First IVF in August,

[hopeful-in-LV]

Just poping in for a quick hello. Nothing too exciting happening here. I'm on day 6 of lupron and I think it's been making my head feel icky since yesterday. No hot flashes though. My basline US is on Sunday and I'm exactly 3 weeks away from transfer.

Hope you all are doing well. Thinking of you always!

[Rittie2000]

HAPPY 2007 everyone! I wish you all the best for a wonderful and life changing/fulfilling year. Its going to be so incredible for everyone in this group!!! Take good care of yourselves. Hopeful, good luck with the transfer soon!

Quick update. I had my 24 week appointment with my GP yesterday. All's ok, both babies are fine. Heart beats were 152 and 162. Doc commented that I am looking huge for 24 weeks which pleases me to no end. I've put on 4Kgs now which is still not a lot but she said that is good news and quite irrelevant if the babies are good in size. My womb is sitting very high which explains why I can't eat a lot and breathe very well. I told her about my latest symptoms which is numbness and ache in my limbs at night. And on occassions I've been getting a sharp pain on my left buttock. She's now recommending that I should go for antenatal physio therapy at hospital as things could only go worse as the babies' weight increase. So I'll be making arragements for that today.

I've spoken to my boss and have arranged to work from home 2-3 days a week from next week. I can't wait as I'm driving almost 100 miles a day and its so tedious.

Finally. Finally. A guy that I worked with told me he was suspecting I was pregnant but of course didn't feel it was appropriate to say anything. So there, I've grown so much in the last 4 weeks that its crazy people didn't seem to be noticing so now I know, they were just being too English and reserved

Someone commented that maternity bottoms don't make you look pregnant, but tops do. Its true. I've found pregnancy trousers so comfotable and slimming. I'm glad there are so many choices out there for clothes these days, not to mention the bargain available since the sales started. Happy shopping girls.

Lots of love to everyone.
Rittie

[golfrswife]

Suzhan- I actually start Lupron on the 11th now. My first appt is on the 19th! YEAH!!!

[suzhan]

Emily - lupron on the 11th, huh - that's right around the corner! Good luck!

Mia - left you a note on the other thread as well, but just letting you know I'm thinking all positive thoughts for a successful FET for you in a few weeks!

Rittie - great to hear from you! Sounds like the scan was very successful! And, how nice to be able to work from home a bit. Hopefully, that will help a lot with your pain.

Lola - I'm off to Old Navy/Gap/Target today in search of some pants that hopefully can grow with me. I was just too uncomfortable this week at work - I have 1 skirt and 2 pants that fit, but other than that am trying to squeeze into pants that really are too tight in the waist. I get home every night and immediately put on my sweats! Did you get maternity or just a larger size of non-maternity? I did buy a larger size (non maternity) of jeans a couple of weeks ago to get me through the holidays and those still seem to fit fine. Has the spotting stopped? Like you say, I'm sure it's fine, especially if no cramping or anything. Do you have any more scans coming up?

Sam - hope you're continuing to recover and dig out from the snow.

Wannababy - haven't heard from you in a while - hope you're doing okay.

Champa - any more news on your start date?

I'm still dealing with exhaustion and nausea on a regular basis - it's amazing that eating has become such a chore and so unpleasant. Never in my life have I had problem eating (hee hee....) The good news I guess, is that I've not gained much weight because of the food adversion, despite my growing abdomen. I started this third IVF with extra weight from the first two cycles anyway, so it's probably a good thing I haven't gained much yet. I've got about 1-1/2 weeks until my RE discharges me, but I've decided to go to an OB and perinatologist now before being discharged just because I need to start looking at screening options due to my age.

Hope everyone else is doing well.

[hopeful-in-LV]

Thanks Suzhan. Lupron makes me feel icky. I'm having dull headaches. I took some tylenol, but it only worked for a little while. I'm just waiting around trying to be patient and calm. I have my baseline tomorrow at 8 am. I finally got AF today, thought I woldn't get it in time for my baseline. I hope they can do the US, I'm still in full bleed (sorry TMI). I'm not too excited about going another round of BTs and PIOs. But the sooner I start the sooner it's over. I've got to be a big girl.

Do you guys have online photos or MySpace pages? If it's private it's OK. Just curious about the people I've been chatting with for so long.

[wannababy1229]

HI everybody!

I don't have time for personals, but wanted to check in and say hi and see how everyone is doing. It seems likes everyone is doing well.

Hopeful- i understand how much those luron headaches hurt. I had the same thing. About 15 minutes after the injection, my head would hurt.

I'll do personals for everyone next time.

I'm doing well just in disbelief that the 1st trimester is almost over!

Take care!

[Lola]

Mia ---- only three more weeks, that's wonderful! Keep us posted! I don't have a my space but maybe if we private message each other with our email addresses, then we can exchange some pictures, what do you think?

Rittie ---- I cannot believe people just started noticing your pregnancy couple weeks ago, I am showing so much that I cannot keep the secret anymore. I cannot even imagine driving so far for work. Anytime I drive 80 miles just for my check up, I am exhausted for 2 more days after that. Luckilly, Thursday is my last one and after that I will be having my checkup locally.

Emily --- Your start day is just around the corner, good luck with everything! I am sending lots of baby dust your way!!!

Suzhan --- All the clothes I ordered fit my prefectly, or will fit my well in just a couple of weeks. I got all maternity clothes. My bigger clothes don't fit me anymore. I had the spotting once again yesterday, I hope everything will be fine on Thursday, that's my last check up at the clinic. I have one pair of bigger pants that fit 2 weeks ago and now it does not fit, so I hope that's a good sign and the babies are growing... I have been experiencing the same about the food, I just don't enjoy eating anything and now I have to eat every 2 hours. If I don't, my nausea gets very bad. And exhaustion, tell me about it. I am so glad I am not working now... I woke up with my hubby at 6am this morning and had to go back to sleep at 9:30 am (I ahd to have another snack before that), as I was so worn out. I woke up at noon and had to eat big lunch. I started walking a lot, because if I keep on sleeping and eating only, I don't want to see myself later on....

Wannababy --- I am glad to hear everything is going well. And I am also happy for all of us, we are such troopers!

Today is my 12 week mark, so that means I am starting my 2nd trimester, or is it on the 13th week mark? Anyway, I know I used to think that I will be very happy when I get through the first trimester, but the real relief will come after my last check up. I cannot wait. They also say the nausea should go away soon. That will be another big relief.

Have a happy Monday! Love Lola

[samandaw1]

I used to carry captain crunch with me which totally helped with my nausea. They were easy to snack on and bring, plus a bit of yumminess.

Also a quick word, do not expect as much from your doctors once you are dischared from your clinic. I do not meant that in a bad way but it is just different. The IVF clinics really are specialized and know everything about us by the end (at least our bodies). They also have great U/S machines. My 12 week U/S was much better than my fourth month one from my regular OB.

After all my appointments (my doctor is super nice) I am still disappointed. I feel like I go in, weigh in, give my symptom complaints, give blood, and leave. THe clinics where there to talk everything through, talk all about our ovaries, babies, embryos, etc. Just different.

Anyhow---January girls, we are all rooting for you. Do not forget to keep us updated as we want to know your start/end dates and the day you find out about your BFP!!!!

[suzhan]

Hi all - quick update here....

Had scan #3 - baby looked good - now measuring 9 weeks, 4 days and heart beat was 180 (that seemed really fast to me, but RE wasn't concerned.....) I'm d/c'ed next week but he's referring me back to my OB now to start all the discussions about screening. Hopefully, I can see my OB early next week, since I think the screening needs to be done before week 11 (not sure if beginning or end of week 11????) It's amazing how things seems like they take forever and then all of a sudden, you're in a hurry and feel behind. Still battling with the on/off nausea -- yesterday had to go home 'sick' from work. I think I'm going to have to tell a few folks at work because my 'sickness' is starting to look pretty suspicious. I wanted to wait a couple more weeks though....we'll see.
Got my first 'maternity' pants this weekend, much more comfy than trying to squeeze into the normal pants.

Sam - I'm anxious about starting with the OB. The RE's office staff/nurses are so great and I'm afraid of exactly what you describe....

Lola - I've heard both 12 weeks and 13 weeks as being the 'magic' cut-off date for the first trimester - either way, I think you can safely say you're through the first trimester and onto the second. Congrat's! I can't wait to get there myself.

Emily - two more days to lupron start - woo hoo!

Mia - Hope you're hanging in there with the nasty lupron yourself. FET is just around the corner and I know this will be 'the one' for you!

Sorry for the brief note, off to work....

xoxo,

- suzhan

[golfrswife]

Hi Everyone - Today is the start day. We are off and ready!!! My first dr appt is the 19th. I'll keep you all posted. Please keep us in your prayers!

[suzhan]

Emily - congrat's on starting your cycle! I'm definitely keeping you in my prayers!

[Lola]

Hello everyone!

Emily --- congrats on starting again, how exciting! I wish you lots of follies!

Suzhan --- I have read that the beginning of the 14th week is the beginning of the second trimester. So I don't know. But those materninty pants are so comfy, ha? I still have the nausea as well, I hope it goes away soon.

I had my last scan at the clinic on Thursday and everything went very well. The babies are closer together now and have less space to swim. They are almost 3 inches each. It was hard to say good bye to everybody at the clinic. I promised I will keep in touch and send pictures. We also have 6 more frosties. My doctor recomended I get nuchal translucency test done, which has to be done before the end of the week 13. It is a special genetic test, anybody had that done? They will measure the babies well by ultrasound, check their body parts and also measure liquid at the back of their neck to determine the chance of the Down syndrom. If the chance will be very low, I won't have to do the amnio. It has to be a special OB doctor - maternal fetal medicine and genetics. I already have an appointment fot tomorrow. I even found someone locally. I was lucky to get in, as I only have a couple more days to have it done.

I hope everybody is doing well! Love Lola

[samandaw1]

Emily-Best of luck. I am sending you positive wishes.

Lola- I had the test done. It was a very cool u/s as you can really see the babies. They do not give you the results right there so you can relax through the u/s. They did tell me that it looked good from what they can tell. My friend got not so good results and then at her fifth month everyhting was perfect. So keep in mind it is not an exact science and there are some drawbacks to doing early screenings. I am sure everything will be great. Best of luck!

Sam

[wannababy1229]

Lola--I have my test scheduled for 1/24, Let me know what to expect!

Golfrswfe-good luck this cycle, we are all pulling for you!

It appears that everyone is doing well!

I had my first ob/gyn appt this past Thursday and it wasnt what I expected at all. She gave me all the info about the fetal test, breastfeeding, bloodwork, etc, but no ultrasound! I was so looking forward to seeing my baby. She didnt an regular exam just like if it were an annual visit except for the pap. I guess I dont see the baby until the 24th.

I dont know if I will be here as often as my computer has not been cooperating lately. I'll check in when it feels like working!
Until then, take good care and keep on posting!

[suzhan]

Hey everyone - our little thread's been quiet for a while, glad to see you all are doing well.

Lola - Glad your final scan looked good and that you're moving on the OB. I too am going to have the NT scan and blood test early. Sam's right that it's not 100% but I hope we all get reassurance and no scares from it. I can't believe you still have the nausea...I was hoping you'd say it was going away! I have read that by the end of the first trimester, you should start feeling better, so hopefully you'll see some relief any day now.

Sam - You don't say how you're feeling, but hope you're much better than over the holidays.

Wannababy - I hope you can get your PC fixed - it's good to keep up with you since we're so close in dates! Thanks for the info on your first OB visit - I have mine tomorrow and no idea what to expect. I too was thinking I'd have an ultrasound, but I guess if I don't have one, I won't think about it.

Emily & Mia - Keep us posted on your cycle! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for both of you that this is the 'one'!

Well, tomorrow I'm off to the OB for my first visit and for referral to the perinatologist for my NT scan/blood work. And, if all goes well, I should be discharged from the RE on Wednesday. I think I also get taken off of the PIOs then as well....but I've read a post on the 'pregnant after treatment' board that lots of ladies are tapered off. I don't know what my RE's going to do but I get the sense it's just cold turkey. Oh well, I guess I find out next week. I just feel so blessed to have gotten this far, I'd keep doing PIO's as long as necessary (I never thought I'd say that!)

Take care all!

- suzhan