Spring IVF Thread: Bring on the BFPs! - Page 26

[hope4light]

blue - sending you best wishes!!

[blueyezz4]

Typing from my phone right now so I'm alittle limited. Anyways, we just had our transfer now (11am) and I'm laying here waiting.. We have to wait an hr and then we can leave and start our drive home. Good news!!! This was the best one we have ever had, a 10 cell grade 2+ so we will just pray it all works out. It's totally out of our hands at this point and all we can do is pray that it works!!. Thanks all for thinking of us. My Beta is on Tues the 29th!!! I'll catch up on more personals when I get home and on my computer where I can look back!! Just wanted to update real quick.

[Laggie]

I'm Baaaack...

Blue! A transfer today! Awesome! Praying for a beautiful baby to match your adorable doggy!

I'm on day 1 and we're starting another round this month. Will be back later to update and see what you're all up to, too busy right now... 

But I got this today and it seems like a good omen (I know, everybody gets the same one from tut.com but I like to pretend they are just for me)

Remember you once told me, Laggie, that if ever all of the circumstances in your life were aligned just so, your soon-to-be friends were in all the right places at all the right times, and the financial markets, social climate, and global energies had all reached optimal points... you'd want to be gently nudged as a subtle sign that it was time to start doing new things, saying new things, and visualizing so that you might catch these gargantuan waves of change and surf to dazzling new heights?

TODAY'S THE DAY!! 

Hang ten, 
    The Universe

[rcr]

Blue - yay! This one was perfect!

Laggie - Hi! Nice to see you back.
 

[BellyBean]

Hi everyone!

Sorry I am so far behind  

Blue, SO SO SO excited for your transfer today!  Sounds like everything went perfectly!  I am sending lots of sticky vibes your way and praying for a BFP soon!!!!

rcr, what a funny group of ladies you are following.  I was out with a group of my friends several years ago (when we were trying for DD) and I remember one of them saying how they would NEVER try anything thing ART related.  They didn't (still don't) know our journey, but it really hurt my feelings, and while she is lucky and hasn't had any problems I still don't believe that her stance is that strong if she was really in the position.   People that say stuff like that really frustrate me! 

Aura/rcr, I like the sound of your protocols and have very high hopes for both your cycles!!!  It's discouraging when you think things aren't being followed closely enough, but you are both with a great clinic and I think it means good news for you both!! 

Silver, uh, I hope you already unfriended that jerk!!!!!

Laggie, nice to see you!  Keep us posted on your cycle.

Kali, sounds like good signs to me!!!

gtree, sorry your appointment didn't go well :(

[Laggie]

Oh, I forgot - they want me to an endometrial biopsy this time - it's supposed to help with implantation? Has anybody heard of this or had it done?

[auraleigh]

laggie, i'm doing the endometrial biopsy in about two weeks! i'm using the opk now to find my surge day, and the test is 10 days after that.  i was told that they want to just check that the proteins in my uterus are synced up to my cycle, to make sure it is receptive to implantation.  my dr said a lot of things could make the endometrium out of sync... anything from fluid in your tubes to high/low bmi, endometriosis, etc.  i've also read that endometrial scraping could make you more receptive to implantation, although i don't know how much scraping they actually do when doing the biopsy.  my nurse said it will probably feel like a needle stick, but who knows?  i feel like blue had a biopsy done, she can probably add more.    ps, welcome back!  it's good to see you, i have added you to the front page again.

blue, AMAZING!!  10 cells! this is amazing.  i hope you're feeling well, i've been thinking of you and hoping that this is your turn.  

gtree, sorry to hear about the painful procedure.  a curvy cervix, who knew?  i'm glad they were able to get it done finally, and sorry you had to go through the discomfort.  my husband always likes to point out that whatever it is, it doesn't hurt as much as labor.  haha.  thanks for reminding me! if only we all get to be that lucky.

rcr, my dh's sperm was "okay".  but not great.  they are able to get it from his urine without doing TESE, and we were able to fertilize 30 eggs with ICSI... but nothing went past day 3.  my re was the one who kept pushing for donor sperm (even in our initial consult) due to dh's sperm analysis and his medical history.  i don't remember it being abysmal, but it wasn't ideal, and once we gave it a second shot with the 50/50 cycle, we gave up.  knowing now how bad my egg quality must have been due to terrible protocols, cycling back to back, etc, maybe i'd give it another shot if we weren't paying out of pocket.  but things being what they are, i am able to move on.  i think dh wishes things were different, but c'est la vie.  

also rcr, i totally laughed about the icky sperm conversation.  people are so naive sometimes.  i probably had less contact with my donor sperm than i did with half the population of manhattan every time i ride the subway!  one of my best friends used to be a bit distant when i'd talk about ivf stuff, because i don't think she knew how to relate (had a son of her own).  now she just had a chemical pregnancy last month and has been trying for a second child for 7 months now, and is very eager to discuss the intricacies of how firm her cervix felt yesterday, or what each twinge and cramp means.  it's amazing how fast your mind can change when it's happening to you! 

afm, i took my second opk this morning with fmu and it was lighter than yesterday.  isn't that the opposite of what should happen?  it's still early for me, as i think i usually ovulate around day 14ish, and today is day 10, but i was very confused.  

[prayinghard]

Hello all...  so sorry that I have been away for so long.  We are having major health issues with DS that have kept me very busy with appointments and preoccupied.  I have been following along, but no time to post.  I only have a moment now, but wanted to say:

Blue:    Praying for you.  This just has to be it for you.  It is totally your turn!

Aura and RCR:  Fingers crossed that SIRM is your answer.

Laggie:  Welcome back.  I have been asking about you!

Hope:  Congratulations!

Kali:  Those signs sound really good!

At work, so gotta go.  God bless all of you!

[blueyezz4]

Okay, we are home and I'm laying on the couch like I was instructed.  HATE bedrest!!!!!    DH just went to get something to eat for dinner since he doesn't cook.  i changed my profile pic to show you all the little girlie that has been keeping me company on the couch ever since I got home.  So sweet.  Her head is so dark brown that it is kinda hard to see her face, but I couldn't resist snapping a picture!!  Okay, now is my time to get caught up on personals.... i feel like I have gotten so far behind.  Hopefully I won't miss anyone.

rcr - how did your DS thing go at school???  Hope it went well!  It is so interesting to see your protocol thanks for sharing.  I have my fingers crossed for you w/ this next cycle.  When is your school done and when is your flight out west? That thread you were following does sound crazy!!  One thing that I have learned from this whole experience is so much more compassion for those that suffer w/ infertility and I think a ton of patience even though I still feel I could always use more of that now and then.  So hard to know what to do about donor sperm/DH sperm in your case.  My hope is that this cycle goes so well you might have the option to use both even if it is only fertilizing 2 eggs w/ DH's just to see how they do.  I will be keeping my fingers crossed.  Could you talk to the Dr about it and see what his thought is on the matter?

gtree - Welcome!!!  Sorry we are all meeting you here but this is a great support group of ladies.  It is hard to answer your question b/c there are so many different protocols so i'd suggest getting ahold of your RE's practice and talking to one of the nurses and ask them for a schedule and when you will be required to have u/s's and bloodwork done.  That would probably be the easiest way and most accurate way to figure it out.  Sorry to hear that your saline sonogram went so rough!!!  Hope you are feeling better today.  Keep us posted as you get started and yell if you have other questions we might be able to help you with.

Tear - my dear friend!!!!!  Thanks for your kind words.  Always brings a warm feeling to my heart when I see your name pop up since we go wayyyyyyyyyyy back!  Hope your little one is doing well and school is almost over for you so you get to enjoy the summer w/ her right????

Hope - yay for Graduating to your OB and for seeing that strong heartbeat!!!!!

Silver - I think it is good that you are going on that retreat!!!  I hope you have a great time!!!  And what is up with that "friend"... grrrrr.... people like that really make me mad that they can be so insensitive!!!!

Kali - Yay for a good transfer!!!  How many did you put back in and do you know the quality.  I just ask b/c i was just thinking about it since we had our transfer and they were talking to us about the quality of the embryos.  Your symptoms sound great so far.  Fingers crossed that this is you month!!!!  Keep us posted.

Deport - I'm glad you are feeling a little better about moving onto IVF.  It is never easy at first but once you are holding that miracle baby it will all be worth it in the end and you will be glad you didn't waste money on IUI's that wouldn't have worked for you in the situation.  Keep us posted.

Aura - If I were you I'd try to find a RE group that is used to doing U/S's for women that are cycling not just any place that does u/s's just b/c you are spending so much time and money you want it all to be measured right.  So interesting to see your protocol and so sorry to hear about the crazy mix-ups w/ your protocol.  I'm so excited for you w/ this upcoming cycle.  I have a good feeling for both you and rcr switching to SIRM practices.  So you had a faint pos OPK yesterday and now it is getting even lighter?   Did you tell the RE's office about that?  Weird that it would be so early.  Hmmm?

Renavoo - thanks girl for your kind words.  I'm glad you have the weekend off to get some things organized and hopefully relax some too.  I think all of you grads need to post some new belly pics soon on the grad side!!!!  Hope you are well!!

Kewpie - thanks friend!!!!!  Love seeing your babes pics!  They are too cute and the swim suit pic was to die for!!!!  Love it!!

Belly - Love to see your name here too.  Hope you are taking it easy and not over doing!!!!  I spy on you and know you have been doing too much!!!  LOL.  Thanks for your kind words. Just like I told Renavoo I think you ladies need some new belly pics here soon on the grad side!!!

Laggie - so good to see your name again!!!!!  I'm looking forward to reading your update and where things are at for you!  Keep us posted. I think that for sure is a good omen.

Deborah - how are you doing?  Just checking in.

I'm sure I missed some people but I tried to go back a few pages so if you hadn't posted there that is why I missed you.  Hope everyone is well.

AFM - One more day of laying on the couch.  Uggh!!!  i would be terrible on bedrest for long periods of time, but I'd do it if it ment I'd get a bundle of joy out of it.  Does anyone know much about how many cells the embryos normally have at transfer?  I really don't know enough about this and need to figure out what is ideal or if there is even an ideal.  I really can't ever doing a transfer and having a 10 cell or any more than like 4-5 cell embryo w/  all 5 of our last transfers so this gives me a little more hope even though I'm so guarded at this point in time from having my heart broken once again.

[blueyezz4]

Praying - i just saw your post now.  Praying that things get better for your DS.  Thinking about you all!!!  So fun to see your ticker moving!!!!!  Hope that even with all the craziness you are feeling okay.

PS.  Anyone know what is up with the little blue marks that are above all of our screen names now?????  Just thought it seemed weird that the spots showed up the other day.

[renavoo]

Blue, YAH!!! I love reading that this was the best embie and I'm doing a little dance of joy :o) Just so happy and hopeful for you. Come on, sticky bean!

Aura, I think that day to day, the levels vary so don't worry. I only started to get the rise a days or so before the positive. It got dark but not positive the day before the positive and then really dark the next day. 

Ugh, as i read the comments about the icky sperm conversations, i just get so annoyed. I mean, seriously...what is it with people who don't even try to be empathetic?! Whatever...we know how they would react or what they would do if they were faced with the situation. 

Laggie, welcome back! Here's hoping your stay is short and sweet! 

Everyone else, hi and I'll see some of you on the other side!

[auraleigh]

how are you feeling today, blue?  is your pup keeping you nice and comfy?  

renavoo and belly, i can't believe your due dates are so soon.  seriously, time flies! there better be a million photos on the grad thread! we all want to swoon over your cuties!

praying, so sorry to heard about the problems for DS, i'm thinking about you and hoping that you still find time to take care of yourself and get the rest you need.  

afm, i decided last night out of the blue to just google the donor number we thinking about using.  jackpot!  he's got more than five reported pregnancies, two of the ladies on the ccb message board were just recently pregnant by him, and i found a facebook post where one of the ccb staff members described him as having zac efron's eyes and ryan kwanten's mouth.  sold! he's a total creative type (like my dh) with similar physical attributes, so i think i'm going to stop my searching and just tell my dr that i've found a new donor.

it is a little weird to see other women, just like myself, all discussing either getting pregnant or wanting to be pregnant by the same guy. it's a strange feeling to know that our child could have a biological tie to other people floating out in the world.  but at the same time, my dh and i are the type of people who have friends that are more like family to us than some of our own biological family members.  so i don't think the dna part of it means much, i think it's the nurturing and environment that truly forms a person.  what a crazy adventure this life is.  now this baby just needs to be here!

[blueyezz4]

Aura - I'm doing fine today.  Actually feel better than I normally do after a transfer.  Not sure if that is good or bad. LOL.  Usually I feel really sore and just over-all yucky and never had any luck from those transfers, but I actually don't feel too bad this time just a little crampy.  DH has been keeping Abby busy all day with taking her everywhere he goes.  I think she has  had 3 car rides today so far just to keep her out of my hair and keep her busy so she isn't being a pain while I'm stuck in the house on this beautiful day.  On one of their trips to the guitar store to pick up a part I took a little nap while the house was quiet and I was dreaming about how tired I was in my dream, it was crazy.  I will be so glad to get off this couch tomorrow.  Can't wait!!!!  Sounds like you picked a good donor and as long as you & DH are comfortable w/ your choice that is all that matters. Fingers crossed for you!!
 

[deborahbgkelly]

Blue- Sorry I missed your check-in. I'm doing alright. We've been busy with puppy training and I've been busy with my accounting class. I was quite surprised today when I found myself wanting to hold other people's babies. I thought it would be a very long time until I felt that way. I felt like this before our IVF cycle that resulted in our BFP with the boys so I'm hoping it bodes well for June when we are allowed to try again.

[deborahbgkelly]

Blue- Sorry I missed your check-in. I'm doing alright. We've been busy with puppy training and I've been busy with my accounting class. I was quite surprised today when I found myself wanting to hold other people's babies. I thought it would be a very long time until I felt that way. I felt like this before our IVF cycle that resulted in our BFP with the boys so I'm hoping it bodes well for June when we are allowed to try again.

[teresaresa]

Ladies, I'm so behind!! I just read through and tried to get as caught up as possible. Lots of exciting movement with everyone! I finally graduated my Master's program on Thursday, so I'm hoping to have a lot more free time on my hands to cheer you all on :)

Blue: I'm so glad you're feeling good after transfer! I know the pep in your step is a good sign :) I'm sending you sticky bean thoughts! Also, your dog is freaking adorable. When can she come to play at my house?? Keep us posted on every little twinge - you're a lighthouse shining a light that says it can happen, it will happen!

Aura: I love that you found such an awesome sperm donor! I can only imagine how it feels to know that your baby will have little half-siblings out there - must be kind of cool and kind of odd at the same time. Still, I love all the ways in which the world is so intertwined. Are there rules against contacting other moms who've used the donor? I'm guessing there are. I'm an only child and always wanted a huge family, so I'd be really tempted to reach out to the other ladies. The more "family" the merrier in my mind :) I'm sorry Dr. T has been a little bit disappointing. I hope that it's just a minor blip in your treatment plan. When do you start stims?

Laggie: I don't know what tut.com is, but I love your email from the Universe!!! Yesterday's fire eclipse was supposed to be the dawn of an age of more light and positivity - seems to fit!

Silver: Um, to borrow a term from another poster in another forum, DH's bf is a total asshat. What a creep!

rcr: I was totally one of those women. Ok, maybe not so extreme. But when we first started down this road, I was like I don't think I'll go the IVF route. I think it's fine for others, but I just don't think it would be right for me. Having a baby is supposed to be magical, not science-y. It actually took going to therapy to get to the point where I could reconcile going down the treatment path. I just couldn't fathom my body not doing what I wanted it to do and/or having to ask for help (I'm super type A). I spent an entire year doing wholistic stuff. Anyway, my point is that we all say stuff that is not at all well-thought-out when we're not actually faced with the situation. I've come to realize that it's not a good idea to talk in absolutes - never and always are really strong words. I also think that there is so little education out there about infertility. It's staggering to think that 1 in 6 couples will experience difficulty getting pregnant. I wish someone had told me that when I was younger and trying so hard to not get pregnant! Ok, stepping down off the soapbox now.... how are the duckies? When do you start stims? I'm sorry you're having weird feelings about SIRM!

Gtree: Girl, I feel your pain. Like, literally. My insides are cringing for you. More below on my latest adventure with catheters and my "creative cervix" (yes, that's what my RE called it). I'm sorry it was so awful. Just keep chanting: It's all for a good cause! When are you starting your protocol? Your post is on a previous page, so I can't remember if you mentioned that already (sorry!).

AFM: Well, can't remember the last time I posted, so sorry if I repeat! A week ago Monday, I had another go at the saline u/s - success! So much better. But, my RE wanted me to go to the clinic in CT for a cath check. My RE won't be doing my retrieval or transfer - both will be done by the doctors at RMA in CT. So, up to CT I went on Friday for this cath check. Oh boy. Not good again. The doctor was delightful, but couldn't get it in, so he sent me out to the waiting room to chug some water. With a mostly full bladder he was able to get it in though it was very painful. Apparently, I will have to come in with an uncomfortably full bladder on the day of transfer. So, question - how long does the actual transfer take? And, will I be able to pee as soon as it's done? I get terrible headaches when I have to hold it in... is that odd? I was hoping for a calm weekend before stims started, but we had both my mom and my MIL here to celebrate my graduation - they didn't exactly get along. It wasn't horrible, but it was definitely uncomfortable. Oh, well! Started injections today :) Not so bad! 1 Menopur + 150 Gonal-F and 1/2 Dexamethasone at bedtime. Also on Vitafol and Metformin (no PCOS, but RE thinks it will help). That's my story until Wed evening when my meds might change after my first blood/ultrasound check Wed AM. Horrific headached today - though not sure if it's medicine related. Otherwise, I'm super excited! Can't believe it's going to probably be two weeks until retrieval! Yippee!

[auraleigh]

teresa, if it makes you feel better, everyone has to go into transfer with a full bladder.  for my first ivf, i drank a TON of water, and it made the transfer pretty easy.  the transfer itself goes pretty quick once they have you strapped in and prepped. maybe just a few minutes?  unfortunately, when it is done you have to lay on a hospital bed that is tilted (legs up) for about thirty minutes.  i had to pee so bad i was crying!  after twenty minutes the nurse brought me a bedpan because i was in so much pain, but it's funny how hard it is to pee in a bed pan knowing that there are people all around you on the other side of the curtain! i learned my lesson though and didn't quite over do it the second time.  for ivf #2 i drank just enough, had a moderately easy transfer, and was able to wait the 30 minutes to get up and use the restroom by myself.  i think you'll do just fine! 

how are you doing blue? still feeling great?  

deborah, glad to hear you're feeling better! what do you plan on doing in june? what is the next step? 

afm, i am getting the weirdest readings on the opk.  i am lost.  i emailed the nurse last night to see what her opinion is, but she never emailed me back.  i don't want to miss the window of having the eft done, so if she doesn't email back tomorrow i will call.  i don't know why i thought this would be easy, of course! 

[rcr]

Aura/Teresa - I did the same thing Aura did the first time - I drank so much water I had to pee so bad. I was so streessed about it I wonder if that contributed to my bfn. I only laid there for 10 minutes, and it was horrible. Instead of relaxing, I was just trying not to pee all over the place. Two times before the transfer I had to pee halfway, which is really hard to do. I had too mych urine in me, and they wanted me to empty my bladder halfway. It just really sucked. Next time if I am lucky enough to get a next time, I will only drink the 22 oz or whatever they recommend.

Blue - Glad you are feeling so great!

AFM - it is summer break, so I am not in the office, and not in front of my computer, so I am not here as much. Went to the park with DS yesterday, and thinking of taking him to the zoo today (we have a membership), although it looks like it may rain.  I start lupron on Friday!
 

[hope4light]

Wow, sounds like everyone is moving right along!

Blue - We had two day 3 embabies, one was 8 celled and one was 9, so a 10 cell sounds awesome!! 

Teresa - like rcr my first transfer I drank too much, had to relieve some of it, and it was so painful waiting afterwards that I had to get up and pee.  This time around they had me sit for 20 mins after, and while it wasn't comfy it wasn't too bad either. 

I'm keeping my eyes on everyone :-)

[Laggie]

Originally Posted by hope4light 

Teresa - like rcr my first transfer I drank too much, had to relieve some of it, and it was so painful waiting afterwards that I had to get up and pee.  This time around they had me sit for 20 mins after, and while it wasn't comfy it wasn't too bad either. 

Ditto exactly that. However, my first transfer was successful, and for my second it seemed like they couldn't really see anything, and it was not successful. So next time I think I will drink more water. My doctor only wants me to wait for 15 minutes after the transfer though - I only managed 10 minutes the first time. 

aura - I thought the opk was supposed to be done in the afternoon, not in the morning? The levels of that particular hormone are supposed to peak later in the day? I might be remembering that wrong though, it's been a long time since I used them.

I got my protocol today, injections start on June 15th and I should be doing retrieval around June 27th (ish) and transfer around July 2nd (ish again). That seems like such a long time... It will be Cetrotide instead of Lupron, but Gonal-F and Menopur again. I guess the first 22 days is just BCPs. I'm having a bit of nausea just from that... I wish I wasn't so sensitive to all the lady hormones. In high school I used to get sick whenever I started a pack of pills. We have to come up with $7700 for June 1st. Technically DH hasn't started his new job yet, but we didn't want to wait any longer... I'm not getting any younger. We will back out if he hasn't started working by then.