Aussies and Kiwis!

[BelB]

Hey Bella,

Sorry, I have been a tad vague of late, not sure why to be honest..too much Brissy sun?, sorry about getting your cycle mixed up!!, but good luck for transfer on Monday. I've never actually met Glen, a couple of friends have said that he is quite good looking though. Good on you for being positive for the transfer, I think this is relaly important. Miss Boo is my daughter, her name is Annie Charlotte but dh (Johnie) and I call her Annie-Boo or Miss Boo, not really sure how or why she got these names, but she is quite cute and mischeivous so the name quite suits her!! Annie was conceived via a FET cycle about a year ago (she turns one on the 8th of Novemeber), we are very lucky, she is divine!!
Gotta run guys
B

[Tiger]

Hi Ladies,

I'm back! just waiting for my hubby to appear online .

Bel, guess what guess what! My hubby's birthday is on 8th November as well! same as Miss Boo's, what a pleasant coincidence :0) - I will never forget her birthday from now on, yay. I wonder if she will excel in field of Chemical Science when she is older..... . Hey, we will both be struggling to make the best birthday cake ever for their birthdays; me in Tokyo, you in Brissy.

Bella, good luck with your ET on Monday, I have my fingers crossed for you. Good on you for taking a week off from your work too, you deserve it. Bring on the big BFP! I also have good feeling for you too, YES. Oh - have I officially welcomed you to the thread yet? I don't think I have - sorry - Welcome Bella!!!!! I am so happy that you have found us here, cheers .

Paula, I fly out this Saturday morning, and I arrive Japan that evening. I should get home to my hubby around 12 midnight OZ time (he is too busy to come to the airport this time ). Re coming back.... my hubby and I spent good 3 months apart from each other this year, although there is an opening at work for 7 weeks in Feb/Mar I am not sure if I am ready for the separation again so soon. Also I am flying to UK for Xmas in Dec/Jan so lots of travelling in short space of time as well......... If I am ok physically and emotionally - I will be back in Feb. Just have to wait and see I guess...............

Heather, hi, yes, I am a tad worried about my hammy. Apprently he is all preparing himself to hibernate for winter cold; building up his house with scraps of paper and saw dust and stocking up on the food. He has no idea that he is 100% house pet. My 2nd project (after my hubby's b'day cake) when I return home is to go and find A4/A3 size carpet heater to place under his cage - so that he will stay up all through Winter and he does not hibernate.

Diane, March must seem a life time away for you and your husband. The whole process sounds very complicated; I hope there is no pain involved whatsoever - Wishing you best of luck and I hope next 4 months will pass quickly for you. Will you be travelling back to US again for the major part of your tests and tmt?

Did anyone watch the race on tv? I love the Spring Carnival time here, people dress up so beautifully and they are buzzing. Esp today the Cup Day. I must admit, I didn't realise how much fun I missed out while I have been away. And HOORAY for Makybe Diva. She is awsome!! OK, three more days left in the week. Have a good one everyone.

Cheers, Tiger

[josiemack]

Hi everyone, welcome Bella - and apologies for being away for so long - Heather - so sorry to hear of your results (and sorry to bring it up again when it is a couple of weeks ago now) - taking a break sounds pretty sensible and those that have done so (Miss Molly) make it seem worthwhile. Have you been back to talk about the FET?

We are all well - a touch warm today, around 32, which is warm for Melbourne, hardly any breeze and waiting for a thunder storm this evening. I have spent most of the day in bed (only the second sick day I have taken since BFP, so why do I feel guilty?) - the warm weather knocks me around at the best of times (all that thick Tasmanian blood...) and I am really tired. Woke up during the night with stomach rock hard and quite painful, which passed after about a minute - not what I was expecting at 24w6d. Also an occaisional shooting pain in pelvic bone. Rested most of the day and feel fine - scheduled to see dr on the 14th and will tell her then, unless it come back.

Spent cup day helping kids with projects - DD (10) did one on cats, while DS (11) is doing the Crusades at school and wanted to make a costume for his project - only another 7 weeks of school, and they have heaps on, swimming lessons start today, then school camps and DS has orientation for high school as he is in year 7 next year.

Go Makybe Diva - I got her in the sweep at work (no doubt winnings will go on obligatory morning tea for team!!) - I never win and am famous for coming last in the footy tipping two years in a row (my misfortune to follow the western bulldogs, and to tip with my heart, not my head!).

Off to find a cool drink and spot to lie down - stay well

Jo

[missmolly]

Hi Everyone,

Have been offline for awhile now as I have been in Perth visiting MIL & FIL. Everyone sounds well.

Tiger - you must be sooooo excited about seeing DH again.

Bel - Miss Boo's party will be an absolute hit I'm sure Like you, I would not be able to bake a birthday cake to safe myself. I remember the Womens Day birthday cake book when I was a child - my poor mother - I always wanted the most complex cakes!!!! Keep us posted about your FIL - I hope he makes a good recovery. Your attitude towards his health sounds positive & realistic.

I went to Oaks day yesterday - had fun & thankfully it did not rain (despite black clouds looming all day long).

It is only 4 weeks until I go away - YAY!!!!!! I am so excited. I have bought so many summer clothes for the crusie, I have no idea how I am going to keep within my baggage limit!

Heather - When are you planning your next treatment cycle?

Have a great day!
Missmolly

[hlloyd]

Hi Ladies

Happy travels! Sounds like you have a busy couple of months coming up. Enjoy!

Bella, so sorry, I think I started the cycle mix up...I must have read your post wrong. Good luck for Monday....let's hope the infamous Dr S can work his magic....in a clinical type of way! I can actually understand the whole affair thing. These people become such a big part of your life while you are going through treatment and are involved in some of your most intimate moments. Heck, I am in love with my anaesthetist....not sure if it has something to do with the warm blankets at the hospital (I love those) or the fact that he puts me to sleep at times when I am incredibly stressed and emotional!

Bel, hope the party preparations are going well. You will have to take some piccies of the cake and post them...the anticipation is killing me. Don't worry about the vagueness, I am sure it has something to do with the sun! I feel like I have dropped a few IQ points since moving up here. Hope your FIL is doing ok...how is DH coping? Having ill parents is so stressful. Sending best wishes to all of you.

Josie, how is your tummy now? Hope everything has settled down and you are feeling happy and healthy again. Congrats on winning the sweep.

MissMolly, you are quite the gad about! I love Perth...I have lots of relatives over there (I think they all got off the boat in Fremantle and never left, hence the amazing number of pommies there) but don't get over there as often as I would like. I can't believe it is only 4 weeks til your holiday...very exciting. I too am an awful packer...always take clothes that I will never wear. It is true that you should pack, reassess and then repack. Good luck. My sister in Connecticut is coming home in January and is moving to Brisbane...it will be kinda nice having more family so close and I finally get to meet my niece...yay. Glad you had fun at the races too! I love going to the races, even though I suck at picking winners...it is just the whole atmosphere that I really enjoy (oh, and the champagne).

Paula, hope you managed to catch up with DH this week. It must be hard having him away so much....I guess if he has always travelled it is probably a bit weird when he is at home for extended periods of time. When do you get all your test results...I would be interested to know how they went.

I finally spoke to the clinic about the frosties, they claim there are two but can't explain what happened to the other one as they said none were discarded following fertilisation. I think there was some kind of miscommunication between the embryologist and the admin staff as the embryologist did our transfer on a Sunday and then went to Townsville for a week to set up a new clinic...she can't have updated the paper work or something. I am still sure that there is a third one I just don't know what to do about it. Any suggestions? I am beyond getting stressed about it but I would have thought that record keeping was one of the most important factors in their line of work.

I start drug taking for my FET when AF arrives...should be towards the end of next week. I have to take ethinyl estradiol from CD1. I have to get it from a compounding chemist in Melbourne (very convenient) and continue to take it for months if the FET is successful. My ever hopeful Doc has given me five repeats....bitter and twisted old me will fill one of them. Does anyone know what this stuff is for....I know it is used in contraceptive pills but can't seem to find any info on its benefits for old people doing FETs. The clinic told me it was something new they were doing for older women...given my sensitivity to this issue at the moment that just made my day! I also have to use progesterone pesseries this time which I am not happy about as I have heard that they are incredibly messy and they need to be used twice a day...yuk. They said this is a cheaper option than the crinone gel but I wish they would ask before making these decisions for us. After I got all the info on the cycle, DH and I thought about not going ahead....to us it is just a whole lot of hassle for a result that we can pretty much predict now but have sort of decided (albeit not very enthusiastically) that this will at least close that chapter of our lives and we don't have to think about them any more. I am currently drug free for the first time since December last year and I am really not looking forward to starting more meds.

Well, what a whiner I am. Sorry about that. I really hope you all have a great weekend....sun is shining here and it is not too hot so it should be a good one. I am going to the pub for a saturday session today...I haven't done this for years so I should be tiddly by 6 and in bed by 7!! (and probably hungover by sunday morning)

Have a good one
Heather

[BelB]

Hey there gals,

Well we survived the first birthday party..and we're exhausted!!
It RAINED cats and dogs in SE Qld this morning, so at 6:30am I sent Johnie out to scout out an undercover spot with plenty of room. He found a lovely rotunda in our local park which was just lovely and we had to phone our 32 guests to let them all know!! After that it all went swimmingly (ha ha!!). Annie had a FANTASTIC time, she unwrapped presents, flirted with friends and family (no tongue pashing today!) and loved having "Happy birthday" sung to her (so much so that we had to sing it through a second time as well!!!). I made the Huff Puff dragon cake and it was actually somewhat of a success, looked not as lovely as in the cookbook, but tasted good and looked pretty good too if I do say so myself!!! We're soooooo stuffed tonight, we're of to bed any time soon (it's 7:35pm!!). I have my mum and dad up here as well as my father in law who is doing OK after being discharged from hospital.

Hope all are doing OK. Will catch up on everyones news in the next day or so. Am off to bed now. Have a great week all.

Belinda

[missmolly]

Heather,

I also had to have prog pessaries last time (although I did'nt use them because we did not get to the transfer stage!!!!). I have them sitting in my fridge waiting to be used - I'll have to chuck them away because they expire before I will get to use them. If they did not require refrigeration, I would pop them in the mail for you!!!!!! They cost $112 - much cheaper than crinone.

I too am sensitive about the whole age thing (I think its related to the fact that I always wanted my 1st child by 30, and 30 has come and gone). I was in the hairdressers the other day, and she asked if I wanted a magazine - I said yes. She went over to the magazine pile, which was filled with Marie Claire, Cleo, Como, Vogue. She hunted throught them and pulled out a Women's Weekly for me!!!! What does that mean?

The party sounds fantastic Bel! I too am eager to see a picture of this cake!

Its yuck & raining in Melbourne (27 degrees, and a bit sticky).

Missmolly

[Paula]

Hi Girls,

Sorry I haven't been very good at posting lately. I don't know why, but I just don't feel like I really belong here anywhere anymore. I don't know what's going to happen next with me, i'm still waiting for results on blood tests. I go see the specialist on the 21st. I'll let you know what he says.

More blood tests today, this one is progesterone.

Anyways, just wanted to come in and say a quick hello. Bel, happy belated birthday huggs and wishes to Miss Boo (((huggs)))

Heather, dh is still away hopefully he'll be back this weekend.

Huggs
Paula

[BelB]

Hey gals,

Lovely to catch up on everyones news. Paula, have you started taking the stuff that hubby got for you (is it HFEA??)??. I'll be keen to hear how you go with the clinic appointment on the 21st, will they test your FsH levels at that stage?

It's miss Boo's birthday today, she's one!!!..the last year has flown by, I know everyone says that but it's so seriously true. Annie is walking, talking (well she says mum, dad, book, hello and nana) and generally being a love. She had her horrid twelve month vaccinations yesterday, Johnie took her which is lovely, I get too distressed. This morning we had a birthday cake at morning tea time and Annie is a lot like her mum in that she loved the icing best of all (can't blame the girl!). Life has been hectic for us, my parents have been up from Sydney and I also have my father in law staying with us for a bit after his hospital stint. Mum and dad have left this morning, I miss them already, they are great company and always do lots of stuff around the house for us which is lovely. FIL on the other hand see's himself as well and truly a "guest", doesn't lift a finger and generally drives me a tad nuts.

Hope you're all OK..tiger, where are you??

B

[Tiger]

Hiya,

Annie!! Happy Be-lated 1st Birthday!!!!!

Bel, yea yea I am back and I feel fine. Have been shopping every day - haha. I am going back to work from next week. Glad to hear that Annie's party went wonderfully and your cake was a success \(^o^)/. I made my hubby a cheese cake birthday cake - I am so glad I got home in time for his birthday!

Paula, I am so sorry that you are going though this rough patch at the moment; blood tests are ***** aren't they(X.X)... I hope your lovely DH will come home soon and you will have a good weekend.

MissMolly! not long to go now, you must be very very excited!!(>v<)!! My hubby and I are thinking of taking a holiday trip after UK as well - somewhere close, maybe Hong Kong? BTW what is this prog pessaries cream/gel you talk about? When do they prescribe this to you?

Heather, how RUDE of your clinic to tell you right in your face that you are in an "Older Woman" group, when they can't even keep track of their own records!! As if you don't have any other crap to put up with coming from them! AGGGHHHHHHH! BTW has your AF shown yet? how are you going with taking ethinyl estradiol(?) stuff?

Jo, hi, I hope you haven't expereinced anymore pain that you have mentioned, pls keep us posted. Btw have you decided on her name yet???

Bella, how are you coping with your 2ww?

I am on Day 3 of AF.... the pain isn't so bad this time; but more importantly, it has returned in normal cycle time - 28 days, instead of 67 days, so that's weight off my shoulders.

Chat again soon, have a lovely weekend everyone.

Cheers, Tiger

[bella-s]

Hi Girls,

Tiger - 2ww is terrible!! I have had a fabulous week off work, but I go back to work next week which is stressing me out a little (actually...a lot). I am flying down to Sydney next week as well - does anyone know of any problems with flying during the 2ww?

Anyway, I keep looking for signs that may or may not be there. I've now decided I'm just going to glow like I am pregnant unless the test on the 23rd tells me different! (But I reserve the right to change that attitude depending on my emotional mood for the day... )

Bella.

[BelB]

Hi gals,

Bella, the 2ww sucks big time!..I used to completely melt down with all the interpretation of possible pregnancy symptoms (or otherwise!!). Your attitude during this time is absolutely prone to change at any given point, we're all here and we've all been through it, so feel free to post and let us know how its all going. And no, I haven't heard of any problems with flying during the 2ww..enjoy Sydney!!

Tiger, so glad you and hubby were together for his birthday, your cheescake sounds yummo as well. I lurve cheescake, especially the baked variety! Glad that your cycle length is back to normal as well. I figure that's got to be good for fertility, I mean the more you ovulate the better right??

Hi to all other aussie / kiwi chicks, have a great weekend. JosieMack are you doing OK?, last you posted you were getting braxton hicks type pains..hope all is OK.
B

[Paula]

Hi Ladies,

How's everyone been doing? I don't come on alot anymore, only because I don't really have alot to say. I'll be back though, and I do keep sneaking peaks to see how your all doing

Heather, DH is still away so I haven't been able to start my DHEA yet, but hopefully he'll be home on Mon!!

Tiger, so glad you got back to your dh, and in time for his B-Day I love cheesecake too, yumm, now you've made me hungry!!
Glad to hear af has finally come to her senses!!!!

Yes, so dh is still away, I think i've seen him one weekend in the last 6 weeks. It sucks so bad, I miss him so much *sigh* Can't wait to see him this monday! Only problem is he'll only be home for 2 days and then he's gone again to Melbourne for a couple weeks. I'll also be ovulating during that time so I'm going to have to fly down to Melbourne to visit him. Who lives in Melbourne?

Anyways girls, I"m off now. Just wanted to come say hiya. Hope your all doing well, staying positive and healty.

Love and Huggs
Paula

[hlloyd]

Hiya Ladies

Bel, glad to hear that the party went so well...I can understand your exhaustion, I felt tired just reading about it. Great also that the cake was a hit! Congratulations to Miss Boo for finally making it to whole numbers...yay!

Bella, nearly a week gone...2ww sucks! I don't think flying impacts at all on the outcome so enjoy Sydney. I like your attitude, I can see you glowing for here!! Good luck for the rest of your wait (I hope it goes super fast) and I will keep everything crossed for a BFP result.

Tiger, fantastic that you and DH are reunited and a big Happy Birthday to Mr Tiger! I too love cheesecake...yum. Good to hear also that you are catching up on your shopping, very important....try and save some shopping for Hong Kong though...you don't want to be all shopped out before you go! When are you off to visit the in-laws? Sounds like you will be living a bit of a jetset lifestyle in the coming months...both you and MissMolly are giving me itchy feet! Glad that af has arrived (well not glad about the pain) and your cycle has returned to normal, that must be a huge relief! How is hammy by the way?

Paula, you must be missing DH incredibly by now....at least Melbourne is closer than China, Singapore or Cairns...enjoy your much anticipated reconciliation next week. A couple of the gals are in Melbourne, but after such a long separation and the fact that you will be ovulating....I don't think you will have time for sightseeing, coffee, etc

How is the packing going MissMolly? It is a bit hard when you need to take clothes for hot weather, clothes for cold weather...just take summer clothes and a big coat! How rude of the hairdresser, I hate it when things like that happen....I would change salons!! Thanks for the offer of the pessaries, you are very sweet, I now have a fridge full of them...in fact I have quite the collection of odd baby making drugs in the fridge. If this goes on for much longer I am going to have to get another fridge!

I have finally chosen a Dr and I have a telephone consult with Dr Livingstone from Sydney IVF on 1 December. He sounds fabulous and his receptionist was just so accommodating as far as managing the travel, etc. I also made the dreaded phonecall to my Dr here to find out how to get my records transferred and his staff were also great...I was told that my Dr will be happy to help out in any way that he can. She suggested that I talk to him about my issues with the clinic and also told me to call her if I ever needed to talk! I am hoping that I can maintain some continuity of care by having my current doc do all the local monitoring, etc for my SIVF cycle but I guess both docs may have other ideas. Just have to wait and see.

Having a boring weekend studying...yuk...trying to finish a unit that I wish I had never enrolled in because it is rubbish and I hate it. Hope you are all have great weekends planned...enjoy!

Cheers
Heather

[bella-s]

Heather - thanks for the luck...I will take all of it!
I read about Dr Livingstone because I am going to move to Sydney IVF as well (only if I get a BFN this time....so hopefully no need). I am moving back to Sydney next month, but are you saying you are going to travel down to Sydney for the treatment but stay in QLD? When I spoke to Syd IVF yesterday they were fantastic - so friendly and energetic. I think new things always refresh a little!
Good luck - when are you hoping to start your next cycle?

Bella.