Sept/Oct 2008 Cycle Buddies

[harleyloo]

Hi Sprouthaus,

Thank you...
Busy days are good... it keeps your mind focused on other things!
I will catch up with you soon!

Have a great day,
Lauren

[BabiesGalore]

Harleyloo: Congrats on the BFP. That is awesome.

To all those with BFNs, my heart goes out to you and wish u lots and lots of baby dust for the next round. I know it will work for you.

Sorry i have been MIA but was staying away from the boards for a while. I was having a bit of brownish discharge (TMI) so getting very anxious. I go in for my second ultrasound tomorrow. Just hoping that my baby is still growing. I know it is!

Hugs to all u lovely ladies.

[harleyloo]

HI BabiesGalore,

Thank you.

I asked about the brownish discharge that I had as well.. and I was told that this kind of spotting is "good spotting" - when the embryo grows or shifts or imbeds deeper, it dislodges some of the old uterine lining, causing the brown spotting.
I was also told that even if there is a little bit of blood, it is ok. it if looks more like AF, then definitely call - but, I am having the same thing going on right now. Not necessarily enough for a liner.. but, everytime I wipe, I see it. (sorry, i know tmi) but, I just hope this makes you feel a bit better.

Hugs,
Lauren

[babyhope1]

Hello Ladies, looks like I finally got the go ahead to start injections tonight. YAHOO! Its been fun tracking your journey the past weeks. I am so sorry for those that didn't turn out the way you wanted, my heart goes out to you.

I was wondering what some of you are saying about the progesterone levels...what should they be? I understand the HCG level but aren't you continuting with progesterone PIO shots for the first trimester or do those stop, don't the shots affect these levels? Any info is helpful.

I do have a question for those looking back, is there a "worst part" in all this, what med had the worst side effects, what was the most painful or uncomfortable part?

[wantamiraclebaby]

FOR ALL WHO DID FET:


Hello everyone, sorry to crash the board, but i have a couple of questions: i recently did FET on the 21sst of this month. so right now i'm currently 6dp5dfet. I honestly haven't felt anything. I mean nothing. I mean, i have sore bbs, of course progesterone...i mean a lot more sore than they had been. I have been crying at the drop of a dime. I'm a crybaby, but my feelings have to be hurt or i have to be truly pissed if i cry...not for any reason at all. so i just want to know who had "symptoms". I know everyone is different so i could be as pregnant as ever and not have any symtoms. thanks in advance. and congrats to all the bfps!!!
a little background. i had to IVFs. 1st ivf=bfn. 2nd ivf= (5dt) was a bfp-blighted ovum. this will be my first and prayerfully last FET due to pregnancy. haha! PMA right. anyway, i only have tubal problems, that is it. dh is perfect. I'm 26 dh 28.

[BabiesGalore]

Thanks Harleyloo. That does make me feel better and it iis exactly what i have right now. My nurse called me back and also told me that with a lot of blood flow to the uterus, this is bound to happen. I go back tomorrow for an u/s so will let u know. Congrats again! so happy for u.

Wantamiraclebaby: I did an FET and had one 6-day blast which by the grace of god took and gave me a BFP. I really did not experience anything differently. The usual symptons caused by all the meds (sore boobs, tired). But i was much more relaxed and only rested for one day after the transfer. Hang in there and keep the PMA. Good luck to u and lots of baby dust.

Babyhope: good luck to u. Yes the PIO shots continues thru the first trimester and i would say this has been the worse of all especially now. I am really sore and have lots of bruises from the shots. But it is all worth it. I think this is to help u sustain the pregancy and they will gradually get u off it once they feel u are out of the danger period.

[harleyloo]

Hi~

BabiesGalore.. yeah, don't worry.. the uterus is full of a lot of blood.. and it is quite normal to spot "old" blood throughout the first trimester. It's nice to know what is going on this early... BUT think of it.. if we had conceived naturally - we would probably be thinking that that spotting is the onset of AF.. and we really wouldn't even know we were pg yet! I guess it can be good and bad.. it certainly is making me neurotic.. about all the worry!! I look forward to hearing your updates!!

Wantamiracle ~ I wish I had first hand exp to offer you... but, I haven't done any FET's. I recently got a BFP on a fresh cycle.. BUT, my symptoms haven't been that noticable either. I have been tired, sore bb's, and i have strange cravings.. but, not much more. Many (lucky) people don't exp really any symptoms.. and then others start to notice them as the levels of hormone (hcg and PIO) raise in the body.. around the 5th or 6th week... So, just sit tight. Best of luck on your upcoming beta!

Babyhope ~ I agree with BabiesGalore... the PIO shot is probably the worst of the bunch.. but, its not nearly as terrible as you might invision it. I was SO NERVOUS when I saw the needle the first time.. (make sure you only take into consideration the injection needle.. and not the dosing needle).. I am pretty bruised up as well.. but, I think I have it all down to a science now.. AND my dh has gotten a lot more relaxed about administering them.. which makes the entire process easier. Good luck to you!

Hugs,
Lauren

[sprouthaus]

Hi gang - how's everyone doing? I'm glad to see this board isn't dying quickly!

[/b]wantamiraclebaby - if you have time, read back through this thread to previous posts - at one point a bunch of us were in 2ww and everyone posted and tracked their symptoms. Don't let a lack of symptoms discourage you though - many women have none.

babyhope - the worst part for me was between ER and ET. There are a couple reasons for this - first, while ER itself wasn't a problem, I was HORRIBLY uncomfortable for a few days following ER to the point where I had difficulty sleeping, etc. Second, my RE couldn't tell me when my ET would be - this is because it all depends on how well the embies do. So, I had this on my mind. Turns out, I was right to worry because out of 8 fertilized embies, only 2 made it to day 3. At this point, RE called me back in for ET. If there had been many embies - she would've had them keep growing to blast and transferred the two best - but as it turns out, on day 3 she already knew which two were best, since only two were left!

BG and HL - Keep those beans growing and those betas rising!

[harleyloo]

Hi All,

I have an update on my 2nd beta.. in the 48 hour window my hcg level has risen from 215 - 538.. and progesterone has stayed about the same.. 51-52.

I am feeling pretty well.. except, stressed about the 3 inches of snow that we have on the ground!! October is WAY too early for snow in NJ!!!

I am thinking and praying for all of you, as always.
Have a great day and baby dust~!
Lauren

[wantamiraclebaby]

thanks everyone for your words of encouragement. I'm doing well. i have been cramping or more like af is coming.

[harleyloo]

hi wantamiraclebaby,

i will have you in my thoughts for your upcoming beta...
Sometimes those hormones can really make you feel terrible.. as if AF is coming.. but, just relax.. it could be implantation... so, just keep a positive attitude.. and good luck!

Best,
Lauren

[bonnie_bc]

Hi Everyone,

I just did my first IVF cycle on 10/24 and we are waiting for the preg test on Nov 5th. I just realized today that although I have some really great friends, not one of them understands what this whole long process has been like for me so I joined the message board!

My husband and I have been ttc for 3 years and after 6 cycles of clomid, we decided to do IVF. I am so glad we finally bit the bullet because we found out our problem was that my dh's little buddies were not bonding to my egg. Don't know what the tech term is for that but there is now way around it except IVF.

Felt crampy all weekend after eggs put back, bbs bigger and have felt some crampy, pulling feelings in my stomach as well. Anyone else?

[amfmbaby]

It's official I am still frozen to the bone pumpkin patch was a blast and the boys are just what I needed the make me wanna start round 2 today and seeing their faces makes it worth it to me hoping one day I can have kids like them. I truly am feeling better.

Sprout I got an appointment with AP Tues morning. He comes highly recommended by several of my co workers who ever thought that so many people were into it. Thank you anyway.

Harleyloo congrats betas look good and I am snow jealous I love snow but keep the cold that goes with it.

wantamiraclebaby hang in their the 2ww is the worst and everything you are feeling now is completely normal at this point if you look back at a lot of our symptoms we all have thought AF was ready to start.

babyhope congrats on starting stims I have to say PIO was the worst and I still have lumps and bruises to show for it. I had trouble with hormone levels staying up after ET But 90% of the time nurse didn't give me the level when she called just high or low for me. Good luck and keep us posted sending lots of follie vibes



Bonniebc welcome to the board this is an amazing site full of good understanding and supportive people who have all shared in this journey one way or the other I hope we all make you feel at home.



well first appt with RE to discuss new protocol for next round is Wednesday and I am excited and nervous to hear why he thinks this round didn't make it. DH and I are shooting for Jan after holidays if all goes well and I will soon be settling in on the Dec/Jan board. I will still be checking in on all of you and look forward to seeing more BFP"S

Goodnight all Mandy

[amfmbaby]

Has everyone seen this?



IVF Barbie
When Mattel were looking to design their new Barbie, IVF Barbie, they soon realized that there was not one universal Barbie that would accurately portray the spirit of IVF Barbie. So they decided they would come out with a few variations thereof.

Newbie Barbie: Newbie Barbie, also known as BabyDust Barbie is a bright, perky, Barbie, filled with optimism and confidence that IVF Will Work. She is thinner and usually younger than the other IVF Barbies. Her accessories include rose-tinted spectacles, a positive bank balance, healthy insurance coverage and a million questions. Newbie Barbie has lots of other Newbie Barbie friends and they congratulate each other on a job well done. This Barbie only says pleasant, optimistic things and believes that Attitude is Everything. Their motto is Think Positive!!

Pregnant Newbie Barbie: Pregnant Newbie Barbie is the big sister to Newbie Barbie. She is still slim, now with a cute belly. She is proof that IVF Does Work, usually the first time. She also comes with rose-tinted spectacles, a positive bank balance (only very slightly depleted) and total confidence that All Will Be OK. She glows when pregnant and liberally uses baby dust when playing with her sisters, the Newbie Barbies. She comes with Very Cute maternity clothes, a double stroller, and a fully decorated nursery even though she is only just a few weeks pregnant. Her motto is ‘See! Thinking Positive Works!!’. Newbie Barbie and Pregnant Newbie Barbies are great playmates and you can collect them as a set.

Veteran Barbie: Veteran Barbies are not at all related to the Barbies above. Veteran Barbies are the Anti-Barbie. They are a whole lot plumper than the Newbie Barbies, less perky (in boobs and attitude), have grayer hair, a largely negative and over-drawn bank balance, plenty of bruises and marks and a slightly cynical attitude. They are dressed in comfy track pants with elasticated waistbands. Their accessories include a wealth of knowledge of reproductive procedures and protocol, the ability to practically do their own cycle, a snarky attitude, little tolerance for stupidity, a well defined sense of humor, the ability to laugh at themselves, a fondness for wine/beer/crack and a aversion to pineapple, baby dust and Newbie Barbies. This aversion in its more severe form can be allergic and acerbic. Veteran Barbies tend to swear quite a bit (especially when playing in the Barbie House with Newbie Barbies and Pregnant Newbie Barbies) and parental guidance is advised.

Pregnant Veteran Barbie: Very similar to Veteran Barbie, only now with an added dose of neuroses and paranoia. Continuously and obsessively over-analyses every twinge, convinced that the end is nigh. Only buys stroller and decorates nursery when in eighth month. Accessories include disbelief and a sense of not quite belonging, and 10 home pregnancy tests just in case the first one was faulty or the clinic made a mistake with her beta. Pregnant Veteran Barbies have been known to pee on the sticks up until the day before giving birth just to see the two lines.

Celebrity IVF Barbie: Celeb Barbie comes in two versions: Denial Celeb Barbie and Out the Closet IVF Barbie. Denial Celeb Barbie does not play with the other Barbies and pretends not to be an IVF Barbie at all. She drops the IVF part of her name and thinks 'Donor Eggs' is a swear word. She pretends that her twins at age 49 are Natural and she did it all On Her Own. She also claims her boobs are her own and that she has never had a face life, hence her credibility is not at an all time high. Out the Closet IVF Barbie is the preferred Barbie. We like her.

IVF Ken: Ken is a wanker. Sorry to sound so harsh, but besides being a wanker there is very little that Ken does in IVF land. Sometimes Ken administers shots, hands out tissues and occasionally accompanies the Barbies to their Dr’s visits (normally during the first few cycles only), but mostly he is just a wanker. If you choose an IVF Ken, then try and get one that also cooks or does DIY. Otherwise just sit him down in front of your Barbie TV and let him know when it is time for him to do his, um, contribution. Mostly the Barbies love their Kens, unless Ken is being particularly insensitive or obnoxious, then he becomes a wanker in all senses of the word. Some IVF Barbies don’t even have a Ken and they do just fine. If you do find a good Ken, hang on to him, don’t swap him with your other friends.

RE Ken : RE Ken (RE = Reproductive Endocrinologist) is the all knowing, all seeing Ken. He might be a wanker, or not, but here we are talking about being a wanker in the figurative sense. He could also be very nice. He may call you by your first name but you may only call him Doctor. His accessories are many and wonderful. He comes with a zooty new car (normally very expensive), a smart house, a very healthy bank balance and a holiday home or two. RE Ken knows every thing and is considered second only to God. Some RE Kens are kind, some are not. They are all rich. Ken’s office is filled with fun toys like ultra sound machines, dildo like probes, waiting rooms filled with the different types of Barbies (some annoyingly come with miniature Barbies or Kens en tow), medicines, procedures rooms etc. RE Ken also comes with a free Nurse (Ratchet) Barbie, who will not return your calls, will hand out annoying platitudes and generally add to your frustration levels. When purchasing RE Ken you will get Ultrasound Ken and BloodDrawer Ken. Unfortunately they come as a package deal and you are not able to get RE Ken without them, they aren’t as much fun. However, you will need a RE Ken if you are going to play the IVF Barbie game.

Mattel foresee a big demand for these Barbies and say that for extra fun and lively interaction, collect the full set of IVF Barbies, put them in the Barbie house together and see the sparks fly.

I have no idea who wrote this but I thought I might share it.

[harleyloo]

Mandy,

That is pretty funny! (and sadly true!)

Thanks for sharing!
Lauren