Fall IVF Support Thread - Page 9

[blueyezz4]

Maurine - I think that was a good idea (U/S) just in case, especially if you were hurting at all! I'm a better safe than sorry type of person.


AFM - Well, my U/S is clear today so I was able to lower my dose of Lupron from 20 units to 5 units from now on. Pretty big drop I think, who knows. I start stimming on Friday at 300 IU of Follistim which kinda freaks me out!!! 300 IU seems like a ton, especially since when we were doing IUI's I think i was like on like 115 IU and our last time we had 4 follies all the same size (19 i think) and they were warning us that they were worried about quadruplets? Anyone else out there with experience think 300 IU is a lot or am I just worrying about nothing???????

[songtothemoon]

Originally Posted by Tear78

I'm TERRIFIED of finding out what my eggs are like, but I am also looking forward to finally having that information. It has been a source of great sadness and stress for me. I'm sure I'll be a wreck come retrieval time.

Can I just say that creating this thread with you ladies has reinstilled my sense of belonging on MDC a bit. I just have felt so...displaced...from what MDC used to mean for me. And now some of the ladies I started this journey with are coming back pregnant with their next baby. It's just good to have this place. I've been really comforted by reading along this week, even though I was overwhelmed and didn't end up posting. Thank you for sharing this journey with me, ladies!!!

First: Welcome, Maurine! This is my first IVF cycle, too, after a cancelled cycle in October (due to hormone fluctuations).

Tear--I can totally relate to fears about egg quality, too. I am praying for a positive outcome for all of us! Also, I have a similar feeling about MDC. I love MDC and it was great when I was beginning to TTC over 1 1/2 years ago. However, after a m/c and chem pg and lots of unsuccessful TTC, I didn't feel I fit in anywhere either. TTC didn't feel right; TTC after loss didn't feel good, either.
It's upsetting being "lapped" by other mamas!
I actually have a friend with a 1 year old--we were PG at the same time and are the same age. I haven't spoken w/her in a while because I'm worried she's PG again and I just won't be able to bear it. It's not easy being an older first TTC-er. I didn't post much after the cancelled IVF cycle because I was so down and just in pain! However, I read and lurk and will continue to give and reach out for support.

Looking forward to LOTS of PG IVF Mamas this fall and winter!!!!!!

[Maurine]

Originally Posted by blueyezz4

Maurine - I think that was a good idea (U/S) just in case, especially if you were hurting at all! I'm a better safe than sorry type of person.

AFM - Well, my U/S is clear today so I was able to lower my dose of Lupron from 20 units to 5 units from now on. Pretty big drop I think, who knows. I start stimming on Friday at 300 IU of Follistim which kinda freaks me out!!! 300 IU seems like a ton, especially since when we were doing IUI's I think i was like on like 115 IU and our last time we had 4 follies all the same size (19 i think) and they were warning us that they were worried about quadruplets? Anyone else out there with experience think 300 IU is a lot or am I just worrying about nothing???????

Thanks! I haven't heard from the doc, but the tech said my u/s looked good, so I am starting tonight! Hm...I think 300iu does seem like a lot (I am starting at 150), but how often are you being monitored? They can dial it back pretty easily. Also, if you got 4 follies on 115, maybe they did the math and know you'll need significantly more for IVF?

Originally Posted by songtothemoon

First: Welcome, Maurine! This is my first IVF cycle, too, after a cancelled cycle in October (due to hormone fluctuations).

Thanks for the welcome, Song. Although I haven't been through what you've gone through, I am glad you feel safe and good posting here. It's nice to have a little group to say hello to each day.

[blueyezz4]

Maurine - I'm being monitored every 2 days or so, at least I think that is how it will end up. Actually, I start stimming on Friday and my next U/S won't be until Monday, but that is b/c the clinic here doesn't do weekend monitoring. I heard back from the nurse and I guess 300 IU is right, and they will adjust as needed. It all just scares me to stim too fast, not only for my own body, but for egg quality as well. Not that I know if that would make a difference with the quality and stimulating them too fast, but it just makes you wonder.

Songtothemoon - - I hear your pain!! I found after our pregnancy loss I didn't really fit in anywhere in particular...kinda makes you feel like an outsider in a way. I really like this group though and it is so nice to have other women who are on the same path that can totally relate to with the IVF process. Pretty much all of my friends that started TTC a yr or two after we did, already have one child and then one on the way. It used to bother me more than it does now, but I've kinda gotten used to it in a way, I guess. I'm not saying that it doesn't hurt, but I guess after TTC for over 4 yrs now I just wouldn't wish infertility on anyone so I try ("try" is the main word there) to embrace others pregnancies and children as a blessing even though it's not mine. I just have to believe that when it is my turn it will happen and go from there. That is just how I try and stay positive when we are "cursed" with unexplained infertility!

What is your next step in this process? Are you taking time off or back on meds? Thinking of you and sending . Good luck!!

Tear - how are you doing girl???? Just checking in on you!! What's next for you?

Ratgrl - How did the HCG draw go? Thinking of you!!!

Slylives - You still lurking out there? How are you feeling? I'm sure your next U/S can't come soon enough. Keep us posted.

Keria - How are you doing? What's your next step?

Anyone else that I missed??? Speak up... we would love to hear from you!!!

[ratgrl]

blue, try not to be too worried about the Follistim dose. They're going to watch you closely and they can dial it down if need be. And remember that your goal in an IVF cycle is different from IUI - in IUI they're not messing with the eggs, and que sera sera. With IVF the more good follicles they have to work with, the better your chances. Also, it's been my experience that at the beginning of a fresh cycle they wait 48-72 hours before the first ultrasound, then after that it was every other day. I'm surprised your clinic doesn't do weekend monitoring, my guys are there 7 days a week.

For the record, I've never felt comfortable pretty much anywhere on MDC except in these threads

AFM, beta draw was good, everything's moving along the way it should. I am still feeling nervous, but I'm also still feeling sick which is good. In a way I'm just holding my breath until the ultrasound next week.

[slylives]

Yes, I'm still lurking. Feeling pretty dreadful, though. I know I shouldn't complain, because Lord knows I was worried when I had no symptoms, but the all-day nausea is getting me down a bit. On the bright side, I felt exactly the same way when I was pregnant with my daughter (and I felt nothing at all in the pregnancies I lost) so I need to shut up and deal with it!

I had some personals to do but then had to go and heave a bit...

Briefly, Maurine Glad you're here! We, too, went from "Well,Clomid can't hurt" to "When can we start IVF" within a period of about 4 months. But honestly, I only wish that we had done IVF sooner!!

To those of you about to start meds, etc, I will pass on a secret to you: It's not that big of a deal. What I mean by that is that you can read online (as I did) all these tales of emotional and physical wipeout, and women saying that the impact was dreadful, etc, etc. But you rarely read about someone who says "It was fine, I did the shots and then went about my day." Well, now you have! Everyone's experience is different of course, and I don't mean to belittle someone's experience who has had a tougher time of it, but it needn't be so.

Next ultrasound is November 10 - that's the 9 weeker.

[Maurine]

Originally Posted by slylives

Yes, I'm still lurking. Feeling pretty dreadful, though. I know I shouldn't complain, because Lord knows I was worried when I had no symptoms, but the all-day nausea is getting me down a bit. On the bright side, I felt exactly the same way when I was pregnant with my daughter (and I felt nothing at all in the pregnancies I lost) so I need to shut up and deal with it!

I had some personals to do but then had to go and heave a bit...

Briefly, Maurine Glad you're here! We, too, went from "Well,Clomid can't hurt" to "When can we start IVF" within a period of about 4 months. But honestly, I only wish that we had done IVF sooner!!

To those of you about to start meds, etc, I will pass on a secret to you: It's not that big of a deal. What I mean by that is that you can read online (as I did) all these tales of emotional and physical wipeout, and women saying that the impact was dreadful, etc, etc. But you rarely read about someone who says "It was fine, I did the shots and then went about my day." Well, now you have! Everyone's experience is different of course, and I don't mean to belittle someone's experience who has had a tougher time of it, but it needn't be so.

Next ultrasound is November 10 - that's the 9 weeker.

Sly, thanks for stopping by! Sorry you are feeling so sick. I get nauseous really easily, so I am dreading it (one day, when I am pg too). Have you tried peppermint oil? It's my favorite remedy. I get some at a natural store, and just put a drop on my tongue. It stops the nausea and makes you feel minty fresh! And thanks for the pep-talk...I am sure we all need it! I started meds last night, and so far, so good.

[Tear78]

Hi Ladies, I've been short on time and overwhelmed with getting my period and facing the marathon ahead, but I wanted to pop in and say

AF arrived yesterday, and she kicked me in the a$$ today. REALLY painful and heavy. I guess that's my body's way of freaking out before IVF. And get this: I had my FSH tested this morning, and it was 6.7!!!!!! That's, like REALLY good! So I have to reiterate: acupuncture and herbs = amazing. Second month on the herbs, second month with FSH below 10, and it was 16 before that. Anyway, I have my baseline U/S tomorrow. that everything is clear!

Blueyezz, I'm so psyched yours was clear! Good luck starting the shots tomorrow! And Maurine, you started already!!!

sly, so glad you feel dreadful! (ykwim) But sorry you feel dreadful...

ratgrl, glad that eveyrthing looks good so far!

songtothemoon, I really agree that it's hard to be an older TTC#1er. I'm starting to get lots of comments/questions about whether/why I don't have kids. shh people!

[Keria]

Hi girls I'm back from a business tirp, I used to love traveling now my job ruined that for me I don't want to go on a plane ever again (at least not this year).

Great news about the clear us Blueeyes, good luck with the stims.


What herbs Tear? that is amazing news, my RE's office also offers "free" acupuncture if you are doing IVF but I hate needles hate them hate them, but at this point I'll do anything, and high FSH is a big concern of mine.

Right now the plan for us is wait for cd 1 and go get my meds, actually today I have to stop by the doctors office to get a medical report so I can apply for a program that gives the meds for free hopefully I'll qualify.

I have started to tell some people about IVF my best friend was very supportive so it's nice to finally have someone to talk about some things. People do wonder why don't we just use a donor, I probably would have said that I would use a donor if we had MFI, but now that we are were we are, it was not an easy decision to move on with IVF, we may have to use a donor at the end if TESE does not work out but I want to know that we did all we could to have a child with both of our DNAs, not that DNA is that super important to me but anyways it;s hard to explain.

I also get asked why I don't have kids almost every day, I own a little baby store and my customers ALWAYS ask if I have kids and why I don't since I have all the baby stuff already. I just tell them we are waiting as bit, it's better than the awkward moment when I say that we have been trying for 2 years with no luck.

Tons of love to our preggo IVF ladies 3/3 how awesome is that.

[Tear78]

Keria, they have me taking something called "Free and Easy Wanderer" and "Ginseng Longam" or something like that. I rotate through a two-week cycle. I guess they're only sold to acupuncturists. I think I can empathize with the DNA topic: with the high FSH I have a big fear that my eggs may not be of good enough quality, and that we may find out we need to move on to donor eggs. I just don't know how I truly feel about that, and I probably can't unless I face it for real. For now, I'm not thinking about it and I'm looking with positive eyes toward this IVF working for us.

We had our baseline today, and everything looks clear, so we're starting our injections TODAY! Blueyezz, looks like we're starting out as exact cycle buddies! Maurine, we're right behind you! It turns out my FSH level THIS month is so low because of the lupron and estradiol I took a week ago. But last month was all still me. So we're starting at 225 Gonal and 75 menopur. Here we go, folks!!!

[blueyezz4]

Ratgrl - Thanks for your reasurance!! I'm not too worried, it just seems so much higher than before, but they know what they are doing. I'm excited to see how the follies are doing on Monday morning. Your U/S is on the 5th right? Hope it all goes well and I'm glad (ykwim) that you are feeling sick!

slylives - Yeah, I really don't think the shots are that bad at all either! I got used to them with all our IUI's. The only thing that is a little more difficult is all the mixing which i'm not used to, but once you do it once, it's pretty simple.

Keria - Wow, talk about always having baby on your mind!! I'm sure with your job it is hard to stop thinking about it!! My hat's off to you!! Hope you get approved for that program! We tried for one, but weren't approved. They look at last years income tax and don't take into account that right now I'm off work and we are living on one income. Not much you can do.

I kinda feel the same way about the DNA. People always say "what about adoption", which I'd think about, but I want to at least have a shot at having our own kids first and if I'm told it won't work or it doesn't work then we will think about the next option.

Tear - that is awesome that we are right on track, exactly the same start day!! How fun! I'm on 300 IU follistim and I think 100 Menopur! What CD are you right now? I'm on CD 6 today. I'm only on the Menopur today and tomorrow then it will just be the Lupron and the Follistim for a while. What about you? I know all office protocols are different. When's your next U/S?


AFM - I had my DH sit with me tonight while I did all 3 of my shots. Just kind of getting him used to the whole thing, so maybe when he has to do the PIO shots it won't be so foreign. Anyways, as I'm jabbing myself with one of the shots he says to me (remember, at this time i kinda have half of my shirt pulled up to give myself this shot) "You've got more curves than me" and I was like "what, that's really not a nice thing to say to your wife!" and then he was like "what, I said you have more courage than me"! Haha I think these meds are affecting my hearing! Ooops!!

[Tear78]

Oh blueyezz, I think we all would have heard that with our shirt pulled up and stomach bent over grabbing the "inch to pinch." I'm glad you misheard! Our office has me taking this dosage until Monday, then I go in for another ultrasound. I'm not taking lupron: they're going to have me take Ganarelix (spelling) starting early next week. I guess it's their new protocol, since I wasn't such a quick responder before and this will keep my ovaries from being suppressed. I used lupron before and ended up with a pretty good number, so I guess we'll see if this works better or not.

btw, I don't know if follistim dosages align with gonal, but 300 sounds relatively normal for an IVF. They were worried about quadruplets with IUI because they can't control what happens in there, but with IVF the multiple rates are actually lower, because they take the eggs out and then decide what to put back in. They want you to get way more follicles than with your IUI, so you have a better chance. I think it sounds like a good thing!

[Tear78]

dehydration

Hi Ladies,
Is this normal? Last night I felt SO dehydrated, and I kept having to pee but it was just a little trickle. I think I drank five glasses of water and still nothing. Finally a couple hours later I started peeing normally again and I feel fine today. I'm just wondering if it could be related to these high-dose meds. I couldn't be getting OHSS already, could I?

[blueyezz4]

Tear - Sorry I can't help you, but I hope someone else can. Wonder if your kidneys were just trying to get used to the meds maybe. Glad to hear you are feeling better today and hopefully it will continue.

[Maurine]

Hm...no dehydration here! I have been more tired. Today we went to look at houses (another stressor in our lives. We've been looking for six months!) and after four, I was so pooped I had to go home and nap. I was hoping to do some yoga today but I think that's out the window. Hard to do yoga with trick or treaters coming by, since I do it in the living room and I'd be constantly interrupted. Actually, I don't even know if we'll get any trick or treaters since we were away during Halloween last year. Oh, Happy Halloween everyone!

I am on 150 menopur and just added Ganirelix last night. So it sounds similar to what Tear and Blue are doing (but lowere meds I think). My ultrasound was "good" evidently (not sure what it's supposed to look like on day 4 of stims) and my estrogen was 180. I am trying not to second-guess the numbers and the dosage and all that. I am sort of a mystery according to my doctor. I am a slow responder, with a thin lining, some hypothalamic tendencies, but have some pcos symptoms. So we're trying for low and slow so I don't over-respond. The one weird thing is they said I'd start the ganirelix when my follies were around 14mm. None are that big, but one is almost 10mm. Maybe they're afraid it's turning into a lead follicle? I dunno...there I go, second-guessing the meds!

[songtothemoon]

Catching up!

Maurine - Take it easy! Looking for houses while on stims sounds rough. My last (cancelled) cycle was Menopur, Follistim, and Ganirelix--it's called an Antagonist protocol and is often very successful and has a positive effect on egg quality, from what I've learned. I don't think you're second-guessing: If there is a dominant follicle, the RE might just be playing it safe with the Ganirelix.

Tear - Hope you're feeling better! Strange symptoms. Sounds like your body needed fluids--could definitely be med-related IMNSPO (new acronym--"in my not-so-professional opinion"). Also: about your FSH level! Whoo-hoo!!! Agreed about acupuncture and herbs. I've used acu on and off for years for different things. Just started w/ an amazing acupuncturist. The tea I cook up every other day is NOT pleasant--DH calls it "baby brew"--but I hope that it leads to successful outcomes for us!

blueyezz4 - Oh, our DHs, partners, loved ones--what we put them through on meds! Great idea, though, having him watch. I think I'll do that this time, too. Yay, CD 6--you are cruising right along!

slylives - Glad you're hanging around! for the next ultrasound. Feel the same about choosing IVF--why did we wait those extra few months--but we're all here now!

ratgrl - Great news on the beta, sending you lots of sticky vibes!

keria - Acupuncture needles don't hurt--really! I rarely feel them go in. At this point, pulling out all the stops feels good, you know? I can't imagine owning a baby store and being asked all the time. Sending you good vibes that TESE works!


AFM - Went for an HSS (the sonogram w/saline, no dye, to see uterus) for a baseline last Thursday. It was all clear--yay! My antral follicle count was 12--also yay! Starting OPKs to see when I ovulate, then lupron (around Nov 11-13), then stims will be around the corner! I'm really looking forward to going through the whole process. I'm swimming and doing cardio, acupuncture, herbs, and generally trying to take it easy. My acupuncturist said that this cycle is when my follicles are being readied for the next cycle (when I'm doing IVF), so the herbs, blood flow to ovaries (exercise) are extra-important.

Here's to lots of BFPs in November and December!!!!!!

[blueyezz4]

Song - glad to hear your HSS was clear and that you are on your way!

Maurine - I know it is hard not to let your mind wonder and second guess! I do the same thing and just have to keep reminding myself that the Dr knows what he is doing, but it's hard not to let you mind wonder. Did you have any follies on your Stim Day 4 U/S or was it too early, I don't know?

Tear - When is your U/S??? Were you feeling better tonight compared to last night and the inc. thirst?



??? - Does any one know what they want your Estradiol #'s to be or I guess where they don't want them to be while going though this? Tomorrow will be my first!!!

AFM - U/S and estradiol draw tomorrow at 7:30 am!!! We are on our way!! Glad to be done with that Menopur (two days) that stuff burns.

[ratgrl]

blue, my RE wants to see estrogen above 200 post-transfer. Not sure about pre-transfer.

[Maurine]

Originally Posted by songtothemoon

AFM - Went for an HSS (the sonogram w/saline, no dye, to see uterus) for a baseline last Thursday. It was all clear--yay! My antral follicle count was 12--also yay! Starting OPKs to see when I ovulate, then lupron (around Nov 11-13), then stims will be around the corner! I'm really looking forward to going through the whole process. I'm swimming and doing cardio, acupuncture, herbs, and generally trying to take it easy. My acupuncturist said that this cycle is when my follicles are being readied for the next cycle (when I'm doing IVF), so the herbs, blood flow to ovaries (exercise) are extra-important.

Here's to lots of BFPs in November and December!!!!!!

This is good news for you! Sounds like you're doing the right things. When you ovulate and then do lupron, are you supposed to abstain? Just curious...I went right into my cycle with no lupron so I don't know much about it.

Originally Posted by blueyezz4

Maurine - I know it is hard not to let your mind wonder and second guess! I do the same thing and just have to keep reminding myself that the Dr knows what he is doing, but it's hard not to let you mind wonder. Did you have any follies on your Stim Day 4 U/S or was it too early, I don't know?

??? - Does any one know what they want your Estradiol #'s to be or I guess where they don't want them to be while going though this? Tomorrow will be my first!!!

AFM - U/S and estradiol draw tomorrow at 7:30 am!!! We are on our way!! Glad to be done with that Menopur (two days) that stuff burns.

Good luck with your appointment! I had my day 6 of stims u/s today. Still waiting on the numbers, but I have 3 measurable follies and lots of little ones. Things seem to be going slow, but we'll see what the doc says.

As for #'s, everything I've read says that they are different for everyone. As long as your estrogen us under 100 for your baseline, and then goes up from there, you're good. If it stops going up, that's a negative thing, and if it goes up too quickly, that can mean OHSS. I'm happy to post my numbers, and we can be naughty and compare!

[Maurine]

I got my numbers. Happy to share! On the morning of day 6 stims I am at 315, up from 180 on day 4. I read somewhere that it's good if your E2 levels rise about 50-100% every 48 hours. "The dose of gonadotropin should not be changed as long as serial E2 levels rise between 50 and 100% every other day (32). Dirnfeld et al." Not sure if that's accurate, so please don't quote me!