Fall IVF Thread: Let's hear it for the BFPs! - Page 5

[TenzinsMama]

Oh, Kewpie, what a scare... so glad that things are looking up and that things were good enough that they sent you home, even if it is to bedrest tonight.  Please continue to take good care of yourself, and little ones, this message is for you-- no more bouncing around in there like that!

Belly, you sound so excited about what is to come at the new clinic.  It sounds like they are really looking after things-- you seem to be in good hands.  I hope this is it for you.  That is interesting about getting to take your frosties to the new clinic, it kind of blows my mind away actually, it's pretty amazing. 

It'sMe, congrats on the bfp!  So exciting!

Hopefully everyone else is doing well.  I love reading the updates, even the stuff that that is non-IVF related (like the jelly-- I have never heard of those kinds before, and they sound so yummy!) 

AFM, I'm just sitting here, waiting... and waiting... My heart started pounding out of my chest a couple days ago, because the day after I called in to get on the waitlist, the IVF nurse called me.  She wanted to confirm that I had called in for IVF and not IUI (maybe because all my other procedures were the latter?) and she said she was going to review our chart to make sure we had done all the pre-requisite tests and such.  I asked her when we might get offered it, and at first she said that there was a 3 month wait or so... but then she said something about how they go by the date of when you first registered for the IVF program (essentially, pay the $250 fee, which is probably an admin-type thing)-- and DH and I had done that in December 2009 (I said after the last Clomid/IUI that we had done, that I was ready to do IVF-- and then we ended up with our bfp from it).  So, essentially we have been registered for ages, but 'inactive'.  So I'm not sure what that does to our spot on the waitlist, if we are at the bottom still or if that places us more to the top.  The way our clinic works is, every woman who is registered and wants to do IVF calls on Day 1 of their cycle and their names get added to the list, and then the nurse starts to go through it and calls and offers it... the woman  can accept or if it turns out she decides she can't do it that month, she can ask to be called the next month.  If treatment is offered, the call will come in 7 to 10 days after CD1.  So, it could be nothing that the nurse called-- but then, a part of me is hopeful because I can't see them doing that to every prospective patient, confirming things like that.  But, maybe they do.... *sigh*  I just want to get going on this right away-- now that we've decided to go for it, it's hard just sitting around waiting.  I don't do well with the second half of the 2ww either, ha ha.  Wow, the 2ww after IVF must be so much more agonizing! 

Couple of questions...

Do most of you do acupuncture along with your IVF?  I read somewhere that it is common to begin doing it 3 months before starting IVF.  The acupuncturist I have seen before, she specializes in fertility and IVF, and she will actually come to the clinic on the day of transfer.  I am planning on starting to see her again, but I'm thinking there's no way we can afford to go the number of times that is recommended. 

What is PIO?

When you take BCP at the start, do your REs call that a "Flare Protocol"? 

And, this one is a biggie for me right now... Do any of you decide not to tell anybody about your IVF while you are in the middle of it?  (Reason I ask, my parents wouldn't really understand my decision to put myself through this, when I have a DS already... and my Mom would just go crazy with worry, aside from that.  And, my best friend is somebody who has never even taken BCP because she is freaked out about cancer, plus I remember she made a comment to me one day about a mutual friend who had conceived on Clomid-- a year before I did-- and she said that she would never take any fertility drugs because if she couldn't get preganant on her own she would accept that as it was meant to be.  Like I said, that was before I had my DS from Clomid and IUI which she totally knew about, and she was at the birth of my DS at home for the whole thing, and it was a life-changing moment for her--right away she decided to give up her material goals to concentrate on having a family... and sadly, she did get pregnant this spring but then had a m/c at 10 weeks.  My DH says that she might have a change of heart about these things, and be understanding of me going through IVF... but, it still seems so hard to tell her.  Am I being silly about worrying about who to tell?  I want to have a support system, but maybe I need to protect myself in some way--I think that's why this forum is so great, and I'm happy to have found you all... because I know that you understand. 

[renavoo]

Congrats, Sri!! That's so exciting! Hopefully, the results double for you every test you take.

Kewpie, oh thank goodness!! I'm so happy for you. whew! i was worried but i'm glad everything turned out for the best!

Tenzinsmama, first of all, what a friend to say that if she can't get pregnant on her own, she would stop trying. That is a very ignorant comment to make and it's quite silly as well. Now that we have the medical technology to help us out, everyone who needs it should be taking advantage of it. My only wish is that MORE people could take advantage of it...it's just so expensive. But the fact that your friend said that just shows that she's quite self involved. That's my opinion anyway. As for not telling anyone, I haven't told my side of the family. i just feel like they wouldn't understand why we're putting ourselves through the expense. i think my mom would just say that we should keep trying naturally but DH and I have been trying for a couple of years now and really, we don't want to keep trying naturally since it doesn't seem to be working! So we haven't told them yet...otherwise, I'm pretty open about it to my friends although i'm not telling anyone at work.

I have to get started with acupuncture again. I usually do that once a week because it's not covered by insurance and it is another expense. But I'm excited to get started again.

I could be wrong but I think that the flare protocol usually requires Lupron from the start. Lupron stimulates initially before it shuts everything down...therefore, lupron is also a suppressant after longer term use.

I HOPE YOU GET TO GET IVF EARLIER!!!! Good luck and fingers crossed for you!

Belly, OH MY GOSH...That is some protocol!! It makes me concerned that i'm only on the protocol you were on previously. (vaginal estrogen and progesterone). hmm...maybe I should ask my doctor about whether i need to be on a more aggressive protocol? i mean, i only have 3 embies!! when are you planning on picking up your embies? I know you're worried but i'm sure that they have thought of everything and you're going to be fine! it's so cool to be thinking that you're going to physically be carrying your embies soon!

Aura, I'm glad things are going well!! is it easier this time around since you know what to expect? i hope I drop weight like you did after I get off the BCPs!!

MomtoAlexis, thanks for checking in!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

[BellyBean]

Tenzins, we haven't told anyone that we did IVF in 2009 for our DD or that we have been doing FET's since February.  I get my support from the ladies here and DH.  For me, having people asking me questions about how it's going, or even having knowlegde about our conception is just too personal.  But I think I might be in the minority.  I also have a friend that told me she would never do anything fertility related (this was before she started trying, and I had already tried clomid - of course she didn't know that).  I just replied that I wasn't opposed to fertility treatments if it came down to it, and left it at that.  Of course fast forward a year and she ended up using clomid (successfully) to get pregnant with her son.  I think it's silly to say you wouldn't do something if you were in a situation...honestly, you don't know what you would do until you were smack in the middle of it.  And maybe she wouldn't, but you just never know.

I did acupuncture with my last FET only.  I found it very relaxing, but I don't know if it did anything "medically" to help with my cycle.  My lining was thicker, but I was also on 2X+ the estrogen.  Our new clinic really recommends it with treatment, but I might just do it on transfer day, It's just so expensive and the cycle is already going to cost $6000.  I might get a massage or 2 during October because I find that just as relaxing :)

Renavoo, I think the protocol of just estrace and progesterone works for most people.  I have always had lining problems and after 3 failed FET's (with difficulities getting a lining over 7.5) I think the new clinic wants to be extra diligent.  My lining for my fresh cycle was only 8 and my estrogen levels were 6000+ (mild OHSS). 

Hi to everyone!

AFM, I was planning on getting some of my drugs today like the Lupron and Doxy.  I think I'll wait for the end of the month to get the Delestrogen, medrol, and PIO.  They also have me starting the edometrin after a positive test, so I don't think I'll get that for a while, and not all of it at once.  I think they ordered enough for the first trimester cause that's almost $500 of the drugs.  I mean, what if I get a BFN or none of the frosties make it...no sense having that on hand at home!  I was also thinking maybe I should wait until I move the embryos before getting any of the drugs just in case there is an acccident or something.  I wish I wasn't so negative, but moving the frosties really makes me nervous.

Edited by BellyBean - 9/8/11 at 10:44am

[Kewpie80]

Tenzins - PIO = Progesterone in oil

I did accupuncture with my second cycle.  I only did it the day of transfer and I really enjoyed it.  I fell asleep both before and after the transfer because I was so relaxed. 

Itsme - Congrats on your BFP!!

momtoalexis - I'm hoping I don't get put on strict bedrest, but I'll do it, of course.  I'm glad it worked for your LOs!

Everyone else - I'm following your posts and I think of you often.

AFM - Thanks for the good thoughts.  My contractions have stayed away all night.  I'm taking it very easy today too.  I'm in no hurry to meet these babies before their time.

[rcr]

Kewpie - Ack! Glad everything is ok.

Tenzis - we did acupuncture with IVF, but I don't think I would do it again. Not that I don't believe in it, I just don't believe in the only accupuncture person in our city, and there are no other choices. I don't tell anybody about fertility treatments, except one friend, and I really only told her because I needed her to watch DS when I had appointments and stuff. A few months ago an acquantiance was pregnant with twins, her DH is in his 60s and she is in her late 30s, and a group of my friends were talking about how she probably needed "help," and some pretty nasty things about it. I was really annoyed about it, and vowed not to tell anybody because I am sure they would just talk about me like that. I just walked away from the conversation.

[blueyezz4]

Momtoalexis - 's to you my good friend!!! Always good to see your name pop up now and then.  You are an IVF success story that always gives me hope so it is good to have you around rooting for all of us.  Hope Alexis's first day of school goes well today!!!

Belly - I hope the whole frosty transfer goes smooth.  That has to be a little nerve wracking but I'll pray it all goes smooth for you!!!  I like the sound of this new practice so i'm glad you made the switch!!!!  It will be fine, just take some deep breaths.  Could DH go with you to pick them up so that would make you feel better maybe?

Tenzinsmama -That would be great if you could get moved up on the list b/c you put your money in so long ago!!!  Fingers crossed for you!!!  To answer some of your questions...  I was doing acupuncture once a week leading up to the IVF but since our last faild IVF in July i haven't gone back and there really is no reason (well maybe b/c it is just another expense) but i really should soon, but i'm dragging my feet.  I loved it and it was so relaxing.  How many times did your acupuncturist want you to come???  Last time i just did once a wk and then the day of the transfer.  PIO  stands for Progesterone in Oil which usually you start some kind of progesterone after the ER.  I did that my first cycle and then switched to Crinone vag. gel progesterone.  I've only told several close friends and my family knows.  I didn't want to tell my MIL/FIL b/c she is kinda too much into our business and i was afraid she would be calling me every other day or something asking how it was going.  I realize she cares but that would be too much for me.  I think you have to do what is right for you.  It is nice to have some in real life to talk to about it but if not than you know you always have us here!!!

Kewpie - I'm glad you haven't had any more contractions.  Did they hook you up to the monitor and everything when you went in?  Where you still having them then or had they stopped?

AFM - DH met with his new boss and all is good for us to have our ER and ET in Oct.  I guess he can still take time off even if he hasn't earned it yet and they will just take it from him once he gets it!  So i'm glad about that.  Not much else here... just waiting for AF to show up.  I thought she was due today, but maybe she will show up tomorrow or maybe not at all, that would be even better!!!!

[TenzinsMama]

Blue, that is fabulous news about your DH getting the time off.  That must be such a relief to not have to worry about that anymore.  Did you figure out all the insurance stuff you were mentioning earlier (I think that was you!).

Kewpie, I'm so glad the contractions stayed away all night!

Renavoo, how many days left to go on BCP?  You've got another day behind you, almost... hang in there!

Everyone, thanks for the info about PIO-- I haven't seen the "in oil" part before; the only thing I really know about progesterone is the various ways in can be given, such as suppositories and creams.  And yeah, the more I think about it and especially after reading the posts in which you all have shared your experiences about telling or not telling, I'm thinking that DH and I should just keep this to ourselves.  He doesn't tell his parents much about anything, so that part was easy... and I just know that it would be better if my parents didn't know, because of what I said earlier about them not understanding the extent to which we would go plus my mom can be a real worrier-- which wouldn`t be helpful for me. As for my friend, although we are close in many ways I would say that we really have been going down different paths of late, with me quitting the place where we worked together a couple years ago so that I could focus on school, and then having my DS last year... so our priorities have been quite different. She's also 11 years younger than me, so I don't think she can fully understand the extent to which I feel I am quickly running out of time.  Mostly, it's that IF issues are something she fortunately hasn't had to deal with.  I'm worried that she won't be able to understand what I am going through, and may end up saying/doing something that could be really hurtful despite being well-intentioned, especially if I'm feeling a bit fragile at times.  I do have a 'new' friend who I met in our Birthing From Within classes last year, who conceived via IVF, and I feel completely safe talking with her.  Now I just have to decide what to do about acupuncture... it's $75 a session.  The one person I have been seeing since the summer, she had me going once a week and then every two... But it's been a month now since I've been... it's so hard to afford it and the IVF stuff.

Oh, and guess what?  I got the call this afternoon!!!!!!!  We're in!!!!  I guess it helped that we had paid the registration fee two years ago--who would have thought it would work out this way?  The RE is going with their standard protocol, so I don't have to go on BCP.  I start Suprefact Nasal on September 22nd, then go in for u/s on October 6, and if things look good then I start FSH injections and do it for 14 days.  Monitoring as needed throughout, and tentative ER is October 19.  ER would be the 21st or 23rd.  (I guess they will decide what the embryos are looking like, whether they will be 3 or 5 day transfer?)  They will be doing assisted hatching, because of my age. 

Renavoo, you must have done some serious finger crossing for me!  I could certainly feel the positive vibes you were sending with those all-caps!

What can I expect on the Suprefact Nasal in terms of physical/emotional effects?

[TenzinsMama]

Blue, saw you had your fingers crossed for me, too!  It doubled my good luck, I'm sure!

[auraleigh]

grrr my computer just ate my whole long post!!

tenzin- accupuncture is great, i've been doing it once a week and twice a week while on stims.  it sucks paying $75 a pop out of pocket, but it helps get rid of my symptoms from the hormones, it relaxes me, and my body responded great to the ivf last time so... if it ain't broke, why fix it?

renavoo- this time is way easier.  shots are a breeze, i caught myself loading the syringe on autopilot while watching a deliciously terrible episode of rachel zoe.  the end game will be worse because i'll be so scared of another bfn, but at least i know what i'm in for.  i don't know yet if i'm going to poas this time though, i think for me it's a bad idea.  

blue- sounds like your husband has found himself a great place to work! they seem supportive, and i'm so glad he can get the time off. hooray!

afm- i still have my period, which stinks.  this feels way longer than usual for me.  considering i'm on day 4 of stims, it needs to go away.  especially for my bw and us tomorrow.

[blueyezz4]

Tenz - Whaoooo.... for starting soon!!!!  That is awesome that you get to get start sooner than you first thought.  What the heck is Suprefact Nasal?  I've never even heard of it.  Guess I'll have to do a google search. In all my time on here I've never heard of it before. Fill us in!!!  We haven't gotten the insurance figured out yet.  We did pin down that he will start his new job on the 26th so we are hoping that the HR person will let us know some numbers or tell us who we can call to find all this info out soon b/c I need to know asap.  Now I will cross my fingers for a BFP for you for this cycle.

aura - I hate having to have u/s when i have AF!!!  Yuck!! I'm sure they see it all though, so it probably doesn't even phase them.  Good luck and keep us posted.  Yes, I think DH has found a good place to work.  The only downfall is that it is 37miles away and his job now is like 23miles, so it is farther and that's the only thing that worries me especially in the winter. 

Belly - when is the big day to get the freeze babies??

Renavoo - what is going on with you lately?

rcr & april - Hello to both of you too.  How are you both?

ItsMe - when is your next blood test???  Keep us posted!!

Julieven - How are you???

Gelly - what is going on with you?  Did you figure out your insurance issue yet?

Hi to everyone else.  Sorry if i missed you i was trying to remember and looking at the last page or so to refresh my memory.

[BellyBean]

Tenzins, FABULOUS news about getting in sooner!!!  I love it when weird loop holes like that work in our favor!!! 

Blue, I hope you can get a hold of the HR person soon.  It's just nice to have everything all in order :)  atleast that's the way I am, loose ends drive me crazy!!!!   I called my old clinic today to hopeful arrange a time to move the frostiees tomorrow, but the RE was out doing surgery??  Not sure what that means.  Anyway, I have to have a days advance notice for the new clinic to "charge" the traveling tank.  I work this Friday, so it looks like maybe Monday or some time next week.  I wish DH could go with me, but he works really long hours and just took a medical appointment leave last week when we met with the new RE.  Don't want to rock the boat since he will need to meet me in a couple weeks for the "teaching" on how to do our IM shots.  I'll just have to suck it up and do it...boy I hate confrontation.  Maybe the office will be packed and he'll want to get me out of there asap so people don't wonder why I am there with a portable nitrogen tank. 

Aura, I don't think I'll be POAS this time either.  And that says a lot, because I am definitely an addict.  The timing just doesn't work out, because my beta will be the day after DD's 2nd birthday party...and I don't want to be a sad sack the whole time, it just wouldn't be fair to her and our guests.  They normally do them 9dp5dt at both clinics and that falls on a Sunday for me, so it will be a KILLER wait for me, but hopefully the party planning and everything will keep my mind extra busy.  Hope AF goes away for you tonight...it's never fun having an u/s done, but Blue's right, they have seen it before and they will see it again.  I know I had to go in during my fresh cycle for an u/s during AF, but that's why they get paid the big bucks :)

Kewpie, I hope everything went smoothly today!! 

Thinking of the rest of you ladies as well!!  I am so excited for all of us! 

AFM, start BCP tomorrow!  Not very excited about it, but I guess at least I'll be doing "something"!  I just want to get this show on the road :)

[blueyezz4]

Belly - Good luck with the move.  Just try to relax and think positive that all will go well with the move!!  Thinking about you and your frosties!!!

AFM - forgot to post that I started spotting today, so I have a feeling AF is on her way tomorrow.  Bummer!!!

[TenzinsMama]

Blue, I had a look at our clinic's website and this is what I found:

The Suprefact® nasal spray and injection is used to shut off or turn down your own hormone production in your pituitary gland and prevent you from ovulating too early. This results in a lowered estrogen level and the common side effects of hot flashes, mood swings and headaches. You can treat the headache with acetaminophen (or Tylenol) if needed. You may notice nasal irritation or dryness from the nasal spray until you get used to the effects. Please let the clinic know if you notice any effects with your vision. Do not be concerned if you do not experience side effects from the Suprefact®. The baseline ultrasound will confirm that the Suprefact® has done its job before starting the FSH injections. 

But now that I'm thinking about it, if I start this med on September 22nd like the nurse said, that means I would be on CD23.  Last month, I ovulated on Day 15.  So, what if a 'miracle' happened and I conceived naturally, and then they are wanting me to start this med?  I wonder, do they do a beta, just to be sure that you aren't?  Gosh, I guess I just have to trust the process, and not get started on all these questions that seem to be popping into my head (I tend to do that when I'm presented with a situation that I'm not sure of, I seem to need to know everything up front so I can get the big picture, and then I 'work' on specifics).  I will get a call from the clinic's pharmacy in the next couple of days, and that will have all the info about the meds along with our treatment plan... so I guess I will just wait. 

Okay, it's like I've boarded this roller coaster, and it's started to move, and suddenly I'm getting anxious...

[renavoo]

Hi ladies!

TenzinsMama, YAH!!! I'm so excited for you!! I've updated your blurb to be sure it reflects your new dates. I've also never heard of the nasal spray but I do think it's a little odd that they aren't making you do an US before starting any treatments. They made me take BCPs for 2 weeks before stimming because they wanted to be sure i didn't actually ovulate. Which FSH are you going to be on? It's so exciting! Don't be anxious!! We'll be here with you through the way. i do think, however, that you need to start writing down your questions so that you can ask the nurse. I always ask the nurse any question that comes to my mind...that's what they are here for. So it's important that they are there for you.

Blue, ugh to spotting :o( But here's to another cycle! Is this the month to start preparing for your IVF cycle? Or are you going to have one more month for a possible free baby? :o)

Belly, I'm sorry that you're so stressed and that you can't have DH go with you (Why is it  that work makes it SO difficult for us on top of everything else?!?!?) But we're here for you and I'm completely confident that everything is going to be fine!! Soon, your embies will be snuggling in their new home, preparing to be back in your body!

RCR, UGH to those people who degrade women who need fertility treatments...what is it with those women who seem to need to put down others to feel like they are better? It's so annoying. And it's annoying that they are the type of people who need to say scathing things behind your back...it would be better if they said it to my face...at least I would then know what I'm dealing with. I am surrounded by fantastic friends, for which i'm very lucky. A few have had fertility issues (not everyone needed IVF though) and so my friends know what i'm going through. I doubt my SIL would understand though so I wouldn't let her know, even if I wanted to. But I don't let it bother me...she's just not really medically inclined- she's easily swayed by people. One day, she went into a neighborhood bakery run by a chinese woman. The woman told her to not eat mango while pregnant. This made my SIL go into a tizzy so she immediately called my mom and me crying about how she wasn't allowed to eat mango. We had to talk her down the ledge. I can't imagine talking to her about the different treatments I have to go through! hehe i think she would go into shock! I still giggle with her about the mango episode.

Aura, sorry about the long period. :o( ugh. I'm with Blue though...the nurses and RE are sooo used to the bleeding (especially after all the day 3 tests!) that I'm sure they won't even blink. I wonder if you have a longer than usual bleed because your previous bleed was so light?

AFM, nothing going on. I have another 9 days left of BCPs. sigh. but i'm just relaxing and not taking it too seriously. Can't wait to start!!

[blueyezz4]

Tenzi - Interesting!!  Thanks for filling me in.  I don't know what happened, but I didn't get a chance to look it up.  I think the pup wanted to come sit on my lap, so that ment the laptop had to be moved for more important things... have to take advantage of it while she can still fit on my lap.   I know with us there is a point in time where we are suppose to use protection once we get started w/ our cycle so maybe that would be a good question to ask your nurse.  I know i have thought the same thing b/c we start Lupron (sounds like it does the same thing as your Suprefact w/ supression) on CD 21 of this month and I usually ovulate around CD 12-15 so I'm in the same boat.  The female mind can be a pain can't it?  Always second guessing and thinking about the "what ifs"!!!!  If it was my DH going through this situation he wouldn't even think twice about it, plus I'd have to remind him to even take the meds to begin with. LOL

Renavoo - Yay for only 9 more days of BCPs.  I'm glad my RE doesn't use those things in his protocols. Well, to answer your question about having another possible free month... i guess not really.  Kinda like i said above in Tenzi's post I start Lupron on CD 21 this month and normally I ovulate on like CD 12-15 or so, so I guess we could catch an egg, but it's probably not a good idea if we start the meds this month.

AFM - no sign of AF this morning which is weird.  I thought for sure since i was spotting yesterday that when i got up this am and went to the bathroom she would be in full force.  So who knows... I'm feeling a little crampy so she will probably show up later today.  I start Lupron on CD 21 of this month so let the games begin!!!!!  Just want to get things moving and get this show on the road especially if I'm out this month for my "free" baby (as Renavoo calls it ;o)  Hope you all have a good day!!!  So glad I have all of  you ladies!!!!!

[TenzinsMama]

Renavoo, thanks for the reassurance!  I think the nighttime is the worst for worrying-- things seem to creep in then, maybe because a person is tired and there is less energy to deal with some things?  Everything seems to be better in the light of day, for me anyway.  For FSH, our sheet says that the options are Gonal-F syringe, Gonal-F pen (lists different IUs), Puregon cartridge (different IUs), Luveris, and Menopur.  I'm not sure what it's going to be, but I guess I'll soon find out... can't wait to get more details.  What happens for you after 9 more days of BCP?

Blue, so if AF shows for you today, looks like we'll only be a few days off for our treatment regimen. I was again just looking at our clinic's info about some of the drugs, and yes, if I wasn't getting Suprefact nasal (or injection), then it would be Lupron injection.  What kind of dog do you have?  We've got a Golden Retriever, and a Border Collie/Lab cross.  We just love our fur babies, and I totally understand taking advantage of the opportunity for lap cuddle while they still fit!

AFM, I just put in a call this morning to the IVF nurse to ask about making sure it will be okay to start the Suprafect... I know that I will soon get a call from the clinic pharmacy to come pick up my meds and the detailed info package about my treatment, but I will just feel better about asking before then.  Plus, I'm heading out to my folks out of town for a couple of days so I probably can't get it before next week.  Sounds like I will be putting the OPKs away and instead of that I will need to be thinking of protection!  I guess that's it for my oppportunity for a 'free' baby... on that note, we've got to get to the bank and get our finances in order (i.e. loan) before next Friday.  Thank goodness we've got 80% drug coverage.  But it means that acupuncture might have to be skimped on, that's for sure.

ETA, Any advice for what I should be doing right now, for example, suggestions for things to avoid, or add in?  I want to be sure I'm as healthy as possible for all of this... I've been doing pretty good since we've been ttc'ing for all these months-- gave up my one cup of coffee, for instance, though chocolate is still my weakness.

[BellyBean]

Blue, a miracle baby is just what we need around here!!  I am hoping AF is a no show!  I wonder if that's why my RE has me on BCP, so I don't accidentally conceive before starting the Lupron.

Renavoo, so jealous you only have 9 days left :)  I have 15, but I start the lupron in 10 days. 

I hope everyone is doing well...seems like a few people have been MIA lately, hopefully just busy during the transition from summer to fall :)

AFM, went and got my Lupron and Doxy this morning.  I wish I was already stabbing myself in the stomach with needles!  haha!  Hopefully the old RE will call me back today so I can arrange a time to get the frosties.  I am also waiting for a call back from the new clinic "billing" person.  I was sent my estimate, but it isn't really clear what is included with each line item, so I don't know if the lining check and blood tests are included, or if I have to pay for the "teaching" on IM shots.

Along with Tenzin's note: For those of you who occassionally drink a glass of wine/beer when do you cut out all alcohol?

[Laggie]

Hi Ladies - I am lurking and reading you all, sorry nothing to add in the way of personals today though.

It seems like I ovulated Monday-ish, so I think AF will show sometime around the 17th. Of course my birthday is the 15th so maybe that will be the day. I have delusions of conceiving naturally and not needing the FET, although I'm pretty sure I'm more likely to win the lottery. I think I'm going to wait the extra month in between - we have a busy couple of weeks planned for the end of September so I'd rather not be starting a new cycle quite yet. I think I'll start the protocol in October which will mean a FET in November if all goes well. 

I've been doing a ton of yoga, trying to lose the hormonal weight and get as healthy as possible before starting again. Last week the teacher told the story of the sparrow who lost her eggs in the ocean and it made me cry... but in a good way. I guess I am the sparrow determined to beat the ocean. This is the story:

Spoiler! (Click to show)

As for determination, one should follow the example of the sparrow who lost her eggs in the waves of the ocean. 

A sparrow laid her eggs on the shore of the ocean, but the big ocean carried away the eggs on its waves. The sparrow became very upset and asked the ocean to return her eggs. The ocean did not even consider her appeal. So the sparrow decided to dry up the ocean. She began to pick out the water in her small beak, and everyone laughed at her for her impossible determination. 

The news of her activity spread, and at last Garuḍa, the gigantic bird carrier of Lord Viṣṇu, heard it. He became compassionate toward his small sister bird, and so he came to see the sparrow. Garuḍa was very pleased by the determination of the small sparrow, and he promised to help. Thus Garuḍa at once asked the ocean to return her eggs lest he himself take up the work of the sparrow. The ocean was frightened at this, and returned the eggs. Thus the sparrow became happy by the grace of Garuḍa.

 

(Except in the version my teacher told, the Eagle wanted to help the sparrow so he drank up the whole ocean in one gulp...)

 

[aprilmom]

TenzinsMama- to getting in early, that is awesome... it is a rollercoaster but that is what these ladies are on here for to help you!!  I have never done accupuncture but would consider it...

We have told others about our IVF.  I am new to my job and a rehire at my company so I know my peer from 6 years ago but not my boss, so I shared it with them so they dont' think I am a slacker or always going to need exceptions to leave for my morning apts.  They are the only two at work that know and are extremly supportive.  We are in a group at Church that knows and they provide wonderful support to us and then my parents know - but we are vague with them.  There have been times when we needed meds sent and had them go to my parents house because we both work.  But I try not to tell her too much because I am trying to process this all and don't want to answer to them.  I think it is a very personal decision and one that is very hard to make on who to be open with because people can be so hurtful!

 BellyBean - yea for doing something but I agree with you, I hat BCP!  I understand trying to figure out when to order the meds.  You don't want to order them too soon but you don't want to wait too long and then be stuck in a bad spot trying to get them on time!! UGH


 Kewpie80 - so glad the contractions have stayed away, I hope they continue to stay away!! They need more time to grow and become more healthy! Take it easy momma!

auraleigh  - I too HATE having AF during U/S. The very first time I went to see the RE I was at my wors AF day and we did U/S, I had no idea and was mortified.  But like someone else said, I am sure they see that kind of thing all the time!  I hope she leaves soon!!

blueyezz4 - I am so happy your DH talked to his new boss and it is going to work out... now to figure out the insurance issue.  I just started my current job in April and trying to figure out to be on DH's or mine was quite a task and I think I still second guess myself :)  GL in making that decision... maybe AF will stay away for your "free baby" (LOVE that term)

renavoo - I just took my last BCP Tuesday and feels good to be off and hope to never take them agin!!  Only time will tell...

Hello to everyone else, hope you are having a good week. 

AFM - I had my baseline B/W and U/S yesterday.  Everything came back normal.  I was annoyed because when they ordered my menupour (sp) they ordered 20 vials and then changed it to 10.  I called the nurse and said I would rather order the 20 because my co-pay is the same and she said I would ONLY need 10.  Well she called yesterday and said that I would need 10 more so I have to pay another co-pay (I know I am lucky it is just the co-pay).  I know they are trying to do what is best for me... so we will see.  I start Lupron tomorrow and then stims on Sunday night.  This second cycle feels like it is flying by!!

[renavoo]

haha I love the term free baby too. I heard it in one of the other forums and I thought it was hilarious!

April, I would be soooooo upset!! That's so annoying! I hope your copay isn't too expensive! I don't remember if you have to pay for refills but if not (I don't) and the nurse called in multiple refills, maybe you can get the drugs using the refills without paying extra? For my FET, the nurse called in a new prescription but since I knew I didn't need to pay for refills, I basically just refilled my previous prescription, since everything was basically the same dose. I'm all about saving anywhere I can!

Laggie, I love that story! It is so fitting too!

Belly, haha never thought I'd hear anyone ever say that they were looking forward to stabbing their stomachs. Then again, if that was what I was going to be doing, I'd be ready to stab away...or be stabbed anyway. haha. I stop drinking completely after retrieval so once I'm on progesterone, I'll be stopping the alcohol. I was told that a glass of wine wouldn't be bad during the stim cycle and typically, I drink maybe one or two glasses of wine a week, if I go out with friends. Also, I'll be cutting out the caffeine once  I start the estrogen. I don't think that it's actually required but I thought it would probably be the thing to do. Otherwise, my RE just wants us to continue to take our vitamins and try to eat healthier. Sadly, I haven't gotten to the healthy eating habit yet. sigh. And I went to the gym today and I'm not happy with the way I look. But I can't seem to get motivated to lose the weight when I don't know how much of the weight is related to the drugs and how much of it is related to my slowing metabolism. Getting older sucks!

Tenzin, UGH for needing a load for IVF. I wish that finances weren't always a concern for all of us. Sigh. Fingers crossed for a BFP so you won't have to be concerned about this again.

Blue, maybe it's implantation bleeding!?!?

I'm holding out hope!!