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

[DznyLvr2005]

No, I don't think it's spotting. It's too bright.

That is the cutest picture in your sig....
Adorable!

 

[helenabear]

Allison, I am so sorry The temps would have gotten me as well. Hopefully though if you need to talk to you doc about this in Aug, you can just ask her to begin the testing. I am sorry

 

[skuttle]

Ideally, when we first started TTC, we wanted a summer baby since DH is offer during the summer. Maybe that's the plan and I just don't know about it...maybe we'll get a summer baby afterall, just a year later than we hoped! I've gotta stay postive, so that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Now I just realized that next AF will be due right around the wedding in Dallas we are going to for one of DH's friends. We were thinking about going to Six Flags for the day, but AF would be due right around that time so I guess I won't chance it? THe day we would go to Six Flags would be CD28. Ugh! I at least hope that if AF will arrive, she arrives BEFORE the wedding so I know if I can at least drown my sorrows at the reception.

 

[GypsySue]

CD 42--No Af, negative test. This is driving me crazy! I just need to know one way or the other so I can get on with my life!

 

[skuttle]

Sue, can you call your doctor and get in for a blood test? How long are your cycles normally?

 

[KimR]

Well, here I am again ladies. I joined this thread way back when and have subsequently gotten pregnant and miscarried twice (this last was Thursday at 16 weeks when no heartbeat was found on my US). This latest was by far the most traumatic for me for many reasons, but I need to look ahead and I want to look into IVF/PGD. PGD is a procedure in which the embryos are pre-screened for genetic abnormalities before they are transferred. Since chromosomal abnormlities appears to be my problem (I have no problem getting pregnant), I am hopeful this could work for us.

I've done research on the internet, and it sounds very, very promising. But I'm looking for personal experience - not necessarily with PGD, but just IVF in general. So if any of you ladies have any words of wisdom, I'd love to hear it! I always said if this last pregnancy didn't take, we were through, but I just wanted that baby so badly, I feel I need to do everything in my power to make this happen.

 

[AllyandJack]

Kim I am so sorry about the loss of your little girl.

We have a TON of people on here who did and are going IVF. In fact, we have a pretty good success rate here!

I didn't do PGD, but you did some research. Obviously, it can't test for every possible abnormality and it doesn't test all the cells. A lot of places will only let you do it if you have a certain amount of embryos. But, a lot of women on Fertility Friend did it and were shocked to find out that perfect looking embryos were genetically abnormal and it saved them from having a m/c by being able to identify those embryos. If this last cycle didn't work, I was going to do it next cycle. Have you had karyotyping done on you and DH?

IVF isn't easy, but it's not that bad. There's some testing beforehand, you might have had some of it - CD3 blood, HSG, infectious disease testing. The needles sting sometimes, but they're pretty easy. My only side effect was a horrific headache from Lupron and a rash from the HCG trigger. I have a hard time after retrieval. I get OHSS and end up bedridden for weeks. But, I just stay in bed and take my pain pills. It's not fun, but not the end of the world either. I love retrieval....I love me some anesthesia! I was so afraid my first cycle because it's surgery, but then it became my favorite part of the process. I did progesterone suppositories because I'm allergic to the injections, but a lot of women do injections. Those are harder than the other ones since they're intra-muscular and need to be done in the butt/hip area.

It's hard emotionally and it's very time consuming. Because I overstimulate, I had to have my blood drawn every single day. Every other day seems to be more normal though. It's hard to wait for those phone calls....am I suppressed? Are the follicles growing normally? Is my E2 too high or too low? There is pretty much no notice for the surgery. You might go in Monday AM for blood and get the call Monday afternoon that your retrieval is Wednesday morning. Thankfully, both of our employers were understanding of this. The trigger has to be done at a specific time and you don't know what day that will be until it happens. I had dinner plans after work, but got the call that my trigger was at 8pm that night and had to cancel.

Waiting to hear how many eggs were mature, how many fertilized, how many lived to transfer. You'll have the additional wait of hearing the PGD results.

Then, there is the 2ww.

Then there is the sad fact that it doesn't always work. Miscarriages happen - I had an ectopic after IVF #2.

But, it's so worth it. Anyone on here will tell you that they'd do it again in a heartbeat. I'd do it 4 more times. I'd definitely do it again for siblings for DD.

It was hard, but I told myself that I had to try. I couldn't go through life wondering "what if". What if I didn't at least TRY?

I know that was long, but I have a lot of experience in this area.

Stick around this group because we have a great IVF success rate and there is lots of information and support.

 

[GypsySue]

Sue, can you call your doctor and get in for a blood test? How long are your cycles normally?

My cycle is normally 30-34 days. I have a drs. appt in two weeks--I was hoping to wait until then, but I don't know if I can!

 

[KimR]

Thanks for the info, Carla. It sounds a bit overwhelming but like you said, if it works, it will be worth it. My main concern is that they won't even take me on as a patient due to my age (I am 45). However, I am still quite fertile - I have a problem with a luteal phase defect, but on almost all of the cycles that were normal length, I was able to conceive. Unfortunately, they ended in miscarriage due to chromosomal abnormalities (assuming this last one was as well, we don't know yet on that one). Hence, my desire to try PGD.

Also, DH and I already have 3 children and do not want to risk twins so we would only want one embryo transferred. Would they do that? My reasoning is if we do PGD we know it is a good embryo so I feel that we would have a good chance of a pregnancy. It they stick two good embryos in there, I just know I will wind up with twins (I conceived twins this last pregnancy - one was a vanishing twin that never developed) and with three children already, we are not prepared for that.

 

[vettechick99]

Hey guys! Congrats to all the BFPs and new babies since I was here last!

I just started a new thread on trading formula coupons. If you haven't already, you will probably get Similac, Enfamil and Nestle Good Start coupons (actually they are checks) frequently in the mail. I only use Similac, so I'm happy to trade the others for some of those.

Here is the thread if you want to participate!

Trade Formula Coupons

 

[LisaB]

I am so sorry Kim about the miscarriage Kim Carla is a great source of info. Congrats to all the BFP.

 

[helenabear]

Sue I am with Allison, do not wait that long! You may be pregnant or you may need something to get your period going again. 2 weeks is WAY too long for something like that.

Kim again i am sorry for your loss. Carla is always full of good advice on everything IVF

 

[DisneyDreamer8]

Kim: So sorry for your loss

Allison: I'm sorry the stupid hag showed.

Sue: You should call your Dr and get a blood test

 

[princess pooh]

Kim, I'm so sorry

Allison, I hope your next cycle will be THE ONE

As for me, I think we're going to stop TTC for a while. I have spotting throughout my LP and my LP also got shorter. I don't think there's much point in trying if the little guy has nothing to implant in . I have a doctors appointment in July and hopefully he'll be able to help me. At least I have my house remodel to distract me until then!

 

[skuttle]

Kim, I'm so very sorry. Good luck with IVF.

Sue, get an appt for a blood test!!

Princess Pooh, I hope your July appt gives you some answers.

 

[AllyandJack]

Kim, it MIGHT be hard to find a doctor willing to take on someone at 45. So many places are obsessed with their success rates. My doctor wasn't. Thankfully. If she had been, I would have been booted out of the program because I had so many failures. If you go to www.sart.org, there is a link in the lower left-hand corner about IVF success rates of the clinics/hospitals. If your FSH/E2 is good not indicating diminished ovarian reserve, you'll probably be able to find a doctor willing to give it a shot. Check out the success rates of places in your area and how they fare with older patients. You'll want to see the one that has the most experience.

If you want a single embryo transfer, they can't force you into anymore. The SART site will also have stats on single embryo transfers, so that would be something else that could help you decide which clinic/hospital to go to.

The only restriction I had placed on me was MAX amount of embryos....I couldn't do more than 2. If I wanted 1, they would have done 1.

It's important to find a place that has success based on YOUR issues, not general success. If you see a place that has a 50% success rate, you think that's great. But, that 50% could be for women under 35 dealing with male factor only. That 50% has nothing to do with your situation. You want to find the place with the best rate for YOUR situation - successful PGD, successful cycle with older patients, willingness to go forward with single embryo transfers. Those are the stats you want to pay attention to in order to make sure you're getting the best doctor for you.

Check out a few places and don't stay somewhere that doesn't make you happy. It's a long and exhausting process and the last thing you need is to dread every visit and phone call because the people stink.



My kid is already driving me crazy. She decided to stay still all day yesterday. Sent me to L&D in a tizzy just to find out she's fine. No matter what I did to get her to move, she refused. My OB said, "She's acting like a girl!" I think I have a handful on my hands.

 

[mickeyboat]

Allison - I am so sorry.

Kim - for the loss of your little girl. Are you starting to feel better, have you been able to talk to anyone? I always find for me that action and information helped me get through tough times. Sounds like that is your philosophy, too. Lots of luck, and keep us posted- we are always good for a hug and some support when you need it.

Carla - It is so close for you. I really believe if she is giving you such a hard time now, she will be the easiest baby every. Now I can't vouch for ages 6 and 7, or the teen years.

Princess Pooh - Have you been charting at all? Maybe if you have that information for your doctor in July, he or she can get started more quickly. Good luck!

Sue - I would definietly see if I could get in sooner. When I was TTC, I was not having cycles at all, and I had to take meds every cycle to start my period. Of course, I always got my hopes up because of it, too!

I think this will be a pretty tame week for me. It is the last week of school, and the PTA is having an ice cream social on Wednesday where I have to scoop ice cream! I think it will be fun.

Baby chicks hatched in Hannah's classroom Friday and over the weekend, so I got to see the little devils this morning. The kids were sooooo excited.

The girls performed a little song/dance skit at GS Fly-Up yesterday (they were adorable), and I have been told their picture will be in the paper on Thursday. I think I get more excited about those kinds of things than they do.

I have been cleaning out drawers, cabinets galore, and the playroom because we are having a yard sale in two weeks, and my dad is coming to stay with us for 10 days at the end of the month. I also need to figure out what I am going to do with the kids over the summer - camps, etc.

Hope everyone has a great week! No AF No AF, No AF. Except for me - although I am a week away, and was spotting this morning, I wonder what that is all about.

Denae

 

[exwdwcm]

Michelle: How exciting!!! A Boy!!!! Have fun shopping for all those cute clothes Anywho about the IUI...I will just use OPKs then they will do the IUI. I'm trying it this way once if it doesn't work then it is off to the RE.

QOTD:
We told our parents but they told everyone else so everyone knows. They also know that we are having problems but since none of them had problems they don't know what to say and usually say the wrong thing.

well good luck on the IUI!!! it could be the one! i am so with you on people/parents not knowing what to say or saying the wrong thing. I hated that, but i couldn't hate them for it, because they really don't understand. unless you have worn the badge of infertility, you just don't get it. just like i didn't know what to say to my friends that miscarried. so you have to sometimes just let it slide, and know that they mean well, but just don't know better. i got tired of the just relax, take a vacation, or the most popular......"well my friend's cousin's friend had problems, then finally just adopted and got pregnant right away". i can't tell you how many times i have heard that. lol.....it does happen, but unless you are ready to totally give up (and at that point, is when you finally relax), that usually isn't the case. there is no relaxing when you are temping at 6am, poking at yourself to check your cervical position or mucus etc. not to mention shooting yourself up with fertility drugs. lol......

wishing you good things for the IUI!!!!!!

 

[exwdwcm]

Thanks for the prayers... I was never on progesterone... Like I said, my doc thinks it's 'controversial'...Apparently with each cycle, there are different amounts secreted and one cycle, I may not have enough and with the next, it might be just fine.. of course this does not help me if I get pregnant on the bad cycle!!!!! With my cousin she had to take progesterone with 2 of her pregnancies... With the 3rd, she didn't need it, cause her body was making enough
Is a PIO shot a progesterone shot in your butt area??? Cause if it is, I had that once cause I wasn't getting my period. It didn't hurt that bad.
And one more question.. I know that IVF is in vitro, but what is IUI? I know what it stands for, but how is it different? Do they just shove the sperm up there with IUI?? And IVF is fertilization before hand? Am I getting that right??
I can't believe how much we all have to go through for the supposed most natural thing on earth.. ughhhh

well if you feel the progesterone support would help you, i would demand it. to hell with what your doc thinks is controversial.....do what is right for you. My RE had me on it for one IUI cycle when it was low and then they almost ALWAYS put you on it for IVF- in fact, most IVF'ers take it until they are 11-12 weeks pregnant to ensure the support for pregnancy.

Yes, PIO is the progesterone in oil shot int he butt. it is a huge 1.5" needle that must go all the way in. having it a few times isn't bad, but when you are taking it for 12 weeks, your butt is just a bruised mess! lol- but it is worth it.

IUI is interuterine insemination- or artificial insemination. it is most likely done with a u/s on day 1 to confirm no cysts, then they start you on clomid or injectables like follistim to rev up your ovaries to produce more eggs. they monitor via u/s and then trigger you with a shot to ovulate when the eggs are mature (18mm)- then you go in 36 hours later and DH or partner gives a 'sample'. they wash the sample to get rid of debris and bad sperm and then 'inject' the sperm directly into you. This way, they bypass any hostile mucus which can often kill sperm. From there, the sperm just have to fertilize an egg and implant. it is a great solution for many folks. just didn't work for me after 4 tries. it is cheaper than IVF and usually is done as a second course of action after clomid alone doesn't work.

 

[exwdwcm]

Well, here I am again ladies. I joined this thread way back when and have subsequently gotten pregnant and miscarried twice (this last was Thursday at 16 weeks when no heartbeat was found on my US). This latest was by far the most traumatic for me for many reasons, but I need to look ahead and I want to look into IVF/PGD. PGD is a procedure in which the embryos are pre-screened for genetic abnormalities before they are transferred. Since chromosomal abnormlities appears to be my problem (I have no problem getting pregnant), I am hopeful this could work for us.

I've done research on the internet, and it sounds very, very promising. But I'm looking for personal experience - not necessarily with PGD, but just IVF in general. So if any of you ladies have any words of wisdom, I'd love to hear it! I always said if this last pregnancy didn't take, we were through, but I just wanted that baby so badly, I feel I need to do everything in my power to make this happen.

Kim, i read about your loss. i think we actually cycled about the same time. I can't tell you how much my heart goes out to you and i was in tears reading your thread.

I am an IVF veteran and got my BFP the first try with it. We didn't use PGD, but i know of many folks that have and it can really do wonders. I also trolled some other boards when preparing for IVF- there really is so much to learn and know. check out www.ivfconnections.com, they have forums there and so much good info, even pictures of everything, including the eggs and embryos in the lab in various stages before they are transferred back in. I know you can find lots of info and women that have done PGD on there. Or try www.fertilityforums.com- there are tons of women that did PGD on there too. you might even find an IVF cycle buddy- i found many.

Kim- they would also only transfer one embryo if that is what you want. in fact, my lab really encourages only one transfer unless it appears they are not good quality. they even had a special offer where if you had a good quality embryo- and just transferred one- and it didn't take, they would give you a discount next time. i think many labs are really striving to get people to transfer fewer embryos so we don't keep risking multiples. so it is more about the quality of the embryo. we only put in 2, 5 day blastocysts- which are great quality. but that was my choice. i actually wanted twins, as i have no other children and want 2. only one took. i don't know that i will do IVF again- although it worked- i think for our second child, if it doesn't happen naturally, we will probably adopt (I am a big fan of adoption)


IVF can be scary, but in reality, it goes by very fast and you can have a really good chance of success!! feel free to pm me with any questions!!!!

you and your family and your little angel are still in my prayers.