Update: FET for Dummies =)

[to_have_fun08]

Franny -- (((HUGS))) its normal what you are feeling. so many crazy things went through my head after so many BFN's. Its so hard to take when you see so many people have success and your still awaiting. Gosh i know it is so hard. I am so glad you have a great DH to lean on. I don't know how i would have made it through all this crap with out good friends and a wonderful husband. Keep your chin up. As far as protocols on FET's, i don't thing there is much variance. Most clinics do the same protocol.

[katie99]

Franny - Isnt it typical that thats the day your phone decides to go all strange on you? I'm with Chris, I dont think thats theres too much differences in FET protocols, its pretty much all about lining. I know you said that you'll call them on Monday, but each clinic has different ways of doing things. I personally love the fact that they are assuming that you'll be ready to try again as soon as AF arrives, but thats just me. I felt more anxious to have to sit and wait, so for me it helped me to plan the next try and I'm wondering what you were thinking? Are you jumping in again or are you going to wait it out a bit? It really is a numbers game, especially with frozen, because we know that not every single embie will make a baby, but we dont know exactly which ones will. I've asked Ghost this question before and he said that most clinics choose which to thaw randomly. It never hurts to ask your clinic questions, if it were me, it would make me feel a bit better and I think that your bfp is waiting for you in that batch. I'm pretty tired and want to stop before I stop making sense, so I'll just send you a huge hug, ok honey? much love - xoxo

Libby - You have had way too much going on in your life to have spent the 2ww on top of all that! I didnt want to even go there about your beta because you can guess, and wonder all you want but until your u/s only the man upstairs knows for sure. And betas vary from person to person so much. You can see one woman with this high beta and a singleton, or this not anything but average beta and she'll be having twins. I thought that this next wait ( mine was alomst 3 weeks for the u/s) is the worst one - now time really stops since you have so many questions that you want answered. Ahhh, from one wait to the next one, ivf is certainly not for the faint of heart - or the impatient, lol. You rest up as much as you can, ok, mama? Now I've really got to go to sleep before I fall asleep right here. Who knew toddlers were so exhausting?

Chris - Have you put anymore thought into which ones you'll want to transfer?

[to_have_fun08]

Katie - We still haven't decided what to put back. It so hard to decide. In the money aspect a boy would be better since we have all boys stuff. I am trying to find a boys name i really like. if i do then we more then likely will put back a boy. We do have a girls name picked out which i really like, Kaleigh Scott so part of me wants to transfer a girl just to use then name. In the end all i want is another child regardless of the sex maybe i will just flip a coin. Also i don't know how they are all frozen. if the last two that were frozen on day 6 are in the same straw, then i will probably transfer the one that was frozen on day 5. I only want to transfer one and am worried if we thaw and refreeze it will be detrimental to it. I still have 4 more months to decide since we won't transfer till July.

[Supergenius]

franny, thank you so much for saying that. i can't even imagine how hard this is for you, so i give you high marks for being able to put some kind of response together. also, finding out on the computer is so impersonal. i'm sorry you had to find out that way (although the phone message you describe was kind of weird - no emotion or anything?). i'm with the other ladies - you never know which embies are the ones that will stick. at least for your next cycle you will have the right needles. ((((big hugs))))
oh, and not sure I could part with a twin, but triplets on the other hand...

katie, thank you for not "going there." DH and I have been talking about it, just so we are not blind-sided. but i really, really hope is it just one. dealing with a toddler is tiring - dealing with a toddler and multiple babies???! Commit me to the funny farm. I should shut my mouth right now, before I jinx myself.
how are you doing on the meds? do you have any other appts before the FET? wow, i just looked at the calendar. your FET is next week!!! woohoo! nothing but PMA and rest for the month of March, okay?

chris - wow you get to choose boy or girl? i don't know how i would decide something like that...i like your coin flip idea.

afm, second beta was today: 1,321. so, no more blood tests and i have my first u/s on Monday. geez that happened quick! i had four beta tests with james. anyhow, feeling okay today with the exception that i lost my voice so i am glad i talk with y'all on the internet.

[katie99]

Hi everyone -

Quick flying post because I think Ryan will only stay busy with Blue's Clues for another minute, lol. Lining check went great this morning, its already at 8 or 9 and triple striped. I guess the IM estrace was a good idea, then. I still have 10 days before the FET so thankfully lining wont be an issue. I'm definitely starting to feel more anxious now that I'm getting closer.

Libby - I'm dying to hear how your 2nd beta went today! oh, and I started standing Ryan on the bathroom counter with one arm aroud his middle when brushing his teeth - and he's so busy looking at himself in the mirror that teeth brushing has gone much smoother now, its worth a try anyway. Ok, so I'm a slow typist and just saw that you posted while I was writing this . I'm with you mama, am praying for 1 - for both of us! I have such awe for moms of multiples! I really cant imagine how they do it? Neither of us have any family, so its just us ALL the time, and Chris works really long hours sooo, mostly its just me ALL the time. Whew! makes me wonder how much coffee they must live on, lol. Wow, you're not kidding your u/s is quick!!! you can get through this week and then you'll have your answer. ( Come on singleton with really strong hcg levels, lol) I only have one more b/w on Thurs then nothing until the FET, that feels odd, but so far this clinic has monitored me really well considering they're on the other side of the country - I feel like I'm in good hands with this RE. Drink some warm decaf tea and try to rest your throat - ugh, thats always when you want to talk the most, isnt it? hoping your voice comes back soon! - Wheeeee, mama- I'm soooo happy for you! - xoxo

Franny - How are you feeling honey? Did you talk to your clinic yet? We're all thinking of you, but trying to give you some breathing room - much love to you my friend - xoxo

Chris - You have some time to decide which you want to transfer. And oh, do I love that name!!!

i'll write later on when I dont have a toddler trying to "help" me type, lol. xoxoxo

[turtle0619]

Hi everyone!
So I ended up back at my RE today. I've been having horrible stabbing pain in my lower left abs. Yesterday it hurt so badly I almost went to the ER, but I couldn't move so I just stayed in bed all day moaning. Well it turns out I have 2 GIANT cysts on my left ovary. My RE said it was adding injury to insult from my BFN, and I agreed. I'm on tons of pain meds, and basically I am waiting to see if they absorb themselves or if the pain is too bad I may need to have surgery to have them removed. Great. My Doctor said that it would do nothing to help my fertility, but it would stop the pain...I said I'd wait and see. He said it had nothing to do with my BFN, and that there were no answers to why it didn't work. He was really sorry I could tell, and he said I would be able to start a new cycle as soon as I'm ready.
I would love to just jump in and start again as soon as AF comes this week, but I don't want to start anything while I'm in pain because what if I end up needing surgery? Also Barry and I need to figure out how we are going to be able to afford another cycle..we just got new insurance through Barry's work, but being in NYS now fertility treatments don't need to be included. This last cycle was a "freebie" since we paid for it back when we adopted our embies, so we didn't have to pay anything else, but we need some time to figure out what this next cycle will cost, and I don't feel like we have enough time to figure it all out in the next 2 or so days. So I think we will wait till next cycle and try again!

Libby What a great 2nd beta#! Thats awesome. Waiting until next monday for a u/s? thats going to feel like forever!! hang in there! xoxo

Katie I'm so glad everything is going good!! Yay for a wonderful lining! Do you have another check or do you just fly out in 10 days? Yay!! I'm so happy for you!

Chris Thank you so much for your support, and understanding. It's really hard to see everyone trying to #2 already, and I'm still stuck behind with nothing. It's almost too much for me to even think about some times. It breaks my heart, but I'm also so happy for everyone too! It's a crazy mix of emotions that is so hard to explain.

Ok I gotta get this laptop off my stomach...it's killing my cysts!

[turtle0619]

Oh...what do you guys think/know about lining biopsy's? Do you think I should ask for one since they say everything is always "perfect" but I never get a BFP...maybe they are missing something that needs to be fixed? I only heard of this on these boards so I have no idea what it does but i'm pretty much desperate enough to try anything...

[to_have_fun08]

Franny - I thought of getting a biopsy before my donor cycle. I go to SIRM and we can pretty much send email messages to all the Dr. there. One Dr. I talked to about CGH and embryo adoption, and he advised to have a biopsy before i transferred the embryos. I then spoke with my RE and he didn't think it would help anything. Its just up to what dr you see. I would ask your RE. If your insurance pays, i wouldn't see where it would hurt. The $$ aspect will have to looked at if insurance doesn't pay. I didn't do the biopsy.
I'm sorry we are all talking about second children. i loathed people like me(us) when i was in my journey last year and know what you are feeling. I wish i could slap someone somewhere to say hey help Franny, make her pregnant. How many more embryo's do you have?

[Supergenius]

franny, oh my goodness. ovarian cysts do not sound fun! i thought that some cysts produce estrogen, so they can have an impact? or maybe i am thinking of something else? either way, i agree with you wanting to get the cyst issue out of the way before starting another cycle. you'll be thinking about it non-stop anyhow.
i would get a second opinion about the lining biopsy (maybe your OB?). sounds like you want to double check your p's and q's before the next cycle and a consult won't break the bank... i don't know anything personally about the lining biopsy, sorry i can't be more helpful. maybe ghost?

katie, congrats on your great lining!!! those embies will have a nice soft place to tuck in for 9 months. When do you fly out, the day before the transfer or earlier?
i tried your mirror method for toothbrushing - nope. i got some co-operation when DH was brushing his teeth along with James, so we will have to time our routine so they are brushing at the same time. anything Da-da is doing is okay. I know what you mean about it just being the two of you with Ryan - we are in the same situation. Closest family for us is 5 hours away.

claudia - hope you are still feeling well as you transition to your second trimester!

afm, voice is back today (though the throat is still sore). tried to make an appointment for monday and they have none! so tuesday it is. more annoying is that they only have afternoon appointments for the OB u/s, so it will kill a work day for me (my commute is an hour each way, if i'm lucky).

[katie99]

Hi everyone -

Franny - Oh no honey I'm sorry to hear that. They sound quite painful, I hope that they resolve on their own and quickly. Its the right thing to wait until thats out of the way to cycle again, a little break to clear mind and body, yes? I cant help you on the lining biopsy question either, I asked my old RE about this a while ago and he waved me off, so I never took it any further. I hope that you're feeling better and that you're not in pain anymore, did they say how long you're supposed to wait to see if they resolve on by themselves? I've got to say that I agree wholeheartedly with Chris - If only slapping someone was all it took, right? ach, this infertility crap justs drains you so much, you just have to keep pushing though - You WILL get there! I personally think that you've waited more than enough and should'nt have to go through this again - but I am seriously impatient, lol. Thinking of you Franny..

Chris - You are right, this is a cycling thread and it should be about cycling, not second babies. I do remember not wanting to hear about trying when when I hadnt gotten there yet myself. Sorry, we'll keep it on topic. I tend to just blurt out whatever is on my mind at the time and I've missed you girls, so i'll try to edit my posts a bit more.

Libby - How are you feeling? I know this will be a long week for you to get through - ugh, come on Tuesday, right? I've got all fingers crossed for you to have one strong singleton in there. Its hard enough when you dont have family close by, sometimes what I wouldnt give to be able to call for a "day off" haha. I'm flying out next wed- I cant believe this happens in just a week! I'll get there late Wed night, get to sleep late for the first time in 16 months and then my FET will be Thur afternoon, what stinks is that 12 hrs after my transfer I have to be up at 4am to make a 6am flight, then if I'm lucky be home by dinnertime. Whew, kind of a strange way to get (try) pregnant, no? I'm just relieved that its finally time, i mean the first time I called this clinic for a phone consult was last Nov, seems like this took a long time. There were shortened holiday hrs, and then we couldnt find a match and had to wait so long for the list to be updated. And now its time, well almost, lol. If only my brain would quit focusing on the "last try" aspect of this..

[claud662]

I can't seem to remember my password so I haven't been able to log in my computer but my phone automatically saved it so I can write a quick post on my phone!!!

Franny-how are you feeling hon?!?!? What is going on with the cysts?? Did you decide when your going to cycle again??

Katie- when do you get your estrogen checked again? Don't stress mama!

Libby-good luck Monday!

Xoxo

[katie99]

Where did everyone go?? I keep checking but it seems like you all have disappeared, I hope not - I'd miss you too much..

Libby - if you're still reading I'm sending you some healthy singleton vibes for tomorrow..

Franny - I hope your cysts have resolved and you've just been too busy to check in..

Chris - I know you're a busy mom.. but miss your posts..

Claudia - Hope that you've been enjoying this gorgeous weather mama..

I cant believe that my FET is on Thur!!! Whew, it seems like time has been flying now that its finally close, I mean we've only been planning this since last Nov, lol. Oh, and joy, my E2 is still low so now in addition to stressing that I have to add estrace vaginally and they said that will continue even after the transfer - plus 2 Crinone daily?? Seems too busy down there for me, lol. Hoping that you're all doing well.. - xoxo

[Supergenius]

Wow. I didn't realize it was a week ago I last posted. Life just took over and well, here I am. Sorry you thought everyone left you, Katie! We would never do that.
How exciting that the week you've been waiting for is finally here! Woohoo! Good luck with your flight tomorrow - should be good weather, yes? Don't stress about the estrogen - it's all about the lining and making a nice comfy bed for those embies to snuggle into. You've got that covered. I wonder why they didn't just up your shot dosage for estrace rather than make you take it two ways? I've never done a FET, so I'm not sure how that works. Either way, you'll be fine. Your embies need a relaxed Mama. Are you going to look for a spa for post transfer?

AFM, I have been mildly sick with various symptoms over the last week...none of which are pregnancy related. Fun. I got the pink eye last Thursday - I don't think I have had pink eye since elementary school. I don't really "feel" pregnant. Told DH and he pointed out my recent choices for snacks: dill pickles and bologna. Hm. Okay.
Proof is in the u/s, which is at 1:45 today. I will feel better seeing that little sac...it may be too early for HB, we'll see.

Franny, I hope you are not suffering from those cysts anymore.

Claudia, I hope Ruby is treating you well these days! Have you decided if you will find out the gender?

Take care ladies!
xoxoxo,
Libby

[Arabsrcool]

Don't worry Katie, you have not been abandoned!. Life just got really busy, you know how that goes. I cannot believe its time for you to get on that plane to go get knocked up! Hehehe, that still makes me giggle!. Sorry to hear about another "thing" to do for the lining. I know the estrace is messy, just make sure to wear a panty liner, otherwise you will ruin your panties.

Libby,

Cannot wait to hear about your u/s, will be sending you strong vibes for one healthy bean!

xoxoxo
Ronda

[to_have_fun08]

Katie99- how are you? when do you leave for your FET? Wishing you the best of luck. Are you gonna be able to post while you are gone?