Hello!
I have been reading many different boards before my hubby and I decided to commit to IVF. We are signed up for the June cycle, and I'm very nervous about all the medications, etc. I'm looking forward to talking to others sharing this experience. I pray for everyone struggling through their lives of infertility. It's not an easy road!
Signed up for June IVF cycle at MCRH! Very nervous!
Hello,
I did the January series at MCRH. If this is your first IVF, you will find yourself in the best of hands at their clinic. Are you from the Twin Cities area? Also, I have some medications left if you need them. Not sure if you'll be on the same ones or not. I have 450 units of Gonal F (the pen) and about 6 vials of 75 units of Repronex. If you are interested, let me know. (No charge... they will just go to waste in my refrigerator anyway.)
Wishing you the best!
--Julie
I did the January series at MCRH. If this is your first IVF, you will find yourself in the best of hands at their clinic. Are you from the Twin Cities area? Also, I have some medications left if you need them. Not sure if you'll be on the same ones or not. I have 450 units of Gonal F (the pen) and about 6 vials of 75 units of Repronex. If you are interested, let me know. (No charge... they will just go to waste in my refrigerator anyway.)
Wishing you the best!
--Julie
Me 36, DH 34 - Creating our family since 2002
Julie,
Thank you for setting my mind at ease (at least a little bit) regarding MCRH. So far they have been great. I live in the Brainerd Lakes area, about 2 hours north of the clinic. I should be getting the list of medications from the IVF coordinator in the mail today. You're a great person for offering your meds up to me. I'll let you know when I see what I need.
If I'm reading correctly, your first IVF was successful? I am praying we will have the same blessing. We had 2 IUI's which were unsuccessful, but I feel that's because we have too many strikes against us. (Male factor and I believe my tubes are beginning to block again) I had them cleaned out in November. Regardless, I'm praying this is our answer.
Thank you for setting my mind at ease (at least a little bit) regarding MCRH. So far they have been great. I live in the Brainerd Lakes area, about 2 hours north of the clinic. I should be getting the list of medications from the IVF coordinator in the mail today. You're a great person for offering your meds up to me. I'll let you know when I see what I need.
If I'm reading correctly, your first IVF was successful? I am praying we will have the same blessing. We had 2 IUI's which were unsuccessful, but I feel that's because we have too many strikes against us. (Male factor and I believe my tubes are beginning to block again) I had them cleaned out in November. Regardless, I'm praying this is our answer.
Yes, you are reading things correctly that we were successful (so far *fingers crossed*) on our first attempt.
I'm sure it is a very exciting and somewhat nervewracking time for you. Waiting to start each cycle was like watching paint dry... the time could never pass quickly enough. But, I still feel the same way with the pregnancy. I am so anxious for each appointment to make sure that things are still going good. I think it is hard for all of us who have been through infertility to not have some anxiety throughout the pregancy. After all we've been through, it is hard to believe that something is actually working out for once.
Let me know about the meds once you know for sure. And if you can't use them, or feel uncomfortable, don't worry about it. I'm sure I can find someone else that can make use of them. We had to pay for EVERYTHING out of pocket, and the leftover meds cost about $400 so I sure don't want to see them expire.
Good luck and I hope to see you continue posting on the board. It is a great source of support.
--Julie
I'm sure it is a very exciting and somewhat nervewracking time for you. Waiting to start each cycle was like watching paint dry... the time could never pass quickly enough. But, I still feel the same way with the pregnancy. I am so anxious for each appointment to make sure that things are still going good. I think it is hard for all of us who have been through infertility to not have some anxiety throughout the pregancy. After all we've been through, it is hard to believe that something is actually working out for once.
Let me know about the meds once you know for sure. And if you can't use them, or feel uncomfortable, don't worry about it. I'm sure I can find someone else that can make use of them. We had to pay for EVERYTHING out of pocket, and the leftover meds cost about $400 so I sure don't want to see them expire.
Good luck and I hope to see you continue posting on the board. It is a great source of support.
--Julie
Me 36, DH 34 - Creating our family since 2002
Boy Julie, you hit it right on the head. The last year of my life can be summed up in 4 words. HURRY UP AND WAIT! That's what it has felt like since we were diagnosed. I have very good days, and then I have very bad days. I'm sure you feel the same way. If we do get pregnant, I'm sure I'll feel just as you do. Wondering each day if your baby is growing, etc. Keep the faith and all will work out. We too know what it's like to go through infertility and have our insurance pay for NOTHING! Once we were diagnosed with the label "infertility" all coverage stopped. That has been very tough. We are signed up to do the VIP plan at MCRH, as we feel that will be our best option if IVF doesn't work. Did you also sign up for the VIP plan? I am so thankful for your offer for the medications! Like I said, once I get the list of what I will need, etc. I will probably take you up on that offer. Do you live in the metro area? I can't tell you how much I appreciate your support. Some days my thoughts consume me and it feels hopeless. Other days I'm very optimistic.
Hope to see you post again soon! Thanks!
Hope to see you post again soon! Thanks!
Hi
I am in the middle of my 2ww and test on Friday. I just completed the April series at MCRH. They are the best people in the world!! They came recommended by friends of ours who had success. Dr. Corfmann and his staff are wonderful!! We went through IVF a few years ago and did 2 fresh series that were negative, we then did a frozen one and that gave us our daughter. We are not trying for another child. The process went very well and we are awaiting our results. It is all a bit confusing but don't be afraid to ask questions, the nurses are great and will be very helpful. You'll do fine with the meds. They are a bit intimidating but you'll do fine. We are paying for all of ours out of pocket also. And it is ALOT of money. We added to our house mortage the first time around and this time I took some money out of my retirement. I know it's not recommended to do this but we talked it over and who knows if we'll ever see this money and it was more important to us to try to add to our family. But everyone has different priorities. They did not have the VIP plan when we started this. In fact, I believe it is just new in the last 2 months or so. If we were just starting, we would do that for sure. It sounds like you are on the right track. The best of luck to you. Keep us posted.
Brenda
I am in the middle of my 2ww and test on Friday. I just completed the April series at MCRH. They are the best people in the world!! They came recommended by friends of ours who had success. Dr. Corfmann and his staff are wonderful!! We went through IVF a few years ago and did 2 fresh series that were negative, we then did a frozen one and that gave us our daughter. We are not trying for another child. The process went very well and we are awaiting our results. It is all a bit confusing but don't be afraid to ask questions, the nurses are great and will be very helpful. You'll do fine with the meds. They are a bit intimidating but you'll do fine. We are paying for all of ours out of pocket also. And it is ALOT of money. We added to our house mortage the first time around and this time I took some money out of my retirement. I know it's not recommended to do this but we talked it over and who knows if we'll ever see this money and it was more important to us to try to add to our family. But everyone has different priorities. They did not have the VIP plan when we started this. In fact, I believe it is just new in the last 2 months or so. If we were just starting, we would do that for sure. It sounds like you are on the right track. The best of luck to you. Keep us posted.
Brenda
Brenda age 33 (Male Factor
daugher Molly age 2 (FET)
3/2002 failed IUI
6/2002 failed IVF/ICSI
9/2002 failed IVF/ICSI
4/2003 positive FET
April 2006 IVF/ICSI ++tive BFP!!!
daugher Molly age 2 (FET)
3/2002 failed IUI
6/2002 failed IVF/ICSI
9/2002 failed IVF/ICSI
4/2003 positive FET
April 2006 IVF/ICSI ++tive BFP!!!
Hi again,
We also did not sign up for the VIP plan. It actually wasn't offered when we were there in January. We were for sure lucky to have it work the first time.
I do live in the metro area. My home and work are less than 5 miles from the clinic which was VERY lucky and convenient. If it works out that you can use any of the meds, it will be very easy for me to get them to you when you are here for an appointment.
Keep us up to date on how things are going. In the mean time, try to stay relaxed, stress free, and eating well. My hubby actually was reading an article to me yesterday. It said that women who had low stress had 20% more eggs retrieved and fertilised.
--Julie
We also did not sign up for the VIP plan. It actually wasn't offered when we were there in January. We were for sure lucky to have it work the first time.
I do live in the metro area. My home and work are less than 5 miles from the clinic which was VERY lucky and convenient. If it works out that you can use any of the meds, it will be very easy for me to get them to you when you are here for an appointment.
Keep us up to date on how things are going. In the mean time, try to stay relaxed, stress free, and eating well. My hubby actually was reading an article to me yesterday. It said that women who had low stress had 20% more eggs retrieved and fertilised.
--Julie
Me 36, DH 34 - Creating our family since 2002
Dear Julie and Brenda,
Thank you both so much for your replies. I feel so much better knowing there are other people out there that have or are going through the same rollercoaster of events. My husband and I have had 2 IUI's at MCRH but they have not worked. We know that many times dr's want you to try at least 3-5 IUI's before moving to IVF, however we both feel like now is the time to do this. If we are going so spend all of this money, time and emotion we might as well TRY to plan a due date. Of course, it may not work out as planned, but at least we tried I got my packet from MCRH yesterday. It has a handbook that is 151 pages long. It's on a disc, but I printed it out, because I have a feeling I'm going to be referring to it quite a bit! I am so nervous about all of the medications. I have been taking Clomid and also the Ovidrel injection, but that's already pre-measured for you and everything. Now I start reading about all of these injections that take mixing, etc. Honestly, I'm overwhelmed. I like to think I'm a fairly intelligent person, but looking over those instructions made my knees weak. I'm just going to pray that it gets easier as you do it. My sister is an RN, but lives an hour away. If she lived closer, I'd drive there every day and have her do it for me 
So...I'm waiting for my AF...impatiently. Last month I had a follicle that didn't shrink so I had to go on Yasmin for the month of May to shrink it. I hadn't been on the BC for over 6 years so now I think my system is really screwed up! I can't wait to get it. It's so funny, you go months NOT wanting it, and here I am WAITING for it.
Again, I'm so happy I joined this board. It's the kind of support a person needs. It's the kind of support you can't get from people that haven't been through this. You're a great blessing! Thank you!
Thank you both so much for your replies. I feel so much better knowing there are other people out there that have or are going through the same rollercoaster of events. My husband and I have had 2 IUI's at MCRH but they have not worked. We know that many times dr's want you to try at least 3-5 IUI's before moving to IVF, however we both feel like now is the time to do this. If we are going so spend all of this money, time and emotion we might as well TRY to plan a due date. Of course, it may not work out as planned, but at least we tried
I got my packet from MCRH yesterday. It has a handbook that is 151 pages long. It's on a disc, but I printed it out, because I have a feeling I'm going to be referring to it quite a bit! I am so nervous about all of the medications. I have been taking Clomid and also the Ovidrel injection, but that's already pre-measured for you and everything. Now I start reading about all of these injections that take mixing, etc. Honestly, I'm overwhelmed. I like to think I'm a fairly intelligent person, but looking over those instructions made my knees weak. I'm just going to pray that it gets easier as you do it. My sister is an RN, but lives an hour away. If she lived closer, I'd drive there every day and have her do it for me So...I'm waiting for my AF...impatiently. Last month I had a follicle that didn't shrink so I had to go on Yasmin for the month of May to shrink it. I hadn't been on the BC for over 6 years so now I think my system is really screwed up! I can't wait to get it. It's so funny, you go months NOT wanting it, and here I am WAITING for it.
Again, I'm so happy I joined this board. It's the kind of support a person needs. It's the kind of support you can't get from people that haven't been through this. You're a great blessing! Thank you!
Nifferela
It's a good thing to have a hard copy of the handbook. It'll be easier to refer to it and it is good to look it over alot. Don't worry too much about the injections and meds. You'll get the hang of it. They will probably have you take the injection class too and that will teach you what you need to know. I used Ovidrel too and it's nice & easy. I also used the Gonal F Pen which is nice. It is premixed also and you just have to use a dial to choose the dosage. And remember to ask questions. The nurses are fabulous and will return calls quickly and answer anything you need to make you feel more comfortable. The more you get to know them the more you will love them there. Keep us posted. I will let you know my test results Friday. I'm getting really nervous now!! And very stressed out!!!
Brenda
It's a good thing to have a hard copy of the handbook. It'll be easier to refer to it and it is good to look it over alot. Don't worry too much about the injections and meds. You'll get the hang of it. They will probably have you take the injection class too and that will teach you what you need to know. I used Ovidrel too and it's nice & easy. I also used the Gonal F Pen which is nice. It is premixed also and you just have to use a dial to choose the dosage. And remember to ask questions. The nurses are fabulous and will return calls quickly and answer anything you need to make you feel more comfortable. The more you get to know them the more you will love them there. Keep us posted. I will let you know my test results Friday. I'm getting really nervous now!! And very stressed out!!!
Brenda
Brenda age 33 (Male Factor
daugher Molly age 2 (FET)
3/2002 failed IUI
6/2002 failed IVF/ICSI
9/2002 failed IVF/ICSI
4/2003 positive FET
April 2006 IVF/ICSI ++tive BFP!!!
daugher Molly age 2 (FET)
3/2002 failed IUI
6/2002 failed IVF/ICSI
9/2002 failed IVF/ICSI
4/2003 positive FET
April 2006 IVF/ICSI ++tive BFP!!!
Brenda,
I will say a prayer for you tonight before bed, praying that Friday will be a good day for you. The 2 week wait is so hard, because you can practically talk yourself into being pregnant, just because you want to be so bad! I will be thinking of you! Keep me posted. Thanks for the words of encouragement too, I appreciate them more than you know!
Nifferela
I will say a prayer for you tonight before bed, praying that Friday will be a good day for you. The 2 week wait is so hard, because you can practically talk yourself into being pregnant, just because you want to be so bad! I will be thinking of you! Keep me posted. Thanks for the words of encouragement too, I appreciate them more than you know!
Nifferela
Brenda,
My fingers and toes are all crossed for you to have a great result tomorrow! I assume you probably aren't having your blood drawn at MCRH? If not, make sure your clinic can get the results to MCRH before noon tomorrow because they close at noon on Fridays. My regular clinice didn't fax the results until 1pm and I was in a panic that I would have to wait until Monday to get the results. Luckily the nurse on call at MCRH still called me that afternoon... but it was just one stress I didn't need. Incidentally, my normal clinic had promised 2 hour results and I was drawn at 8am. It still took them until 1pm to send the results. I was so upset. They just don't realize how delicate our emotions can be and how upsetting even the slightest setback can be.
Nefferela,
That was a good idea to print the book so that you always have it at your fingertips. Brenda is right... the nurses are awesome so never worry or feel stupid if you need to call with even the "dumbest" question or concern. They will for sure teach you how to mix and administer your meds so try not to worry about that. I also used the Gonal F pen, mostly because I found it to be the cheapest (at Freedom Drug). I did lots of calling around and found Freedom Drug to be the cheapest, and most convenient. They will overnight for free any meds you need and keep you well supplied with needles, alcohol wipes, etc. This is sure an exciting time for you! Make sure to join one of the testing threads on the general forum. You'll find lots of support there too.
Good luck Ladies! May the fertility Gods be shining on you!
--Julie
My fingers and toes are all crossed for you to have a great result tomorrow! I assume you probably aren't having your blood drawn at MCRH? If not, make sure your clinic can get the results to MCRH before noon tomorrow because they close at noon on Fridays. My regular clinice didn't fax the results until 1pm and I was in a panic that I would have to wait until Monday to get the results. Luckily the nurse on call at MCRH still called me that afternoon... but it was just one stress I didn't need. Incidentally, my normal clinic had promised 2 hour results and I was drawn at 8am. It still took them until 1pm to send the results. I was so upset. They just don't realize how delicate our emotions can be and how upsetting even the slightest setback can be.
Nefferela,
That was a good idea to print the book so that you always have it at your fingertips. Brenda is right... the nurses are awesome so never worry or feel stupid if you need to call with even the "dumbest" question or concern. They will for sure teach you how to mix and administer your meds so try not to worry about that. I also used the Gonal F pen, mostly because I found it to be the cheapest (at Freedom Drug). I did lots of calling around and found Freedom Drug to be the cheapest, and most convenient. They will overnight for free any meds you need and keep you well supplied with needles, alcohol wipes, etc. This is sure an exciting time for you! Make sure to join one of the testing threads on the general forum. You'll find lots of support there too.
Good luck Ladies! May the fertility Gods be shining on you!
--Julie
Me 36, DH 34 - Creating our family since 2002
Thank you both so much for your prayers & best wishes. So far, so good. I felt really positive today. And no signs of AF!!! I keep going to the bathroom and checking. Both times I had negative results, I got AF a couple days before. So just hoping it stays away and things go well tomorrow. Thanks for the tips on the time frame to tomorrow. The time I got a positive test with my daughter, that happened to me. The lab said they faxed it to the office, but it didn't make it. So when I got my message, it was one of the nurses saying they didn't get results and she was leaving for the weekend soon. Talk about panic!! I called the lab and yelled a bit and then they faxed them immediately and she waited and called me herself with the good news!! I am going to remind everyone tomorrow this is urgent!! Yes, you are right I will be testing at a big clinic closer to my home. So I hope to have results by noon or early afternoon. I also got my meds through Freedom Drug. They are very easy to work with, prices seem to be the most reasonable and very fast shipping. I would recommend them.
Once again, thanks for your best wishes. I am now going to try to go to bed and get some sleep. I am just glad the 2ww is almost over. I will post and let you know tomorrow.
Brenda
Once again, thanks for your best wishes. I am now going to try to go to bed and get some sleep. I am just glad the 2ww is almost over. I will post and let you know tomorrow.
Brenda
Brenda age 33 (Male Factor
daugher Molly age 2 (FET)
3/2002 failed IUI
6/2002 failed IVF/ICSI
9/2002 failed IVF/ICSI
4/2003 positive FET
April 2006 IVF/ICSI ++tive BFP!!!
daugher Molly age 2 (FET)
3/2002 failed IUI
6/2002 failed IVF/ICSI
9/2002 failed IVF/ICSI
4/2003 positive FET
April 2006 IVF/ICSI ++tive BFP!!!
It's official ladies!!
BFP!!!!
We are so excited!!!
Julie -- Do you remember what your number was? Our is 438 and now I'm thinking whoa that is a bit high!! I have to retest on Monday and we'll go from there. Thank you so much for your support and I'll keep you both posted. Nifferela -- I hope we have now proved to you that this can really work and Dr. Corfmann is definitely the best!! Have a good weekend.
Brenda
BFP!!!!
We are so excited!!!
Julie -- Do you remember what your number was? Our is 438 and now I'm thinking whoa that is a bit high!! I have to retest on Monday and we'll go from there. Thank you so much for your support and I'll keep you both posted. Nifferela -- I hope we have now proved to you that this can really work and Dr. Corfmann is definitely the best!! Have a good weekend.
Brenda
Brenda age 33 (Male Factor
daugher Molly age 2 (FET)
3/2002 failed IUI
6/2002 failed IVF/ICSI
9/2002 failed IVF/ICSI
4/2003 positive FET
April 2006 IVF/ICSI ++tive BFP!!!
daugher Molly age 2 (FET)
3/2002 failed IUI
6/2002 failed IVF/ICSI
9/2002 failed IVF/ICSI
4/2003 positive FET
April 2006 IVF/ICSI ++tive BFP!!!
I saw your news on the General Forum 
Way to go!!
My first test came back at 900 something. We had our transfer on a Wednesday and my first blood draw was 2 weeks later on a Wednesday. When I went back for the 2nd draw on Friday, it was 2700 something. I was pretty sure by the numbers that it was twins, but they say you can't read into that too much.
After the dreaded 2ww, now comes the harder part of waiting for the scan. At least it was harder for me because I was so anxious to see what was going on in there. I had my first scan at 8 weeks and I was really glad that I waited that long even though it was torturous. I think some ladies have them earlier at 6 weeks and often times that is too early for the heartbeat to be seen and sometimes not even the embie itself, which can certainly cause some anxiety while waiting for the next scan.
Given my proximity to MCRH, that's where I had the 8 week scan done. It was nice to go back there and see everyone. DH and I were both crying after they said it was twins and we made the nurses start crying too as they were trying to go over everything with us. It was a very happy moment.
So glad to see your news! Have a great weekend, and get lots of rest!
Way to go!!My first test came back at 900 something. We had our transfer on a Wednesday and my first blood draw was 2 weeks later on a Wednesday. When I went back for the 2nd draw on Friday, it was 2700 something. I was pretty sure by the numbers that it was twins, but they say you can't read into that too much.
After the dreaded 2ww, now comes the harder part of waiting for the scan. At least it was harder for me because I was so anxious to see what was going on in there. I had my first scan at 8 weeks and I was really glad that I waited that long even though it was torturous. I think some ladies have them earlier at 6 weeks and often times that is too early for the heartbeat to be seen and sometimes not even the embie itself, which can certainly cause some anxiety while waiting for the next scan.
Given my proximity to MCRH, that's where I had the 8 week scan done. It was nice to go back there and see everyone. DH and I were both crying after they said it was twins and we made the nurses start crying too as they were trying to go over everything with us. It was a very happy moment.
So glad to see your news! Have a great weekend, and get lots of rest!
Me 36, DH 34 - Creating our family since 2002
Brenda! I cannot express to you how excited I am...and I don't even know you! I thought about you this morning and couldn't wait to get home to check the board. Congrats! I'm sure you're still in shock and disbelief! You and Julie have been so encouraging, and I pray that our IVF in June goes as well. Keep us posted on all the "good" stuff!
Again, congrats!
Nifferela
Again, congrats!
Nifferela