Intro from a long time TTCALer (older child mentioned, prior losses mentioned)

anitaflora

Hi ladies!

I hope it's okay if I join you over here. I have one 4 year old son and have been trying for a second child since Dec 2011. Since that time we've gone through 6 losses, all very early.

I've been to two REs, the first in Feb 2013 who advised even though all my other blood tests were all normal range, my AMH (less than .16) and my age (41 this May) meant that trying IVF wasn't going to be adviseable.

We kept trying and had another loss and a longer stretch without any BFP. So I saw a new RE this past November and he reran my tests and to my happy suprise my AMH went up to .76. I think due to either the vitamin D or COQ10 supplements I was taking even though both REs advised they had no proof that either would have any impact.

The new RE advised that based on my overall egg score we could give IVF with my own eggs a try. We also were able to purchase private health insurance that will cover treatment which wasn't a possibility for us until this year. I know that the chances are extremely low given my age and history. But I am so very grateful that we are able to start this journey and trying to remain hopeful but realistic.

I expect to be starting birth control pills tomorrow. The protocol that was written shows after day 14 and then initial monitoring, I'll be taking AM- Gonal F MD 300 IU; PM – Gonal F MD 150IU and Menopur 150 IU. I have no idea about whether this is very high (my guess is it might be?). I also am still trying to learn the lingo in terms of how protocols are referred to on the board here.

I have my injection class on 2/18. Since I've never had any medical intervention of any kind I am pretty scared. Especially about the injections (I hate hate hate needles - but more so getting blood drawn than injecting) and what side effects there are going to be.

I am really looking forward to joining you all on this side and learning about this process! I saw a couple threads for newbie advice which was very helpful, but if there is any additional advice anyone has for jumping from zero intervention straight into IVF or any comments or advice about the specific meds and dosage and what to expect, please let me know!

Thanks for reading!

RunCC37

Hi and welcome! It can all be overwhelming, especially at first, but just take it one step at a time. I recommend that you check out the March group once it gets going, and get to know the ladies who are going through IVF at the same time as you

STBMrsMiller

Hello! Welcome, and thank you for posting the warnings. Those dosages sound like the maximums my RE advises, and what I've tried for my past two cycles. The worst side effects for me have been bloating, irritability, and breakouts.

anitaflora

Thank you so much for the encouragement and info and advice. Once things get going a little bit I will definitely join in on the March check in.

And thank you @STBMrsMiller for the info regarding dosage and side effects. I know everyone is different but it makes me feel a little better that hopefully the side effects might not be too bad.

Thanks again.

ronniesgirl1981

March will be my first IVF cycle as well,so I don't have any advice to offer. Just wanted to say welcome and good luck!

jbasore1123

Welcome to the board. IVF can be terrifying, but can also be so worth it. I hope this first cycle brings you your rainbow

tptbabe

Welcome! I hope your stay here is short!

katib77

:::::waves hi to anitaflora:::::
Hey sweetie. The ladies over here are great. I know needles can be scary at first but you'll be a pro soon. So exciting that you're starting soon. Let me know any questions you have along the way. S/e for me were mainly bloating from all the follies. Good luck!

CallaLily30

Hi love!  I'm sorry you have to join us over on this side. 

I was super scared of the needles too but there aren't nearly as bad as they seem.