Any other DISers trying to concieve? Reread OP for the QOTD!

[7beasley]

HI Kristy/2bemarried: When I did my IVF cycle in February - I was on a regimen that included one baby asprin a day (81 mg) until about the 10th week of pregnancy and then no more asprin. The grapefruit juice helps with the EWCM so it isn't really necessary with IVF (I think it thins the mucus out so the swimmers can get up there easier). However - I have heard that you should eat pineapple - including the hard core center - after the transfer -- the hard core center is the most important part to eat - as it helps with implantation. Also, I did accupuncture on the advice of my doctor and that seemed to help...it is supposed to help with implantation as well.

So - if you are doing the IVF cycle - talk to your doctor -- but what helped me was:
* baby asprin every day (starting about 2-3 weeks prior to transfer) - per doctors orders

* pineapple with core right after transfer for about 2 weeks

*accupuncture - 1 week prior to transfer through beta (about 2-3 weeks after transfer)

*total bed rest for 2+ days after transfer (stay horizontal!!) The doctors will say it isn't necessary but it is - I am on another board and those women don't move religiously and the IVF rates are pretty high!

*drink 96oz of water a day especially in the 2 weeks following transfer. This is important because if you are dehydrated (and your body may be although you feel fine and normal) -when you are dehydrated it makes your uterus contract (although you can't feel it) and those contractions can impede implantation! So 96 oz of water - no excuses!

Good luck.

PM me if you need anything.

We have been very very successful with iVF on this thread -- we are 4 for 4!! (me, exwdwcm/michelle, carla/allyandjack and meredith/villianlover).

Hugs,
Nicole

 

[AllyandJack]

Kristy, the Lupron is shutting down your ovaries and then, when you start the stims, it prevents you from prematurely ovulating before the retrieval. The stims with the extra estrogen is what builds your lining up. Oh, and June 23 is my b-day, so it's a lucky day to start shots.

I took 81mg of aspirin until about a week ago because I have MTHFR. I have to get my homocysteine level checked every month. I HOPE this one comes back normal because I'd be facing an induction and possible c-section if it doesn't. It's too late to start anymore blood thinners. I'd have to deliver right away.

I've heard of the pineapple and I actually ate some, but I flat out refused to eat the core. So, it might have just been a tasty snack in my case.

I was bedridden after ET anyway from the OHSS. I'd say rest....even if it's just for mental health reasons!

Oh, and the Metformin....hated every second of that drug, but it REALLY helped my cycle. It was amazing. Such a difference from the previous 3. But, I was tickled pink when I was able to stop it at 12w. A little heads up about the Metformin....it inhibits the absorption of Folic Acid. So, don't take it at the same time as your vitamin. Take them hours apart so the Met doesn't prevent you from getting the right amount of Folic Acid. It's so important to get enough Folic Acid before you get pregnant.

Another rainy Saturday. I'm watching the Heroes marathon on SciFi.

 

[Pollito916]

I took 81mg of aspirin until about a week ago because I have MTHFR. I have to get my homocysteine level checked every month. I HOPE this one comes back normal because I'd be facing an induction and possible c-section if it doesn't. It's too late to start anymore blood thinners. I'd have to deliver right away.

Good luck Carla! You've been through so much already, but at least it's almost over, and no matter when you deliver at least you have meeting your new little baby to look forward to!

As for the grapefruit juice, I was told that it helps you lose weight b/c it increases your metabolism, which I'm sure we could all use! What a wonder fruit - helps you get pg, and helps you lose weight!

 

[LittleBlue22]

Just saw the thread title and had to say, ARE YOU TALKn to me?! (what movie/ show is that from?). NO WAY! I haven't even been discharged yet

Sorry, please forgive the post prego and post labor humor. Gotta get through post pardom some how

 

[2bemarried]

Carla and Nicole thanks so much for the info. I'll be sure to ask my doctor about the baby aspirin. She did tell me that bed rest after transfer wasn't necessary but it was up to me if I want to do it.

Carla I had no idea the metformin interferred with the prenatal. I always take them at the same time every night. Hmm..I'll have to figure out a way to change the routine now since I take 3 metformins a day.

Nicole 96 oz's of water? You've got to be kidding me! I can barely get 40 in each day without gagging at the last sip. Not sure if I can do 96.

btw..which forum are you on?

 

[7beasley]

A little heads up about the Metformin....it inhibits the absorption of Folic Acid. So, don't take it at the same time as your vitamin. Take them hours apart so the Met doesn't prevent you from getting the right amount of Folic Acid. :

Carla -- I am FREAKING OUT now --- my doctor never ever mentioned this to me and I have been taking a prenatal and a metformin together for months -- both before I got pregnant and after getting pregnant...I am a complete nervous wreck right now!! I have a doctors appt on May 25th and I will ask the doctor about this. I also had my nuchal screening test on April 26th and the doctor said the results take about 2 weeks and it was a case of no news is good news --- it has been over 3 weeks and I have heard nothing - so I hope that means all is well. I am a total nervous wreck now!! As soon as I saw your post I did some research on the internet and you are right - it can screw with absorbtion...oh god!! I am going to switch to my vitamin in the morning and the metformin at night -- I only take one metformin a day 500 mg I think - and one prenatal a day - both together!! Thank god I have an appt on Friday or I would be calling the doctor in full on panic mode right now...I hope all is well - I will never sleep tonight now.

*******
Kristy - it is a board for mothers via egg donation --- women doing IVF with donor eggs. It is through Yahoo.

-Nicole

 

[snoopygirl79]

Hello all,

Sorry for my sporadic posts but I've been trying not to think about TTC too much lately as I think it stresses me out too much but I really need some support at the moment as I'm a mess.

Cycle 6 is over for me as AF showed up last night. I really thought this would be the month for me as we've been BDing every other day. I was in tears all last night and on the way to work this morning and it's been really hard to concentrate here at work as I keep wanting to cry. To top it all off, I've got the worst period pains ever at the moment so that's making me even more depressed.

I'm just really finding this so hard, the disappointment, and I know DH hates it when I get so upset but at the moment I don't know what else to do. I'm just finding it really hard to stay positive as I'm convinced there's something wrong with me. I've had problems with my intestine in the past (well, it was dealt with as I had an operation on my stomach and had a lot of it removed but my problems keep coming back) and I keep thinking that cos of that and my ongoing stomach problems, it's going to make TTC difficult. The doctors say that there shouldn't be any reason for me feeling this way as there shouldn't be any connection, but I've been messed about my doctors so much in the past I have no faith.

I've made an appointment to see a GP on Thursday - a different one to the last one I saw last time. I think I know what she's going to say - come back when you've been trying for a year but DH reckons I should do something as my emotional state is awful at the moment.

Thanks for listening, it's helped a little to get it off my chest but I think I'd better stop now as I'm on the verge of tears again and it's not a good look at work.

Vick

 

[skuttle]

Nicole... I'm sure your little baby is doing just fine. I hope you were able to enjoy your weekend a bit. When you search for medical stuff on the internet...usually all the "worst case scenarios" pop up first. At least that's how it was when I was pregnant with DS. I'm sure everything is just fine.

Vick...I'm SO sorry. I know how you feel, unfortunately. Emtionally it is just so hard...all the waiting and disappointment. You know, I actually had a dream last night where my best friend announced she was pregnant, I screamed and ran away. I can't believe this crap is invading my dreams now, too! Ugh! AND, we brought DS to see Shrek this weekend and I actually found myself rolling my eyes at Princess Finona when she told Shrek she's pregnant. How pathetic is that??! It'll be a year for us next month. I have an appt to see my OB/GYN in August. Having that appt to look forward to has helped me a lot, I think. I see a "light" at the end of the tunnel...I will hopefully start the process of getting some sort of answers by then. I hope your appt on Thursday helps you out a bit.

Hope everyone had a good weekend!! Anyone in the 2ww? I'm just on CD11 so a LONG way to go for me!

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

Vick, have they done any testing at all? I hate the some doctors want you to wait a year, before doing anything. I know TTC can take time, but a year seems like an awfully long time to wait. I hope you can get some answers Thursday.


AF started last night for me too. I'm ok with it. I knew it was going to start, so it wasn't a big surprise. This will be month 7 for us. I didn't realize it had been that long.

 

[AllyandJack]

Nicole, where did you have your NT Scan done? I did mine at MGH and they called me either way to tell me my numbers. But, I'd assume since you haven't heard anything, that everything was fine. The NT doesn't test for neural tube defects, so I had the AFP at 18w just to cover all my bases. Women give birth to healthy babies every day without taking Folic Acid at all, so I wouldn't worry too much. I am a bit annoyed that more doctors don't warn their patients about this though. We have Folic Acid banged into our heads like we're horrible people if we're not taking it constantly in the off chance we'll be pregnant, it's horrible that they leave this information out of the discussion.

Vick, I'm so sorry. I have a chronic stomach condition, too. I have spastic colitis. It caused me no problems at all TTC. I'm sorry you're in pain. Maybe because of the stomach issues they'll see you earlier? If there is a potential for the problem to come back, it might benefit you to see if there are problems early before it comes back? I was able to get out of the 1 year thing (my insurance required it, obviously) by going to my GYN for long, irregular cycles. I got "lucky" that my blood work came back off and they waived the 1 year thing. It's worth a try!

I have a stupid meeting with the state Board of Realtors today. The thought of having to sit there for 3 hours makes me want to cry. DH gave me a cold and now I have a sort throat. That was fun at 3am when I was throwing up. Plus, there is the huge fear that I'll be sitting there in the meeting and my water will break. I briefly considered wearing a Depends diaper, but I'm too lazy to go out and buy them.

 

[TinkerChelle]

Good morning Ladies!

Nicole--I am sure everything is okay. I would even call the doctor now and check even though you have an appointment on Friday. That would be better than stressing yourself out for 4 more days. I am sure the doctor will say all is okay!

Vick-So Sorry AF came for you last night. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Try to keep a positive attitude going. I know...easier said, right? Good luck

Skuttle-I am just at the end of my 2ww. Today is day 28th of my cycle. No AF yet. Good luck to you!

 

[Gurgi]

Good morning Ladies!

Nicole--I am sure everything is okay. I would even call the doctor now and check even though you have an appointment on Friday. That would be better than stressing yourself out for 4 more days. I am sure the doctor will say all is okay!

Vick-So Sorry AF came for you last night. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Try to keep a positive attitude going. I know...easier said, right? Good luck

Skuttle-I am just at the end of my 2ww. Today is day 28th of my cycle. No AF yet. Good luck to you!

Did you test yet?

Nicole: I think everything is okay...don't stress!

Vicki: I'm sorry AF came Here's dust for next month

And whoever said that grapefruit juice aids in weight loss...I'm gonna buy stock in that right now!!: )

 

[TinkerChelle]

Did you test yet?

Nicole: I think everything is okay...don't stress!

Vicki: I'm sorry AF came Here's dust for next month

And whoever said that grapefruit juice aids in weight loss...I'm gonna buy stock in that right now!!: )

Gurgi, got a negative on friday 5/18. If I don't get AF, I will test again tomorrow in the A.M. Hope my morning urine is good!

 

[Gurgi]

Gurgi, got a negative on friday 5/18. If I don't get AF, I will test again tomorrow in the A.M. Hope my morning urine is good!

When was your AF due again? Was it tomorrow?

I remember with my last pregnancy (the one that I miscarried), my AF was supposed to start on Monday. I took at test on Friday and it was negative. I was sooooo angry. I took another one on Sunday morning (figuring that I didn't care if I wasted the test) and had a really, really faint line. I promptly went to the store and bought 4 more tests and took them all, and as the day went on they got a little darker. LOL.

Good luck!!

 

[TinkerChelle]

When was your AF due again? Was it tomorrow?

I remember with my last pregnancy (the one that I miscarried), my AF was supposed to start on Monday. I took at test on Friday and it was negative. I was sooooo angry. I took another one on Sunday morning (figuring that I didn't care if I wasted the test) and had a really, really faint line. I promptly went to the store and bought 4 more tests and took them all, and as the day went on they got a little darker. LOL.

Good luck!!

AF is due today. I am at work and running to the washroom every 20 minutes..I am a lunatic

 

[exwdwcm]

wow, i don't post or visit for a week and wowza on the catching up- i swear there was like 12 pages i had to read! lol- i was trying to make notes so i can catch up on everyone, so forgive me if some of this seems 'old'!

Carla- lol at the depends diaper. i hope your next test comes back well so they don't have to deliver immediately! but you are so close already! are you ready or nervous? or just ready to see your little miracle?

Nicole- hi!! i wouldn't worry too much- i am sure your little bean is fine! I had the NT scan and they called about 7 days later with results. they told me everything was in normal range. i asked for the specifics and i forget the down's numbers, but the other number for the other 2 conditions was 1 in 10,000, so that was good. definitely call if you want to know. I like to keep all these details/numbers in my baby book and for future reference. my NT was done at a perinatologist's office, not my regular OB. I guess it was a level II u/s?

Momsully- you asked about acupuncture. I did it for my IVF cycle and i think it did help. it can increase the flow of blood to your uterus and therefore increase your lining so that the embryo has a nice plush place to implant. it didn't hurt and was so relaxing! i think it really helped in the success of my first IVF cycle! and ouch on the hospital stay....how scary. clomid can do crazy things. i always cringe when i read this other board (pregnancy-info.net) and there is a TTC forum there and a thread of women taking clomid UNPRESCRIBED---ordered off the net. i warned them it is not something you can just take on your own- you are a case in point! i hope you are feeling better. i've heard of only good things of those with PCOS taking metaformin. i hope it works great for you!

GypsySue- I read the Infertility cure as well. I found it very interesting! My acupuncturist recommended it to me. i say definitely give acu a try!

Elaine- so sorry about your grandma and the dementia and the nursing home situation. we are going through that with my 86 year old grandpa. we just got him to move near my parents (he was 2 hours away living alone)- and got him in a nice retirement apartment. but now they are saying he is getting dementia and we need to get him into assissted living, so we are going through the same thing- i know how rough it is.

Gurgi- congrats on the weight loss, how awesome! and good luck on the other job- have you interviewed yet? I also work in PR, although I do mostly marketing, PR is a part of the job too, since we are a small company. I think starting TTC right after the surgery is great- i started an IUI cycle a few days after my lap (mine wasn't as extensive as yours), but it felt good to jump back in knowing i had a 'clean' slate so to speak to work with.

4Kids- well i don't even have to say anything- everyone else said it for me. Nicole said it so well and clearly. this thread is about SUPPORTING each other.

Skuttle- band trip to WDW!!!??? how awesome. i agree with DH- don't plan your schedule around possible baby- he is right- you will handle it WHEN it happens and things will fall into place then. for now, plan to go and have a blast!!

Meredith- TWINS!??? i am so thrilled for you.

Suzanne- you are in my thoughts- my heart goes out to you.

Tinkerchelle- welcome! implantation occurs 7-10 days after ovulations, so it could be implantation pain!! i hope AF stays away- your BFN could have definitely been testing too early! fingers crossed for you.

2Muchohana- so sorry to hear about the delay. but spend these months tracking your temp and writing in a journal about your cycle, that will help when you start TTC again. we are all here to support you!!!

Bethany- alaskan cruise- how awesome- pleaes have a great time and i'll pray the m/s quiets down some for the trip!!

Skuttle- yuck on the grapefruit juice from me too- but hey, we do whatever we can to make this happen!!

2bemarried- for IVF- some docs will actually prescribe aspirin as part of your meds. mine didn't and i asked about it and they said for me, not to take it. so just ask your doc, there might be a reason they don't want you taking it. most docs won't mind though. i actually ONLY followed what the doc said for my IVF- it was costing me $10k out of pocket, i didn't want to risk taking some wives tale of something that might mess it up. so i only followed doctors orders and asked them if there was something else i wanted to supplement with- like acupuncture- they said that was fine.
Rebecca- don't feel bad about skipping a baby shower, even for a friend that dealt with loss or TTC problems. if it hurts to go, just let her know. surely someone like her will understand. you can always do a card and gift in private and let her know you are thrilled for her, but it would be hard to be in that atmosphere- not because of her per say, but because of just the environment and atmosphere in general.

for everyone else----so sorry for the wicked witch visiting some of you. i am still wishing lots of baby dust for all.

as for me......i have my monthly OB appt today- 16 weeks tomorrow. i can't believe it, i am almost halfway! i am feeling better, but still have bad days. was yacking this am, but feel better now. still on the zofran and phenegran though- gotta get a refill this week! i am anxiously awaiting my u/s to determine the sex. they said i won't have one today- i called and the front desk lady said the u/s tech is only there on thursdays, so i obviously am not having one today. i hope they schedule one soon though- i don't want to wait another month until the official 20 week mark. especially since we think it is a boy and the peri told us he was pretty sure of that at 12 weeks. other than that, doing well- back at work- working tues and thursday at home, which is nice and m/w/f in the office. looking forward to the 3 day weekend though. i am going to start purchasing the crib and furniture in a few weeks too. i just can't believe this is all real.....after so long, it is just kinda hard to believe sometimes.

 

[DisneyDreamer8]

Hi ladies

Hope everyone had a great weekend.

Vicki-Sorry AF showed.

TinkerChelle-I hope AF stays away!!!!

I'm on CD11 just waiting to O which is usually around CD14-CD16.

Oh...but I did get tickets to POTC3!!! 11:30pm on the 24th

 

[2bemarried]

Hi all...

Nicole I wouldn't sorry about the folic acid too much. You're already getting folic acid in foods and the amount in the prenatals just finishes up your 100% each day. I ask my pharmacist yesterday about it and he wasn't aware of the absorption issue either. I agree with Carla that doctors should know about it and tell their patients to take it at separate times of the day.

Chelle you cracked me up with the 20 minute bathroom comment.

Carla I hope your meeting isn't too annoying this afternoon. Hey, if your water breaks it's a great excuse to leave

Vick sorry AF showed

skuttle I think I did the same thing when Fiona told Shrek she was pregnant.

gurgi

Michelle thanks for the info. I agree that IVF is such an ordeal that taking anything other than doctored ordered is pretty much a no no for me.

to anyone I may have missed.

It's just another day here. I'm pretty sure that I had ewcm this weekend but the question is...how long does it last? It seems like it went on for 3 days.

 

[skuttle]

AF is due today. I am at work and running to the washroom every 20 minutes..I am a lunatic

No...you're not a lunatic! Because if you are, I am too!! I do the exact same thing around the time AF is supposed to arrive. LOL!

Michelle...Wow! To hear you say you're almost 1/2 way...I can't believe it! Seems like yesterday you announced the BFP!

Kristy...Glad I'm not the only one to have the same reaction to a pregnant cartoon character.

Rebecca...Sounds like our cycles are pretty close! I think I'm CD11, too.

So today was frustrating for me. When I dropped DS off at school, another mom was announcing that she's pregnant with her third. A total surprise. And she has no idea how she'll afford the third as she can barely afford to send her two to daycare. Ugh! THen, another pregnant girl popped up a work. What a way to start off the week!

 

[Gurgi]

No...you're not a lunatic! Because if you are, I am too!! I do the exact same thing around the time AF is supposed to arrive. LOL!

Michelle...Wow! To hear you say you're almost 1/2 way...I can't believe it! Seems like yesterday you announced the BFP!

Kristy...Glad I'm not the only one to have the same reaction to a pregnant cartoon character.

Rebecca...Sounds like our cycles are pretty close! I think I'm CD11, too.

So today was frustrating for me. When I dropped DS off at school, another mom was announcing that she's pregnant with her third. A total surprise. And she has no idea how she'll afford the third as she can barely afford to send her two to daycare. Ugh! THen, another pregnant girl popped up a work. What a way to start off the week!

I know exactly how you feel, I really do!! I now work directly with 4 pregnant women...but I keep reminding myself that will be me one day.

I'm off to the gym. I'll post a pic of my (SOB!!!) FIRST GRADER when I get back. What happened to my baby?!?