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

[SamanthaRae21]

Hey ladies!

Name is Samantha and I live in KS with my husband who is a soldier on Bomb Squad in the Army. Hey, somebodys gotta marry into it right!? LOL.

Anyways, we have been TTC for a year and a half now with no luck. We have done Ovulation kits, sperm friendly lubricants, etc. Nothing...We started looking into infertility a couple months ago and found a Dr. in Kansas City who did alot of testing on both of us to discover if their was indeed an issue. Sperm analysis came back GREAT! Dr. said my husband has "super sperm..." LOL. Only thing they found with me is during my intravaginal ultrasound, they discovered I have Polycystic Ovaires, but my Dr. said he can not determine if I indeed have the "syndrome" aspect. He says some women often will have Polycystic Ovaries but not the actual syndrome. Labs all come back normal despite a slight increase in my testosterone levels, which were BARELY above normal. My periods are regular every month and I ovulate regularly, according to my progesterone tests and numerous spikes in ovulation tests. So there seemed to be no reason to why we should be having difficulties.

My husband has a bad back which makes our "timing" difficult for the past year or so, so this may be the culprite in our situation unfortunately.

To make an already LONG story short...we have decided to start IVF treatment. I have been on BC pills for 3 weeks now and am just about ready to go off of them. I go for my blood level testing this week to determine if I am ready to start my self injection shots! IVF Orientation was OVERWHELMING to say the least! I cried after I left the office because I was just like "How am I going to do all of this..!?!" Im scared of Overhyperstimulation, im scared of the shots, im scared of the procedures!

I need some helpful support from anyone going through IVF or getting raedy to! Any support/expierience you can provide will be SO helpful!

Thanks so much ladies!!

Samantha
SamanthaRae21Newbie Posts: 2Joined: Sun Oct 09, 2011 6:13 pm

[Sunshine1576]

WeHaveHope, Congratulations girl! In honor of celebrating this day with you I'm raising my glass!

[Sunshine1576]

Welcome Sanamtha, when I read your story I thought WOW bomb squad that sounds very exciting and I know the timing must be challenging but we apppreciate all your husband does in serving our country. I'm really glad you found us here, so many going through this IVF experience and so many have already had success. Some it took on the first attempt while others it has been quite the journey, but I know the support here is what keeps us all going and staying determined because a family will certainly happen to those who don't give up one way or another we will fight this battle. More then anything I wanted to tell you at first it's all overwhelming but once you get the calender and break it down to each day it will get easier. It took me 2 weeks to get used to the injections but I learned if you ice down the injection site first- where it's numb you won't feel a thing. Anyway I know I'm rambling, more then anything I wanted to tell you welcome to the board! Christy

[LauraN]

Hey ladies!

Name is Samantha and I live in KS with my husband who is a soldier on Bomb Squad in the Army. Hey, somebodys gotta marry into it right!? LOL.

Anyways, we have been TTC for a year and a half now with no luck. We have done Ovulation kits, sperm friendly lubricants, etc. Nothing...We started looking into infertility a couple months ago and found a Dr. in Kansas City who did alot of testing on both of us to discover if their was indeed an issue. Sperm analysis came back GREAT! Dr. said my husband has "super sperm..." LOL. Only thing they found with me is during my intravaginal ultrasound, they discovered I have Polycystic Ovaires, but my Dr. said he can not determine if I indeed have the "syndrome" aspect. He says some women often will have Polycystic Ovaries but not the actual syndrome. Labs all come back normal despite a slight increase in my testosterone levels, which were BARELY above normal. My periods are regular every month and I ovulate regularly, according to my progesterone tests and numerous spikes in ovulation tests. So there seemed to be no reason to why we should be having difficulties.

My husband has a bad back which makes our "timing" difficult for the past year or so, so this may be the culprite in our situation unfortunately.

To make an already LONG story short...we have decided to start IVF treatment. I have been on BC pills for 3 weeks now and am just about ready to go off of them. I go for my blood level testing this week to determine if I am ready to start my self injection shots! IVF Orientation was OVERWHELMING to say the least! I cried after I left the office because I was just like "How am I going to do all of this..!?!" Im scared of Overhyperstimulation, im scared of the shots, im scared of the procedures!

I need some helpful support from anyone going through IVF or getting raedy to! Any support/expierience you can provide will be SO helpful!

Thanks so much ladies!!

Samantha
SamanthaRae21Newbie Posts: 2Joined: Sun Oct 09, 2011 6:13 pm

Hi Samantha. Welcome to the board! I totally hear you on all of your fears. My biggest fear was the shots, that was so overwhelming, I couldn't even be afraid of any other part So, on the shots, I asked my doctor for a prescription for numbing cream and although it was very much a routine that may seem stupid to some, it gave me a little comfort, because I knew that I would never feel any of the shots and that was 1/2 the battle for me. So, if the fear of the shots is that bad, see if your doctor will give you the numbing cream (and yes to everyone else- I used it for the SQ shots not just the IM shots ). If for whatever reason they won't give you that script, then I agree that for the shots in the stomach, putting ice(or those freezer packs you put in lunches, etc) should totally work to numb it. I know all of it can seem so overwhelming, just know that we are all here for you. This is a place where you can laugh, cry, vent, whatever it is that you need. Sometimes it's nice talking to women who are going through what you are going through because they can better understand what you are going through. All of us have unique experiences, but we can better understand each other better so than people that have never been through the infertility journey. So, tell me, when exactly is your blood work and what other tests are they having you do? Also, what is your protocol, what medications/shots are they going to have you on? Do you have a calendar telling you what all you are doing and when? Good Luck with everything and again, just know that we are here for you...your new family

[Gina1976]

Hi Samantha! Welcome!! I'm married to an Army Soldier myself Mine is a tanker. Well until we came to Germany a second time. Now he's on computers, totally different than tanks! LOL

I too have PCOS but I don't ovulate or get AF reg. I was taking Metformin for mine and getting ready to get back on those.

Gina

[WeHaveHope]

UPDATED 10-10-11@ 6:20pm EST. Please let me know if I have missed anyone or if I'm missing any updates. Sending you lots of xoxoxo.







UPDATE NEEDED
Melinda72-ER 9-12-11
Kendra_n_Michael-estimated ER 9-20-11


Jen8675309-FET 10-13-11
Becca-FET Fall/2011
Amanda1979-FET Oct/2011
Kerribell FET Nov/2011
Blessed143-FET end of Oct/2011
Tess69-FET Nov/2011


Tamera-11/2011
Kiminsh-Fall/2011
Alwaysangel-Fall/2011
Sunshine1576-Fall/2011
Lyd10-Fall/2011
Anton-Fall/2011
Fruit-Fall/2011
Krrice28-IVF 10/2011
Jasmin-Fall/2011
Cheri76-Fall IVF
LauraN-Nov/2011
Neffi211-ET scheduled for 10-28-11
Lauren319-Fall/2011
Bebesperanza-Fall/2011
Catdempsey-Fall/2011 ER end of October
Greekchick Fall/2011
Kerri_789 IVF Fall/2011
Sky7371-ER scheduled on 10-24-11
Gina1976-will schedule appt w/RE in several months for 1st IVF




Blueeyedreamer-on BCP for cycle 10/2011
Kerpupples-on BCP for cycle Fall/2011
JenMink55-Start BCP on 9-14-11 for Fall IVF
Leorira-On BCP for FET 11/2011.
Rosie84-On BCP for IVF Oct/Nov 2011
Outlaw927-started BCP on 10-7 for 1st IVF attempt Fall/2011
SamanthaRae21-On BCP for Fall IVF









Kamina-PUPO 10-2-11(2 embies). Beta 10-12.
Bodie1011-PUPO 10-7(2 embies). Waiting for Beta.

RESULTS

Fvrogers-PUPO on 9-22-11 (2 blasts). BFP 9-30 Beta=57, 10-3=290
Akdelp-PUPO on 9-22-11 (1 expanded blast) BFP 10-3 Beta=205, Beta 10-5=575
Tuffy4u-PUPO on 9-24-11 (2 blasts). BFP 10-3 Beta=205, Beta 10-5=519
K8ielovett-PUPO 9-19-11. BFP 10-3 Beta=953, Beta 10-6=3403
Toniaa-PUPO 9-24-11(2 blasts). 10-6 +HPT, No Beta waiting for u/s
WeHaveHope-PUPO 9-30-11(2 Blasts) BFP Beta 10-10=656


We love you and are always here for you
Indigofire


Ninde
Sunshineandstars

[Kiminsh]

Congrats We!! So happy for you:)

[WeHaveHope]

Bodie-welcome to the group. I am really glad you found us and than you for the congrats and well wishes. I really appreciate it. And congrats in being PUPO!!! When is your Beta?

Samantha-Welcome to the group. I am really happy that you decided to join us.

Both of you will find a wonderful group of ladies whoare always willing to help and answer any questions you may have. I can tell you that I could have never thought of trying IVF again after my MC last cycle if it were not for each and everyone of the love g and caring friend I have on this board. I hope to get to know both of you better. I have added both of you to the Roll Call. This way we can all follow each others progress an cheer on each others BFP's. Please make sure to keep me up to date so that I can always have the most updated information on the Roll Call.

[bodie1011]

Hi ladies

I've been watching boards like this on and off for the last couple years, and finally have the courage to sign up and start being "active".

My DH and I are married 4 years and TTC for 3.5. We had 2 MC in 2008 and then decided to get reproductive help. Our first IUI in Feb 2009 ended in another MC. Then went the IVF route with embryo banking and PGD. Our first cycle ended with zero viable embryos. That's when I started to scour the internet for any and all information about egg quality. Tried everything I found, acupuncture, fish oil, eating organic, lots of vitamins, you name it. May have been coincidence, but had started taking CoQ10 and saw a drastic improvement in quality with the last round.

After 4 stimulation cycles we have 3 "genetically normal" embryos and the 2 best were just put in last Friday. So I am now in the 2ww except its only 9 days - I guess because they are already 5 day embryos. Beta is on 10/16!

Wanted to share my story in case there are any others who are going through the same struggles. And hoping some of the positive vibes I see happening on this board will rub off!!

[WeHaveHope]

Dear friends,
I am so overwhelmed with the love and support that you all have given me. I have no words with which to thank you all. I feel so blessed to have you all in my life. I am happy that you were all here to share in my news today. I could have not asked for a better day. Please know that you are all In my prayers always.


As you can imagine, DH and I are being very causious. We were in this same spot only 2 months ago and literally had our hearts ripped apart. We are praying that this pregnancy continues to move forward smoothly. Believe me, deep inside I am very happy and I want to yell to the world that I am pregnant but I know better. We still have many milestones and hurdles ahead of us. But for today, I am happy and enjoying this moment. What is life if not moments strung together. Thank you all again foreverythingg. Sending you all much love. I will get back to doing more personals tomorrow. As you can imagine it's been a bit of an emotional day. Plus I née to go mentally prepare for that additional dose of PIO that DH is going to start giving me today. Not looking forward to it but in the end it will all have been so worth it

Sunshine-any news on your blood work results or do you have to wait until the 12th?

Kamina-only 2 more days. I am keeping my fingers crossed for good luck and praying for your BFP.

Jen-I am not sure if I missed it but are you still having your FET on the 13th? Praying that you have a smooth transfer and sending you tons of sticky vibes.

[SamanthaRae21]

LauraN- I go on the 13th for my blood levels testing to check to see if Im ready to start my shots. If all look good, I will begin shots the very next day (14th) for 10 days.

I will start Gonal-F/Bravelle 225 units on the 14th

If eggs are not developing fast enough, they will introduce Menopur around the 18th. Ganirelix (not sure about the amount) may also be a possibility.

At or around the 23rd is when I should be doing my Trigger shot of Ovidrel 250mcg

Egg retrieval is set for the 25th (depending on everything going as planned) and I will be put to sleep for this procedure.

I will start Progesterone in Oil 1.0 ml on 25th after egg retrieval to help produce healthy uterus.
Will also be taking Medrol 4mg (take 2 pills in morning and 2 pills at night for 4 days) Doxycycline 100mg (one pill twice a day for 4 days) and Aspirin 81mg (one pill everyday until pregnancy)

Will start Anaprox 550mg (1 pill twice a day, taken for 3 days), this will start day BEFORE transfer. 3-5 days after retrieval(Dr said more than likely it will be day 5, if many healthy embryos.) I will be given Valium day of transfer to help relax.

2 weeks later, I will have my pregnancy test


This gives my calender of events and ALL medications. This is exactly why im so overwhelmed! Ive never been on this many drugs in my entire life...Good grief! I just worry about side effects and OHSS mostly. I know the risk is very small, Dr said Severe OHSS is less than 1% and for Moderate OHSS it goes up to about 10%.

[LauraN]

Samantha- sounds in line with the norm. And yes, it can seem overwhelming, but, trust me, once you get the hang of it, after a couple of days, it will just become a routine. The one thing I did, was know what time I had to get the shots, and had everything arranged where it was organized for me. I created a routine very quickly into the process and then once it was done, it almost felt like something was missing. Good luck with the testing on the 13th. Be sure to keep us posted on here as to what the doctor says about your testing...we live through the process with each other and are always waiting on pins and needles to hear results- it's kinda funny how you can care so much about people that you have never met. I know personally, I wouldn't be trying again if it weren't for the wonderful women on this board and would have had a hard time making it through the day sane....

[tuffy4u]

We- I have never heard of numbers so high. Looks like those pretty little embryos are growing great!

Samantha and Bodie- welcome to the group! Good luck.

[Neffi211]

WE-- Congrats! Awesome beta!!!!!

[WeHaveHope]

Neffi-thanks. I really appreciate all of your support.

Tuffy-thank you. I appreciate all of myth support you have given me. I was also quite surprised with the Beta. Last cycle my Beta was 275 9dp5dt and I thought that was high. So I was thinking that it may be a bit higher than it would regularly be because, for one the two blast we transferred were allowed to go to day 6. In addition, this time, we I had the Beta truly at day 10 post transfer. So that would really put me today at 10dp6dt. I think that may make a little difference but I don't really know. I have looked around in these boards and have seen a few others with Betas over 600 but not too many. Another Beta scheduled for Wednesday. Praying that my Beta will double.