hun. I think we can all relate to how you feel. I stay off of Facebook for that same reason. I pop in occasionally just to see how family is doing, but I no longer spend the time I used to on there looking at classmates pictures and such. It is just too depressing. I always feel so far behind the rest of them. I have one classmate who is already a grandmother!!! Not that I want to be in her shoes (her 14 year old daughter had a baby). But it does make me feel so frustrated. All of my coworkers in my age group are mothers and like you I sometimes feel like I just do not fit in. I try not to ask why .... but it is so hard not to. But know that you have us here, we can all relate and send big hugs through cyberspace!!

Kamina - Your instant HSG machine is scary! I can just see my RE plopping me up on the table for that one! You can start with the Chinese food and Gatorade as soon as you get home and are awake. I did it for about 3 days. Apparently the salt pulls the fluid out of the ABD cavity and back into the bloodstream. What is painful after the retrieval is the fluid remaining in your huge follicles on top of any swelling that develops. It is also recommended to help decrease your chances of OHSS. I was soo bloated after my last retrieval and did not start Chinese food and Gatorade until my 3rd or 4th day. By the next day I was feeling so much better!!

Bebesperanza - Welcome to our group where BFPs are all around!! I know the drugs are very intimidating, that is the scariest part of IVF. I have never done a natural cycle. But I have done 2 cycles and both were very different protocols. My first cycle I did Gonal F, Lupron and triggered with Novarel. That cycle I only produced 10 eggs and none made it to freeze- I used Progesterone In Oil and estrogen patches for luteal support after transfer. My second cycle I had a new doc and I did Follistim, Ganirelex and triggered with Ovidrel. That was an awesome cycle, I had 26 eggs and 4 made it to freeze - I used vaginal progesterone capsules post transfer this time around. Although it did not result in a pregnancy I just felt better on that protocol since I had such good results. In terms of side effects, I tolerated the meds well. I only had cramping with the second protocol - which made sense since I had more eggs that time around. I always have side effects from the progesterone which you will need to help support the uterine lining. I usually have nausea, constipation and indigestion . I hope that helps.

Anton - You have had such a productive day!! I have just been lounging around enjoying my time off and you are out there cleaning and doing all the things I NEED to do!! I admire that. I pray that you find a job soon and also pray that your DH is on board with a natural cycle in October. I cannot wait until you watch Hannah so you can tell me if you like it. On another note - I cannot stand it when people tell me to relax and just let it happen. My acupuncture practitioner used to tell me that and I could not stand it. That is the reason that I did not go back to her for my FET. The process was very relaxing, but I do not think she really believed in IVF or understood why I had to do it. She just wanted me to have happy thoughts and take my mind off of the IVF process!!! I also hate the "you are so young" comments. I often get that from older women who have 5 or 6 kids that they all had in their 20s. Ahhhh!!

Leora - I am so happy that you got the job. That is amazing that you get your full salary while you are on leave. At my job I only get paid what leave time I have accumulated. I also have short term disability insurance, but that only pays me like 60% of my income while I am out. I still have faith in your FET!! Too funny that history gets lost in your lasagna vs meatloaf thoughts!! My family is from Anguilla and the island is said to have some of the world's most beautiful beaches, but we do not even go to the beach when we visit - gets lost in other family drama.

Indigo - Sending you hugs and sticky positive vibes hun!! Looking for you positive beta tomorrow.

akdelp - Stay positive. I am praying for you. You just never know, every cycle is different. The waiting is the hardest and most emotional part of IVF. I just pray that we both have the strength to stay positive. Last cycle I knew in my gut I was pregnant and ended up with a BFN! Just goes to show how wrong our guts can be - they are as messed up as the rest of our body after all the hormones!!


Feiicia

[akdelp]

We - Thanks for the encouragement...My RE did tell me after my transfer (becuase I was hung up on it NOT being excellent grade and only "good") that he has transfered multi "fair" (which I think with our grading and your grading sytem that is what they would be called) and has had women get pregnant with multi babies. He also said something very profound to me - Each embyro is unique, just like us humans. We humans naturally want to gravitate to the most beautiful, perfect people when some of the most average or fair looking people are more outstanding. That is how we like to pick - the most beautiful, perfect embryo and MOST of the time the ones transfered are not really perfect at all and they make it to be healthy, happy babies. I have seen it over and over again. Stay positive and focus not on the quality, but the opprotunity that this will be a very special baby. When he said this it was like a light bulb went off. We all want the most perfect, however, in reality it is almost always never the perfect or "good" ones. I had an excellent, "textbook" one, last time and it was not ok....keep your head up. We all can get through this! Just look how far we've come.

[fvrogers]

I am still waiting for my RE to call me today. I know he will I'm just feeling quite anxious. I don't really understand what occurred with the calendar but there is no use stressing over that, there is nothing I can do to change it. I just reviewed my notes an it turns out that I was wrong about grading of the two 5 day embryos we have left. They are actualy a 3BC and a 2BC. These at the lowest quality embryos I have left. But they are 5 day embryos which the lab says they have a higher success rate over 6 day embryos. When I got pregnant this last time it was with two 3BB embryos. I wasn't expecting this. I will need to speak to my RE. I am still inclined to leaving everything the way it is but I'm a little confused now given that I just realized the grade of embryos we will be transferring. I feel like crying right now and i know that all of the hormes dont help how i feel. I just pray that God guides me to make the right decision.

We I just pray you find the answers you need to make the best decision. Sometimes there is no perfect answer, just the anwer that give you the most peace.


Felicia

[WeHaveHope]

Akdelp-thank you so much. You have no idea what your post means to me. I love what your RE said and I know that he is right. Thank you again. Your post has given me the peace I needed today. Thank you for always being there fo me.

Fvrogers-thank you for your post and for always being there for me. It means so much to me to have wonderful friends like you.

[blessed143]

Leora- Congrats on the Job!!! Some good news is a great way to lift up your spirit!!! Congrats!!

indigo- Dont ever be sorry... Let it all out... Remember you are safe to say what you want here... IT is a hard and stressful time and you cant keep things in.... Sometimes the best cure is a good cry. I hope that you get the beta results that you want. I know that waiting is hard, as we all do... Dont lose hope. Thinking of you!!!

anton- I know that most people just dont understand it. At church my DH was trying to send a prayer request of us trying to get pregnant.... Which is true... but there is so much more then just trying to have sex and get pregnant (sorry)... It is an emotional roller coaster, physically exhausting... I know that he means well but it is a process and unless people know and understand they just stare at you hehe.... Cant watch the silly baby shows... sometimes I just dont understand but i know God does not give us anything we cant handle and in the end there is something He wants us to learn....

akdelp - that is so true about what your RE said. We just want perfection but sometimes it is not perfection that we need... That is a good inspirational thought that we need to remember!!! I am thinking of you!! Keep your head and spirits up!

Wehavehope- I am thinking of you... I know that you want the answers from your RE... I am so sorry that there was confusion... I know that it causes worry and stress... Keep your hopes up and just know that it is in Gods hands!!! Dont get down or discouraged!! Thinking of you!!! I hope that the RE calls you back soon and you get your answers!

AFM- I am just going day by day right now. Just waiting on the Oct 1st so I can stop taking my bcp and wait for af.... I just want to get the process started...I guess I mean the transfer... but I am so happy to be doing the injections. I am feeling a little crampy. I have to take some sort of antibiotics for 5 days at night and it well does not go in my mouth so.... I hope that is what is causing the cramps.. sorry if tmi... My RE has me and DH on oral antibiotics and I have to take that other one. I feel so sleepy.... Guess I will hop off and try to be productive! I hope you all have a great day! Keep your heads and spirits up ladies!

[akdelp]

WE - sorry if I confused you. I was thinking you were worried about the quality fo the eggs...lots on my mind I guess.

Blessed - you got it! Focus is what I am totally trying to do!

[WeHaveHope]

Akdelp-no confusion and no need to apologize. What your RE applied to my situation perfectly. I am concerned about quality but of my embryos. The only set of 5 day embryos we have are of lower quality then one set of 6 day embryos we have. But the lab reports lower success rated with the day 6 embryo transfers. So I felt kind of stuck because with each set of embryos we gain on one ends and loose on the other end. I have been stuck in transferring the 6 day embryos because they are higher quality this they look prettier. But like your RE said, it's not all about the looks. This is all in Gods hands now. We will transfer our 5 day frosties, 3BC and 2BC and God will take it from there. Thank you again for sharing what your RE said. It real helped me to see things in a different light.

[Cheri76]

Wow, I'm gone for a couple of days and this board truly explodes with action! BFP's, transfers, and everything else - I need to read back tons to get caught up!! While I do that, I found some interesting articles/research on relaxation techniques and reproductive massage that I thought might benefit some of us. Its a lot of information and lots to read, but I love it! Its free and if nothing else, it gives you and your DH some time together to relax and feel good. Back on in a bit to send some personals.

REPRODUCTIVE MASSAGE

The function of any organ suffers when its blood supply is constricted. When your body is under reproductive stress, its blood supply is directed away from the ovaries and uterus, compromising their function. Most women with poor ovarian response have reduced ovarian blood flow. The good news is that their function also improves with increased attention. You will learn the powerful Fertile Soul Method to directly improve the function of your reproductive organs through directed self massage. We will teach you how to apply these powerful self manipulative techniques to redirect the blood supply of the lower body into the uterus and ovaries. You will also learn how to massage the uterus and ovaries, resolving their energetic blockages and improving their function and response.
Here are some specific massage techniques to release adhesions in the uterus and ovaries. These should be practiced only between menstruation and ovulation, not during menses or during the luteal phase after ovulation or during menstruation.

FALLOPIAN TUBE MASSAGE

The fallopian tubes are located just to the sides of the uterus and extend outward. The points that are most closely correlated with the fallopian tubes are located just above the pubic bone, approximately five inches down from the navel and about two inches out from the midline.

Massage the area between the uterus (midline above pubic bone) and ovaries (inside your hip bones) in circular, clockwise motions with your fingertips, going outward from the midline at the uterus area toward the ovary, then returning. Note any areas of tension and congestion, and apply deeper pressure, holding at the tighter regions. (This may be painful.) As circulation returns, you will be able to go deeper. Do not force yourself, however. Allow improvement over time. Continue the massage outward toward the ovary and back again. End with a pumping motion with the heel of the hand.

OVARIAN MASSAGE
The ovarian massage location is approximately three inches from the midline, approximately four inches down from the navel. Massage in a circular (clockwise) motion. If you note any areas of tension or congestion, knead deeply, apply increased pressure, and lift with the fingertips. Finish with a pumping motion with the heel of the hand to resolve congestion and improve circulation. If you have ovarian cysts, this massage will be very uncomfortable. Do not apply excessive force to the point of pain.

We also like to employ the use of light or laser therapy to help resolve adhesions through electromagnetic radiation. Laser acupressure is a beautiful blending of modern technology with ancient tradition. Low-energy photonic therapy applies light to stimulate acupoints without penetrating the skin. The resulting effect of (red spectrum) light absorption is photochemical, which aids in the production of ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate), the powerhouse of the cell. The light therapy realigns the electrical potential of collagen, which is responsible for adhesions and scar tissue. Ovarian cysts, fibroids, blocked fallopian tubes, and adhesions all have collagen constituents and can benefit from electromagnetic stimulation.
No matter which disease process has been at the root of the mechanical obstruction, the radical healing found in The Fertile Soul Method™ can help restore function to your reproductive organs by improving blood flow and micro circulation, restoring the delicate equilibrium that will return you to health and wholeness.

UTERINE MASSAGE
Your uterus is located just above the pubic bone, which is the bony part beneath the upper part of the pubic hair. You may locate it by making an upside down triangle with your two thumbs and index fingers. Place your thumbs at your navel and extend your fingers downward. Beneath this at the midline is the location of the uterus.
Place your fingers on either side of the uterus, and apply a deep kneading type of massage, pressing and lifting while massaging any tight spots. Finish with a pumping motion with the heel of the hand.
FEMORAL MASSAGE

This exercise increases the blood flow to the pelvic organs, providing more nourishment to the uterus and ovaries. (This massage may more effectively performed by a partner.)
1. Compress the large artery just beneath the crease in your groin between your thigh and lower abdomen by applying pressure with your fingertips. This is the femoral artery, which comes from the iliac artery. The iliac artery has branches that supply blood flow to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovary. (The ovary has an additional blood supply which branches off the same arterial section that supplies the kidneys.)
2. You should be able to feel with your fingertips when the pulsation in the artery ends. That means the flow of blood in the artery has ceased. Hold the pressure for 30 to 45 seconds. The blood is now backing up and increasing the pressure in the iliac arteries, forcing more blood into the pelvic arteries and flooding the pelvic organs with more blood.

3. Release the pressure and let the blood flow normally. When the hold is released, you should feel a sensation of warmth rushing down your leg as the blood supply returns to the lower extremity.
4. Repeat on the opposite side. Perform this femoral massage sequence three times in a row, twice a day, up to ovulation (or the day before embryo transfer, not beyond).
NOTE: Do not perform this exercise if you are or might be pregnant. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease or circulatory problems including aneurisms, varicose veins, phlebitis, thrombosis, or a history of strokes or detached retinas, do not practice these techniques. If you have diabetes or similar disorder affecting the circulation but can perform normal exercise and daily routines, practice on one side at a time.

LYMPHATIC MASSAGE

While the lymph glands are not technically a part of the reproductive system, they are responsible for cleaning the blood and removing toxins from the body. Therefore, they are an important component in keeping our reproductive organs healthy and clean.
Lymph nodes lie along the sides of the femoral and iliac arteries in the lower abdomen. Lie on your back and apply a pumping motion to the lower abdomen with your whole hand, massaging upward toward the heart. Try to make the lower belly undulate. Press and release quickly over and over again, making a wavelike pattern to change the pressure gradient within the lower abdomen and pump the lymphatics. While you’re your back with your feet straight out, have your partner pump the balls of your feet and toes up and down, again until your abdomen experiences the wave like motion.

Femoral Massage (Increases blood flow to the pelvic organs )

Compress the large femoral artery, whose pulse you can feel just beneath the crease between
your thigh and lower abdomen. When the flow has ceased and you feel the pulsation end at your
finger tips, hold for 30 seconds. Repeat on the opposite side. Perform the femoral massage three
times on each side, twice daily if possible. [NOTE: Do not perform this exercise if you have high
blood pressure, heart problems, any vasculature impairment, glaucoma, or have had a history of
strokes or transient ischemic attacks.]

Qi Gong Meditation with vizualization for age related issues
This exercise utilizes the basic life force - the breath, for relaxation, and enhances the body's focus
on the reproductive organs. We literally breathe life into and through the reproductive organs.

Lay on your back, with your eyes closed. Relax and breathe deeply. Notice any areas of tension
you feel in your body from your head to your neck, down your arms and hands, through your torso,
down your abdomen, buttocks, thighs, calves and feet. Tense the tight areas in your body even
more, one by one. Breathe in, inhaling deeply down into your lower abdomen. Push your stomach
out as you breathe in. Focus your attention on the tension in your body, then tighten the muscles in
the area even more, and relax them fully as your exhale. Exhale all the way, deflating your
abdomen when you breathe out. Breathe the tension in your body out through the breath.

Focus your attention on the tension, the breath, and the relaxation. Nothing more. When the tension
in that particular part of your body is gone, move on to the next part. When you feel relaxed
throughout your body, and your mind is clear, begin the visualization. Continue the deep breathing
exercise, breathing deep into your abdomen and relaxing with each exhalation.

Visualize light entering your body through the top of your head with each inhalation. This light is
clean and pure and represents the energy of life and youth. Breathe this light energy from the top of
your head and let it pass through the base of your brain, the hypothalamus, which governs our
basic reproductive functions. See this healing light enter the pituitary gland which is located behind
the center of your eyebrows. Still on inhalation bring the focus of the breath down the midline of
your body, between the breasts, down the abdomen, and eventually focusing your breath down to
the region two inches below your navel. This is called the Dan Tien, where our life source begins.
Let the breath energy pool here.

At the end of inhalation, bring the focus of light and breath from the area below your navel down to
the out to your ovaries, just inside your hip bones. Let the light flow from the ovaries down the
fallopian tubes and into the uterus, cleansing them of all impurities, and restoring their youthful
vigor. When your uterus has bathed in the purity, turn your attention down to the perineal muscles
and perform a pelvic floor/Kegel exercise, squeezing the perineal muscles to retain the light. When
you release, begin exhalation.

During exhalation, Return the light with the exhalation up the midline and back through the pituitary
gland behind the center of your eyebrows, and through the base of the brain, and back to the top of
the head. Repeat from inhalation until the movements become smooth and continuous

[WeHaveHope]

Ho ladies,
First, I want to thank everyone for being there for me in my time of need. It meant alot to today to read all of your posts.

My RE called me this afternoon. We spoke for a while and at the end I Hun up with a sense of peace with out decision to move forward with the FET this Friday. He was ver adamant that because of the slightly lower success rates with the 6 day frosties + good embryo grading and the slightly higher success rates eith day 5 frosties + fair embryo grading, essentially it's a wash. It all evens out and it realy did not matter which ones we transferred. He professional recommendation is to transfer the last se of day 5 frosties on Friday. He also dais that he was being a bit protective of me and realy wanted to do my transfer because we have developer a really good relationship.

So that's it ladies. Decision has been made and is final. We will have out FET on Friday and transfer two 5 day frosties with one frosty being a grade 3BC and one being a 2BC.

I read everyone's posts today and especially the quote that Akdelp posted from her RE. It really helped me to see things in a different light. I also read quite a few posts and comments on other boards who have had the dame grade embryos transferred during an FET and have had happy healthy babies.

I feel much better about my decision and happy that my FET will happen this Friday. I am also very happy that DH will be coming in with me this time. Thank you to all for your support.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5)

[Cheri76]

Sunshine and Stars - Congrats on your BFP! How exciting for you and DH! I understand your hesitation with wanting to celebrate fully, but I pray for a better outcome and you will be able to enjoy your pregnancy. That has to be the worst part during all of this - the waiting to reach each milestone and never truly being able to relax. I'm sending out some positive thoughts your way!!

Sunshine1576 - I can totally imagine you being a great mom with all of the neighborhood kids coming to you for advice and support. For some reason, I see you as the person that everyone just loves. It sounds like you are really creative and warm hearted with your work and crafts. I love the Fall - I grew up in Pittsburgh but now live in Florida. I really miss the change in season especially this time of year when everyone is posting about pumpkins and leaves changing, weather getting cooler, etc. It makes me wish I lived back up north sometimes - or at least until I am loving the FLorida winters. Anyway, your party sounds like a lot of fun!!

Akdelp - Im really sorry that you are feeling down this cycle and that you dont think it was successful. You still have a while to go and many people dont feel any change at all. Im praying that your feelings are wrong and that all that quiet is because your baby is snuggled in so deep and relaxed. I love what your doctor said to you. I even printed it out and kept it. It is so true!

Blessed143 - I feel you with the clueless DH. No matter how hard he says he wants to be a huge part of all of this, he just can't sit still long enough to do the research and understand the process. Because he does not obsess the way that I do, he can sail through with no worries. The biggest support that I get from him is is willingness to give great hugs. Sometimes its just nice to curl up next to him and feel the warmth of his body. Makes me feel more secure and that we still have each other no matter what. So, my point is, come talk to us for talks about protocol, insecurities, and frustrations and use him for the stuff that no one else can give. Take all the hugs, snuggles, and kisses that he is willing to give. Sometimes thats all you really need.

Tuffy4u - Congrats on being PUPO!

Fvrogers -How are you doing in the long 2ww? I hope that you are relaxing and thinking positive, happy baby thoughts?!? You're from Anguilla? Do you have one of those beautiful, melodic voices that make people all relaxed and comfortable? I love the Caribbean and would live there in a heartbeat. Although my DH is from Puerto Rico and my ex was from Aruba and they both said that there is no way that I would make it. I am too "East Coast", whatever that means. lol

Kamina - Happy Belated Birthday and awesome stim stats. How did ER go?

JenMink55 - I had a lot of problems with prenatals. There are a couple of brands that make me so sick to my stomach that I felt like I was already prego. I had to go through several different brands before I found one that didnt make me hate life. The RE gave me a big bag of samples and that helped so that I didnt have to keep paying for them and throwing them out. I do way better by taking them at night before I go to bed also. Hope you are feeling better!

Becca5m - 24 Fertilized eggs!?!? Thats amazing! Doesnt matter if they are yours or a donor, they belong to you now and I hope that you get amazing results from them!

Rosie84 - Where did you get to go on your trip? Its nice to be able to go somewhere and relax before starting this process, isnt it?

Anton - Always love your posts because you talk about every day life on top of whatever we are going through. It is nice to know that there is life beyong IVF treatment even though it doesnt feel like it at times. I have a lot of catching up on these shows. I DVR everything and then forget to watch it. I have heard a lot about the Natural IVF and heard that it can work wonders on people who have trouble after the meds. I really hope that you get your BFP! I love The Secret! I think that it totally works. By putting all your positive energy into something and visualizing it it really makes you work towards making your goals come true.

WeHaveHope - You must be getting so excited now that you are getting so close! I think you have dozens of girls on this board praying for you and cheering you on. Did you ever read the book, Eat Pray Love? I love that book and I thought of the part where she was hoping for her divorce and just wanted it to go through. Didnt care about anything but that she could go on with her life. She was in the car with a friend and they wrote a petition to God. They mentioned every friend she knew, family members, coworkers, and even politicians all saying that they would sign the petition to help her get her wish. I think that way about you. We have all signed your petition to get your baby. I'm glad that everything is looking good so far!

Neffi211 - 5 days is nothing after all this waiting and if it allows you more amazing time with your DS then its all worth it! What is he dressing up as? I love watching the kids on Halloween - one of my favorite holidays. I am dealing with the same feelings as you - I have to wait another 2 cycles to start and it is driving me crazy to see everyone moving along. I will be cycling in November also.

K8ielovett - I would say that you are prego! Getting a positive after a negative is a great sign! Congrats!!

Indigo - I understand you being upset, but one good egg is better than 50 bad ones. I hope that one is all it takes for you and that you are holding your baby at this time next year.

Leora - I love your peanut butter sandwich analogy. I always thought bed rest was self defeating. Sitting around in bed gives you too much time to think and get desperate for answers which always brings on the google craze. I would much rather keep myself busy and entertained. I am glad to hear that you are doing better even though the mood swings can get overwhelming. Congrats on the new job!!!! How exciting and awesome that your country gives you so much protection during treatment. I wish it were like that in the states. Also, did you say that you are from Pittsburgh? Me too!

AFM - still waiting and trying to lose more weight. I have been somewhat successful although I am getting ready to go on a cruise next weekend which will do nothing for my efforts. I will start my cycle after my period in November. Feels like forever away, but its better than trying to fit in dates around my travel schedule over the next couple of weeks. Im hoping that I have lots to be thankful for over Thanksgiving!

Baby Dust to all!!!!

[Lauren319]

Wehavehope - I left my house in my fuzzy slippers yesterday and didn't realize it until I was in the acupuncturist's office. Thought of you . The 30th is so soon!

So sorry I asked to join and went MIA, you guys. My stupid computer broke and I just found out that it's actually dead, so I have to post from my iPad, which is fine, but takes longer and is a bit of a pain. I'll do it though cause I just can't seem to stay away from you ladies.

I've been on BCP's for a week. I go to the RE next week to see if I can start Lupron or if I still have the cyst they found at day 1. I guess we're doing a flare protocol this time?! I might switch back to my original RE in the same office. I don't wanna seem wishy-washy, but I thought I'd feel better with the RE that seemed to be in the office more often, but it turns out that he and his staff are wayyyy too relaxed for me. I'd rather have a militant RE who's barely around than one whose staff follows my orders instead of vice versa. Ugh.