Anybody IVF progesterone ring study in Texas?

Discussion forum for those particularly interested in IVF and embryo transfer including frozen embryo transfer.
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StayingPositive
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Posts: 27
Joined: Fri Apr 04, 2008 3:44 pm

Post by StayingPositive »

Hi everyone,

Thanks becca for the reminder that our DH's get stressed out too and they can act a little jerky to handle their stress. My DH was a smoker, so he had to quit smoking so that we could have nicotine free spermies. Well, he quit the day before we introduced the stim meds. I am a little anal and wanted to read and re-read and re-read the directions (we don't get a shot class) before we did the shots and he wanted to just dive in and do it. Well, between the stress of new shots and him having a nicotine fit we got into a huge fight. Not the best timing to quit smoking. I get pissy with him because I am the one who has to take all of the shots, dr's appointments and everything else and I feel like he gets to relax and be stress free. But, it's true, it is very stressful for our DH's too. I have to remember that. He definitely handles stress internally and I want to get it out in the open all of the time. Ah well...we ended making up that night anyway.

This reminds me of a book I read, Having a Baby…When the Old-Fashioned Way Isn’t Working by Cindy Margolis. She talks about asking her RE for a dummy needle so that she can inject her husband so that he can know exactly what she is going through. It's hilarious. I definitely felt like sticking DH with a shot or two that night so he could understand what I go through every night. He even said I could but I didn't go through with it :lol: The book is actually a quick read and it has some valuable information in it, if anyone is interested.

Indie~Thanks for checking on me. I am on Day 4 of the Stimulation Meds. I had my bloodwork and US this morning. They said they couldn't really see too much going on yet which was expected this early into the stim meds and that they would call me later today with my lab results. They will either tell me to increase my meds or stay on course. The US tech told me they had 22 retrievals scheduled for tomorrow :!: Crazy, huh?
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IndieBlue
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Joined: Sun Jan 13, 2008 1:19 pm

Post by IndieBlue »

StayingPositive: Glad that the stims aren't bothering you too much :) At our shot class they actually gave us one of each needed and some plain saline water to practice with. I showed my husband the 1 1/2 inch one and asked if I could try it on him first LOL OUCH, but I didn't. He's also a smoker, but they didn't say anything about not smoking....his semen analysis came back fine though....wonder if we should consider stopping that a week before or something? Everytime he takes a BC Powder or a pain pill I get irritated with him. Here I'm trying to be med free, herb free and he's taking stuff whenever he feels the need LOL, I just keep thinking that it'll effect his sperm somehow.

So how long do you have to stay on Stims before it actually starts doing something? I though that they only ordered you enough for 10 or so days....I'd hate to have to buy more. My RE puts you on 2 stims, GonalF and Menopur....so maybe I'll stim on time. They gave me a list of the IVF meds that can be used and it has a whole chart on it, about what it does, how long it normally last, side effects, storage and other notes....it's pretty informative. I've also messed around with the needles and stuff so I know what I'm doing (sort of LOL). I'm sure it'll all come back to me, but I remember bigger needles when I did the egg donation so I think I was on something different.

Well, good luck to you and hope your lab work comes back GREAT!!!
Me: 34 DH: 37
Tubal Factor IF
1st IVF cycle May/June 2008
Beta #1 6/18 BFN
2nd IVF cycle July 2009
Chemical Pregnancy at 7weeks
Knrjack
Member
Posts: 74
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2008 11:09 pm

Post by Knrjack »

Yesterday I went in for my ultrasound and blood draw. My eggies are definetly ripe and ready it was just a matter of getting the estradol blood work back and under 5000. Monday it was 3100, Wednesday it was 3840 and Thursday well I never did find out right away. I later found out it was 4800 just under. So no stimms for me at all yesterday YEAH. My coordinator told me at noon that I would definetly be trigger and to head to Reno. That is what I needed to hear. We get on the road. I had no idea what time to take my trigger or anything just that I got to take it in the tummy. WHOO HOOO. That was the best news. No arse shots for me.

Half way to Reno when we got cell phone reception again my coordinator left me a message. I am to trigger at 8pm on 4-17-08 and my retrieval date is Saturday 4-19-08 at 8am. YEAH..

We made it to the peppermill hotel at 6pm and got rested up. But only to find out that it costs nearly 70 dollars for 4 days of internet access so we went on a search today for free wifi while traveling around the Reno area. I am at Barnes&Nobels while Rich is drinking coffee and I am hurrying for my time. We have 2 hours so we are sharing the internet time. Hard when you are use to being on it 24/7 whenever you want. he he.

The hotel room is AMAZING. I will post pics tomorrow. HUGE bathroom the size of my living room with marble floors, jetted tub and a 2 person showerhead marble shower. OH and HUGE screen tv. VERY LUXIOURIOUS for sure. Just what we need to relax.

Because of my limited time I am copying and pasting this on all my boards that are wondering where I am so if you seen one you have seen them all. Thinking of you all lots.
Karen (33)
http:/www.jackson1995.blopspot.com

IVF#1 ~ BFN
Male Factor & Poor Eggs.
IndieBlue
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Joined: Sun Jan 13, 2008 1:19 pm

Post by IndieBlue »

YAY KNR.....can't wait to hear from you when you get back!!! Relax in that wonderful hotel room, it sounds MARVELOUS!!!! You will definitely get some bed rest after ET in that room! Praying for lots of eggies that are fertilized!!!
Me: 34 DH: 37
Tubal Factor IF
1st IVF cycle May/June 2008
Beta #1 6/18 BFN
2nd IVF cycle July 2009
Chemical Pregnancy at 7weeks
whynotus
Member
Posts: 41
Joined: Sat Apr 12, 2008 3:25 pm
Location: charleston sc

Post by whynotus »

Yay! I'm glad to see there's lots going on. I need some distraction!

KNR - so exciting that you are so close to retrieval! I can't wait to hear your report.

Indie, staying positive - good to know you are on your way.

I know how stressful the $$ for meds is, but one of the reasons why it is different for everyone is because we are all on different doses. I would have had enough for some people for 10 days, others for longer than that, but ended up getting more 7 days in b/c my follistim dose was a little higher. I know this isn't the only reason for the differences, but it is one of them...

btw, I found that things will always come up, money-wise. Like a couple of polypectomies...

We found out we had 2 embryos that made it through freezing today. So now we know that maybe this isn't our last chance... that takes some of the stress out of waiting. Today is my birthday, so it was the best present of all!
stressball
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Joined: Tue May 29, 2007 3:37 pm

Post by stressball »

Why: Happy Birth day to you.....really good news that you have 2 to freez...great....You know I was thinking that after my transfer I am going to use " visualizing" techinque to help embryos implant....so this is what I would suggest...to spend time in a helpful way....I would think that you small tiny seeds are floating in the water and I am putting them in the ground and watering them to grow...sounds stupid....but since I love gardening..especially planting seeds and watching them grow....I think it would help....

About me: I am off the pill since thurs.....yeee...US+blood work is on 22nd...after that...same day stim...we have a neighbourhood garage sale today and man I bought so many toys.....hmmmm....well I am not that planner....dont take me wrong...welll I have a dream of having my own speech therapy clinic someday....so I am collecting stuff...but everytime I went to look up a toy stuff...people would ask about how old my lil one is....I wish I had an answer for that....

KNJ: I am sure right by now you you must be done with the retriewal with many healthy embies....I am parying for you......enjoy ur room and TV...I am so ready for a vacation..you are getting 2 in one deal....

Saty+: How is stim...working???? thanks for the book info....and you and Becca are so right....My Dh loves loves kids....he is crazy for his brothers and sister's kids...and I can see the pain on his face when he is giving me shots....like others..he does not beleive in talking what he feels...unlike us...and that makes me feel that he does not feel anything for me...I am one who has to do everything kinf of stuff...but you guys are right...DHs go in hiding when they face situations...and we women yell our lungs out to tell people how we feel...its funny how god designed us....

Becca: I had the same thing in my first IVF..I tested after 9 days of 5 day transfer...its nice in a way...becoz...2ww is short...

Indie: Correct me if I am wrong: so you donated your eggs + adopted 3 children????? since how long have you been ttc...you seem to be young...33 yrs old....
TTC since Jan04
32, DH 36 low count, motility
natural IUI 3, -VE
injectable IUI 2, -VE
1st IVF May june 07: bfn
fet: july:bfn:
2nd ivf April 08 BFP
IndieBlue
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Joined: Sun Jan 13, 2008 1:19 pm

Post by IndieBlue »

Stress: Funny....about the collecting of toys, that's awesome that you're thinking of opening your own center. And before long you'll have something to tell those people ;) that ask how old your little ones is!!! I like your visualization too, sounds so peaceful doesn't it. I love garage sales though, I wished I'd gotten out this morning but we had to go get stuff for the pool....just another week and we can open it YAY!

WhyNotUs: Hope you had a GREAT birthday....and congrats! So will your second job of teaching end when you get through the IF treatments? Or when school lets out, will you atleast have the summer off?

KNJ: Thinking of you....I'm sure that room is comfy and comes with some great room service. I'm envious, what a nice relaxing way to do a ET :) So is hubby enjoying the surroundings too?

Well, nothing new here. Still waiting on AF and I have to wait till Monday for the psychologist to call me back about that wide range in pricing. We were prepared for 300.00, but not 500.00 so I kind of need to know what will tip that scale toward the 500.00. The psychologist in the larger city gave us a straight answer, 300.00 at some and 350.00 at others....so again, nothing against our local psychologist but if it's a 200.00 difference and it depends on him after the visit, we'll just go to the larger city and deal with the gas prices and long road trip LOL

And yes, you are correct. I donated eggs when I was 24 or 25, I just felt like I could help someone out there. They were able to retrieve 11, and that's all I know. And yes I have 3 adopted children and I'm 33 (for a few more months anyway LOL).
Me: 34 DH: 37
Tubal Factor IF
1st IVF cycle May/June 2008
Beta #1 6/18 BFN
2nd IVF cycle July 2009
Chemical Pregnancy at 7weeks
whynotus
Member
Posts: 41
Joined: Sat Apr 12, 2008 3:25 pm
Location: charleston sc

Post by whynotus »

stress: I have been trying to do visualization techniques. I am bad at it. I guess maybe it would help to not be quite so literal: I have been picturing a blastocyst hatching, and actually implanting. Perhaps I need something more metaphorical, but as I have absolutely no imagination I cannot think of anything besides your idea. Since I'm no good with plants, I'm not going to even steal it...

Indie: Yes, I have the summer off. I was primarily teaching to save for this! So as much as I like it, I'd like to stop. The hours and prep have been killing me.

I also love garage sales.

I couldn't agree more about the guys. I get a glimpse of how DH is worried now and then, but mostly he tries to appear caring, but stoic (or at best, moderately hopeful) about the outcome. I couldn't believe when I finally got him to admit after an argument that he seems unaffected by our infertility and losses on purpose! It turns out he doesn't want to seem too hopeful b/c he knows I blame myself if things don't work out, and it has been a real struggle for me at times. It took me years to get all that out... I guess I left him no choice but to be strong when I was crumbling in the past...
Knrjack
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Posts: 74
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2008 11:09 pm

Post by Knrjack »

Yesterday I had my egg retreival and all went very smoothly, minus the part when I was snoring according to the doctor. Something has to make them laugh right at 8am. They Retreived 32 eggs. I went back to the hotel and slept and relaxed as the cramping wasn't the best. But overall it was a great recovery.

Today we went in for my study randomization for the progesterone whether or not I will be on the Ring or the cream. I found it quite fitting we are in Reno and they pull out this scratch ticket for which version I will be on. A little bit of alcohol and the magic word appears. Karen you are on the Duramed Ring. It really isn't bad at all. They had me insert and take it out as the study requires. I got a really cute pink and brown tote bag for the study as well. Very cute. Along with a new Duramed bible as I so call it.

Ok now for the numbers. They retrieved 32. Out of the 32..... 26 eggs were mature. WOW. Out of the 26.... 15 are fertilized and incubating. As I called grandma today I told her she has 15 potential grandbabies. HE HE.

I will be receiving a call tomorrow around 3pm for my Transfer time. All I know right now it is on Earth Day. Tuesday 4-22-08.

Ok, Time to go update the rest of the blogs and give Rich his internet time. Probably won't be signing on again until after we get back home on Tuesday evening in Idaho.

Sorry I don't have time for personals I will make sure to catch up when I am on my princess days in Idaho again. I posted pictures of the hotel room on my blog as well if you want to check it out.

http://www.jackson1995.blogspot.com

Talk to you all soon.
Karen (33)
http:/www.jackson1995.blopspot.com

IVF#1 ~ BFN
Male Factor & Poor Eggs.
IndieBlue
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Posts: 520
Joined: Sun Jan 13, 2008 1:19 pm

Post by IndieBlue »

WOW KNR!@!@! I'm amazed, that's a GREAT number, and what a neat way to find out which progesterone you get! Wonder where they got those...or if each clinic has their own. My nurse told me about the cute brown and pink tote, that's a plus LOL Does it have the name on it? I didn't ask...but toting around something that says Duramed on it anywhere probably wouldn't be something I'd do LOL The ladies on the ring on the other board say that it's not that bad, so I don't really care which I get on. The ring would actually probably fit better in to my lifestyle and busy schedule so my luck I'll be given the gel LOL

Glad again that you're doing so well...it sounds WONDERFUL and I can't hear about your Beta in 2 weeks!
Me: 34 DH: 37
Tubal Factor IF
1st IVF cycle May/June 2008
Beta #1 6/18 BFN
2nd IVF cycle July 2009
Chemical Pregnancy at 7weeks
whynotus
Member
Posts: 41
Joined: Sat Apr 12, 2008 3:25 pm
Location: charleston sc

Post by whynotus »

Knrjack - That's a phenomenal result! Congrats!... I hope you feel better soon. It seems that people that had the most eggs are most uncomfortable after retrieval from what I've heard, but hopefully you'll feel great once you are on bedrest (or just rest)! Enjoy it....

I was uncomfortable for a couple of days with the ring, but it was just because I was sore from the retrieval....

Indie - I don't think the bag says duramed on it anywhere. I didn't know about it, so I was pleasantly surprised when I got it. I didn't see the ticket, either! I guess they did that before I came in.
beccatx
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Joined: Tue Apr 08, 2008 10:54 am
Location: Texas

Hi study buddies

Post by beccatx »

Good morning!

KNRjack- that's wonderful about your 15 "babies"...it's reassuring to know there will be lots to choose from and some frosties to save for later. can't wait to find out how the ET goes and how many they transfer...is the maximum 2 for everyone in the study? Or is it based on your clinic? Mine will only do 2 if you're under 40.

Stress...so you're on the stims now...that's exciting- how are you doing?

Stayingpositive...how have your US and bloodwork been lately? Showing progress now on US and E2- do they project a date for trigger shot?

Indie...AF in town??? :)

Whynotus- HOW ARE YOU FEELING? Any symptoms? Bleeding? All I have is slight cramping or tight feeling in uterus...off and on since ET.

This Friday is my pregancy test at the clinic....I haven't bought any HPT, but thought I might on wed. or Thurs...any words of wisdom to stop or encourage me? :)

BTW- I did have one to freeze- of the 4 that fertilized, 2 transferrred, and 1 made it to day 6 blast and was A/B so they froze it!

Have a great day.
IndieBlue
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Joined: Sun Jan 13, 2008 1:19 pm

Post by IndieBlue »

Becca: Well, AF is coming.....I'm cramping so badly this morning :( We're finishing up school so it's really hard for me to concentrate on AF, school, the psychologist appointment next week, we have 4 appointments for different things tomorrow and then my mom is in town so we're meeting her at 1 for lunch.....maybe without husband (and I do so much better when he's there with me LOL, since my mother didn't raise me...it's nice to have him there).

I think that the number they transfer has a lot to do with the RE. I know mine has discussed putting back 3 if it's on day 3 and 2 if it's on day 5. All I found in the paperwork was that on visit 5 (ET), that it would be discussed with you and the transfer would be completed per your study doctor's standard of care and recommended guidelines. So unlike some other studies....I think it has a lot to do with what you discuss with your RE and his normal procedures/numbers :)

So those of you with the ring, is it pretty easy to get out after a while? I'm so nervous that if I get the ring, at visit 5, how hard will it be to get out there in the office, and then put it back in after the ET. It says not to leave it out longer than 1 hour, the ET will take about 20-30 minutes and that's not including the wait time...so again I'm just worried. The gel would of course be different, in that you would just insert it after ET and not have anything to take out prior.

Oh well, off to finish with my hair and then we're headed to lunch with my mom.
Me: 34 DH: 37
Tubal Factor IF
1st IVF cycle May/June 2008
Beta #1 6/18 BFN
2nd IVF cycle July 2009
Chemical Pregnancy at 7weeks
stressball
Regular
Posts: 267
Joined: Tue May 29, 2007 3:37 pm

Post by stressball »

Hi all,

I am freaking out....My AF has not showed up yet...tomorrow...22nd is my US+ blood work to start the stim. Does anybody know what happens in this situation...can they stim me without periods????? Left a message to the nurse..waiting...

Sorry I will not be able to respond to eyerybody'd post right now...but I am updated..and will write soon...

Knj: congrates...
TTC since Jan04
32, DH 36 low count, motility
natural IUI 3, -VE
injectable IUI 2, -VE
1st IVF May june 07: bfn
fet: july:bfn:
2nd ivf April 08 BFP
IndieBlue
Regular
Posts: 520
Joined: Sun Jan 13, 2008 1:19 pm

Post by IndieBlue »

Stress, from what I've read, some people do not have a period after BCP's...etc They can still stim you :) I think it's just more or less to regulate you, but again, from reading other ladies journey's I've seen that some don't have a period after BCP's/Lupron.....so good luck!!! Call the RE to make sure that they do it this way, but I'm sure you'll be fine!
Me: 34 DH: 37
Tubal Factor IF
1st IVF cycle May/June 2008
Beta #1 6/18 BFN
2nd IVF cycle July 2009
Chemical Pregnancy at 7weeks
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