Hey ladies!! So I wanted to start a convo with you all in reference to starting a group for the ivf veterans.
@Carol77B had mentioned starting a group on the hanging onto a dream group.
We would like to do a checkin twice a week for ladies who have done more than 1 ivf cycle and are actively cycling. If they are in-between cycles they can join the Hanging onto a Dream. If you want to join the veterans group along with the monthly group then have at it.
The whole point is at times it's hard to remain chipper and keep a sunshiny attitude with the multiple cycles we have done or losses we have suffered. Having the newbies, as much as we love their positivity, sometimes it's a hard pill to swallow.
Anyway
@Carol77B and I are willing to head up the checkins. Please let us know who's interested and if we have any good names out there. Some that were thought of were "been there done that" "super IVFer's" or "super infertile". And of course we will need a badge.
Let us know your thoughts!
SIGGY WARNING//TICKER WARNING//PAIF
Long of the Short:
TTC since April 2013 DH 42 y/o I'm 30 Dh had vasectomy reversal Feb 2013 after 3 months developed scar tissue
First Re appt was September 2013 OOP for everything minus meds
DH's TESE surgery December 2013
First cycle was February 2014 BFN none to freeze
Second cycle was April 2014 BFP ending in Chemical Pregnancy none to freeze
Third cycle June 2014 BFN none to freez
Fourth cycle October 30th 28 retrieved, 13 mature and 12 fertilized
PICSI, assisted hatching and fresh sperm from my DH's TESE surgery used
5 FROZEN from a freeze all cycle!
FET completed on DECEMBER 9TH!!!
Beta #1 13dp5dt BFP!! 800
Beta #2 15dp5dt 2100
Beta #3 17dp5dt 3600
First Scan January 5th! Everything looks great! Heart rate of 121!
Second Scan January 20th. Baby Justone13 looks amazing. Heart rate of 175!
Baby Girl is due August 27th
Liv Annmarie born 8/25 7lbs 6oz 21 1/2 inches long
Re: IVF Veteran Group idea
I'm interested in this conversation because I would have loved a group like this. There are two problems with the way the IVF board currently operates that would make this group useful. First, they want people who have been on this board for six months, regardless of how long they've been struggling with IF. I didn't join this forum until IVF #1 had miscarried, so this was hard for me. I think lots of people join up after they've been through the wringer for a while. Second, they discourage people from joining the board right before they start a cycle. Both of these things make sense to me from what the IFV board is trying to accomplish, but it leaves some people out in the cold. I didn't join a cycle group for my last FET because the one running was almost exclusively first time IVF ladies, and their enthusiasm and optimism was just too much for me.
It is weird, as the IFV board would be perfect for some people, but others to whom the term "veterans" definitely applies are not welcome. As I said, I'm not complaining about how they've structured the board, I'm just pointing out who gets excluded.
***Losses mentioned.*** TTC #1 since May 2012. Me: 37, OH: 41. Ectopic August 2012 => tubal damage.
I post on IFV and there are some general guidelines to posting there. First, you must have a 6+ history on the IF board, so if you did 2 cycles back to back you could have multiple failed cycles and not meet the history requirement for IFV. Also IFV asks that people not intro if they are currently cycling (this is to avoid drive by members, even if it is an unintentional drive by). So if you have failed a couple of cycles and are going straight into another cycle, you really shouldn't intro there. I thought about introing on IFV after IVF #3 failed, but we ended up going straight into a donor embryo cycle, I did intro after that cycle failed and we were benched waiting for testing with Dr. KK.
I think it's a great idea to have an experienced IVF check-in, just because there are some unique emotions that you deal with cycling after a failed cycle (or a few failed cycles) and sometimes it can be hard to join cycle groups and feel like you are constantly left behind, or to feel like you are the debbie downer because you just don't have the same optimistic attitude that you had during your first IVF cycle.
I do encourage people with failed cycles to participate in the monthly check-in groups as well, if you can. Having been through IVF, you have a lot experience that could help others who are doing their first IVF. I know I learned a lot from others in my cycle group check-ins and I do enjoy passing on the knowledge that I have gained from 4 IVF/FET cycles.
TTC #1 since August 2011
My Blog
September 2012: Start IF testing
DH (32): SA is ok, slightly low morph, normal SCSA Me (32): Slightly low progesterone, hostile CM, carrier for CF, Moderately high NKC, High TNFa, heterozyogous mutated Factor XIII, and +APA
October 2012-May 2014: 4 failed IUIs, 3 failed IVFs, and 1 failed FETw/donor embryos
November 2014: IVF w/ICSI #4 Agonist/Antagonist with EPP and Prednisone, Baby Aspirin, Lovenox, and IVIG for immune issues. Converted to freeze all due to lining issues. 2 blasts frozen on day 6!
January 2015: FET #2 Cancelled due to lining issues
April 2015: FET #2.1
PAIF/SAIF Welcome!
Official diagnosis: Unexplained IF. I am 32. I have low ovarian reserve (low AMH), and poor egg quality. I've also been diagnosed with mild glandular developmental arrest (lining problems, detected with EFT).
We are using open ID donor sperm. IUIs #1-7=BFN. IVF September 2014 antagonist protocol, 8R,5M,3F, 5 day transfer of 1 morula = BFN. IVF#2 planned for January 2015 (antagonist protocol + HGH).
@NariaDreaming Hey lady!! Yes that is exactly what I thought the ifv group was too. But as the other ladies already pointed out we would be excluded again. They don't really want anyone who is actively cycling which bumps me out and back with the newbies.
@pblge hey chick hey!!! Missing you over here! Yes I think it would create a safe place for ladies that have been through it before and just lost the sunshine and rainbows.
Thanks for the support for this group. Anyone else want to voice their thoughts?
Me: 30 DW (aka C): 29
Together since 2/15/11 ~ Legally married in NY on 9/29/12
***CP mentioned***
We've been working on baby #1 since July 2013 using Open ID donor sperm. 8 IUI attempts with 5 actual IUIs and one chemical pregnancy. We have one fresh IVF cycle under our belts as well as a FET. I have endometriosis and a uterine septum that was corrected via surgery in November 2013.
11/14/14 - Second HSG shows that tubes are still clear and ute is looking good.
12/6/14 - Started BCPs in prep for IVF #2
12/22/14 - Saline u/s and endometrial scratch (All was clear and OUCH!)
1/2/15 - Began stimming for IVF #2
****All Welcome!****
We are Mommas to four fur babies - 3 dogs and 1 cat.
Speaking for myself, I'm having a hard time connecting with the Infertility board, right now. I love the women and the support I have gotten, but I would like a "safe" place to bitch about what I'm dealing with having to go through IVF#4 without worrying that I'm freaking out everyone going through IVF#1.
***************************Loss Mentioned***************************
Me 37 y/o, DH 45 y/o; DH vasectomy reversal (his 2nd marriage) 11/8/12; TTC since 12/8/12. IVF due to MFI. DOR diagnosis April 2015.
IVF #1 BCPs/Antagonist w/ICSI Jan 2014 = BFN
IVF #2 MDL w/PICSI March 2014 = BFN
IVF #3 EPP/Antagonist w/PICSI May/June 2014 = BFP!; MMC 6w4d
IVF #4 No suppression/Antagonist Nov 2014/Converted to IUI #1 = BFNIVF #4.1 Feb 2015 = cancelled
IVF #4.2 April 2015 - Lupron Stop Protocol with ICSI = PGD testing of embryo indicated it was abnormal
IVF #5 June 2015 EPP with Antagonist
I would like to give a little input as one of the original IF Vets. One that feels left behind, even by other Vets. Why can we not change the rules for the IF Vets board? It is a DEAD board. People rarely post there. I think changing the definition a little bit will increase the activity on the board. Why not do a survey and re-define the IFVets board criteria?
**Just a side thought and my opinion from someone who has attempted IVF 5 times, in addition to a failed DE IVF. One failed IVF cycle does not equal "super Infertile"
::: Married June 2003:::

TTC #1 since: Aug. 2008
Me: 34, DOR, MTHFR-A1298C (heterozygous), decreased blood flow to uterus, Mild Endo
DH: 38, Balanced translocation 5&10, unexplained MFI, normal SA and SCSA
Tx History: IUI 1&2= BFN
IVF# 1 W/ICSI= BFN
IVF# 2: cancelled d/t no response
IVF# 3= 1 egg retrieved=immature/not viable
IVF# 4= c/p
***CCRM ODWU***
Found DHs BT and Me-decreased blood flow to uterus
Recommended DE IVF w/PGD, incorporate electro-acupuncture. Decided to cycle locally
***New RE***
DE IVF# 1(cycle #6) w/pgd, (freeze all): 30R, 23M, 15F, slow/poor embryo development, 4 biopsied, 1 Normal "Norm"; DE IVF w/PGD, incorporate electro-acupuncture.
IVF# 6: (OE/DS) cancelled
IVF# 7: (OE/DS) 1R, 1M, 1F, arrested day 5
Plan-DE IVF# 2 (cycle #8): DE/DS in May 2015
http://icanhazbabyz.blogspot.com/
*****PAIF
I agree! I hope it doesn't upset anyone but I think it would be good to run a poll and see what other vets think.
Me & DH (33), 3 Furbabies, TTC since October 2011
Day 3 #’s (Dec 2012) FSH 9, AMH .77, LH 2.4, E2 31, AFC 9
DX: Me-DOR + No Tubes, DH-Fine
Ectopic 2007; lost tube/2nd tube removed Dec 2011 (hydro)
April 2012=IVF#1- EPP Antag+ICSI, 2R,0F (BFN), Now dx’d with DOR.
June-July 2012=IVF#2- MDL+ICSI&AH, 8R,4M,3F (BFP 9dp3dt) Beta#1 at 11dp3dt=36, Beta#2 at 15dp3dt=156, Beta#3 at 19dp3dt=671, dx'd with SCH, no growth-m/c at 7wks/Lap Dec 2012 to remove small fibroid.
Feb 2013=IVF#3-MDL, 2/1=baseline, started 10 units mdl, AFC-7, 2/3 start gonal f, self cxld cycle b/c of low e2.
April 2013=IVF#3.5-(with new RE)AG/ANT Conv + ICSI. 4/10-4/23 bcp's, 4/20-4/27 lupron, 4/28-ganirelix until end of stimming, 5/2-600 gonal f, 5/4-add 1/2 vial menopur, 5/13-ER (9R,1M,1F), 5/17-ET, 1 beautiful 8 cell (please be my sticky baby!!!!) 5/28-BFFN.
Oct 2013=IVF#4-LLP+ICSI &AH, 10/14 (6R, 2M, 2F), 10/17-ET, 1 seven cell & a six cell, BFP at 9dp3dt, 1st beta=56, 2nd beta=52, CP.
Jan 2014=IVF #5-LLP, Cxld after 6 days of stims due to fast response and lead follicle.
March 2014=IVF 5.5-LLP, Lupron 3/10, BL 3/18, 11 days of stims, Trigger 3/29, ER 3/31. 7R, 2M, 2F. ET 4/3. Txfd one 5 cell & one 9 cell. BFP on hpt from 7dp3dt & on. Praise be to God. Beta #1 at 11dp3dt=106, #2 at 13dp3dt=239. First u/s 4/28, measuring on track & heartbeat seen. 5/5-2nd u/s, measuring on track with strong heartbeat. 5/12- 3rd u/s & released from RE. Grow baby grow, we love you! Baby G&T is a BOY! Born 12/2014 via c/s! 8lbs, 8oz & 21 inches.
*******Ticker Warning**********
"God's Delay is not God's Denial"
Personally I like the if vets board as is. I like the rule of not joining during a cycle because it is not inspirational when someone just joins and then posts sqeeee I'm pregnant and then never post again. The purpose of the board is we make connections that last longer than a pregnancy announcement.
I'm sorry if I sound bitter. I'm just pointing out why vets have the rules we do
TTC#1 since April 2011
IVF#1 July 2012 5R, 3 made it to blast, sET c/p
FET#1 Aug 2012 2 blasts transferred BFN
IVF#2 Oct 2012
16R/6M/6F/2-8 cell grade 1 transfer
Beta 1-237.9, Beta 2-566, Beta 3-8657
US 6w3d shows one baby w/ HB 115
US 7w1d no more heartbeat/ D&C 11/30/12 normal karyotype
IVF#3 Mar 2013
6R/4M/4F 1 compacting and 2-8 cell transfer
ectopic pg MTX given 3 month break from TTC
IVF#4 Sept 2013--BFN


http://i61.tinypic.com/34zll06IVF#5-7 Apr 2014, Jun 2014 and Aug 2014 banking embryos for CCS testing. Praying for normals!
AFM, I love the idea of an IVF vets check-in on the IF board. I agree that one failed IVF cycle does not make you a veteran the same way that 3-4 failed cycles do... Not that I'm saying my first failed IVF was any easier than the others. As a matter of fact, I was probably just as if not more depressed after #1 compared to #2 & #3. I guess the difference between my first fail and the other two is that after #1, I still had reason to hope. After #2 & #3, there was no hope for a long time. It was unbearable around here for me for months.
I have been participating on IFV for several weeks (months??) now. It is quite a bit slower on that board as @mm29 pointed out, but I can understand why. What is there really to talk about when you're not cycling? I joined when I was on the bench for an undetermined amount of time... I just wanted to forget about the pain, so I stopped coming on TB as regularly. I feel that the post volume on IFV is just right. The Friday thread is enough chit chat to say hi to the girls, when someone has news, they make a post. What else is there? I mean, can we liven it up a little more with non-IFV related topics? Sure! I think that'd be fun. But that means someone needs to take the initiative and step up. I don't know about you, but I'm swamped. I am busy at work, busy like crazy with my DE+KK cycle, and busy trying to keep the Team FUIF & TPR check-ins running. I am grateful for what is there, and would definitely participate if there was more, but I can't take on any more responsibility right now.
As far as this thread goes, like I said, I think it's great! I would check-in on both threads (here & November Tiny Turkeys). I think the key would be to keep it simple. Keep a list of the participants and a brief status update, encourage chit chat with a QOTD. It may or may not have to be related to the challenges of being a 'vet' of IVF.
Names? BTDT is still on the top of my list. Some other names that come to mind are Experienced IVFers (not creative, but descriptive), Don't Stop Believing, Can't Stop Won't Stop, Never Give Up, etc, etc.
So ladies would we rather do a 2+ cycle? Keep it at 1+? Thought from those who will be participating?
Should we do a poll??
@tabbytown I'm thinking we can use it for veterans too along with cycling ladies to check in. I don't know if we would have enough ladies just to do currently cycling.