~ Fall IVF Cyclers ~ - Page 6

[poetgirl]

Originally Posted by 5terre

Lots of tears the past few days. Today or tomorrow would have been the ER. The RE that canceled my cycle said I should ovulate by today or tomorrow, that just seems so weird, I guess my own hormones are supposed to turn on and finish this thing? Meeting with the RE on Thursday to see what he's thinking for the next step. I am so scared that it's POF and we're at the end of the road before we even had a chance to begin.

5Terre, I wouldn't jump to POF, even though this is incredibly disappointing. Your FSH is so low. Some women have a sensitivity to Lupron and even to bcp. I would guess a short protocol with Ganirilex would be more effective for you. GL with the RE this week. I hope he is able to shed some light on it. Thinking of you. I know it's so hard to mentally gear up for this and have it cut off.

Gema, Oh no no. One ovary and you certainly don't want a cyst on it. So sorry. I feel doubly bad because I know how you've cleared your schedule to take time for this cycle and you're feeling $ pressures. Ugh. You might already by doing this, but I'd try to get into the acupuncturist. Sometimes a targetted treatment can help to burst cysts. In my first cycle, Lupron gave me cysts. I had two and the next week we checked and they were much smaller. Being on the Lupron for a lot of extra time may have been a factor in my suppression that cycle, so make sure you ask your RE everything you're concerned about. Again, so sorry. I have been hoping this would be smooth sailing right from the outset. I do think it happens often, and from what I know, often the cyst resolves.

[gemasita]

poetgirl - thanks for being so understanding! You are right on about everything I am feeling!

I have been wondering if there is anything I can do to help the cyst go away and I didn't think of acupuncture. I will call tomorrow and see if my acupuncturist thinks it can help.

Well, the doctor I talked to DID say that they don't want people on Lupron for too long because it can oversupress. So now I'm worried about that. I wonder if the Lupron caused the cyst. Any way to know? I didn't have the cyst when I had my baseline u/s right before I started BCPs.

5terre - I am so sorry for your disappointment. I think it will pay off that they cancelled and can start again from scratch but I know that doesn't make you feel any better. There are SO many protocols out there so don't assume just yet that there's nothing else they can try. But I do know that it is a fear. We all have to take things a day at a time. We don't know what the future days hold and it's hard because we want all the information NOW so that we can decide what to do. My delay has reminded me of that. I really can't do a whole lot until I find something out on Wed.

[crazyrunningmama]

ladies,

[Julia'sMom]

Jamie - I'm so sorry to hear about your cyst. I hope it does clear quickly and all else goes smoothly.

5terre - I agree that you shouldn't jump to pof conclusions. I had a perfect experience with ivf #1 (retrieved 13) then was cancelled during ivf#2 for failure to respond. Revised the protocal and ivf#3 resulted in 13 retrieved again. This is such a tricky balance, and to complicate matters, our bodies don't always respond the same way. I'm sorry this cycle didn't work out. Hopefully they'll figure things out for next time.

[ktcl]

Wow. This is really amazing that there are all these different protocols. What is POF? (sounds like something we don't want???). I'm truly amazed by what drugs can make our bodies do. Even just the BCPs wowed me... I've always had really long cycles, and the idea of being on BCPs for 2 weeks and then magically bleeding again just 3 weeks after my last AF...strange stuff.

[poetgirl]

Originally Posted by gemasita

poetgirl - thanks for being so understanding! You are right on about everything I am feeling!

I have been wondering if there is anything I can do to help the cyst go away and I didn't think of acupuncture. I will call tomorrow and see if my acupuncturist thinks it can help.

Well, the doctor I talked to DID say that they don't want people on Lupron for too long because it can oversupress. So now I'm worried about that. I wonder if the Lupron caused the cyst. Any way to know? I didn't have the cyst when I had my baseline u/s right before I started BCPs.
.

Jamie, I am hoping that cyst is resolving! When I had the two cysts, I was told "Lupron can cause cysts in some people." No way to know for sure but I felt I was one of those people, and frankly that blindsighted me. Then when I researched the SHER Institute for a second set of eyes on my cycles, I was told that being on Lupron for 21 days or more *can* cause oversuppression in some people. I was on it for 20 days, and gut feeling here, I felt that resonated for me. But Lupron is the main one they use, so hopefully for most people, it does not cause trouble or the trouble resolves and the cycle is fine. Just out of curiosity, what suppressant did you take with the other cycles? I was always told IF was a marathon not a sprint and boy did that turn out to be right. But you can cross that finish line. Hang in there, hon.

Ktcl, Yes it is wild. Often times a protocol goes according to plan, but good to keep your eye out for the snags in the road. Hope you don't have any. POF stands for premature ovarian failure.

[gemasita]

poetgirl - I was on ganirelex for the other two cycles. The only time I have been on Lupron was for my FET. So, yes, I am worried that I am one of those people for whom Lupron causes cysts! The unknown is killing me. Maybe I am overreacting and they just happen from time to time but I didn't have any cysts a month ago for my baseline u/s and since this one is so big, I'm wondering if it is a natural occurance or the Lupron. I guess I will just have to see what Wednesday brings and then discuss with the doctor.

DH came home in the middle of the day today and we went on a picnic. He could tell when he left for work this morning that I was having a bad day. Bless him for being there for me. I have therapy tomorrow too so that will be a good chance to talk. I have so many fears that have cropped up and I'm really having a hard time staying sane.

[crazyrunningmama]

Jamie. Yay for your good dh.

[ktcl]

Did my first shot of gonal-f about an hour ago. I don't tend to be a hypochondriac, but I was so scared about doing something wrong, and now I'm convinced... I feel slightly nauseous, feel kind of hot, keep smelling the alcohol wipes at the back of my nose/throat. This is crazy, right? I guess it's just that giving myself a shot... it seems like something a medical professional is supposed to do! How do I know I did it right?

Thanks for listening to my rant. I'm going to bed, and am sure I will be more sane in the morning!

[5terre]

ktcl You're simply injecting it into your subcutaneous tissue (aka fat), it's unlikely that you are doing it wrong enough to affect the outcome. I know what you mean, though, I'm an RN and I was worried about giving them to myself! After a few days you'll feel confident. During a natural cycle, you produce progesterone after ovulating, and when it runs out most people will bleed. You can make yourself have an artificial period by taking progesterone and then stopping it (BCP).

Gema What a nice idea to go on a picnic!

Poet A marathon, ha? I was hoping for a short mile or two.

[5terre]

Julia'sMom Did they change your protocol for IVF#2? Maybe I don't have POF, but such a low response (2 follicles) is statistically a bad prognosis for future cycles for anyone, it's hard not to think on the pessimistic side. I'm one of the lucky ones who have insurance coverage, but it will only cover so many cycles, and now I have already used one, even though we didn't get anywhere. I'm worried by the time they find out which protocol works and we have normal embryos to transfer (genetic issue), we will have exhausted the coverage.

[DaisyMae08]

Cramping?

Has anyone had cramping a week after an embryo transfer and then had it be successful? I had a small amount of cramping this afternoon and am freaking out now. I know it's too early to be menstrual cramping, but my day 3 transfer was a week ago, so it seems like it's not really a great sign.... My beta is on Saturday. Ugh. I hate this rollercoaster!

[ktcl]

DaisyMaie-- is this your first try? Good luck. I'll keep fingers crossed for you on Saturday.

I know bloating is supposed to be a side effect of the gonal-f. Does anyone have any natural remedies for it? I realized today that I haven't really experienced much bloating in my life, so this is rather uncomfortable!

Looking forward to shot #2 being easier tonight since I've experienced it at least once now.

[DaisyMae08]

This is my 2nd IVF (first one resulted in a chemical pg) and we did 7 IUIs before that.

I had some bloating with the gonal-f as well, but I did hyperstim a bit, so I don't think that helped. I'm sorry I don't have any fabulous remedy for you!

[Seedlings]

ktcl ~ My remedy for bloating or the ivf 10 pound gain is elastic pants . If anyone has any ideas please let us know!!! When I cycled I seemed to get very tired, read a lot of books and just expanded! Maybe this time I'll try walking or yoga.

Daisymae ~ Praying your having implantation cramps.

gemasita ~ Hope you and dh had a great picnic. I am so sorry to hear your having a hard time. Were you able to talk with dh or in therapy about what your feeling and experiencing?

5terre ~ Thinking of you

Well I received my meds today. It is pretty early I do not even start lupron until 10/12. Anyone taking any supplements during their ivf cycle?

[crazyrunningmama]

Originally Posted by DaisyMae08

Has anyone had cramping a week after an embryo transfer and then had it be successful? I had a small amount of cramping this afternoon and am freaking out now. I know it's too early to be menstrual cramping, but my day 3 transfer was a week ago, so it seems like it's not really a great sign.... My beta is on Saturday. Ugh. I hate this rollercoaster!

It could very easily be 1. implantation 2. constipation or something else gastro-intestinal 3. your body adjusting to your ovaries trying to get back to normal size 4. something else your body is dealing with related to having just gone through stims + ER + ET The rollercoaster sucks, but try to stay chill, just cramps are not uncommon at all.

Originally Posted by Seedlings

ktcl ~ My remedy for bloating or the ivf 10 pound gain is elastic pants . If anyone has any ideas please let us know!!! When I cycled I seemed to get very tired, read a lot of books and just expanded! Maybe this time I'll try walking or yoga.

Well I received my meds today. It is pretty early I do not even start lupron until 10/12. Anyone taking any supplements during their ivf cycle?

That was my strategy for the bloating, too!

Supplements - y'all are taking folic acid, RIGHT?

to all.

[ktcl]

Besides prenatals, I'm taking cod liver oil. Not necessarily related to TTC, but something I started when we first started TTC a couple of years ago because DW is convinced it will help keep this next babe from having the same gastro-intestinal issues that our DS has. I think I've bought in, and my nails and hair are growing like crazy as a side effect!

[poetgirl]

Seedlings, I took a pre-natal, fish oil, royal jelly, DHEA and CoQ10 up until the ER. After that, just the pre-natal and fish oil.

Daisy, I had so much cramping in the 2ww. So bad it made me cry and I was sure nothing could make it in such a situation. I have also found that after implantation and in early preg, every time I have gas or gastrointestinal pressure, I have cramping, and in general have been mildly crampy a lot the past two weeks and it seems common and normal. I really stressed about this in the 2ww, so I get where you're coming from. Just know that cramping will not interfere with a successful implant. Keeping everything crossed for you.

[DaisyMae08]

CRM, I know that you are right. Sometimes it's hard to think so logically right when you're in the middle of this whole thing.

Poet, it's very comforting to hear that from you. You have no idea how much that puts my mind at ease. I haven't had any cramping since yesterday afternoon, but at least now I feel like I won't panic (hopefully) if it happens again.

Just three more days until my beta.

[brandyshea]

Hi I'm jumping back into this thread and I'm going to try to keep up with it this time! I went yesterday to get baseline bloodwork and ultrasound done. We're about to start IVF for the first time.

They also did a catheter check to test for bacteria or something. Not really sure what that was about. I go back next week for the saline-infusion sonogram. Anyone have any advice about that? I'm doing that over my lunch break, so that should be fun *sarcasm*.

So glad that I've found this group!