Heart’s Desire – Finding Strength and Direction from God

[sonu911]

Dear friends

I have visited this thread almost everyday twice or thrice since it started and everytime wanted to post my thoughts. Its so so wonderful to read beautiful thoughts here, it just makes my day.

IVF to me is complete submission with faith and perseverance. Submission to the Lord with complete faith and devotion, accepting his plans for us. Though sometimes HE puts us through some very difficult tests, but haven't we all pass those with flying colours. HE puts us to those tests knowing that we are capable of doing well.

Perseverance is also very important...now the question is what is it?

What is perseverance?

*Perseverance is commitment, hard work, patience, endurance.
*Perseverance is being able to bear difficulties calmly and without complaint.
*Perseverance is trying again and again.

So, FAITH+PERSEVERANCE=IVF

Prayers & much love to IVF fraternity.

[nicaliw]

Hope, what a great idea! Thanks for the prayer list.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers.

I have a sneaky suspicion AF may be right around the corner for me....fingers crossed....have been have the usual sensation in that region that comes right before AF.

I will continue to pray for all of you!

[waitingforMia]

Great idea Hope!! It will be easier to pray for everyone on one list!!
Nicaliw: Hope AF gets here soon! She visited me yesterday evening
Sonu: WELCOME!!! Perserverance is something we IVFers must have! It ain't easy sticking yourself in the tummy everyday !

Anyone else find it difficult to focus on Bible study and prayer while doing IVF. It is so hard not to get side-tracked and have every waking moment about the shots, u/s and nursery furniture ( ). My discipline kinds goes out the window when I am doing IVF!

MP

[chelly180]

Thank you for starting this thread! I had conflicting feelings regarding ivf, but after reading yall's posts, I am comforted knowing there are other Christians that have felt the same way.
Infertility has been a test of my faith, but I know that He is carrying me along my journey, so that I may be a witness and testify to just how awesome God is, regardless of the outcome.
It is hard to focus on prayer and the Word of God, especially when you are faced with the great unknown. But knowing that we are all out there praying for each other will only strengthen our faith and resolve.
Have a blessed day!

[Hope644]

Sonu & Chelly!!

Thank you both for joining us and for your encouraging words and prayers!! You're right Sonu, IVF does require perserverance (esp for most of us who don't get that bfp on round 1 or 2!) AND FAITH - as much "faith" as we put in our REs - they simply don't have the final say - and aren't we blessed that we know The One who does?!!

Sonu, I see you're doing FET in March. Chelly, where are you in the cycle/phases?

Mia - I know exactly what you mean. After my M/C I really felt that one of the things God wanted me to do was to re-focus and re-center Him in my life during the time "off" - sort of re-group. I have prayed for that and I have tried to be dedicated to my studies, but it is very difficult to keep my mind off baby-type-things. I am an analyst and pretty much chart everything by nature. I have already charted all the possible dates for my next cycle, depending on any one of 7 days in which I expect AF to show. It's crazy, really - a bit anal and kinda nerdy.

I am so grateful to you all and this thread - you encourage me in faith and you understand the roller coaster craziness of IVF. Stickin' yourself in the tummy will make you a little nutty! And thanks be to God, because he understands us like no one else and His Grace is new every morning.

Nikki - doin' a little AF dance for ya hun. Did you have another beta test??I'm sure it's negative now. Did you figure out the timeline for FET after AF arrives? (Spreadsheet Susie working in me... calculating those dates!)

Princess, Angela, Weezie & Indie - Thinking of you... hope you are well.

My prayers are going out for all of you. Lots of love.

[Hope644]

Mia- Prayers for God's will, for healthy follies and a safe, fruitful ER on 1/28
Weezie - Prayers for healthy follies and a safe, fruitful ER on 1/28
Angela - Prayers for the upcoming FET - Jan 08
Nikki - Prayers for healing after M/C, lowering betas and recovery after wisdom teeth removal as well as strength in the upcoming cycle
Indie - Prayer for God's will and direction regarding IVF
Princess - Prayer for strength in the 2ww and for the implantation of two beautiful embies! Test Day Friday 1/18
Hope - Prayer for healing after M/C and strength in the upcoming cycle
Sonu - Prayer for upcoming FET - March 08
Chelly - Prayer for comfort and encouragement through the IVF process

Thank you, Lord, for the many blessings you have given us. Thank you for each and every person on this list. Please bless us and help us to know your will for our lives and Lord, to seek your will in all we do. Thank you God, for the blessing we have been to each other in this short time together. Please bless our friendships as we honor You! And help us, Father, to encourage and support one another through joy and laughter as well as through sorrow and tears. Teach us Lord, to love one another and others as You love us. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

[nicaliw]

MP.....so glad AF arrived for you! When do you do your next cycle????

Hope...I am checking my beta again tomorrow. I keep feeling like AF is going to arrive any minute but still no sign maybe my beta's not down yet. I kinda figure out the dates as best I can for my FET. Its difficult to pin down a date since it is based on the arrival of AF but I figure that my transfer will be 7-9 weeks from when AF arrives: 4 weeks for one full cycle then 3-5 weeks of meds (still not very clear to me how the meds for FET work, I think I have to go back on BCP for 10 days, 3 days after AF of 2nd cycle then take progesterone for 2 wks?!?!?). So, if AF arrives one week from now I may be able to do FET at the end of March I think. Feels so unfair having to wait so stinkin long.....my last cycle was Oct/Nov.

Anyway, hows everyone else dong, sorry I'm not more upbeat. I'll get there.

[IndieBlue]

Still in the same place here. I keep thinking I'm going to call my RE's office back and set up an appointment for diagnostics but I'm afraid I wouldn't have the money to begin treatment till March or April...or longer so I keep putting it off. My RE's office said that the diagnostics testing needed to be completed within 6 months of the IVF cycle, so again, holding off.

I'm really trying to concentrate on my health, paying off some other bills...etc right now to make my wait go by faster, but it's hard.

Husband is coming around though Praying that he'll be led to walk this path with me, if it's what God has in store for us.

[waitingforMia]

Indie: I know waiting is hard. But good for you for focusing on bills and ither stuff to get out of the way! When did you adopt your children; it was recent, right? I bet you have your hands full I always know when God is at work, b/c dh and I are on the same page - and often that is a miracle!!

Nic: Don't you hat going on bcp? That is the worst part of IVF for me... it seems useless time wasted. I mean I know there are reasons, but it is still a bit ironic! Hope AF surprises you soon! Try wearing white! AF always finds me when I wear white

Hope thanks again for praying for me. How are you doing emotionally after your m/c? I bet that is really difficult. Glad you are clinging to God!

Chelly!!! My pm buddy Glad to see you have come out of hiding . It is hard, but if we believe God strengthen us in the trials we confront, we are one strong group of ladies !

I had my appt today: Lining looks great, my ovaries are gorgeous (RE's words ), and 12 follies!! I start stimming tomorrow and ER should be on 1/28. I have an interview for a job today. The college I teach at had really low enrollment, so I have only two classes, and I'd like to supplement it so I am interviewing for an 11th grade English teacher spot! It is at a private all-girl school! Wish me luck - I am trying to figure out a way to explain I will need three days off the first week!! Praying for God's guidance!

Love you girls. Thanks for the encouragement you bring to me!

MP

[Hope644]

Hi Ladies-

I was sending a short note and hit send, but that's when the site went out and I guess it missed my post.

Oh well...

Just wanted to say hi and

Mia - Congrats on the good lining, 12 follies, and GORGEOUS ovaries! HAHAHA! Isn't that a weird compliment?? My RE said the same about my uterus... Who knew?!!??! I guess they've seen enough of 'em, they should know. Good luck at the job interview!! If it's God's will, you will get the position!! It is tough to consider a new job during tmt, though, I know! There is a new position available in my Dept. I'm interested, but not sure about the responsibility, new expectations, schedule, etc... I'm very comfortable where I am and have the freedom and flexibility to do what I need to with IVF. It's a new challenge, which I'd very much enjoy.. but I think I need to focus on one challenge at a time right now!

Nikki- Hang in there... With 11 being the last number, it's gotta be negative tomorrow!! About the schedule - very confusing... I've never had a FET, so I've no idea. Can your RE or nurse give you more info? I guess you'll probably find out more when you get AF - then they can give you a timeline of sorts. We may be together in the 2ww. I will be doing an AF dance for ya! I'm about ready for my AF to show up too. I kind of expect it beginning sometime next Wed or so... we'll see.

You know, along with wearing white... a little dancing might help AF along too!!! Can't hurt... well... might not be too good for your mouth... speaking of, how's the swelling, pain and um, other issue related to the widsom teeth removal??

Chelly - Didn't you have an appointment with RE today??? How'd it go??

Indie - I know what you mean about taking care of other business before getting rolling on IVF. Good girl! What kind of testing do you have to do? Day 3 bloodwork, HSG, etc? There are so many things. I will tell you this - though, you get started when you and DH are ready!, I started with my testing in April and started my 1st IVF in July. It can take a while to get scheduled and get things done... just something to consider. I know they said you have to have it within six months... We'll keep your DH in our prayers along with you. It is God's will and His timing, but part of that is God leading DH as well. I know it took a LONG time before my DH was lead... required a lot of patience. But it is a joy to have your best friend hold your hand and support you when you go through this.


Angela and Sonu - thinking of you... how are you??

Weezie - haven't heard from you in quite some time, you doing ok, hon??

Princess - you're in our prayers tonight and tomorrow, praying God blesses you with a big fat positive!!!! Please let us know how things go. We'll be here for you, no matter what!!

[IndieBlue]

WaitingForMia: Yes...adoption was recent

God works in mysterious ways...but that's what keeps us going is we know it was his plan to match us and we're all in it for the long haul

Nic: I've never actually understood the point in BCP's but then again I don't understand a lot about infertility and the shots, pills and other stuff. I'm hoping I won't need them since I've had a tubal....and my cycles are like clockwork (except this month, was supposed to see AF yesterday and still no AF). maybe my AF is on vacation with your AF

Hope: I have no idea what you're going through. I know it must be so hard and painful....something that only God can get you through. I'll add you to our prayer list

To everyone else...how are you doing? Any recent milestones that you know God had his hand in? Is God showing you something in your life through IVF?

Oh and Mia...glad your RE was impressed with your ovaries...isn't that funny. I hope my RE thinks my ovaries are gorgeous too LOL And as far as my other reproductive organs...maybe they'll be worthy of such words too!

[sonu911]

I had my appt today: Lining looks great, my ovaries are gorgeous (RE's words ), and 12 follies!! I start stimming tomorrow and ER should be on 1/28. I have an interview for a job today. The college I teach at had really low enrollment, so I have only two classes, and I'd like to supplement it so I am interviewing for an 11th grade English teacher spot! It is at a private all-girl school! Wish me luck - I am trying to figure out a way to explain I will need three days off the first week!! Praying for God's guidance!

Love you girls. Thanks for the encouragement you bring to me!

MP

MP - First of all, thanks a lot for starting this thread. Feels so good to hear about your appointment, 12 follies...great start, GROW FOLLIES GROW !!!
All the very best for your new job interview. God is with u, always!!
My prayers for you.

Indie - This time is very important, preparing for a bigger battle..contemplations, thinking and a lot of thinking...all this is just a part of getting ready. The most important thing is that you sail through...and I am sure you will. my heart goes for you...may God grants you peace at heart!!

Nic - I am praying for u, dear!! This is the time when AF is awaited
so eagerly by our IVF fraternity..amazing, it seems to take ages.
I will be on FET cycle this time and my doc prescribes estradiol tablets from the second day of the periods. This protocol seems different from many FET protocols here...so no bcp or shots for me this time before ET....just keeping everything crossed!!!

Hope-i love your name and your prayers were just awesome, it so precious especially at this time. You are so right when you say that HIS grace is new every morning...that is why faith and then hope for a better tomorrow. Prayers for you..

Chelly- My prayers for you. The best thing about IVF has been that I have discovered myself, discovered the strength with in me and discovered how close I am with my LORD...many a times I feel HIS touch, HIS healing, HE only tells me to HANG ON and just continue on your path.

Prayers for one and all...may GOD grant us enough strength to sail through this successfully.

Love to all

[PrincessB]

I'M PREGNANT!!! My due date is @ Sept 29th. For now I have to stay on the progesterone. I am in shock and so unbelievably happy.

I got a very faint hpt 5dp 5dt, a faint line at 6 dp 5 dt and it got a little darker at 7 dp 5 dt. I still wasnt convinced. I thought it could be the trigger shot or something. I used first response and EPT. I like EPT better because I got a darker line on that one!
I'm still praying for you all. If it can happ en for me it can happen for you all! Stay strong. God Bless! I'm praying for you girls.

The other symptoms I had were just
*would cry for no reason or something on tv
* sore boobs would come and go.
*Upset stomach, cramps

[waitingforMia]

Princess B:


SOOOO happy for you dear!! How did dh react??

[Hope644]