Summer cycle group

[hopeforbabies]

Lou- You mentioned you were a pharmacist so maybe you can answer some questions about my bp medication. I'm on labetalol 100mg twice a day. My PCP said they usually give it to pregnant women in the hospitals to lower bp so it would be safe to use during pregnancy. I'm hoping this is true?!? Also it warns not to take medications with high calcium or iron too close to my dosages of the labetalol. Does this include prenatal vits? My last question is one of the side effects of the med is tingly scalp. About an hour after I take my dose my head starts to tingle (feels like bugs are running all over my head) and it makes me want to itch it. Does this side effect stay the whole time you use it or will it eventually go away? Sorry I know its a lot of questions and you may not have the answers but I would love your insight.

[miyaya]

Hi girls,

I wanted to check in to see Chris and Franny's results. I am so sorry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ugh, sometimes things are just so unfair! Please know I am thinking of you both. I can imagine how you both feel. You have both been through so much. Actually, I know this probably does not bring you much comfort but I think you both are some of the strongest ladies I have ever "met". Despite, BFN, you have kept moving on and never have given up on your dream. I am so sorry this is the outcome you both have but please know, you give many of us inspiration. Love ya!

AFM, I demanded a consult with my RE today. Why wait right...I know the results...I would not have been so pushy if we had some on ice or the ones we transferred were good quality but...I wanted to hear what he had to say. In a nutshell.....not much. He wants me to have chromosomal testing and consider antagonist cycle. Not sure how I feel. He thinks lupron and my eggs are not friends. Have you ever heard of this????

[karin1]

Chris and Franny.....I am so sorry to hear about your results. I feel so bad for both of you. I was really hoping for good news today. We are all here to listen. Lots of love and prayers for both of you.

[Lauren1171]

Franny and Chris - So sorry to hear, I was really pulling for you both! It's so unfair what we all have to go through, and sometimes it's all for nothing! Chris, I can't believe your RE's office did not call you. That is so rude! I don't know how they don't realize that most of us are waiting for there call no matter what it's for (E2, when to trigger, results, etc). So inconsiderate!

Karin - Sorry you have to deal with ex crap! My DH has a daughter and you would not believe the crap her mom pulls and tries to pull on us! Sometimes she causes so much stress!!!

AFM - I went to work today and found my note that I wrote with my instructions from Tuesday....clearly stating to go on FRIDAY for blood and ultrasound. So I am the idiot who drove 45 minutes for nothing. They did give me my E2 # which was only 407 after stimmming for 8 nights! Progesterone was low, so she said continue meds and start the Cetrotide. Come back in Tomorrow (UGH) for blood and ultrasound. I don't know why they have not started me on the Estradiol like I did in February. I asked her again if I should take it. In February I took after 6 nights of stims when E2 was only 290. I don't know how many more nights they plan to have me doing shots. Last cycle I did 13 nights of shots then the trigger was on night 14. Tonight is night #9, so I was counting on ER being 8/5. I have a headache, and I am exhausted, but other than that I don't feel like anything is going on in there! Last time my E2 got to 2.084, and then I started Cetrotide. It dropped to 1,000 2 days later and the nurse said that was normal due to the Cetrotide. Now I am starting it way earlier and it seems weird to me. I wish they would give me more information as to why they have me do certain things. Maybe I should just not pay attention to any of it and just do what they say, and hope they are the ones who know what they are doing! Sorry for the rant. I just thought this cycle would be the one, since I had the D & C in May. Now I am thinking it's going to be another waste of time.

[claud662]

Franny-no words can express how sorry I am. Please stay strong and I think its perfect timing to try out that new 32 with the estrogen priming. I think a chanhe in your protocol is just what the Doctor ordered (no pun intended)
I'm always here to talk/vent/cry
Xoxo

[dlk]

Amanda: I used the regular HPTs. I did mine starting on 5dp5dt. It was negative as was 6dp5dt. I saw a super faint had to squint to see it line on 7dp5dt. Then a very faint line on 8dp5dt and again on 9dp5dt which was my beta test of 161. The positives were so faint that even with 3 in a row I wasn't completely convinced.

Lauren1171: Ugh! Appointment screw ups. I love my RE's and the 2 IVF nurses, but the rest of my clinic including receptionst and the main nurses are so bad. Screwed up appointments, non returned phone calls (despite the voice mail saying "messages left before 4pm will be returned the same day" Yeah right. It should say " if you are lucky you might have your call returned")

Chili: Interesting about the teas. I wonder what is in them and if they will work.

Lou: I hope you follies are growing great. Good luck tomrrow at your SnS.

fitzjr11: It sounds like your follies are growing great. Bummer about the meds mix up. I was so OCD about my meds. I set everything out in advance and grouped by days- including the needles, syringes, even the alcohol pads . Then I made a calendar on the computer with all the meds and their times to check off. I normally am not OCD, but I found all the meds a bit overwhelming and it had to make it easy on myself.

miyaya: I am glad you spoke with the RE, but sorry he didn't have better answers. I don't know much, but it seems like since you had your DS with just moderate intervention that makes genetic thing less likely. I guess you could have some genetic thing that only affect half your embryos. I think since you have done basically the same thing 3 times with the same bad results, then it is time to change something. Either your stim protocol or your RE.

AFM: Beta today was 363. Progesterone was >45. I go back for U/S 2 weeks from today 8/12. I think this 2ww is going to be way harder than the first. At least, I am finally cleared to "resume bedroom activity."

[Lauren319]

AAAAAAHHHHHH.

I want to be in the know for me and for you guys but I know nothing about numbers and because of this, I'm now starting to seriously freak out.

For instance, Lauren, I have no idea what your numbers mean. What should your E#2 number be I'm going in after stimming for 5 nights tomorrow. What should mine be? I've heard nothing about Cetrotide. What is it?

Didi - if you were cleared for "bedroom activity" they found a heartbeat, no?

I am starting to feel extremely ignorant and can't decide if it's a good thing so that I feel that I'm just along for the ride and less stressed or a bad thing because it's totally out of my control.

Help?

[amanda1979]

Franny- I am so sorry Big Hug from all the way down in Alabama

AFM- Thank you all for the advice on the digital HPT. It makes me feel so much better. My DH said he wished he would have known about the digital test before spending 20 dollars..lol oh well maybe I get a nurse to swipe me a regular hpt this weekend at work.

[Arabsrcool]

THREADCRASHER!!!!!

Franny,

I am so sorry. My heart is breaking for you. You are the greatest lady and one of the strongest I know. I am praying you find peace and I am sure whatever road you decide to take, know that I will be cheering you on. Thinking of you and sending lots of ((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))) your way.

Chris,

I was very sad to hear about your BFN. I know you have been trying quite awhile and have been a great source of information and support for others on this board. I am sending lots of (((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))) your way, and hope you find a way to be the great momma I know will you be.

Miyaya,

Don't give up. I know you are angry/sad right now, but it ain't over until the fat lady sings!. Thinking of you and praying for your BFP!

Lou,

Sounds like your follies are growing nicely. Still stalking you and praying for a sticky BFP for you!

Ronda

[cakes0502]

Hello Everyone,

I went to see my RE today and was told that everything is looking real good. I have 14 folls over 10 and 4 are really close. I will be going in tomorrow for another U/S and BW. They will be calling me later to give me an update on my bloodwork. The closer I get the more nervous I get. Its like I want to be excited but Im scared to be because of all the things that could go wrong. So Im telling myself one day at a time!

[turtle0619]

hi everyone
thank you all for your thoughts and wonderful words...they mean more to me then i think i could ever put in words. with so few people in my "real" life knowing what we have been going through for over 3 years, its hard to not feel alone and hopeless. you all give me support that reaches my soul. so thank you!
yesterday was obviously very hard for us. it doesnt get easier, and as chris said, i also believe it actually gets harder because we are running out of options and hope and not to mention insurance coverage!
that being said i called my new RE today, and have (i hope) everything set up for my next cycle with them starting on day 1 of this cycle, which should be sometime next week!! its an estrogen priming antagonist cycle so its actually 2 months. i will call with day 1 next week, and then i will have to get some ovulation kits and once i see my LH surge i call them, then 10 days later i start the patch and also use cetrotide along with it until i get my next AF. once i get next months AF i will start the antagonist protocol. sounds confusing right???
i'm going to stay on this board even though my ER/ET wont be until sept. because first of all summer doesnt really end until sept. 21st anyway, and 2nd i started this thread so i can do whatever i want!! HA!
ESTER please dont put my BFN on the list..it will make me too sad...just add me back to the top for the waiting to start part please!!!
i promise i will do personals soon...i'm just really emotionally drained right now.
chris i am so sorry about your dumb BFN. its not fair and its cruel what we both have been through. i am on FB so PM me and i'll find you!! i know you said you wont be around these boards much, and i will miss you. i totally understand needing to "get away". all of this baby making stuff can take over your life. you need to enjoy DH, and your family and friends. love you xoxo

oh...and a side note..has anyone seen those new I-phone commericals where the girl tells the guy he's going to be a daddy??? i really want to tell them to go F themselves!! it came on about 10 minutes after i got my bad news yesterday, and i lost my shit...DH wasnt home from work yet, and i was all alone...i HATE that commerical now...and to rub salt in my wounds they played it about 10 times yesterday...i perfected the timing of changing the channel as soon as i felt it was going to come on by the end of the night!!! grrrrrrrrr!!!
ok..i'm off to ignore reality and pretend i'm not depressed and heartbroken!
love to you all

[chilipepperrose46]

Hi All,
Just have a little time to be here, I have a client coming at 4 and I need to stop thinking about babies and start thinking about flowers. I explain my herbal tea to you all later.

Franny- My heart is truely broken for you. It seemed things were going so well for you this time. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Oh, both my DH and I hate that commercial too. Big hugs to you.

Chris- My heart is also broken for you. Big hugs to you.

All the best to everyone else. I'll be back tomorrow.
Chili

[lou71]

Teresa -- Yes, I am a pharmacist. I am the Clinical Manager at a large community hospital so I will try to answer your questions. Labetalol is a beta blocker and is pregnancy category C. Here are what the categories mean.
A Controlled studies in women fail to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester (and there is no evidence of a risk in later trimesters), and the possibility of fetal harm appears remote.
B Either animal-reproduction studies have not demonstrated a fetal risk but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women or animal-reproduction studies have shown adverse effect (other than a decrease in fertility) that was not confirmed in controlled studies in women in the first trimester (and there is no evidence of a risk in later trimesters).
C Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the fetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
D There is positive evidence of human fetal risk, but the benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk (e.g., if the drug is needed in a life-threatening situation or for a serious disease for which safer drugs cannot be used or are ineffective).
X Studies in animals or human beings have demonstrated fetal abnormalities or there is evidence of fetal risk based on human experience or both, and the risk of the use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweighs any possible benefit. The drug is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant.
Typically A and B are preferred for pregnancy. Beta blockers are regarded as being compatible with pregnancy even though they are category C because basically, many women have taken them with no adverse outcome but no one has funded the controlled clinical trial to prove it. The tingling scalp you described is a relatively common side effect of this drug. Interesting to me is that it is typically reported after IV doses of the drug. I haven't heard the complaint very often from oral doses. The side effect was reported in 7% of patients. It likely will not go away completely. I'm really not sure about the calcium and iron recommendation you were given. Those elements can be removed from the body by binding with certain medications but labetalol is not one of them. In my opinion, labetalol is not usually used first line in outpatients and since you are having side effects, it's not the right drug for you. There are other beta blockers. The one I would recommend is called metoprolol. It comes in a once daily form and a twice daily form. It is not associated with the tingling scalp side effect. The only BP medication that is Category B in the United States is methyldopa (Aldomet). It is what I would take if I needed BP meds while pregnant. It is the safest. The BIG disadvantage with methyldopa is the short half-life requiring every 6 hour dosing. A real pain in the ass. I wouldn't recommend that drug for someone who wasn't pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Metoprolol would be my second choice for a patient who just could not take a tablet every 6 hours. Good Luck!

[lou71]

Franny -- I'm soooo glad you aren't giving up. There are still options for you and a new RE with a new protocol could be your magic potion. And you better stay on this board that you started! You'd be sorely missed if you left us. And yes, the iphone commercial you referred to is awful for us ivf girls to watch. It bothered me too.

cakes -- 14 is great! You are in good shape.

Rhonda -- Thanks for stopping by! I've been thinking about you. How are you doing? I really appreciate your support here. What are your next steps?

Amanda -- Go to DollarTree or any other Dollar store... the HPT's are $1 and sensitive down to 20 mcg/ml.

Lauren1171 -- I started my antagonist on day 5 of stims. It really slowed down my follie growth and E2 rise. Every cycle is different, that's for sure. It's hard, but try not to worry. You are a slow and steady stimmer! That's not a bad thing.

miyaya -- I've heard Lupron doesn't work for everyone but not necessarily causing bad egg quality. Could be... what do I know? An antagonist cycle will give you quality over quantity. That might be just what you need.

Lauren319 -- Don't freak! Everyone stims different and you really cannot compare. There is no perfect E2 level for day 5 for instance. Just that the follies are growing and it's rising. They will trigger you when the bullk of them are 16-20mm and E2 is 1000-2000. Try to relax and trust your clinic. Easier said than done, I know.

Didi -- Great beta again. Your u/s is only 2 weeks away!

AFM -- SnS this morning went well. Finally saw RE. I have 8 on the right between 11 & 14 mm and 5 on the right around that size as well. One of those 5 is much larger than the others. RE said "we're going to ignore it". I guess we are going to sacrifice it for the good of the group? Anyone hear of this? Thinks ER will be Mon or Tues. Back for SnS tomorrow.

Bon Jovi is tonight! So excited!!!!

[to_have_fun08]

I also hate the iphone commercial. Then again DH thinks I am too sensitive to that stuff. Glad to see I am not the only one.

Franny - Glad to see you are going to try again.