March/April 2010 Cycle Group

[angelaezra]

Thanks Angela, I didn't think of that if it's ectoptic! What if I just take the progesterone? I asked the nurse if I could keep taking meds and she said up to me. I don't have pain. Just very bloated. They never tell me progesterone levels and I always forget to ask. But I have been doing it twice a day so they can't be low.

Lauren1171 - Well, the “no” pain ... is definitely a very good sign. I know once you stop the progesterone, you will probably start your AF in a few days. But, the progesterone will probably keep you bloated and uncomfortable all weekend. It doesn't sound like an ecotpic with the information that you provided us. I just hope you are able to enjoy yourself.

Angela

[angelaezra]

Angela- I actually took Estrace after my ET with the progesterone. This protocol is taking Estrace prior to cycling. She told me its proven at other facilities to help increase your eggs. I dont know? Glad your feeling alittle better. Thats nice that you have the support at your job. As far as the FMLA my boss said I have to take it otherwise me missing work looks like an "occurance" on my record. We have this new company at work handling all this. My hope is that I can schedule myself around it. Its hard because my doctor says we get two days off following a ER and ET but then the instructions say no lifting exercising no sex and no cleaning like scrubbing or vaccuming until blood test. So with my job thats impossible!! So Im not sure what the right track is..Im just hoping for the best.

Lauren-Oh man..I am so sorry. I cant believe this and to have to go away like you said and not know whats happening. Ive never had ectopic so Im not sure whats going on but I am here praying for you and your Dh hoping you dont have any issues while away and can enjoy yourselves. I know this must be very tough emotionally as well. Take care and remember were all here for you!

Lauren – that definitely makes sense regarding the FMLA. You have to do what you have to do and not worry about it later. It sounds like your RE has a good plan in place for you. That is exciting!

Angela

[mcfarland2213]

WaitingforGodsMiracles - we are in the same boat - 2 blasts transferred days apart (i had my ET on May 3rd!) I wish you all the sticky baby dust - I tried to PM you but it didn't give me that option All the best!!!!

[natakia1108]

Waiting4GodsMiracle – So you had your ET on Tuesday … that is awesome! I have to say I admire you for not POAS; I just couldn’t wait, so I cheated every time I cycled … lol.

Helene – I am glad you have a plan set for all of your work. That is great that your DH is able to get the move started, I hope the move isn’t too stressful. I know your kids will love your new place!

Natakia – thanks so much for the advice. I should be used to people being insensitive to what my DH and I have been through by now but it just makes me so mad every time. It is probably because I carry my heart on sleeve. I understand that everyone’s situation is different and sometimes having a child can be such a difficult decision but their situation is different and they are always doing things so backwards and irresponsible. It is like they are kids themselves! Oh, how I hate I have to socialize with them but I don’t think I can get out of that since they are in-laws … ugh!

I just read your next post about your beta; that is a great 3rd beta. You might have more than 1 embryo in there. How many did you transfer again? And, when is your first u/s?

Just wanted to add to the FMLA discussion. The law in the US is that FMLA is approved for various reasons (medical, birth of child, adoption, care of spouse, parent, etc.) However, it only provideds 12 weeks in a ROLLING 12 month period. It has absolutely nothing to do with paid leave. You are allowed this leave and have JOB PROTECTION no matter what that is the law. Every company is different. My company doesn't pay anything for maternity leave. However, we do get 20 days of sick leave...& that's it. I'll get to use 2 wks of sick then go to short-term disability for hopefully 6wks, then get the other 2wks of sick leave & then use vacation for the last 2 or just not take pay (which we are blessed to be able to do).

However, say you use 2 weeks of sick leave (which will automatically be counted as FMLA because you are out more than 3 consecutive days due to health) You know only have 10 more weeks left in the ROLLING 12 month period. Last Oct. I had a BAD reaction to the meds & after my ER, I was out of work for 6 days that counted as FMLA leaving me only 11 more weeks, then I had to have surgery in Dec. to take the fibroids out. I only took 2 weeks off (leaving me only 9 wks of fmla left in this rolling 12 month period). I worked from home for 2 weeks before going back in the office. However, since my baby is due 1/4...I should have gained back all but maybe a few days of FMLA because the other weeks I used would no longer be in the "rolling 12 month period" so anyone can take 12 weeks the question is whether they can afford to do it or not. I personally don't care about pay...we budget everything out to the penny & can miss a few checks in necessary. Anyway....I had to learn all this stuff to understand how much time I should take when I had my surgery and I'm glad I did it the way I did!!!

Kajol – thank you so much for sharing your story. I guess we all have these situations to deal with but I think it is just the timing of everything.

Lauren – I have read some articles that said some RE’s are adding Estrace after the ET because the combination of estrace/progesterone helps with implantation. I am not sure if this is exactly what your RE is thinking but maybe. Please let us know what they say because I am curious also.

Oh, I just read your next post. That sounds like a great plan … I just wanted to warn you about the family leave. This depends on your company and how their FMLA is set up, but most plans only provide you 6 weeks of paid leave and 6 weeks of non-paid leave, but this is the important part, it is usually only approved for once a year occurrence. I say that because I would hate for you to use up a lot of your FMLA time now and when you become pregnant have a problem getting it approved again. This actually happened to a co-worker of mine. She thought she had throat cancer, so she was off for about two weeks for treatment and doctor’s appointments. They also put her on an antibiotic, which made her birth control ineffective, so she became pregnant the very next month. But, the problem was my company would not approve two FML’s in one year. So after she delivered the baby she only had a few weeks of paid leave left. I know crazy, right?

BTW – Orlando sounds great. I went for the first time 4 years ago for a business meeting in Disney World and I had such a good time that my DH and I went back the next year and stayed for a week. We had a blast!

Nicliz – I am happy your ET went well. So, you decided to only transfer 1 embryo … that is great. I am proof that it only takes one embryo to get pregnant. Good luck during your 2ww transfer.

Lauren1171 – I am so sorry. Did they tell you what your progesterone level is? I ask this because with an ectopic pregnancy, usually the HCG might start out normal but slowly progress but the progesterone level is usually low. And, I know when I had my ectopic; I was in such severe, severe pain that I knew something was wrong. I can’t remember have you had any severe pain w/ this pregnancy? I am not sure about continuing the meds because you might not feel well if you continue taking the meds and start drinking. Also, if it is truly an ectopic, you don't want to continue the meds because the embryo will continue to grow and if it is in your fallopian tube, it could burst, which can be deadly. I do hope you and your DH can have some time to heal and enjoy each other. Once again, I am so sorry.

AFM – I had a pretty good day today at work. I have decided to tell some of physician offices that I am pregnant because I am starting to show. I have noticed that they keep looking at my stomach … lol. So I feel impelled to say something. Also, a lot of my doctors’ where there for me emotionally when I lost Ashley so they are absolutely thrilled for me, but they do understand why I am so scared at the same time. They have been great support for my DH and I.

Angela

[natakia1108]

Waiting4GodsMiracle – So you had your ET on Tuesday … that is awesome! I have to say I admire you for not POAS; I just couldn’t wait, so I cheated every time I cycled … lol.

Helene – I am glad you have a plan set for all of your work. That is great that your DH is able to get the move started, I hope the move isn’t too stressful. I know your kids will love your new place!

Natakia – thanks so much for the advice. I should be used to people being insensitive to what my DH and I have been through by now but it just makes me so mad every time. It is probably because I carry my heart on sleeve. I understand that everyone’s situation is different and sometimes having a child can be such a difficult decision but their situation is different and they are always doing things so backwards and irresponsible. It is like they are kids themselves! Oh, how I hate I have to socialize with them but I don’t think I can get out of that since they are in-laws … ugh!

I just read your next post about your beta; that is a great 3rd beta. You might have more than 1 embryo in there. How many did you transfer again? And, when is your first u/s?

Just wanted to add to the FMLA discussion. The law in the US is that FMLA is approved for various reasons (medical, birth of child, adoption, care of spouse, parent, etc.) However, it only provideds 12 weeks in a ROLLING 12 month period. It has absolutely nothing to do with paid leave. You are allowed this leave and have JOB PROTECTION no matter what that is the law. Every company is different. My company doesn't pay anything for maternity leave. However, we do get 20 days of sick leave...& that's it. I'll get to use 2 wks of sick then go to short-term disability for hopefully 6wks, then get the other 2wks of sick leave & then use vacation for the last 2 or just not take pay (which we are blessed to be able to do).

However, say you use 2 weeks of sick leave (which will automatically be counted as FMLA because you are out more than 3 consecutive days due to health) You know only have 10 more weeks left in the ROLLING 12 month period. Last Oct. I had a BAD reaction to the meds & after my ER, I was out of work for 6 days that counted as FMLA leaving me only 11 more weeks, then I had to have surgery in Dec. to take the fibroids out. I only took 2 weeks off (leaving me only 9 wks of fmla left in this rolling 12 month period). I worked from home for 2 weeks before going back in the office. However, since my baby is due 1/4...I should have gained back all but maybe a few days of FMLA because the other weeks I used would no longer be in the "rolling 12 month period" so anyone can take 12 weeks the question is whether they can afford to do it or not. I personally don't care about pay...we budget everything out to the penny & can miss a few checks in necessary. Anyway....I had to learn all this stuff to understand how much time I should take when I had my surgery and I'm glad I did it the way I did!!!

Kajol – thank you so much for sharing your story. I guess we all have these situations to deal with but I think it is just the timing of everything.

Lauren – I have read some articles that said some RE’s are adding Estrace after the ET because the combination of estrace/progesterone helps with implantation. I am not sure if this is exactly what your RE is thinking but maybe. Please let us know what they say because I am curious also.

Oh, I just read your next post. That sounds like a great plan … I just wanted to warn you about the family leave. This depends on your company and how their FMLA is set up, but most plans only provide you 6 weeks of paid leave and 6 weeks of non-paid leave, but this is the important part, it is usually only approved for once a year occurrence. I say that because I would hate for you to use up a lot of your FMLA time now and when you become pregnant have a problem getting it approved again. This actually happened to a co-worker of mine. She thought she had throat cancer, so she was off for about two weeks for treatment and doctor’s appointments. They also put her on an antibiotic, which made her birth control ineffective, so she became pregnant the very next month. But, the problem was my company would not approve two FML’s in one year. So after she delivered the baby she only had a few weeks of paid leave left. I know crazy, right?

BTW – Orlando sounds great. I went for the first time 4 years ago for a business meeting in Disney World and I had such a good time that my DH and I went back the next year and stayed for a week. We had a blast!

Nicliz – I am happy your ET went well. So, you decided to only transfer 1 embryo … that is great. I am proof that it only takes one embryo to get pregnant. Good luck during your 2ww transfer.

Lauren1171 – I am so sorry. Did they tell you what your progesterone level is? I ask this because with an ectopic pregnancy, usually the HCG might start out normal but slowly progress but the progesterone level is usually low. And, I know when I had my ectopic; I was in such severe, severe pain that I knew something was wrong. I can’t remember have you had any severe pain w/ this pregnancy? I am not sure about continuing the meds because you might not feel well if you continue taking the meds and start drinking. Also, if it is truly an ectopic, you don't want to continue the meds because the embryo will continue to grow and if it is in your fallopian tube, it could burst, which can be deadly. I do hope you and your DH can have some time to heal and enjoy each other. Once again, I am so sorry.

AFM – I had a pretty good day today at work. I have decided to tell some of physician offices that I am pregnant because I am starting to show. I have noticed that they keep looking at my stomach … lol. So I feel impelled to say something. Also, a lot of my doctors’ where there for me emotionally when I lost Ashley so they are absolutely thrilled for me, but they do understand why I am so scared at the same time. They have been great support for my DH and I.

Angela

Man, I screwed up this post...somehow my response went in the middle of Angela's oops!!

[nicliz]

natakia congrats on your awesome beta!

angela, im saddened to read the story about your family. Children are a blessing, and no one can understand how frustrating stories like that are until they have been in our shoes. im sorry you are having to deal with that.

waiting- congrats on your transfer! we r now on the infamous 2ww, hang in there! r u doing the bed rest thing? Ive been in bed all day and feel so lazy but i guess i better enjoy it! im going to try to hold out on POAS as well, so lets try to encourage each other!!

[nicliz]

quick question ladies: is it safe to drink gatorade during pregnancy?

[Neffi211]

Well its an official chemical pregnancy for me again! Beta went from 36 to 37. So I have stopped my meds and am sending my adoption contract in tomorrow. I am excited to end this journey and begin another. Good luck to all of you!

[angelaezra]

Well its an official chemical pregnancy for me again! Beta went from 36 to 37. So I have stopped my meds and am sending my adoption contract in tomorrow. I am excited to end this journey and begin another. Good luck to all of you!

Neffi - I want to say that I am sorry to hear of your chemical pregnancy but I am so very excited to hear you will be adopting. Like I have stated several times before, I would love to adopt a child sometime in the future!

Angela

[Waiting4GodsMiracle]

Nicliz: Hi, My transfer was Tues. @ 1:00, after transfer I went straight home and got in bed. Weds I also stayed in bed but got up more. Today I went out and did a little shopping. My Dr didn't require bedrest but I did it anyway. She said return to normal activity day after transfer but no heavy lifting or exercise. As far as sex goes none for 2wks and she also says no sexual stimmulation (orgasm).

McFarland: that's cool that we are so close together. We can start sharing symptoms soon! Not sure how that PM thing works but mine should work.

[nicliz]

neffi- im so sorry about your chemical PG. I hope you adoption process goes smoothly

waiting- im only doing bed rest one more day, then light activity. it will be hard to have PG symptoms as i already have all PG symptoms with that darn PIO! this 2ww is going to take forever!!!

mcfarland- best of luck on your 2ww!

[lycase]

Angela - Yes the kids can't wait to get back home after school and be at the new house it's funny we went a few times and they played hide and seek in the empty house the loved it

So you are starting to show hen!! So cute..

nicliz - I am sure Gatorade is ok... it's basically just sugar. So do you have a reason to think it would not be?? the only foods I know that are bad are as follow:

Tea/coffee/Green Tea
Blue, brea, & feta cheese (all unpasturised milk product)
Processed meat (I had smoked meat sandwish last night ops!)

and there are a few more just forget them now.

neffi - ok so it did stop, so sorry dear... glad you waited for that cause you never know. You did the safe thing... you were very strong and glad to see you are exited about Adoption. Hugs and we will miss you. Please update us when you can.

AFM - Moving today. Dh and baby are at home telling the movers what do to etc. and me and the kids are away at work and school. So they can't wait to finish school and be picked up as soon as possible so they can go see the new house... it's so much for for them.

Dh is really stressed or at least he is trying to make me feel bad... he started saying we should have rented a car today. I had a breakfast this morning with my youngest at his daycare so they can take pictures and do a Mother's Day present. I didn't even know MD was this weekend... All the kids keep trying to tell me what they made and also not tell me so it's too funny. So to make sure I would not use a cap to go back to work (pricce of a rented car) I took the bus. Got here late but it's ok I just won't take my breaks and write to you girls .

Then my son said dad something is falling out of my hair something very small. He said it's probably lyce. My God give me a break... it's probably just sand or dandruff whatever. Lyce don't fall they stick to the hair He always says the worse thing just so I freek out... he just knows how to get me mad boy... Anyways I will assume it's the move and everything. I mean this man likes to live at the same place and we move every few years so I am sorry for that... I hope it will be better and we can stay like 3 years there for a change

Finally the lady at the portrait studio called yesterday and she refuses to let me see ALL hte pictures that were taken for me to pick ... so far I had to pick from the 25 pictures they already pre-selected so I said I am buying the CD but she won't put them all on she only want's to put the ones they pick... So for now I got no pictures and think I will have to redo the shoot?? I was so upset, she was so mean and hurtful I was crying again... it's probably the hormones but like it took me so much work and fighting and everything to get everyone, we even had to make 2 trips cause we don't fit in the van and now I got to redo it... boy oh boy... Oh well I guess it's just life...

But I am happy today, I am happy we are moving to a cheeper place with a large park right across the street oh how awesome. I am thanking God for sure.

Have a good day everyone... Hugs and Love

Helene

[angelaezra]

Ladies – Happy Friday to everyone! I hope everyone is having a wonderful day!

Helene – I am so sorry that your pictures didn’t turn out the way you wanted them to. I sure hope you don’t have to take them all over again. That is exciting to be moving across the street from a park. Your babies will love that!!! I will agree mother’s day came so quickly this time, I just bought gift certificates for my mother and sister. It will be interesting to see what my DH gets me. Sometimes, he surprises me w/ pretty good gifts. But, it has taken 11 years of training to get him to that point … lol!

AFM – I am having a pretty good day today. I went w/ my parents to one of the physician’s offices who I normally see every other week for a procedure for my dad. It went well and I am so very happy that it is over! It was like pulling teeth to get him to the office and agree to the procedure. As for me, I am feeling pretty good today … I am just anxious for my next u/s on Tuesday. Once again God, please let my baby be fine w/ a great HB.

Angela

[lycase]

Ladies – Happy Friday to everyone! I hope everyone is having a wonderful day!

Helene – I am so sorry that your pictures didn’t turn out the way you wanted them to. I sure hope you don’t have to take them all over again. That is exciting to be moving across the street from a park. Your babies will love that!!! I will agree mother’s day came so quickly this time, I just bought gift certificates for my mother and sister. It will be interesting to see what my DH gets me. Sometimes, he surprises me w/ pretty good gifts. But, it has taken 11 years of training to get him to that point … lol!

AFM – I am having a pretty good day today. I went w/ my parents to one of the physician’s offices who I normally see every other week for a procedure for my dad. It went well and I am so very happy that it is over! It was like pulling teeth to get him to the office and agree to the procedure. As for me, I am feeling pretty good today … I am just anxious for my next u/s on Tuesday. Once again God, please let my baby be fine w/ a great HB.

Angela

Well I booked another apt to another store I hope I don't have to go but just in case she doesn't smarten up by then we have to reshoot. I think one day my dh will kill me

And you and your dh are just too funny. Love the way you speak about him. You now remind me that mother's day is for my mom too and she is 4 hrs away so no way to go over.. my oh my I almost forget again... I will have to send her flowers or something.

I can't wait for your u/s also. It is so exiting to see our beany... everything will be fine don't you worry.

Hugs

Helene

[TammyS]

Neffi...I am so very sorry. I was so hopeful for you. Good Luck to you...and keep in touch. Big Hugs.

Lauren1171...This is just sooo unfair. I am truely sorry. I was pretty much in the same boat as you last week. TMI Alert...Here is my story...maybe it will help you. How far along are you? About the same as I was, I think? When are you leaving on your trip? I found out on Monday, April 26, when I was 5 weeks 5 days along that my beta was 515...that my numbers had stopped increasing and were decreasing from the Monday before which was 524. I took my progesterone/estrace on Monday night/Tues morning...just to be sure that it wasnt a lab error when I had my beta re-ran on Tuesday April 27th. No such luck and stopped all meds. On Saturday evening around 5 pm on May 1st (5 days after my last progesterone shot)...I started spotting and cramping/low back pain...about the same as AF, maybe a tad worse. I kept spotting till Sunday morning May 2nd ...when it got a little heavier. I was 6 weeks 4 days along at this point, but the baby likely stopped growing around 5 weeks 2 days.

While dropping off the car at my brothers house (1 hour from home and 5 minutes from the airport)...I went potty and passed a 2" ball (probably the sac/baby) and then some more stringy tissue at the airport and on the plane. The bleeding never got worse than my regular period. Not knowing this...I took the advice of someone I read about online when googling other stories about miscarriages...and she had suggested wearing a diaper like a pad. So I used one of Zach's diapers (LOL)...just in case I gushed and it was really really bad, while on the plane and strapped into my seat, unable to get up during the flight. I never needed it. I also took bed pads for the hotel bed...never needed them. I ended up using Kotex Overnight Pads from Saturday till Wednesday and was done. My doc said that if I had passed everything and was only lightly spotting that I could put a tampon in for a very short time and swim...I did this on Tues, Wed, and Thurs. They are concerned that your cervix is open and susceptible to infection...however since we are not that far along...it really doesnt open anymore than a normal period. So the risk is very minimal. Bottom line is expect your regular period and not much more. My regular periods are normally light and 3 days...my miscarriage was spotting to light to medium flow and lasted 4/5 days. I had a brief moment of spotting again this morning, which is also normal.

Dont keep taking your meds. I asked the nurse the same thing...and she told me no. I hope you have as easy of a time as I did...and I truely think you will. My brother and his family did not even know or realize anything was going on...till I told them 3 days later. I didnt want to alarm them or the kids and ruin our trip. So try not to fear the whole miscarrying while boarding the plane thing. My worst fear came true...and it ended up being no big deal after all. I ran around and did everything as if nothing was going on at all. If I hadnt known that I was pregnant...I wouldnt have even had noticed that it was a miscarriage and not a regular period.

Try to have fun...and try not to worry. So how far along are you again? When is your trip again? I hope this helps. Big Hugs.

My beta this morning dropped to 7.4 from 360 last Friday...the doc says that I apparantly passed everything and dont need to go back again for anymore betas now. That was one heck of a quick drop. It's officially over.