March/April cycle buddies??

[CT_Michele]

hey everyone,

sorry I went mia for a couple days, it got crazy with appointments and the semester starting.

Wednesday we went to the urologist. I ended up going and we brought the baby. I wanted to go so we could talk about the low sex drive thing too. The urologist is fairly confident we will get more sperm with TESE and he wants to do it fresh this time and coordinate it with my cycle. We didn;t do that last time because we weren't sure dh had anything and didn;t want me to stim for nothing, but this time we are pretty sure he has it there and even if he doesn't, we are still cycling and will use the vial we have frozen and hope for the best. So dh will most likely have TESE done the day before my ER. As far as the sex drive, doc says we can fix that, but not until we are done with having kids, since testosterone can affect sperm, and we can;t afford to have any of his sperm affected with how bad it is already.

Then wednesday night we brough Ella to my dad's so dh and I could go out to dinner. It was nice to get out on our own. When we got home, my big ol' box of meds was waiting on my porch for me. It was crazy to see all of that stuff again, it really makes this all real again.

Yesterday I went for a physical to get a clear bill of health since during my pregnancy last time I had some high blood pressure and lately I have had some headaches and chest pain. They did an ekg yesterday and said it was "borderline normal." They are sending me for an echocardiogram just to check it out. I also have to go to get all my bloodwork done. I am sure everything will be just fine, but I am glad they are checking it all out.

Which brings me to today. Just hanging out, I have to pack ella up and go get the bloodwork done and then we are just hanging out this weekend. Next week I have a lot of the pre ivf tests at the clinic, so it will be a crazy busy week again. I will be glad when I get through all of this, and man am I looking forward to may when semester is over and tutoring ends. By then I hope to be a couples months pregnant and can just enjoy the summer.

sisi- glad af came, guess the dance worked! I hope this next month flies by for you.

wishful- glad your af showed up too. Maybe it was the curry that brought it on???

Sprout- thanks again for doing the list, take your time, we all know how busy you must be!

So any plans for superbowl this weekend? DH and I usualyy go out, but we think we are just hanging out here this year. My team is not in it this year (go PATS!), but i will still watch, make some snacks.

Talk to you all soon!

[sprouthaus]

wishfull27 (carolyn) - ET around early April, ICSI/DE

Sara30 - down-reg start - Feb 8, estradiol start - Feb 22, FET with DE Mar 10 or 11

CT-Michelle - Stim start - Feb 20, ER/ET - 1st w/o Mar, TESE (DH) day before ER

kimbob - down-reg start - Feb 9

Sisi1 - IVF start around Mar 2

sprouthaus - waiting for AF, ganirelix/antagonist cycle either Mar or Apr

[sprouthaus]

Hi everyone! Sooooo glad it is Friday!

I am waiting for AF. She should've come today, but I guess it isn't all by the book after an IVF cycle. I got my BFN on Dec 31 and AF came on Jan 1. Excuse the TMI - but I might've ovulated around Tues this week. I guess I should be taking my temp or something to help pinpoint these things - eh? I tried to seduce DH, but I have had a VERY itchy rash (similar to chicken pox) since Monday and he didn't think it would be very sexy to have me scratching the whole time . My acupuncturist would like me to have 3-4 'normal length' periods before doing IVF again. Argh. I want to follow her advice, but don't know how long I can wait!

CT-Michelle - Let us know how your tests go? I hope you get your clean bill of health. TESE the day before ER sounds like a good thing - it will be a busy week for you two! I am currently in school to get my MBA. I have two classes left to graduate, just 20 more weeks and I get my diploma!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (not that I'm counting). This has taken me 4 years (part-time, with working full-time) so I am soooooo thrilled the end is in sight.

Sisi1 and Wisfhull - Send the jiggy lady to me now please!

To all - as you can see, I've started the list. If you want to be added, removed or if I got anything wrong, just let me know!

[Sara30]

Thankyooooooo sprouthaus for our list!!!

I have a jiggy dancer just for you!!



Hope this helps

Lee xxx

[sprouthaus]

Thanks Sara! I hope she does the trick for me too!

I hope everyone has a fun superbowl weekend! We are laying low since I'm still fighting a virus - plus Chicago is still SUPER COLD. Just another reason to not try IVF again until spring. We had ER on a day when it snowed 8 inches and it was VERY stressful getting there. Of course, it snowed another 6 inches the day of ET.....it was too much for me!

[kimbob]

Hello everyone,

I'm glad the af's are showing up for everyone. One step closer to the BFP!!

Sprouthaus I'm sure yours will arrive soon, too. I have been taking my temps most mornings. I usually spike about 10 days before af shows up and I really like knowing when to expect her. I'm not sure if it will help this month though, beacuse the nurse said the synarel will make her come up to 5 days later than normal. I am starting to be able to admit that I like to be in control and I have to say that not knowing the dates of things because I have to wait for fickle old af to determine when to start injections really ticks me off. And of course then I have to wait for the b/w and u/s results to know when to expect er and et!
I had a dream last night that I started my injections but I wasn't supposed too! Oops. Good thing it was just a dream.

Michele, have you had the office hyst before? They told me (TMI alert) to expect a watery discharge and spotting for one to two days. I have had spotting since Tuesday. It seems to have reduced so far today. I have been telling myself it's probably normal, but maybe I'll call the clinic just in case. Hope yours goes well. I would bet that your ekg was only 'borderline normal' because you have sooo much on your plate right now. Hope the ecg shows that all is well. I'm glad that dh's appointment was good. Sounds like you guys have all the bases covered. Good luck with school. I am an elementary teacher - no masters for me though, just a BEd and a Post-Bacc. I have an all-day kindergarten class in an inner city school. I have 22 kids, 12 are beginning ESL, 2 are advanced ESL (but don't get support because there are so many 'needier' ones) 3 are aboriginal, 3 I suspect have some form of learning difficulties, and they all have such different needs that it seems like a jungle in there some days! It can be pretty stressful - no Kindergareten is not all play and naps -but, I love them none the less.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.
I'll be watching hockey instead of the super bowl - sorry, I'm Canadian!
Plus I am making a 'rainbow cake' for my friend's daughter's 4th birthday tomorrow.

TTFN,
Kim

[CT_Michele]

Kimbob- I have had the office hyst before, and remember some cramping and discharge. I have had all of these tests before and it stinks I have to repeat them all. I guess because it has been just over a year, and because I was pregnant, they say your uterus can change.

It's funny what we dream about at this time. I have had dreams of bfn's this time, and dreams of twins...so who knows what that means!

Kimbob, you sound like a very dedicated Kindergarden teacher. Kindergarden is not really my thing, too much babysitting for me. Last year I was a librarian at an inner city trilingual elementary school(english, spanish and portuguese). I dreaded when the little ones came, but they were cute! After this semester, I will only have 3 more courses until I have my masters, but I am ready for a break. I have many years to take those classes, and my main objective was earning my middle school math certificate. I will have that certificate this summer as long as I pass a few exams.

Sprout- Thanks for the list, much appreciated! Congrats on the almost MBA. It must be great to know you are almost done. I feel like I will be in school for the rest of my life, as I plan to eventually get my 6 year and doctorate.

Wishful, Sara, how you guys doing?

Ok, baby is napping, so I gotta go clean, got some friends stopping by tonight.

So we all have a bunch of time until our cycles start...so we can get to know each other. I know it says in some of our tags, but where is everyone from? Also, what does everyone think about the octuplets in the news?? CRAZY! I am dying to know how it happened, I think she will come out and talk soon.

Ok, happy superbowl everyone!

[sprouthaus]

OK - that octuplets lady is just something else! She already has 6 kids (all by IVF per her mother's account) and all from the same sperm donor, supposedly. Apparently, she had 8 embies left frozen and "decided to go for it". I want to know what kind of dr. puts 8 embies in to a woman who has a proven record at getting pregnant. Apparently she has bad tubes, so IVF was the only way?

Her mom says she is obsessed with having babies. She should join our board!

[sprouthaus]

CT-Michelle - I love your idea! I can't wait to get to know each of you! A little about me - I am one of 6 kids. Our mom passed away when we were young from breast cancer - so unfortunately, I don't have her available to ask questions (like what the heck did you do while you were pregnant with me!!! ).

My oldest sister has also passed away (cervical cancer). She managed to get pregnant through protection and through a SEVERELY scarred cervix (she had just found out she had cancer and was scheduled for surgery).

My next sister went through IVF at the same age I am now. She hyper-stimulated - twice, second time they even lowered her stim doses.

My next sister is gay and used no drugs and a sperm donor to get pregnant. It took one syringe, one time.

I have another sister & brother - but neither want kids. I guess I'm sharing all of the above because I've been through IVF twice on maximum stim doses and both times I've had only 2 embies on day 3 that were viable. Sometimes I get really stressed and bummed about my faulty eggs. Other times it helps me to remember that the majority of the capability and quality of my ovaries were determined before I was even born. After my 2nd BFN I just sat and cried thinking about how easy it has been for my sisters - and I even felt like this was a sign I shouldn't have kids. I really beat myself up for a few days - but I'm better now and have relearned to be grateful for the life I have now. A baby would just be the cherry on top!

On another note, today we made it above freezing here in Chicago!!!! DH and I took advantage and went x-country skiing. I saw my TCM Dr. this morning and we will be adding herbs to my acupuncture, yoga, diet, meditation routine for the next couple of months. Since AF is late this cycle, I think I will definitely wait until April - I'd like to have two normal length perios (at least) before we try again. We have insurance, but we should be meeting the $$ cap after IVF #3. We could probably afford a 4th out of pocket - but don't know if we will. It all depends on my response to the antagonist protocol. Either way, thinking a 4th round is possible will help me get through the 3rd!

Wow - talk about myself much? How about everyone else? Share your stories over the next couple months as you have time....

[kimbob]

Sprouthaus, I am sorry about your losses. I am sure it was hard on you all to lose your mom when you were young. Breast cancer is horrible. Well, as your family knows, all cancers are horrible.
It's great that you are able to look at the positives in your life and find your PMA, even though I am sure you have to dig deep sometimes. Are you involved with your neice(s) &/or nephew(s)? I know that I can't know what it really feels like for you, but I am a bit jelous that at least you get to be an auntie. DH is an only child and my only sibling died 12 years ago before he had the chance to be a parent so we don't get to have neices or nephews. Sometimes I think that its a blessing that I get to avoid the SIL's baby shower problem. But other times I must say, it just seems lonely to have all those special family gatherings with such a small family and no kids around. Hopefully that is about to change for us though, hey! I have seen so many women on these boards who have the third time be the charm. I think it's your turn now!

As for that lady with the octuplets... wow! Can you imagine what it must be like to have six kids one day and 14 the next? Is she trying to get her own show like John and Kate? I wonder what if anything will come of the fact that an RE chose to replace that many embies into a woman with 6 kids already. I know that having kids already by no means makes you ineligable to have more kids, but I wonder what her history was like if they were willing to put that many in? I would expect they didn't think they'd all stick, and I'm not sure I could "selectively reduce". But wow, maybe there should be some guidelines that RE should follow? Oh but then again, maybe she was just desperate for one more baby and this was her last shot at it so they took the gamble. Oh my. Look at all my rambling. I hope her story comes out before I think of a million more possibilities!

Michele I like your idea of getting to know each other while we are in 'limbo'. I will be happy to share some of my journey into the world of IVF, but I have to go now. Enjoy the Superbowl!

Wishfull, Sara, and Sisi; hope you're all having a good weekend.



Kim

[Sisi1]

Hi all,

Thought I would just pop by to say HI to everyone and give you my story.
I know some of you may have seen some of the same info on other threads so sorry about that just scroll on

I am from Iceland originally but now live in Toronto Canada. I come from a family of ferlitile people as in my father had 9, my mother had 4 and chose to terminate #5, my olders syster has 5 and is trying IVF again at the age of 48! (egg ferilized but dauptful it will stick). Second syster only 1 but she has been single since then so that does not really count. Brother who has 4 and has had a vasactomy because he feels that is enough . Then there is little old me . I am turning 42 in June, just got a cycle cancelled in January due to oversurpression of Lupron, trying antagonist cycle in March. Unexplained fertility, had some thyroid issues that have been addressed. Tried 3 IUIs last summer. Now on to the one and only IVF I can afford so it MUST WORK! I am one of those who has spent a lifetime taking are of other peoples children, did years of babysitting, then moved on to working with troubled teens, then children with special needs and finally adults with developmental disabilites. Let me just say that a couple of normally developed babies (I secredly want twins) would not scare me one bit! I belive our lifes are predetermind in more ways then we realize and the best is yet to come

I am very happy with the way this thread in building, there are some very special ladies here I would not mind knowing more about and that is why I have let all my personal info out here in the open to encurige all of you to do the same. I find it makes the support and personals much more meaningful.

For those of you who are statisically inclined here are my most relevent indicators;

Here is what I consider the poor indicators;

Never been pregnant,
41 y/o
3xIUI bfn
underactive thyroid, now on supplements
stats for my age group at my clinic are only 20%, yikes!!!

Here are the more positive indicators;

FSH 5,3
My Dr claims I am a good responder (considering my age)
I am doing assisted hatching
I am doing 1/2 icsi 1/2 regular fertilization
Day 5 transfer only -no matter what!
I have long cycles (its more likely for a positive outcome at my age, check it out)
doing AP and really seeing some great benefits so far
BMI is 25,5 (yeah, I know could be better but I just lost 12 pounds so it goes under positives:-)
DH is uber-fertile....good count+good motiliy
Plan on transferring 2 for sure and 3 if I get that many on day 5.

English is not my first language so appologies in advance for grammer and spelling that is not up to your standards...

Here is looking forward to making it all happen....

[CT_Michele]

Hi Ladies- I am sorry I haven;t posted in a little while, I have been so busy and just wanted to have enough time to write a good post!

I agree with you sis, I am also very happy with the way this thread is building. I am so glad everyone is one board with getting to know each other a little. A lot of times, these kinds of threads become very impersonal, it will become all about posting numbers and questions(which is fine by the way) and you never really get to know the woman behind the bfp or bfn. I just thought since we have the time, it will be fun and more meaningful!

So I will post about myself later, maybe in a seperate post, but I just want to respond to some of you wonderful ladies who have shared already.

Sisi- Wow, what is Iceland like? At what age did you move? I am shocked at your crazy fertile family and wish you did not have fertility issues. I really hope this works for you, and i think with ivf, we are all secretly hoping for twins It like getting 2 for the price one 1, who doesn;t love that! What disabilities have you worked with? My dh is an assistant manager at a residential group home for adults with autism. It is challenging and fascinating all at the same time. I am pretty involved there. It is amazing that you have dedicated your life to others with some very challenging jobs.

sprout- I am sorry about your losses. I am very fortunate that I have never lost anyone very close to me, I don';t think I would handle it very well. I still have a living grandma I am close with but she is in her 70's and starting to have a bunch of issues. And I see you lost your mom to breast cancer, my dh has lost a few relatives to various cancers, and it is so difficult to deal with.

It must be nice to have a lot of siblings. Are you close with them? Are you able to open up and talk with them about what you are going through? It is good that you are able to look at the positives in life, and it is awesome to be grateful for our lives. I think everyday about how blessed I am, especially now, watching all of these sad stories about people losing their jobs and the bad economy.

Kimbob- looking forward to hearing more of your story.

Wishful, Sara, how you guys doing?

Ok, I will post some about me a little later...

[silken]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to the site, but gearing up to stim in March and would love some regular contact with others in the same boat. Can I come in?
My story isn't too exciting.
I've got major ovarian reserve issues, a history of miscarriages, and dh has severe male factor to boot. I've no idea how to manage the odds. On the one hand, we had three natural pregnancies so I know his sperm can fertilize my eggs. On the other, we know our pregnancies aren't always viable, so I understand well the haunting that comes from losses and don't want to go there again.
I'm vising my RE today for one last look at blood work and to discuss the finer details of the protocol (OCP antagonist)
I hope some of you veterans can help guide us novices through the scary waters!
Silken

[wishfull27]

Hiya - welcome Silken - the more the merrier!!

Thanks Sprout and Sis for sharing your stories - you guys have faced some challenges - but with the power of PMA we will all have our babies soon

Well my story ...
Spent most of my twenties and early thirties trying not to get pregnant - had one failed marriage and met DH 10 years ago - falling (litrally) into his lap whilst drunk in a pub - been together ever since !! Got married in 2003 and went to Iceland for out honeymoon (loved the country Sisi!) decided in 2006 to start trying for baby and after about 10 months went for tests - at that point could find nothing wrong with me except age - would have been about 37 but DH got low count - around 1 million. IVF with Icsi recommended - 1st cycle only had 3 eggs retrieved - 2 fertilised - but BFN. Lost 4 stone and had cycle 2 - 5 eggs - 3 fertilised and another BFN - both times was on max stimulation - so Re suggested ED - which is what doing with this cycle.

I have a younger brother who is married but no kids and Dh is one of 4 - sister got 2, brother 1 and other brother 2 step kids - his mum is less than maternal but my parents are dying to be grandparents and fully aware of IVF we are going through - have not told any other friends though as can do woithout any additional pressure.

This cycle will also try with accupuncture and reflexology - there is a new clinic opened near me that is specialising in alternative infertility therapies and booked a consultation for wednesday so will be able to update more then.

The snow in the uK yesterady and today has ground everywhere to a halt it is madness that it can bring a country to a standstill and they knew it was coming!! - oh well means can work from home tomorrow!!

Catch you all later

Carolyn xxx

[Sara30]

Hello Everyone, it has been really nice reading all about your histories, feels like I know you all a bit more other than just names on a board who we all talk to, great idea!!

Sprouthaus as others have said I am sorry about your losses, are you close with your sisters and brother? You do sound as though you have a positive outlook on life tho so that all has to be a good sign.

Kim looking forward to learning more about you

Sisi I would love to visit Iceland, I would never have guessed in a million years that english was not your first language!! DH is a hot country bod and only likes to visit places he can feel the sun, he is from south america and struggles withour british weather that is often cold or rainy!! My life echos yours in that I have also spent my whole life looking after everyone elses children. This time has to be your time.

Hi silken welcome to our thread, sorry to hear of your recurrent miscarriages they are very hard to bear, and I can understand your feelings of not wanting to go through another one. There are lots of women on here who will be able to help you with any questions you may have.

Carolyn how about that honeymoon in iceland and then we have sisi here as well, small world. Wow losing 4 stone inbetween cycles thats amazing! Its nice when you have parents who are supportive, don't know what I would have done without mine at times during this journey. You will have to let us know about this new clinic you are visiting for therapies...... sounds very interesting.

So a bit about my history........

Had 2 miscarriages with previous marriage years ago, met DH about 9 yrs ago once no babies were coming along went for tests and found out to have premature ovarian failure. first cycle only one egg, fertilised BFN, 2nd cycle abandoned as no eggs so only option was DE. Have an amazing sis who has donated her eggs and we got a BFP just before xmas only to lose the baby at 7 weeks. So going for FET on 10th march.

My sis has a son who I adore and spend lots of time with, I am trained as a learning disability nurse and work with families who have children who have serious medical problems as well as disabilities, we also foster care for our local borough and I am a holistic and beauty therapist as well. So do lots of different things which fills my time to a full time job, I do get bored very easily hense the various different jobs!! Everyone we know knows about the IVF thanks to DH being a chatterbox but in some ways this has really helped us as when we have needed support it has always been there.

Looking forward to hearing more about all of you.........
I am at home tommorrow as well due to the snow so will check in and see you tommorrow.
Can't believe our country is at a standstill!!

See you later
Lee xx