The Over 40 Crowd

[Sonix]

Hi Ladies,

LuAnne: I’m glad you are making progress with looking into clinics. The best of luck for finding the right place for you.

Hi Lisa, I’ve been wondering how you are getting on. Great to hear from you again and I’m pleased that you and DH are doing well. Have fun planning the travelling.

Kat: I am glad to hear that you are feeling so much happier about your and DH’s decisions. It’s always tough getting there. I can relate to how relieved you feel after getting a positive response and support from DH. I sometimes worry about what my other half would say to what I’m thinking. When I finally approach the subject I’m always surprised to find out that he’s not that that far off my line of thought after all. I’m now really hoping you will get more news about a donor soon so that you don’t have to wait too long to get going.

Today I’ve been for my second scan (8th cycle day). We’re going ahead with IVF on a natural cycle without stimming. I’ve never read about this being done and we’re not kidding ourselves about the chances but with my history it’s the best our doc can recommend, so that’s what we’re doing. Luckily the costs are not too high. For the present the meds I need are limited to 2 jabs of cetrotide over the weekend. If all goes well, dare I say it, EC could be mid next week. I’m just praying for such a good quality embryo as last time. Still plenty of hurdles until ET and the 2ww though. Keep your fingers crossed for me. Next scan is on Monday.

We’re flying to London this weekend for a christening. Considering the timing you’re probably thinking I’m mad. Actually I’m feeling fine about it. My friend is about the only person in our close circle of friends and family who know about our problems ttc and she has been very understanding. We were due to visit them this summer, a few weeks after the birth of their daughter. When I told her what we have been going through she was concerned about us coming – it was the day we found out that we had to cancel the last IVF cycle. But since then they have visited us in Germany too with their little one and we had a great time together. I did struggle to cope a bit when I was seen by our friends holding their baby and we started getting all the comments like “what about you two? Don’t you want such a sweet little baby too?”. Anyway, when she called me a few weeks ago to ask me to be a godmother to their little girl I was surprised but didn’t hesitate to say yes.

Enjoy your weekend everyone and keep the posts coming.

Love
Sonia

[LuAnne41]

SONIA
Have a nice trip to London over the weekend. Of course, by the time you read this you may have already returned. Keep us posted after your Monday scan. Good luck!!!

ANNA
It's wonderful to hear what a positive response you have received. It must make you feel very loved, especially when the little ones wish you well.

KAT
I am S-O-O-O-O-O happy for you. I hope a donor comes available for you right away. It is wonderful your DH felt the same way. Best of luck.

TAMMY
It is wonderful to hear all is going well.

WISCONSIN GAL
It is frustrating when they don't seem to have any answers, but there is no such thing as unexplained fertility, just undiagnosed. I took two (typed) pages of questions to my consult after the BFN, and asked in advance to be given a full hour with the doctor.


In my quest to find the clinic I feel is best suited to me, I have done (way too much) research. In doing so, I have ended up considering almost twenty different clinics in the U.S. (Oregon, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Virginia, Maryland) I have narrowed my choices down to about five and am leaning heavily towards a clinic that has offered me one price, yes it is quite high, for up to six fresh and all associated frozen cycles. It is inclusive of all fees for the donor, her meds & monitoring, the clinic and laboratory fees, even ICSI & cryo. It is 100% refundable if we do not get a baby. The only thing not covered is my meds, which are the only thing covered by my insurance. Since I know I need to commit to multiple cycles, I think this is the way to go. It is about a nine hour drive away, so I would stay around for a while after the transfer to rest up before returning home. We would probably then drive over two days so I wouldn't have to ride too long. With the way airport security is these days, I think riding in a car would be less stressful. Who's mad?

Hello to Everyone. Keep posting!

LuAnne

[BevT]

Hi everyone, sorry I've not been about much lately, pre-occupied with building work and associated ground works!! Our garden/plot is an absolute mess at the moment. Hey ho, it will get better.

Sorry I don't have much time for personals, but just wanted to say good luck to the girls currently going through or contemplating treatment, particularly Sonia and LuAnne. LuAnne, the 6 fresh cycles sounds promising and if you get your longed for family, the expense will be worth it.

Anna, so happy for you that things are so positive at work. I feel people are generally genuinely pleased for us more mature girls when we finally get our BFP's. Take care and enjoy your christmas festivities with the school children.

Kat, well I am over the moon for you that you finally have a way forward. I will be praying hard for you and DH and hope that you get a donor soon.

Tammy and Yasmina, hope you are both doing well. Yas, I am so envious of you that you are not expanding too rapidly. I am going to have a hard job to lose this weight after our little one arrives. I hate dieting, so I think I will breastfeed until he is 10 (LOL) to help keep the weight coming off.

Caz nice to hear from you also, I hope I haven't forgotten anyone, and if so, I will say a big HI now.

Well for me, I am now 26 weeks pg and unfortunately spent this Wednesday hooked up to a BP monitor in hospital as my BP was up again Tuesday and I had protein in my urine!! So, loads of bloods later, and another exam by the doctor, they sent me home saying that they were not too worried at the moment. They told me the signs to look out for for pre-eclampsia (headaches, sickness, swollen feet/hands, vision impairement etc) and told me that if I get any of them I am to go straight back in! So, I am trying to keep relaxed, taking plenty of rest and not worry too much about the state of our garden!! I have another growth scan booked for Monday week, so hopefully that will help put my mind at rest. Roll on February, let's get this little man out in one piece.

Bye for now,

Love and best wishes to everyone

Bev xxx

[Sonix]

Hi there,

Bev: Hope all’s well with you. Take good care of yourself and good luck for the next scan next Monday. Keep us posted.

Just a quick update. We’re back from London today and have been to the clinic for the day 11 scan. I shot a 3rd cetrotide this afternoon and then the hCG injection this evening. EC is early on Wednesday morning and I’ll probably take the option without general anaesthetic.

Needing a bit of courage to hang onto any hope in this process but just managing to stay slightly on the positive side. It’s going to get harder…You pregnant ladies continue to provide inspiration.

By the way, about IVF treatment on natural cycles, of course I’d forgotten that the first IVF were done this way. And did I ever tell you that I have a connection with he famous Dr. Patrick Steptoe who produced the first baby with IVF? He was working at Oldham Hospital, where I was born, and was my mother’s gynaecologist, so I probably actually “met” him back in 1966. Still hoping this will bring us luck somehow.

Thanks for your wonderful support.
Have a great week everyone
Sonia xxx

[Kat]

Hi all
Bev - hope you're feeling fit & healthy I thought pre-eclampsia was something people got later on in a pregnancy but then that shows what I know...

Sonia - fingers crossed for everything going smoothly - whenever I had a cetrotide injection my belly cam up like it a huge insect bite - hope yours isn't too itchy

Anna - you asked re Barcelona or UK - we have been on the waiting list at Woking Nuffield for 2 years now and that's where we will do this final round as we are up the top of the list. Roehampton referred me to Woking after my last tmt with them (no eggs at EC - at the time thought that was the worst that could happen) - at least it's easier to get to than Barcelona. I can whizz up there almost on my way home from work if I need to as I come home on the M25 anyway. I don't think we can face the added logistical issues with Spain as well as everything else. Plus it means I can sneak out of work easier as I don't want to tell anyone this time if I don't have to. Silly isn't it but last time my MD got all over excited and then when I had no heartbeat at 6wk scan came and told me she had spoken to someone who was pg and they had not had a scan until 12 weeks so I shouldn't expect to see anything at that stage. Like talking to some random woman who was pg naturally made her some kind of ivf expert or something. Sorry - went off on a bit of a rant there remembering that particular conversation!

Hi to everyone else & hope everything is progressing as it should be,
lots of love,
Kat xx

[032323]

Hi to everyone

Sonia - Are you on a natural cycle this time? As I may be trying this next I am very interested - Are you just going for the one egg on a natural cycle?

[teachertam]

Good morning Ladies:

My little guy has been moving a lot now. This morning I thought that I felt one of his feet. He kept kicking me. DH has not yet felt him.

Hello Caz: It is nice to hear from you. Good luck on your upcoming cycle.

Anna: Good to hear that your students and parents have been very supportive.

Sonia: Good luck on your EC tomorrow. Let us know how it goes.

LuAnne:
The clinic sounds good offering a guaranteed baby or your money back.

Bev: I'm sorry to that you spent last Wed. in the hospital. Take it easy.
I hear you on the breastfeeding issue. I am looking forward to taking off this additional weight.

Take care,
Tammy

[Kat]

Got an appt next Tuesday afternoon to go over all my questions about starting a donor cycle at the UK clinic. I have forgotten everything since we last went 2 years ago and I'll get more of an idea of timing hopefully

I'll have to make a list ....

OMG!! I must be mad

Kat xx

[AMck]

Hi Ladies

Bev, good to see you post. I was beginning to wonder if you were OK! Sorry to see you had to spend some time in hospital. Hopefully all is going well now. Aren't the weeks just flying by?

Kat, so excited for you. I am praying hard and have everything crossed that this cycle will be the ONE! Good luck with your appointment on Tuesday. Keep us posted x x

LuAnn, good to see you are moving forward in your choice of clinic. I must admit that 100% refund sounds like a good deal. When are you planning to cycle?

Sonix, fingers crossed. Good luck with EC tomorrow, hope all goes well. Sending you PMA for your 2ww!!!

Hi Caz, good to see you post. How are things with you? Are you cycling soon?

Tammy, it's great to feel movement isn't it? My little beanie goes mad in the evening after I've eaten. DP even felt a kick yesterday! Can't believe we are half way there already.

Wisconsingal, have you made your appointment yet? I understand why you are hesistating when you have been through so much, it is very scary. We are here for you. Good luck.

My news is that we have our 20week scan on Thursday. Can't wait to see our little beanie again. DP and I have agreed not to find out about what flavour we are having and keep the supprise for when s/he is born!

Hugs to all here, hope everyone Ok
Bye for now
Anna x

[Sonix]

Hello everyone, bad news. They couldn’t retrieve a developed egg at EC this morning. I ended up taking the general anaesthetic so at least there was no discomfort involved. I’d like to thank everyone so much who has given me support.

When DH and I we got the news from the doctor he immediately started to talk about possible further options which helped me a great deal to cope. We need time to think it all over. I’ll keep you posted. So we’re not giving up yet, although any next steps will mean playing the waiting game again.

Hello Caz: yes, we were just going for the one egg on a natural cycle, relying on my body to choose the best follicle. But it wasn’t to be. I’ve read about this method being encouraged because it means less emotional and physical stress, and reduced cost due to not using stimming meds, and better chances for the endometrium to develop. I suppose you have to be prepared for treatment on multiple cycles though. When are you planning to cycle again?

Kat: so pleased that you are making progress, with your appointment coming up soon. How are you getting on with the question list? It’s great that your clinic is close. It will make things so much easier. The best of luck!

Hope everyone else is doing well. Best wishes

Sonia xxx

[Sonix]

Hello everyone, bad news. They couldn’t retrieve a developed egg at EC this morning. I ended up taking the general anaesthetic so at least there was no discomfort involved. I’d like to thank everyone so much who has given me support.

When DH and I we got the news from the doctor he immediately started to talk about possible further options which helped me a great deal to cope. We need time to think it all over. I’ll keep you posted. So we’re not giving up yet, although any next steps will mean playing the waiting game again.

Hello Caz: yes, we were just going for the one egg on a natural cycle, relying on my body to choose the best follicle. But it wasn’t to be. I’ve read about this method being encouraged because it means less emotional and physical stress, and reduced cost due to not using stimming meds, and better chances for the endometrium to develop. I suppose you have to be prepared for treatment on multiple cycles though. When are you planning to cycle again?

Kat: so pleased that you are making progress, with your appointment coming up soon. How are you getting on with the question list? It’s great that your clinic is close. It will make things so much easier. The best of luck!

Hope everyone else is doing well. Best wishes

Sonia xxx

[032323]

Sonia - I am really sorry - I understand how upset and dsappointed you are feeling. Hugs to you both!

Hi Bev Tammy Kat and Anna - Hoping to start new cycle in January - Not sure whether to go for natural cycle or flare. Will be taking dhea supplement as soon as they arrive as consultant has recommended to take this as it has been proven in the states that it can help with quality and quantity of eggs for people with reduced ovarian function. It has also been proven to help with follicular recruitment - Consultant recommends to start taking and not start new ivf cycle for 4 months but dont think I can wait that long!!

Anyone intersted in reading up on the dhea tests can do so on www.centerforhumanreprod.com - click on section on first page - ageing ovaries.

[Sonix]

Hey Caz. Thanks for your post. You mention DHEA supplement which is exactly what my consultant was talking to us about today! He has been following developments over the last 2 years and has collected new information from a recent convention in the States. I was checking out the same web site you mention this afternoon.
It seems that the DHEA supplements take 4 months to have the greatest effect but don’t have any side effects so it’s worth a try. Apparently DHEA can be found in almost every supermarket in the States but, as with so many such meds, is not available here. Which type have you been recommended? I have also been wondering what my DHEA level is. If it is normal anyway, I suppose taking the supplements won’t be any further help.

4 months is a long wait for us I know. If you can’t wait you could always try IVF on a natural cycle in the meantime. My consultant would recommend a IVF protocol rather than attempt with IVF on a natural cycle after the 4 months.

Sonia

[babyblue]

Hey ladies, mind if I join your thread? I am currently on the DEC/JAN IVF thread and the oldest one there. I will be starting my 2nd IVF with my own eggs next month. I did notice from reading a few of your recent posts that at least one of you are pg. That is promising. I am really down lately because from all the statistics it doesn't look very good for me. I did have my exit meeting with my Dr. from the 1st IVF and he said that one of the three embies looked as good or better than textbook. He was very pleased with the quality of the embies, but doesn't know why it didn't implant. We have our planning meeting for schedule/meds on Dec. 5 and I'm looking for that thread of hope that I don't see in the CDC reports. Guess I would like the support from others my age.

Am I the oldest one on here too?

[teachertam]

Hello to all,

Sonia: I'm so sorry to hear that you were unable to retrieve an egg with your last cycle. I'm glad to hear that you are positive and looking towards the next cycle.

Kat: I am so excited for you! I bet you can't wait to get started again.

Anna: It is wonderful to feel movement! Andrew is kicking mostly in the evening. A few days ago, he was kicking so much in the morning that DH would have been able to feel him. Unfortunately, DH is an early riser and was already up.

Babyblue: Welcome to our thread! You will fit right in here, as most of us are over 40. There are four of us "Over 40 Gals" who are currently pregnant. I think implantation was my problem too, as I always had a very good fertilization rate and many made it to the 5 day transfer. I just did not have implantation. We were in the process of preparing for a frozen cycle when I became pregnant. Just prior to becoming pregnant, I had an HSG x-ray procedure done. It is supposed to check for tube blockages. My tubes were fine, but I think it may have cleaned out my uterus also. My RE said that for some reason this test increases pregnancy rates for 1 - 2 cycles afterwards. I got pregnant just after this procedure. If I were younger, I think that I would try a frozen cycle after giving birth to this baby, as I have 4 frozen eggs left over from my last IVF. Good luck during your post IVF conference. I asked lots of questions during my first post IVF conference.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Tammy