April/May Cycle Buddies 2008

[DrJen]

Thanks Amber, your kind words really mean alot!

[shep181]

Hi Everyone,
Thought I'd jump on the wagon...just starting my second fresh cycle...
I would've started sooner, but I had to finish the 12-step HPT addict program first!

RubyLee,
Welcome to the crazy life!
I started my BCP's on 4/10, we are only a day apart, you've got a buddy if you'd like one...are you doing ICSI?

Congrats to all those successes so far...you're all in my prayers!

[Amberb28]

Hey I need to buy the baby aspirin to consume along with my stims starting monday... can anyone please guide which baby aspirin should I pick from walmart... I have never bought one so I am not sure which one to buy... your guidance wud be of gr8 help...

Have a great one!

[Yellow]

Dr Jen, Amber put it really well. I'm sure your DH wasn't thinking when he said that. He was just venting some of his frustration (and we all know there is plenty of frustration to go around in this process). Acupuncture sounds like a good idea. You're in my thoughts.

Chirs, my RE didn't say anything about exercise either. Nonetheless, I'm a bit obsessed with researching every IVF/pregnancy related question that passes through my head. The only real research I found was this article [http://www.acog.org/from_home/publicati ... 9-06-2.cfm]. It doesn't seem to me like the study was designed to help women decide when/how much to exercise before IVF. But, based on this article I've been walking and doing yoga only. Anyway, these are just my thoughts. As with so many IVF-related things, you have to follow your gut. Let me know what you decide to do. Good luck!

Jeanie, we can do short protocol in the US. I think I read somewhere why most clinics haven't switched, but I forgot why. Big help I am, right? It does sound less punitive. I hope your follies grow and grow!

Sameera, when is your transfer? Have you scheduled it yet? I'm still on boring lupron only. I don't start stimmin' until the 4/25.

Rubylee, when do you get to start jabbing yourself? Funny that we look forward to that.

jharris12, welcome back! One step closer. Yipee!

shep181, does that mean you are going to try to help the rest of us? I'm not ready to admit I have a problem. Ok, that's an extended analogy. I know, I'm sorry.

My mom is in town and I have a relaxing weekend planned. That means I plan to do pretty much nothing.

Have a great weekend!

[Rubylee]

Hi All -

I am sure most of you have seen this Newsweek article but I just went through it again and it makes me inspired to keep on track with diet and exercise. I seem to lose my motivation because of stress from time to time. It is a lot of info and I hope it doesn't cause anyone more pressure but with all these factors we have no control over in this experience, this is something we can grab on to.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/73354

Drjen - Your situation is familiar to me. When I get really discouraged and/or depressed my DH just can't handle it. I think he feels helpless, gets stressed and says things that can be hurtful, especially in my sensitive state. Seems opposite I know but at a time like all of ours it is hard to stay clear. Sounds like it is all getting to him a little. Acupuncture for sure! For him too? My DH is going once a week and it is really helping.

Shep181 - Good luck with round 2! So happy to have someone neck in neck with me. We are doing ICSI. Our issue is no happy sperm. DH has been on Clomid (yes, clomid!) his last analysis is 5/12 and if nothing there he does a biopsy later that week to coincide with my retrieval. Worst case scenario is sperm donor. Also, my doc had me double up on BCPs two days so we are on the same schedule!

Yellow - I start Lupron 4/24! Sounds like I'll be doing the jabbing too, DH is a little squeamish about it.

Enjoy your weekend everyone. I'm in Santa Monica, it is 80 today! Sorry Amber

[Dri-Jim]

Hi Ladies and Men,

Hope everyone is doing OK.

Congrats Donna and Sameera!!

Dr. Jen - Sorry to hear about your frustration. I am now kind of getting worried about my AF. I started spotting on 10 day of Lupron which was when I should have started but I still have not had anything heavy. Usually I have by now. I go in for my b/w & u/s on 4/16 so hopefully AF will kick in by then. I should have been on your exact same schedule but my AF for last month was 1 day late so they had to put me off another week. My RE is Dr. Ratts. My friend did IVF a few years ago and had Dr. Odem and she loved him. go to your acupunctuist, I heard from several girls on other boards that their acupuncturist can get AF going. I was thinking of going to an acupuncturist but don't think I can afford it at this time. Good luck.

Dri-Jim and MJWilliams - Your wives are so lucky to have supportive husbands like you. I love my DH dearly and wouldn't give him up for anything but he just sits by the sidelines and doesn't seem to have any input at all in this mess. I just wish he would get more involved and a little more enthused. He also hates drugs so the whole IVF thing scares him Plus he also has to take the antibiotics which means he can't drink beer for a whole 2 weeks. I guess life will end then. Ok, I will stop ranting. Anyway, good luck with both your 2ww.

Chris

Hi Chris-

I have to defend my fellow man here. Husbands (and wives) express support and love in different ways. And this IVF thing isn't the easiest thing in the world for a guy to get his brain around. I can tell you that these antibiotics are the only drug I've taken in years, I don't even like aspirin.

Then again, he did give up beer for you so that's a BIG thing!

Seriously, I am sure he's supporting you in his own way and will continue to do so.

Best of luck.

Jim

[sameera]

So sorry ladies and Gentlemen

I haven't posted because I didn't hear any from my RE's office till like late!!!

My ET is suppose to be scheduled for tomorrow at 8:15

They want me to come in tomorrow and told me if Embryologist decides that it can go to blastocyst (5day transfer) then they will call me at 7:30!!! - Which means I will be half way into Cincinnati and if they change their mind about my ET to tuesday, then all that driving is gonna suck for notthing!!!

Ugh, I am not to happy about it but what are you gonna do - I'm just gonna stay positive and go over there and hope whatever they decide is for the best...

Keep me in your thoughts and prayers - I am glad I'm finally almost done with my journey and getting closer and closer to getting BFP!!

Most of all thank you everyone for your kind words/support - I don't think I could have done this alone - You guys are all very wonderful - I'm very happy that I got to share my journey!!

Yeah, I know i am getting emotional here but I can't help it - it's my hormones but also because i truly mean it.

Now, lets see how everyone else is doing

SD~ Ha, thanks for the compliment lol but no I so don't want a soccer team!!! I will be pulling my hair if I had that many kids lol

Chris/DrJen~ I hope both of you get your AF soon..Please don't be sad and upset - this whole process is stressful and you guys stressing about getting a period can sometime make it come late too. It happened to me I was a week late!! Ugh, I cried and cried because this was the ONLY time I wanted a period so badly - so I can start stimming. so don't be discouraged.

Dri-Jim - Hows your wife feeling? is she complaing about being bloated??

MJWilliams - Welcome! Glad to have another DH join our thread. It's wonderful to know you guys are so supportive of your wives and want to go thru everything together!! Bravo

Shep181~ Good luck to you with your second IVF - Hope all works out for you

Yellow~ Cool 4/25 is not that far away..

Rubylee~ Hows your progress been??

Jharris~ ooo you are getting closer each day - this is wonderful

Amber~ I guess I never understood that protocol - Why do they want you to take baby asprin?? what is it suppose to do??

I will update you guys as soon as I get back home from my ET hopefully which will happen tomorrow

keeping my fingers crossed.

Love you all take care

Sameera

[Dri-Jim]

Sameera,

Best of luck tomorrow and God Bless. Here's a prayer going out for you and yours.

I just asked Adriana if she feels bloated and she says yes. Of course, it could be the ice cream she had an hour ago.

Please let us know how you do tomorrow. We're thinking of you.

Jim

[Dri-Jim]

Oh, one more thing. I just found out that our clinic has the best results of any in our state (Connecticut). If anyone wants to see thier own state, look here: http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/ART2005/clinics05.asp

This may already be old news to some but probably new news to the noobs like me.

Jim

[SDtrying]

Hi All -

I am sure most of you have seen this Newsweek article but I just went through it again and it makes me inspired to keep on track with diet and exercise. I seem to lose my motivation because of stress from time to time. It is a lot of info and I hope it doesn't cause anyone more pressure but with all these factors we have no control over in this experience, this is something we can grab on to.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/73354

Drjen - Your situation is familiar to me. When I get really discouraged and/or depressed my DH just can't handle it. I think he feels helpless, gets stressed and says things that can be hurtful, especially in my sensitive state. Seems opposite I know but at a time like all of ours it is hard to stay clear. Sounds like it is all getting to him a little. Acupuncture for sure! For him too? My DH is going once a week and it is really helping.

Shep181 - Good luck with round 2! So happy to have someone neck in neck with me. We are doing ICSI. Our issue is no happy sperm. DH has been on Clomid (yes, clomid!) his last analysis is 5/12 and if nothing there he does a biopsy later that week to coincide with my retrieval. Worst case scenario is sperm donor. Also, my doc had me double up on BCPs two days so we are on the same schedule!

Yellow - I start Lupron 4/24! Sounds like I'll be doing the jabbing too, DH is a little squeamish about it.

Enjoy your weekend everyone. I'm in Santa Monica, it is 80 today! Sorry Amber

Hi Rubylee- they're are so many of us now, i can't remember who I've officially "met"/welcomed! I just wanted to say hi, I'm your neighbor to the south in San Diego- it was crazy hot here today too. I hope your DH biopsy comes up with lots of good baby makers!

[SDtrying]

[quote="sameera"]

Sameera- Well that really sucks to have to drive if you don't need to, but as you said it will be for the best regardless, right? I mean if you're gonna have the transfer excellent and if the little soccer players are gonna keep growing for 2 more days that's really positive too. Do you work? That kinda sucks for planning a work schedule, but like you said you are closer and closer to your BFP. Soon you'll be officially PUPO with neffi!!!! yeah!

[SDtrying]

Hey Dr. Jen,

I'm so sorry to hear about the fight you had with your hubby. My husband had a foot in the mouth moment that sounds very similar, I can't remember the exact situation (except for the fact that i cried myself to sleep that night just like you!) We were talking about something and he made some comment like "I'm not infertile" implying that I am and he's not. It was horrible and hurtful and he looked mortified as soon as it came out of his mouth. He tried to take it back but it was too late.....

My DH is wonderful and i'm sure your is too. Having difficulty conceiving puts such an unnatural strain on a relationship. I hope you are feeling better now. I think many of us here are probably type A (i know i am) this board gives us the sense that we're "doing" something to get closer to success. We're keeping each other posted, we're learning new things, giving each other advice, all of those things bring us one step closer to success.

Hang in there and know that many of us have had similar situations with our DH's at one point or another, perhaps its a right of passage through the process. I mean this whole thing would be easy if it didn't mess with your career, your sense of womanhood, and shake your relationship up. Us type A people never like things the easy way right?

[SDtrying]

Hey I need to buy the baby aspirin to consume along with my stims starting monday... can anyone please guide which baby aspirin should I pick from walmart... I have never bought one so I am not sure which one to buy... your guidance wud be of gr8 help...

Have a great one!

my 2 cents for who its worth, generic and cheap. There's really no difference.

[SDtrying]

Hi to all of you out there. I am a dedicated dh taking a little time to thank all of you for your posts and words of encourgement. It has been very helpful in the hours that we have wondered how all of this will work out. My wifey and I went through a day 3 et today with 2 healthy eggs out of 7 from our er day last Tuesday. We have a wonderful 12 year old boy who we are hoping to add a youngster to love and harass him. To all you ladies that are going through the process in the near future and now we wish our best of luck and hopefully we all end up with wonderful children that bless our lifes. Joe as the 2ww is on......

welcome Joe!! great to have some DHs here, helps give us a well rounded perspective. GL to you, can't wait to hear some good news.

[SDtrying]

The only real research I found was this article [http://www.acog.org/from_home/publicati ... 9-06-2.cfm]. It doesn't seem to me like the study was designed to help women decide when/how much to exercise before IVF. But, based on this article I've been walking and doing yoga only. Anyway, these are just my thoughts. As with so many IVF-related things, you have to follow your gut. Let me know what you decide to do. Good luck!

Have a great weekend!

Hey yellow- thanks for info from ACOG, very helpful. I hope all's well with you. I agree that with most this stuff you need to follow your gut. So much of the reproductive world is not based on solid medical evidence (although defining that can be controversial) Unfortunately (and fortunately too!) medical ethics often limits the ability of clinical researches to do good quality studies in the field.