Success stories in early 40s

[Cookie43]

Sorry everyone. Re read my message and realised how negative that all sounds! I will stop being silly and keep hoping for a BFP on Monday.....

[Cookie43]

Ok so I did the hpt 14 days past EC. BFN.
Nurse at the clinic says that Monday's blood test will simply confirm that result.
Just don't know whether it is worth the stress and upheaval of another round at my age. Think that horse may have bolted. I really felt awful with all of those chemicals coursing through me. If I had a greater chance of success at my age I guess I'd be more positive....but think the one may be it for me.

[SueQiwi]

Hi Cookie~
I am so very sorry about your BFN. I was so hoping you would get lucky. I know how gutting it is to get that news and I hope that you are coping ok. Be nice to yourself right now--have a glass of wine and a warm bath. You don't need to make any decisions yet--you are still grieving from the disappointment and your body is full of hormones. Give yourself some time and then sort out a plan. Big hugs to you Cookie--my heat goes out to you.

[Cookie43]

Thanks Sue. Got a full on period today so at least I can stop the progesterone. No....the ride is over for me. I don't want to put my body through that again. Going back to my 3 Rs which work every time....red wine, running and retail therapy. Good luck! Xox

[margi26]

So sorry Cookie ((HUGS))

[Cookie43]

Thanks Margi. I saw how many rounds you had to go through and I really admire that but my age is against me and I really think I have left it too late. I also think that those chemicals are very taxing on your body. If there were better odds of a pregnancy I might think differently but I could go through another 3 rounds and still negative. What would you do? I'd be interested in other's opinions.

[margi26]

Cookie: I certainly understand your hesitation. It is difficult on your body as on your emotions. And you are right...there are no "guarantees" especially once one gets older. But, on the positive side, it can happen.

These are some questions I would ask yourself:

What does the RE says are your chances? Do you know your FSH, etc? Clearly you have some reserve as you were able to get 2 to make it to a 5 day transfer. How many did their retrieve? Are you open to taking supplements to help (possibly) improve egg quality? are you open to making dietary changes/using acupuncture? How good is your clinic rated? Do you have the option to go to a different clinic if their stats aren't as a good as you would like? Are you open to using donor eggs or donor embryos? And perhaps most importantly: How important is this to you? to your DH? If it is something that means a lot to you--then I would suggest doing the tests, and research, and going to the best clinic that you are able and giving it your all. Best of luck with whatever you decide. There is no "right" answer, only the best answer for your situation that makes you feel at peace.

If you have any specific questions for me...feel free to PM.

[Cookie43]

Hi Margi
Yes had all the tests and all normal. Further refined my diet no caffeine and no alcohol. Very fit so watch my diet, lots of protein, fruit and veggies plus flax oil, fish oil, frolic acid etc etc.

Wouldn't use donor eggs....would do so if I didn't have any children.

Hard to know which clinics are good. They "self report" as they do in the USA so they often pick their best year. My doctor says that for the "average" woman my age it's about a 10 percent chance with each cycle.....

Going to see the dr again on Wednesday.

Thanks for your lovely messages. That are appreciated
Hugs

[Cookie43]

Oh and forgot to say that they got 5 eggs all of which fertilised and 3 made it to 5 day transfer. My first cycle was a bit "one size fits all" with synerel and injections. My body did not respond well the the protocol and the dr ramped the fsh up in the last few days which I suspect did not yield maximum results as the eggs were not a mature as they would have been over a longer cycle....

On the bright side I am getting a new car on Wednesday and it's an suv so maybe if I think hard enough about filling those seats it will happen.

Not a huge believer in acupuncture. There is no evidence that it works...did you use it? How did you find it?

[Cookie43]

Ok, call me MAD but I am going to embark on a 2 nd round of ivf. My AMH is 10.5 nd FSH is 5.8. These are good for my age. The only impediment appears to be my age. I have changed clinics, doctors and am now on DHEA which you can only get by prescription. I am even trying self hypnosis. Found a great woman in England who consults on the telephone and then makes a special recording based on your needs and situation.

Fingers crossed
Cookie43

[margi26]

Yea!! Not MAD at all...determined Sounds like you have a terrific plan, and I don't think I mentioned it before, but I used guided meditation as well (specific for IVF). And as far as the acupuncture goes, I found it to be incredibly relaxing....far more so than any massage I ever had, so for me it was hugely positive.

Take care!!! Best of luck!!! KUP!

PS I turn 45 next week.

[Tess69]

Hi Cookie

Well done you for deciding to do another cycle. In all honesty, you would have been extremely lucky to get pregnant 1st cycle.

I started IVF at 40. Had a BFP on my first cycle but beta didn't rise - miscarried at 8 wks. I then got pregnant after a thawed embryo replacement during a natural cycle using 2 x 5-day blasties. Unfortunately found out at 18 weeks that baby had unsurvivable abnormalities and I had a medical termination a few days later. We later found out the abnormalities were a result of a rare genetic disorder called Meckel-Gruber Syndrome. DH and I are both carriers. A few cycles later, with BFNs and a chemical pregnancy along the way, I got a BFP from 2 x 5-day morulas. I'm now 18 wks pregnant and so far the scans have shown that there are no abnormalities associated with MGS. I'll be 43 by the time baby arrives.

So yes, it can be a really rocky road but if you really want it to happen, stay strong, look forward and do what feels right for you. It is undoubtedly harder to get pregnant after 40 but it does happen. It looks like you are blessed with good egg quality and quantity for your age so that's a great start.

I'll be thinking of you and wishing you all the very best along your journey.

[Cookie43]

Thanks Tess and Margi

I had my blood tests to see whether I could start the mods today but my estrogen is 300 and progesterone 13 both of which should be less than 200 and more than 20 respectively. This is supposed to be the second period following the bfn but all I have is a bit of spotting and mucus - no period! Never happened before they want me to go back on Sunday to test again. Has this happened to anyone else?

[Cookie43]

Still no period....where have you gone? Another blood test tomorrow morning....this DHEA is not making life much fun. Feeling very cranky

Here's a question....I have a friend in Perth who is looking to use an egg donor. Where are the best places on the west coast USA for this?

[Cookie43]

Yea!! Not MAD at all...determined Sounds like you have a terrific plan, and I don't think I mentioned it before, but I used guided meditation as well (specific for IVF). And as far as the acupuncture goes, I found it to be incredibly relaxing....far more so than any massage I ever had, so for me it was hugely positive.

Take care!!! Best of luck!!! KUP!

PS I turn 45 next week.

Margi

Were you taking DHEA? I think it may be standard in the USA. Did you take it for all cycles? How long we're you taking it for and did you notice improvements?