TTC thread take 2

[cc1013]

Hi all!

Hope everyone had a nice weekend. The weather in Chicago was great yesterday and spring seems to have finally arrived.

I went to the RE's office yesterday to see how I'm progressing on the stims before IVF. After completing 5 days of stims, I have 4 follicles that are a good size (10, 11, 2 at 12) and a few smaller follicles on each side. They seemed pleased with that and said that I would probably complete 9 or 10 days on the stims in order in an effort to get those smaller follies to grow. My lining and estrogen levels were good, so we aren't changing any of the meds or doses for now. I go back tomorrow morning for another check. At this point, they said to estimate that my egg retrieval will happen this Saturday but that could change by a day either way. I'm excited, but VERY nervous.

DH and I decided last night that we're going to skip the family Easter festivities this year. That will be just a few days after the embryo transfer and given that we are supposed to limit stress, it just seems like a better idea to stay home. My parents are divorced and DH's family will be in town, so that means 3 houses in one day. I generally dislike the holidays b/c of this, so I'm politely backing out. Some of my family knows about the IVF, so they understand. I think we are just going to tell DH's family that one of us has the flu. Not ideal, but we have to do what we think is best at this point.

Hope everyone has a fantastic day!

-Christine

 

[cherbear]

Hi all!

Hope everyone had a nice weekend. The weather in Chicago was great yesterday and spring seems to have finally arrived.

I went to the RE's office yesterday to see how I'm progressing on the stims before IVF. After completing 5 days of stims, I have 4 follicles that are a good size (10, 11, 2 at 12) and a few smaller follicles on each side. They seemed pleased with that and said that I would probably complete 9 or 10 days on the stims in order in an effort to get those smaller follies to grow. My lining and estrogen levels were good, so we aren't changing any of the meds or doses for now. I go back tomorrow morning for another check. At this point, they said to estimate that my egg retrieval will happen this Saturday but that could change by a day either way. I'm excited, but VERY nervous.

DH and I decided last night that we're going to skip the family Easter festivities this year. That will be just a few days after the embryo transfer and given that we are supposed to limit stress, it just seems like a better idea to stay home. My parents are divorced and DH's family will be in town, so that means 3 houses in one day. I generally dislike the holidays b/c of this, so I'm politely backing out. Some of my family knows about the IVF, so they understand. I think we are just going to tell DH's family that one of us has the flu. Not ideal, but we have to do what we think is best at this point.

Hope everyone has a fantastic day!

-Christine

spring? What is spring? We in Louisiana skip straight to summer. It is pretty hot today. Probably will be swimming by the end of the week!

glad things are going well! How are you feeling? Bloated yet?

I should have told you this before, but I was reading about how soaking your feet every night in hot water for 30 minutes helps with egg growth! Might be worth a shot. I plan on doing it when I start stims.

Saturday will be here in no time girlie! Praying for you sooo hard!

I thought our cycles would be closer together but AF still hasn't shown her ugly face. It feels like she's on her way though. CD 28

 

[ead79]

Well, I think I have good news on the ovulation front--my doctor's office called today to say that my CD21 progesterone level came back, and that it is consistent with me having ovulated this past month. So that's a huge load off my shoulders! It looks like upping my Clomid dose from 50mg to 100mg helped.

She said in the message that my progesterone was 13.9. Other than being "consistant with ovulation" like the nurse said, I have no idea what that number means. And Googling has only confused me further. Anyone have any idea? Is it good, LOL?

For now I think I'm just going to focus on the fact that at least I ovulated this past month, which has been a big struggle in the past. And take each day as it comes.

 

[Falltime]

Well, I think I have good news on the ovulation front--my doctor's office called today to say that my CD21 progesterone level came back, and that it is consistent with me having ovulated this past month. So that's a huge load off my shoulders! It looks like upping my Clomid dose from 50mg to 100mg helped.

She said in the message that my progesterone was 13.9. Other than being "consistant with ovulation" like the nurse said, I have no idea what that number means. And Googling has only confused me further. Anyone have any idea? Is it good, LOL?

For now I think I'm just going to focus on the fact that at least I ovulated this past month, which has been a big struggle in the past. And take each day as it comes.

That's great news! Now you are in the fun 2WW!!!! For your progesterone levels 10 and above is normal post-ovulation. 10 is borderline if you are pregnant you want this number to be as high as possible usually 15-20+. My progesterone level is on the low end so I take progesterone suppositories after ovulation to get my numbers up.

I am just waiting here for AF to arrive which should be any day now then I can start my 6th round of clomid/injectibles provided they give me the go ahead after the baseline u/s.

 

[cherbear]

Well, I think I have good news on the ovulation front--my doctor's office called today to say that my CD21 progesterone level came back, and that it is consistent with me having ovulated this past month. So that's a huge load off my shoulders! It looks like upping my Clomid dose from 50mg to 100mg helped.

She said in the message that my progesterone was 13.9. Other than being "consistant with ovulation" like the nurse said, I have no idea what that number means. And Googling has only confused me further. Anyone have any idea? Is it good, LOL?

For now I think I'm just going to focus on the fact that at least I ovulated this past month, which has been a big struggle in the past. And take each day as it comes.

woohoo!!!

that is a great progesterone number. Mine is low last time I had it checked so I always had to take the supplements after ovulation. I don't know if it's still "low" but with IVF, they make you do PIO regardless. Such fun shots! hahaha NOT!

 

[ead79]

That's great news! Now you are in the fun 2WW!!!! For your progesterone levels 10 and above is normal post-ovulation. 10 is borderline if you are pregnant you want this number to be as high as possible usually 15-20+. My progesterone level is on the low end so I take progesterone suppositories after ovulation to get my numbers up.

I am just waiting here for AF to arrive which should be any day now then I can start my 6th round of clomid/injectibles provided they give me the go ahead after the baseline u/s.

woohoo!!!

that is a great progesterone number. Mine is low last time I had it checked so I always had to take the supplements after ovulation. I don't know if it's still "low" but with IVF, they make you do PIO regardless. Such fun shots! hahaha NOT!

Oh good! I'm glad to hear it's good! Now I'll just wait and see what happens. Only 2 more days until I can do a HPT.

 

[cc1013]

Hi! I went to the RE for another monitoring check today and have 11 follies plus a few more small ones. Seems that I progressed over the last few days. We are still on track for the egg retrieval on Saturday give or take a day.

spring? What is spring? We in Louisiana skip straight to summer. It is pretty hot today. Probably will be swimming by the end of the week!

glad things are going well! How are you feeling? Bloated yet?

I should have told you this before, but I was reading about how soaking your feet every night in hot water for 30 minutes helps with egg growth! Might be worth a shot. I plan on doing it when I start stims.

Saturday will be here in no time girlie! Praying for you sooo hard!

I thought our cycles would be closer together but AF still hasn't shown her ugly face. It feels like she's on her way though. CD 28

Thanks for those prayers Cheri! I'm sending them up for you as well. Hopefully we'll add to the BFP number on this board soon!

I've feeling pretty bloated a very tender in my abdomen. I was also very nauseous this morning, which my RE says is due to the quickly rising estrogen levels. I noticed that you mentioned progesterone injections. My RE prescribed a progesterone gel (Crinone) that I have to insert. She said it definitely has an 'ick' factor, but patients seem to prefer it to the shots. I'm willing to go with anything that gets us to success!

Thanks for the tip on the foot soaking. I'm going to try that tonight!

Hoping the witch makes her appearance soon so you can get started!

Well, I think I have good news on the ovulation front--my doctor's office called today to say that my CD21 progesterone level came back, and that it is consistent with me having ovulated this past month. So that's a huge load off my shoulders! It looks like upping my Clomid dose from 50mg to 100mg helped.

She said in the message that my progesterone was 13.9. Other than being "consistant with ovulation" like the nurse said, I have no idea what that number means. And Googling has only confused me further. Anyone have any idea? Is it good, LOL?

For now I think I'm just going to focus on the fact that at least I ovulated this past month, which has been a big struggle in the past. And take each day as it comes.

Congrats on the ovulation news! That's fantastic! Sending baby dust to you!!!!

 

[cherbear]

Hi! I went to the RE for another monitoring check today and have 11 follies plus a few more small ones. Seems that I progressed over the last few days. We are still on track for the egg retrieval on Saturday give or take a day.



Thanks for those prayers Cheri! I'm sending them up for you as well. Hopefully we'll add to the BFP number on this board soon!

I've feeling pretty bloated a very tender in my abdomen. I was also very nauseous this morning, which my RE says is due to the quickly rising estrogen levels. I noticed that you mentioned progesterone injections. My RE prescribed a progesterone gel (Crinone) that I have to insert. She said it definitely has an 'ick' factor, but patients seem to prefer it to the shots. I'm willing to go with anything that gets us to success!

Thanks for the tip on the foot soaking. I'm going to try that tonight!

Hoping the witch makes her appearance soon so you can get started!



Congrats on the ovulation news! That's fantastic! Sending baby dust to you!!!!

what awesome news! Grow eggies, grow!! What sizes are they, if you don't mind me asking? I love hearing the details of IVF cycles. It gets me really excited for mine. Kind of like hearing about people's Disney trips when you have your own trip coming up.

Glad you will try the foot soaking. Hope it is good for ya!

 

[ead79]

Hi! I went to the RE for another monitoring check today and have 11 follies plus a few more small ones. Seems that I progressed over the last few days. We are still on track for the egg retrieval on Saturday give or take a day.

Congrats on the ovulation news! That's fantastic! Sending baby dust to you!!!!

Thanks! And congrats on your news too! Also, praying those side effects go away for you.

 

[cc1013]

what awesome news! Grow eggies, grow!! What sizes are they, if you don't mind me asking? I love hearing the details of IVF cycles. It gets me really excited for mine. Kind of like hearing about people's Disney trips when you have your own trip coming up.

Glad you will try the foot soaking. Hope it is good for ya!

I meant to include the follicle sizes, but forgot! Thanks for reminding me! Here they are:

Left side - 7 follies measured plus a few small ones,
15
3@ 13
2@ 12
11

Right side - 4 follies measured plus a few small ones
2@ 13
12
10

Strange thing is that I tend to preferentially ovulate on my right side because I had endo on my left. I was happily surprised to see that my left side is working hard!

Not sure if you're interested in my other levels, but my lining was 11.4 (up from 9.8 on Sunday) and my estrogen was 742 (up from 279 on Sunday). I'm going back tomorrow and will let you know those results too.

 

[cherbear]

I meant to include the follicle sizes, but forgot! Thanks for reminding me! Here they are:

Left side - 7 follies measured plus a few small ones,
15
3@ 13
2@ 12
11

Right side - 4 follies measured plus a few small ones
2@ 13
12
10

Strange thing is that I tend to preferentially ovulate on my right side because I had endo on my left. I was happily surprised to see that my left side is working hard!

Not sure if you're interested in my other levels, but my lining was 11.4 (up from 9.8 on Sunday) and my estrogen was 742 (up from 279 on Sunday). I'm going back tomorrow and will let you know those results too.

yes, I'm interested in it ALL!!!

Those are some great little follicles you've got going there! Lining is progressing very nicely too! 11.4 is great already, so you'll have a nice cushion for those embryos to settle into! Turn on some cartoons, and they're all set

Estrogen is looking good so far. It should be 150 to 200 per mature follicle so you'll be between 1600 to 2000 when you are ready! It multiplies quick

 

[Kennywife]

Good luck!!!!!

Well, we have one ticker now. We decided to cut back and focus on all kinds of stuff right now. Plus, the assignment I wanted to do got cancelled!!!!! Grrrr! It happens.

Sooo....we are going Oct. 27-Nov. 3, same time as last year and staying at Pop. (budget cuts and all)

Gabbie

 

[cc1013]

So here's today's update (lol).....

16 measured follies, 8 on each ovary.

Left Side
17
2@ 16
15
2@ 14
12
10

Right side
17
2@ 16
2@ 13
2@ 12
10

The REs office wants to keep me on stims for an extra day to allow the follies to grow bigger, so that means the retrieval will now be on Sunday. In total, I'll be on stims for 11 days. My lining is up to 14.3 and my estrogen is at 1265 and the RE seems pleased with those levels.

The embryologist says that they have experienced more success with 3 day transfers versus 5 day, but I've asked them to discuss a 5 day for me and am waiting to hear back. They keep saying that getting the embryos in a natural environment earlier is better and 5 day transfers are generally for older women and those who want to avoid multiples. I just want to have the highest chance of success and the CDC data shows that 5 day transfers tend to be slightly more successful. We are completely fine with multiples and have expressed that, so maybe that's why they are leaning towards 3 day? They said that 5 day isn't ruled out by any means and we will see how things develop, but the 3 day transfer is more common. More to come on that I guess......

The nausea is completely gone and the abdominal pains/bloating seem to have subsided today. I did break down and take tylenol this morning as I had a raging headache and had to be in meetings for a few hours. The RE office told me that tylenol is completely fine, but I had really been trying to avoid it if at all possible.

Cheri - any sign of the witch? I'm excited for you to get started.

Elisabeth - thanks for your prayers on my symptoms! Much appreciated!

Gabbie - sorry to hear about the cancellation. I love hearing about your trip planning. Maybe I can travel to WDW vicariously through you???

Hope everyone is having a nice day!

-Christine

 

[cherbear]

So here's today's update (lol).....

16 measured follies, 8 on each ovary.

Left Side
17
2@ 16
15
2@ 14
12
10

Right side
17
2@ 16
2@ 13
2@ 12
10

The REs office wants to keep me on stims for an extra day to allow the follies to grow bigger, so that means the retrieval will now be on Sunday. In total, I'll be on stims for 11 days. My lining is up to 14.3 and my estrogen is at 1265 and the RE seems pleased with those levels.

The embryologist says that they have experienced more success with 3 day transfers versus 5 day, but I've asked them to discuss a 5 day for me and am waiting to hear back. They keep saying that getting the embryos in a natural environment earlier is better and 5 day transfers are generally for older women and those who want to avoid multiples. I just want to have the highest chance of success and the CDC data shows that 5 day transfers tend to be slightly more successful. We are completely fine with multiples and have expressed that, so maybe that's why they are leaning towards 3 day? They said that 5 day isn't ruled out by any means and we will see how things develop, but the 3 day transfer is more common. More to come on that I guess......

The nausea is completely gone and the abdominal pains/bloating seem to have subsided today. I did break down and take tylenol this morning as I had a raging headache and had to be in meetings for a few hours. The RE office told me that tylenol is completely fine, but I had really been trying to avoid it if at all possible.

Cheri - any sign of the witch? I'm excited for you to get started.

Elisabeth - thanks for your prayers on my symptoms! Much appreciated!

Gabbie - sorry to hear about the cancellation. I love hearing about your trip planning. Maybe I can travel to WDW vicariously through you???

Hope everyone is having a nice day!

-Christine

I'm so excited to see an udpate! You are progressing nicely. Not too fast, but not slow either. Just right! Be prepared to possibly see a good jump tomorrow. (or do you go in friday morning?) Have they changed your dose at all?

Beautiful lining. Great E2 number. And I totally agree with you on the 5dt. Most clinics (and I really thought it was ALL clinics, til now) like to do 5 day transfers, if enough embryos are still thriving by day 3. Sometimes all the embryos are growing steadily at day 3, but by day 5 a few drop off or slow in growth. By doing a day 5 transfer, they are able to transfer the strongest ones. If there are several embryos that look the same at day 3, there's no way for them to distinguish which ones will keep growing.

 

[ead79]

The nausea is completely gone and the abdominal pains/bloating seem to have subsided today.

That's great! I'm glad to hear you're making such great progress and now without the miserable side effects. That's a double bonus!

 

[cc1013]

I'm so excited to see an udpate! You are progressing nicely. Not too fast, but not slow either. Just right! Be prepared to possibly see a good jump tomorrow. (or do you go in friday morning?) Have they changed your dose at all?

Beautiful lining. Great E2 number. And I totally agree with you on the 5dt. Most clinics (and I really thought it was ALL clinics, til now) like to do 5 day transfers, if enough embryos are still thriving by day 3. Sometimes all the embryos are growing steadily at day 3, but by day 5 a few drop off or slow in growth. By doing a day 5 transfer, they are able to transfer the strongest ones. If there are several embryos that look the same at day 3, there's no way for them to distinguish which ones will keep growing.

No change in meds so far (Lupron 5, Follistim 150, Menopur 150). I'm going back both tomorrow morning and Friday.

I'm going to keep pushing on the 5dt to get more information. So far, I've only spoken with the nurse practitioners, but they know I'm concerned and keep insisting that a 'natural' environment is better. On the clinics website, they even talk about the benefits of a 5dt, so it seems odd to me. They said a lot will depend on how many embryos they see developing and then the embryologist and my RE will consult. My clinic used to do mostly 5 day transfers and then switched to mostly 3 day just a few years ago, which is confusing me more.

Thanks for the positive thoughts! I'll let you all know how tomorrow goes.

 

[Kennywife]

Well, AF is getting ready to show soon. I have cramps.

But that means we'll get the HSG underway and then get on to better things!

Gabbie

 

[ead79]

Well, today is CD28, so I took a HPT this morning and it was negative. So naturally I'm sad. But at least I finally ovulated this past month, so that's at least something to be thankful for for sure.

Is it possible to have a very long luteal phase? My last 3 cycles have all been 38 days, and I have no signs yet that AF is on her way, but the nurse said to take the HPT on CD28. Since Clomid made my ovulate on CD14, maybe CD28 is when I'm supposed to start AF now. But I'm not sure if it won't still wind up being later than that despite being on Clomid. Any thoughts?

 

[cherbear]

Well, today is CD28, so I took a HPT this morning and it was negative. So naturally I'm sad. But at least I finally ovulated this past month, so that's at least something to be thankful for for sure.

Is it possible to have a very long luteal phase? My last 3 cycles have all been 38 days, and I have no signs yet that AF is on her way, but the nurse said to take the HPT on CD28. Since Clomid made my ovulate on CD14, maybe CD28 is when I'm supposed to start AF now. But I'm not sure if it won't still wind up being later than that despite being on Clomid. Any thoughts?

clomid can lengthen a luteal phase if there is a LPD (luteal phase defect -- ie. short luteal phase) but other than that, I'm not sure.

 

[ead79]

clomid can lengthen a luteal phase if there is a LPD (luteal phase defect -- ie. short luteal phase) but other than that, I'm not sure.

Well, short luteal phases are definitely not my issue, LOL--quite the opposite is much more true for me. Thanks! I'll just wait to see if AF shows up, then re-test on CD38 if she hasn't by then.