~ Fall IVF Cyclers ~ - Page 8

[ktcl]

DaisyMae-- I can only imagine the frustration...

Gemasita-- good luck

5terre-- I hope you get to move on quickly. The wait is always the worst!

I've now had 2 ultrasounds. One today had 6 follicles on one side, and 4 on the other that are measurable, and a bunch of others that are still too small to measure. I think that feels good, right? I'm having a bunch of "sensation" that I normally associate with ovulation, so I keep freaking out that I'm going to ovulate too soon. But that is what the ganorelix is for, right? I still don't have an official ER date, so am still keeping my fingers crossed that I can make it to that wedding on the 10th. I can't believe this is all happening this week!!!

[Seedlings]

Failed cycles and miscarriage mentioned

DaisyMae ~ When I had my 15 week loss after my 3rd ivf I was fing devastated. When I saw a grief conselor she talked a lot about how I was not grieving. After each failed ivf I only saw doing another cycle. I should of taken the time to feel the pain of the loss of each failed cycle. I could of journaled about the ivf cycle to be more in tune with myself or maybe meditated about the cycles. I think that would of helped me process the grief of each failure. Instead I was unaware of the buildup of pain inside of me. When I had my loss due to my immune system I was not in a good place. It took me a long time to get out of that dark spot. Even now I cry at appointments the pain is that raw. I knew I had to get a different re and when I was up to trying again I interviewed new ones. I wish I had checked out new re's after my first failure. I do think my 3rd ivf was sucessful unfortunately my immune system issues were not treated. That re did not believe in immune issues but my current re is one of the best in treating them. Please be gentle with yourself.

[DaisyMae08]

ktcl, it looks like you're doing quite well! Things are progressing nicely for you.

crazyrunningmama, I'm sorry it was such a struggle for you as well. But know that your struggle and success truly gives me great hope. Thank you.

And Seedlings, that is certainly something to think about. Sometimes I feel like I'm just fine, then other times the realization that I am not fine begins to creep in. Throwing away the picture of the embryos we transferred was oddly tough.

[5terre]

Daisy I am so, so sorry. I have no words, just

[gemasita]

DaisyMae - I think we still have the pic of the blast we transferred the first time. It's weird that we've created 14 little lives over the years but will never know who they would have developed into. I think Seedlings advice is good also. I know that I am one to try and move on to the next step right away and I'm sure I haven't really grieved for my negative cycles.

Me - I got shockingly good news today. NO cyst. The nurse said she couldn't see anything that she would say were the reminents of a cyst (and she looked for a long time!) and she counted 7 follicles! What an improvement in just three days! I couldn't have asked for better news. Every time I doubt my little ovary, it shows me how strong it is! So I guess this means our cycle is ON (although I haven't gotten a call from my own clinic yet) and we will be going out of town this weekend!

[DaisyMae08]

Yay Gemesita! That's great news. Go ovary go!

[brandyshea]

I had the Saline-Infusion sonogram today and this is the first time I've been somewhat disappointed with my RE's office. They didn't give me antibiotics beforehand, or tell me to take ibuprofen and have a full bladder. No full bladder, no ibuprofen. I got the antibiotics to take afterward.

My doc did the procedure though and he was great. They said that everything looks perfect. I go in next Tuesday to get the schedule.

[ktcl]

Yay gemasita! I'm so glad and impressed about that cyst! Next ultrasound tomorrow AM!

[Julia'sMom]

Yeah, Jamie! :

I am thinking of you, Daisy. This pregnancy is from my 3rd ivf attempt.

Brandy, I don't think I ever took ibuprofren, antibiotics or a full bladder for the saline sonogram, and I had 3 over the course of all the treatment. I think it's just more important with the dye test. Glad to hear everything looks good!

[poetgirl]

Jamie, I love shockingly good news on this thread! Go ovary go!

[DaisyMae08]

We had our follow up appt with the RE today and discussed where to go from here. The cycle went very well. My response was good, fertilization was good, embryos were good.....just the end result was not so good. Unfortunately, there's nothing he can point to that tells us why. So we ended up doing some additional bloodwork just to rule out genetic and autoimmune issues. He doesn't think there will be an issue there, but thinks it's at least worthwhile to rule those things out.

We'll do a frozen cycle this next time (have to because of insurance restrictions...which actually is fine with us right now) and will add in assisted hatching. Looks like we'll be transferring three, with the RE strongly recommending selective reduction if they all stick around.

Now I just have to wait on the results of some of today's bloodwork to see whether or not I'll need to go on the pill again before starting the frozen cycle. So tomorrow I'll either be starting BCPs again or I'll be starting estrogen pills and patch.

At least we're moving forward quickly. I hate just languishing in that state of nowhere.

[ktcl]

Trigger tonight! ER on Saturday. So, I miss the wedding, but a good friend is coming to "take care of me", and I'm kind of looking forward to a whole day on the couch with her.

[crazyrunningmama]

Originally Posted by ktcl

Trigger tonight! ER on Saturday. So, I miss the wedding, but a good friend is coming to "take care of me", and I'm kind of looking forward to a whole day on the couch with her.

Good luck with ER!!! I think you are wise to have a friend come to be with you, enjoy a nice day of sappy movies and popcorn (and Gatorade).

[poetgirl]

Originally Posted by DaisyMae08

We had our follow up appt with the RE today and discussed where to go from here. The cycle went very well. My response was good, fertilization was good, embryos were good.....just the end result was not so good. Unfortunately, there's nothing he can point to that tells us why. So we ended up doing some additional bloodwork just to rule out genetic and autoimmune issues. He doesn't think there will be an issue there, but thinks it's at least worthwhile to rule those things out.

We'll do a frozen cycle this next time (have to because of insurance restrictions...which actually is fine with us right now) and will add in assisted hatching. Looks like we'll be transferring three, with the RE strongly recommending selective reduction if they all stick around.

Now I just have to wait on the results of some of today's bloodwork to see whether or not I'll need to go on the pill again before starting the frozen cycle. So tomorrow I'll either be starting BCPs again or I'll be starting estrogen pills and patch.

At least we're moving forward quickly. I hate just languishing in that state of nowhere.

Daisy, I think the asst. hatching is a great idea. We did that with my last cycle. Apparently when your estradiol gets really high (mine was over 6000 in cycle 2), the outer membrane gets very thick and it's hard to implant. When I look at the embryo photos between cycle 1 and 2, you can really see the difference. I hope that does the trick!

KTCL, Good Luck! We'll be wishing the best for you!!!

[DaisyMae08]

Good luck ktcl! You'll do fine, I'm sure. Definitely take it easy and treat yourself to a day of vegging on the couch with movies and yummy snacks. I'll be thinking about you!

Poet, that's interesting about the outer membrane. Now I'm wishing I had hung onto the embryo pictures to compare. And how are you feeling these days anyway?? I'd love to hear!

My levels were low enough that I did start the estradiol pills and patch right away. So I'll probably be looking at a transfer two weeks from now.

[Seedlings]

ktcl ~ Good Luck with your er on Sunday! How are you feeling?

Gemasita ~ Hope you having a fun time out of town and congrats on all of the follies. That is wonderful news.

Daisymae ~ Your plan sounds great. I think having the immune testing done is a great thing! I wish that more re's would have patients get tested. I am kinda biased about it since I have immune problems.

I should of scheduled an u/s on Friday to start Lupron on Monday. But in my attempt to relax I kinda forgot about it. I'll be calling on Monday. My good news is that I have been maintaining a healthly weight for a while. I am even wearing my skinny pants. I am feeling good about my weight. I hope I can maintain this during my cycle. Have a great weekend e/o!

[gemasita]

Daisy - that is great news that you could start the estradiol pills and patch right away! Yay!

Seedlings - great news about your weight! Sounds like you are feeling good about getting started.

ktcl - good luck with the ER!!!! Exciting!

Me - we are leaving tomorrow so that we can be up in VA/MD for a monitoring appt Monday morning. We were still waiting to hear how things looked today to know for sure if they wanted us up there Monday. Follies are growing well. My estrogen is just 264 though, which I am trying not to read too much into. Sounds a little low but we have several more days of stimming ahead of us. We are on day 8 of stims, I think, and I'm sure we'll end up going for 12 days or so.

We've been packing all day, anticipating possibly leaving tomorrow and now it's a go. We'll be out of town for longer than we ever have been so I'm a little nervous. A friend is coming by to check on the kitties pretty often though so that makes me feel better. I just hope we don't forget anything important since we have to lug meds up there and all that.

[ktcl]

Gemasita-- that must be so strange to have to go be away from home for so long to take the next step. Hope everything goes smoothly.

ER was today. I have to say that I'm freaking out a littlebit. Estrogen was high at the last blood draw on Thursday (just over 3000) so they told me today I should be vigilant about OHSS. When I came out of the procedure, the pain wasn't too bad, so I just took Tylenol... rejected any of the heavier duty drugs. My abdomen is definitely tender and bloated. It feels more tender than cramping. One part of me says, "this is normal, you just had surgery" and then the freaking out side says, "this is it... this is OHSS." So I guess I"m just trying to stay aware of it, but in the process, am having a hard time relaxing (though did watch 3 old episodes of Glee and then took a nap, so maybe not that hard of a time!).

I have had some gatorade, and plenty of water. Any other suggestions in the food/fluid front that might make me feel better?

Oh, and they retrieved 26 eggs, which I;m feeling pretty excited about! We're doing PGD, so transfer is on Thursday.

[gemasita]

Wow, 26 is a great number!!!

I think I've heard to eat lots of protein, in addition to drinking electrolyte drinks.

[crazyrunningmama]

Originally Posted by ktcl

One part of me says, "this is normal, you just had surgery"
I have had some gatorade, and plenty of water. Any other suggestions in the food/fluid front that might make me feel better?

Oh, and they retrieved 26 eggs, which I;m feeling pretty excited about! We're doing PGD, so transfer is on Thursday.

Yay!!!!! for 26 eggs!!

I am not an OHSS expert, but I wanted to put an answer out there right way cause it sounds like you're really stressing. It is very likely "normal, you just had surgery", as well as everything that your hard working ovaries have been through during stims. Take it very very easy. Others have found that tons of Gatorade and some salty chips help. I was really worried after my last IVF too, and it was fine, no OHSS. Also weigh yourself every morning and record it so you can report any sudden weight gain. I gained 3-4 pounds the first day, but then it evened out and then later in the week came off and I was back to norma. Take good care.