NOV 06 IVF girls....

[hopeful-in-LV]

Kristin, I could of used some vallium for my ER last cycle. ET was ok except there was no implantation. The injections are not as bad as they look. I found the intramuscular (long needles) to not hurt much. the gauge of the needle makes the difference, the thinner the needle the less of a pinch with the poke. Hopefully you have 25g or smaller for your shots. The subcutaneous shots(short needle) are the ones that will sting a little and will probably bruise. Must have to do with having so many nerves and blood vessels just under the skin. When you get your embies it will feel like it was worth it.

I can definately relate to the family thing. My MIL was already calling me 'Mom' by the time I got to ET. This time we're not telling anyone. Last time our moms would call every other day to ask how things were going, how I felt, what's next, blah, blah, blah. Our moms were disapointed and sad when we told them it was BFN last time. I don't want to have to give everyone bad news again if it turns out that way. I'd rather give them a nice holiday surprise or no news at all. I told my brother, he's the only one that didn't keep calling to get weekly updates.

Wow angellica, 6 godchildren! Amazing! I bet you love those kids very much.

[Fed7281]

OK Girls you are starting to scare me with all this talk of long needles and stuff. I know that there are needles involved but how big you talking? I know that it will be worth it and I will live threw all of the pricks (my DH may not as I will have him do them LOL)

As for family..... my family is the complete opposite. Nobody asks how it is going nothing. That is disappointing to. I wish there could be a happy medium between the over bearing and the ones that dont know what to say, as I think that is why my fam is not acting interested. I dont think they realize the extent of what the process is going to do physically and emotionally to me. I am hoping once I know when I am starting for real they will come around and be some sort of a support system.

How is everyone's DH acting toward the situation? Mine is the type to never discuss how he feels for the most part and it seems as though he is just along for the ride. Not really offering support either. It is not that he doesnt care or that he is not wanting a baby as much as I do it is just his personality. Just curious.

Well, I am done with my novel for now. HAHA

[Bubby101]

My DH came home from work tonight and saw my med's on the table and said OMG. Then I yelled at him and said "That's all you can say to me"! The said sorry and was like let's go through all the med's together. I was talking to him as we were going upstairs. Telling him how great all you ladies are. He thinks it's so good that I have someone to talk to that understands all this. Then he said something to me that made me want to take one of those long needles and shove it into his ass. He said " This should be fun!" What a crazy husband I have but I love him to death. When he gets nervous about something he gets this nervous laugh and doesn't watch what comes out of his mouth..

Erin- The needles are long I won't lie 1 1/2". I don't know if that is normal but that is what I got. My father is a pharmacist and he told me they are not bad. He said the needle has to be bigger then some of the little needles because the fluid is oil based. It's too thick to go in a tiny needle. You also have plenty of tiny needles and pills. A little pain for a min is worth it for a baby.

[jordan22]

Bubby... Welcome and I am so glad you are here with us..

Ladies.. the needles are long but really the IM shots hurt less then the SQ ones.... you have no nerves in your muscles..

I got more of my meds today.. woohooo on more shipment to go (the follistim) and we will be set... I can't believe this IVF#2 is right around the corner... I am actually pretty excited about it..

Fed7281.. don't worry about the needles... you can ice your skin for all the shots BUT the PIO (you want it warm for that) if anyone wants the secret to the PIO (progesterone in oil) shots not hurting at all.. let me know... My nurse told us to do it this way and everyone I know that has tried it.. agrees....

Fed7281.. also.. lol I have family that could care less also... they are so mean about it sometimes too.. makes me really sad.. but I have decided that I need to take care of ME and not worry about them. there are a few I am not talking to right now.. (it is easy cause we live out of state) (((HUGS)))


angellica... WOW you are a much stronger person then I am... I could never be someone birthing partner now... That would be soo hard for me... bless you...
Oh and Welcome...


Jovigal.. can you believe we only have 5 days until we start Lupron..woohoo

JECK... Will be thinking of you tomorrow...

[hopeful-in-LV]

Then he said something to me that made me want to take one of those long needles and shove it into his ass. He said " This should be fun!"

I wonder how fun he think it will be when the hormones kick in!


Tonia, what's your secret to the PIO? What I did was after drawing up the PIO in the saringe and changed the needle to a smaller gauge, I placed it on top of a hot water bottle to warm it up. At the same time I would ice my skin where I woud get injected, not too much, just enough to numb the surface. I know some don't like to do that, if there's a better way I'd like to know. After the injection I would use the hot water bottle to warm the inj spot, then massage the area to help rub the oil around. Did you get a small needle to change to after drawing up the oil? When I first got my meds I saw the saringe with a fat needle and I almost had a stress attack. Then it was later explained that I would not have to be injected with the 'big scary needle'. This time I'm getting a new thinner PIO.
I'm sorry to hear that your family is mean to you. You have us to talk to and cheer for you. Do you think your family would at least be happy if you became PG?

Fed, sorry your family doesn't seem to care. I only told my brother this time because he was the only one that didn't ask too many questions. He said he didn't think I'd want too much attention. He said that when his friend had cancer, everyone was always concerned and kind of smothered her with attention. It kind of just made her think about her illness more than she wanted. He was the only one that didn't make a big deal of it and she thanked him for that.
Maybe your family is trying to give you and DH space and privacy. IVF is so invasive as it is. Maybe once things get going their curiosity will kick in and they'll ask more about it. Meanwhile we have plenty of support to give you!

[elliecat]

Bubby 101. When i first saw my injections last time i was really nervous. The nurse showed me how to do it and helped me inject myself so i thiught i was really brave. At home it was a different thing, i remember standing there with DP counting down but stopping as soon as it touched my belly. Anyway he had to do them all and i think secretly he quite enjoyed it By the end he thought he was playing darts! They actually didn't feel that bad.

So sorry to hear that familys are so mean. This is such an emotional rollercoaster and people don't see it. But we can be a surrogate family to help each other through this.

This time we have decided not to tell a lot of people. Last time i felt like we were a novelty for everyone to discuss and call me mummy and patting my stomach and then telling everyone that it didnt work was so difficult. But everyone copes with there own situation differently and you do what you feel is right.

Ellie x

[angellica]

Not sure how big your needles are but mine are tiny...they don't go all the way in anyway! I have seen a lot bigger needles! It really is mind over matter with the injecting.....honest!! I haven't even flinched this time round to be honest I can't feel a thing, this is hardly any pain compared to what I assume childbirth is like Just take a deep breath on putting the needle in then exhale as you inject, I ring my Mum and chat to her on the phone as I am doing it that gives me something else too think about!! You will all be fine, and do not worry your partners will have enough to contend with if you suffer from mood swings and hot flushes! 1st time round I did REALLY bad, I actually scared myself! I remember packing my DH's suitcase for no reason whatsoever and I threw a hot cup of coffee over him, I was psychotic but I think it was worse as I had just given up smoking as well...we laugh about it now 2nd time round I had hot flushes but hardly any psychotic tendencies, thank the Angels!! You will all be fine, it must be real scary for you first timers, if any of you meditate I suggest you do it more regular...if not then start! trust me it is a great way to focus and will teach you breathing techniques, just grab a CD and relax....... Oh and as far as families are concerned, good or bad, our cyber friends are the families we choose for ourselves! together we have a far better chance of doing this than on our own, for the first time ever I actually don't feel lonely, two days ago I was crying and now I am We will all be fine and in a few months fat and fine....what joy xx

Angellica xx

[jordan22]

Mia.. your way sounds pretty good.. we usually just warm the vile of PIO in my hands before we draw up the meds.. then switch needles and DH spreads my skin between his thumb and finger and jabs me.. then he takes a hot (as his hands can take) wet wash rag and rubs the oil in... I never feel anythig... I am afraid to use ide because I am afraid that it will cause the oil to clump.. but it sounds like it works for you..

as for my family being happy when I get PG.... I doubt it.. they are all pretty selfish people and if it will not benifit them in some way.. then they don't care.. lol (my Dad died 12 years ago and my mom remarried 6 months latter and ever since them my family are a bunch of jerks.. lol ) Thank goodness I live FAR waya from them and have a great DH... My inlas are pretty helpful with the IVF stuff.. my FIL came to stay with us in July when we did our IVF to help out with our 10YO.. and he was facinated by everything.. lol

Ellie.. we are not telling anyone about it this time eaither.. just my in laws (because they want us tom go visit them for Thanksgiving and I tild DH that if this does not work.. I am not going anywhere.. I am going to be sulking..

Then he said something to me that made me want to take one of those long needles and shove it into his ass. He said " This should be fun!"

MY goodness that cracks me up....lol My DH can't say anything about the shots because HE gets shots of HCG himself..

[Jovigal]

It's interesting to hear how everyone's families react to IVF. I'm really close to my aunt, whom I tell everything to. She is very supportive. The only other person I have told in my family is my mom. She's really quiet and doesn't say much about anything. I don't get affended by it cause I know that's just how she is. The main thing is that we have our DH's support.

Tonia, only 4 more days now. I'm ready!!

[hopeful-in-LV]

Mia.. your way sounds pretty good.. we usually just warm the vile of PIO in my hands before we draw up the meds.. then switch needles and DH spreads my skin between his thumb and finger and jabs me.. then he takes a hot (as his hands can take) wet wash rag and rubs the oil in... I never feel anythig... I am afraid to use ide because I am afraid that it will cause the oil to clump.. but it sounds like it works for you..

as for my family being happy when I get PG.... I doubt it.. they are all pretty selfish people and if it will not benifit them in some way.. then they don't care.. lol (my Dad died 12 years ago and my mom remarried 6 months latter and ever since them my family are a bunch of jerks.. lol ) Thank goodness I live FAR waya from them and have a great DH... My inlas are pretty helpful with the IVF stuff.. my FIL came to stay with us in July when we did our IVF to help out with our 10YO.. and he was facinated by everything.. lol

I've heard your technique too. I'm going to try without ice this time because I did get lumps in my skin. I think towards the end I started to ice a little longer because my butt was getting pretty sore. I think I'll just have to get DH to give a longer massage. The nurse says the thinner PIO I'm getting should be less lumpy. Did you not get any lumps at all?

Sorry about your family. Sorry to hear that you lost your father. It's nice that your DH and inlaws are so good to you. Very nice of your FIL to help in such a stressful and emotional time.

[hopeful-in-LV]

This time we have decided not to tell a lot of people. Last time i felt like we were a novelty for everyone to discuss and call me mummy and patting my stomach and then telling everyone that it didnt work was so difficult. But everyone copes with there own situation differently and you do what you feel is right.

Telling everyone the bad news was the worst! I wasn't even the one that called them. They called me. Well I just called my Mom cause I usually call her when I need support. But it was like I just needed a few moments to grieve and then I'd get a call...."how's it going?"..... Then I'd feel like I was letting them down, sigh. For us it's just better if we keep to ourselves this time.

[cheekymonkey]

Hi Everyone!

This board is impossible to keep up with, but I really love reading everyones posts cause it kind of makes me feel normal knowing there are poeple out there with the same feelings as me!

Welcome to Angellica, these boards are great as I think you have probably realised! I was taking Gonal on my first cycle and I think that is what I will be on this time round, I have never really found the injections difficult! I was a bit hessitant with the first but after that I was fine! I find the Gonal a bit better because it is already made up!
I am a bit like you because I try and push for the earliest possible start dats and there have been times when my clinic try and make me wait longer but I just feel better when I know something is happening rather than waiting around!! I have taken time off work to do this and so the waiting is like torture!!
I always seem to be moody when I am on the med's and also get terrible hot flushes, my hubby seems to just ignore it and so that is quite good, at least I know that when we are old and I am going through the change he will still love me!! LOL

I agree with the statement that we are like a cyber family, all you ladies know more about how I feel than anyone else and I don't think this journey would be the same without you all! Thanks for being there everyone!!!

Ellie - that is a very good idea t eat a sweet to get rid of the taste of the nasal spray it is also a great excuse to eat sweets four times a day!! I have been trying to lose weight for this next cycle but I will tell hubby that sweets are a must for nasal spray!! LOL

Jovigal, Tonia, Mia, Ellie - All starting down regging this week you must all be really excited cause you are that little bit closer to the final straight. Good luck to you all!

Erin - good luck at your appt on wednesday, I hope they give you your dates for starting, I can't wait for mine!

Kristen - I see you are starting your Lupron on 19th! I have got to go for my blood test on 18th and hopefully if everything is ok I will be able to start down regging on 19th also!!! but things dont usually go as planned for me and so I will wait and see but maybe we will be close with our cycles!!!

Wow, I have been reading all the information about families and I don't think there is ever a happy medium!!
I kind of wish that I had not told anyone that we were doing IVF because I feel so pressured to get it right and then when it goes wrong it is not just me and DH that are devastated but the whole of the family seems let down, it was impossible not to tell them about it because they are all quite close by and they saw the effects of the treatment and if i did not tell them they would have thought I had turned into a raving lunatic!!LOL
I don't think that any of them truley understand the depth of what we are going through and my DH's family are quite insensitive and i think forget it effects us every single day, where as my family are very over bearing and are constantly asking what is happening which is also quite annoying!
We are the first on both sides to have experianced difficulties and so I try not to worry about how they act because I don't think they know what to do for the best!!
Since we have been trying to concieve we have had four neices and nephews born and also six of our cousins have had children, they really are the worst times and that is when people forget how we might be feeling! I don't mean to sound selfish but we were married before all of these people and they all have what we so desperatley want!! Life is so strange!!!
Oh well I think I have moaned on quite enough for now, Hope you are all feeling well and having lots of PMA ready for the next steps of your treatments!

Take Care
Cheeky Monkey

P.S. Jeck I hope everything went well for you and hope your little ones are snuggling in nicely!

[jeck]

Hey Ladies!!!

I just got my final report on my snowbabies!!!

My clinic only freezes A or B quality blastocyts and as you know I had frozen on the day of my transfer which is day 5!!

Well today on day 6 they froze more!!!

So that is a total of snowbabies!!!! I am so excited!!!!!

[Jovigal]

Thanks Cheekymonkey for the Good Luck! I'm really excited to get started!

Jeck, that's great, 8!!!! I hope I have a few to freeze but RE says he doubts that I will since I only have 1 ovary, and my age....

[hopeful-in-LV]

That's wonderful news Jeck! You have plenty in reserve just incase or for siblings! Congrats! I'm sending lots of sticky baby dust to you. I'm glad you got through ET well. How long do you have to rest?
I have just 3 totsicles. if this FET doesn't work, I'll have to start all over. Wish I had more, but I am so blessed to have this 1 chance at FET.