TTC after 35

Taking the next step

When starting this journey of TTC I thought, even though I was 40 at the time, we would beat the odds and not have any difficulties. We've learned A LOT of the last 14 months. We tried for 7 months on our own, then went to see and RE and had all the tests done. We, my bf, the RE and I, all agreed that we'd try 2 IUI's  then reevaluate. Well we've done 2 IUI's both with BFN. So today we met with the RE to discuss IVF. And we decided to move forward with IVF on my next cycle. Our RE seemed very optimistic without being unrealistic. So it made me feel a little better about this whole process. I'm so glad my BF was there this time, I have a tendency to forget all the questions I want to ask when I'm sitting in the room. It's a big decision both emotionally and financially so I'm so glad we're both in agreement on wanting to move forward with this. As tough as this journey has been it has brought us closer together so I know we've mad the right decision.

 I'm sorry for the big long rant and I don't know what I'm asking of you ladies. But I know that some of you have been/ are going down this path and I look forward to learning more from your experiences and advice.
****Loss Mentioned***
Me: 41 Him: 41
TTC since December 2013
HSG 9/18/14 = Tubes open but T shaped uterus
IUI #1... 1/6/2015 + 50mg Clomid = BFN
IUI #2... 1/29 & 30/2015 + 50mg Clomid +Tigger +Progesterone = BFN
3/14 BFFP! Natural w/acupuncture & herbs only
EDD = 11/22/15;  No heartbeat = 7/21/15
Cooper Midnight Johnson born sleeping 7/25/2015



Lilypie Angel and Memorial tickers

Re: Taking the next step

  • You are asking for support which you will get from everyone here. Although I am not going the IVF route I will cheer you on from the sidelines.
    This is a huge step to take and I'm glad your BF is so supportive. You will need each other in the next few months.
    It's exciting and scary at the same time I'm sure. You will do great!!!!

      Me:39, DH:40

    DD born 8/96, DS born 8/04

    TTC#3

    NTNP since 2006, active trying 1/13

    Natural M/C 3/13 at 7 weeks

    CP 2/14

    Daisypath Anniversary tickers

             imageimage

    All welcome

  • emsmama15emsmama15 member
    edited March 2015
    @Teenie16 - GOOD LUCK!  We're all here rooting for you!  Even those who haven't done IVF.   :D
    *** Child & current pregnancy mentioned ***
    Me - 41 (PCOS), Hubby - 43 (healthy)
    7/2013 - Sweet baby girl born (Clomid + TI)
    3/2014 - TTC #2, return to RE 7/2014
    12/2015: IVF #1 transferred two great looking embryos - BFP!
    First ultrasound: TWO beautiful little heartbeats!!
    Harmony: negative; level 2: babies look great and are boy/girl! :) 
  • Loading the player....
  • Wishing you good luck on this leg of your journey!  I personally do not have experience with IVF so I won't be able to give you advice but I will cheer you on the whole way!
    <a href="http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/5677e2">My Ovulation Chart</a>
  • We are traveling down a similar road. Definitely cheering for you! My RE appointment is tomorrow.
  • Good luck @teenie16 ! It's a hard decision, but for us, it was a relief to have a plan. This board is great for support. I know there are a lot of IVFers on here. Good luck!

  • I just wanted to wish you well @teenie16 , sadly I am a bit of an IVF pro and would be happy to try and answer any questions you might have :)
    H: 34 dx Azoospermia due to CBAVD from CF  
    ME: 39 IS FINE!!!  DOR and poor AMH/FSH/LH
    IVF/ICSI/PESA #1 Beta 1 373 Beta 2 1783 BOY/GIRL TWINS!! Born April 2010!!
    Natural FET 5/26/12 2 blasts Beta 1 207 Beta 2 513 Beta 3 1377 U/S 6/28 Pregnancy not viable d & c scheduled :( 
    IVF/ICSI/PESA #2 ER 11/15/12 Nothing to transfer :( 
    IVF/ICSI #3 April 2013 MDLF 3dt of 3 embryos, chemical :(  
    IVF #4/ICSI/MESA/CCS/FET EPP April 2015
    ODWU CCRM with Dr. Sch COMPLETE!!!! Put on acai supplement they are studying for DOR and embryo quality.
    DAY 3 Labs Drawn 2/26 put on vitamin D and calcium supplements
    Regroup and Protocol Reveal 3/04 "Bazooka Protocol" EPP with MDLF "Protocol 6 with patches"
    ER/MESA 4/10 ER 9 eggs retrieved MESA success found live swimmers :)
    Fertilization Report 6 eggs mature and ICSI'd 4 eggs fertilized normally
    Day 6 Report to Blast for CCS 4/16: 2 DAY 5 BLASTS BIOPSIED FOR CCS a 4AB and a 3AB!!!!
    CCS Results BOTH BLASTS CCS NORMAL!!!!!!  call on 4/24
    Regroup call to discuss CCS results and FET call on 5/20
    FET prep: CD 1 6/08 CD 3 Start BCP 6/10, HSG 6/12 Lupron Start 10 iu 6/17 End BCP 6/21 CD 1 6/23!!!
    Start vivelle patches 6/25 change e/o/d reduce Lupron to 5iu 6/25 Blood Draw 7/01, 7/08, 7/15, 7/19
    Increase vivelle patches 7/03 2 change e/o/d and 7/05 change e/o/d 3 and 7/07 4 change e/o/d add vaginal estrace 2x a day
    Lining Check/Blood Draw 7/08 and 7/15 End Lupron 7/18  Start PIO 1ml daily 7/18  Blood  Draw 7/19
    Flight to clinic 7/22
    FET 2 CCS BLASTS :):)  7/23 :):) YES YES both thawed and both fully expanded :):)
    7/26 :):) 3dp5dt PM very very faint positive FRER
    7/27: 4dp5dt Neg Digi AM but very very faint positive FRER PM POSITIVE DIGI CLEARBLUE PREGNANT 1-2 :):) 
    7/31:8dp5dt AM POSITIVE DIGI CLEARBLUE PREGNANT 2-3!!!! :):) 
    Beta 1 8/01= 408!!!!!!!!!! at 9dp5dt FET
    Beta 2 8/03 = 1014!!!!!!!!!! at 11dp5dt FET
    8/05/2015 AM POSITIVE DIGI CLEARBLUE PREGNANT 3+!!!! :):) 
    First Ultrasound: 8/20!!!!!! TWINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Genetics says BOTH BOYS!!!!!!!!!
    Second Ultrasound: 9/03!!!!!!!!!!










     










  • @efhoping2010 I hope you don't mind me asking...you had twins through IVF ICSI...did your doc put in two embryos or did one split? Sorry, I was just wondering, I hope that's not too invasive of a question and if it is I'm sorry. It's just that our doc has really discouraged more than one in a transfer so I thought I'd ask.

  • @2pupsnokids - the protocol around here seems to be 2-3 for over 35.  I was reading one office here in the Twin Cities that does FIVE if you're over 40 and they're day 3 embryos.  HOLY MOLY!  I think transferring 2 at over 35 is reasonable.  Ultimately, it's your decision, right?  






    *** Child & current pregnancy mentioned ***
    Me - 41 (PCOS), Hubby - 43 (healthy)
    7/2013 - Sweet baby girl born (Clomid + TI)
    3/2014 - TTC #2, return to RE 7/2014
    12/2015: IVF #1 transferred two great looking embryos - BFP!
    First ultrasound: TWO beautiful little heartbeats!!
    Harmony: negative; level 2: babies look great and are boy/girl! :) 
  • 2pupsnokids we transferred two embryos.

    Our RE recommended it since my response to the stim meds was not as great as hoped and also because of my DH's dx.

    We have a quality issue plus it was 2009 and that was the thought then.

    Plus I think more RE's are leaning towards suggesting one embryo now that they are getting better with the whole IVF procedure.

    More RE's are also suggesting freeze all and FET later since success rates appear to be better.

    Good Luck :)

    H: 34 dx Azoospermia due to CBAVD from CF  
    ME: 39 IS FINE!!!  DOR and poor AMH/FSH/LH
    IVF/ICSI/PESA #1 Beta 1 373 Beta 2 1783 BOY/GIRL TWINS!! Born April 2010!!
    Natural FET 5/26/12 2 blasts Beta 1 207 Beta 2 513 Beta 3 1377 U/S 6/28 Pregnancy not viable d & c scheduled :( 
    IVF/ICSI/PESA #2 ER 11/15/12 Nothing to transfer :( 
    IVF/ICSI #3 April 2013 MDLF 3dt of 3 embryos, chemical :(  
    IVF #4/ICSI/MESA/CCS/FET EPP April 2015
    ODWU CCRM with Dr. Sch COMPLETE!!!! Put on acai supplement they are studying for DOR and embryo quality.
    DAY 3 Labs Drawn 2/26 put on vitamin D and calcium supplements
    Regroup and Protocol Reveal 3/04 "Bazooka Protocol" EPP with MDLF "Protocol 6 with patches"
    ER/MESA 4/10 ER 9 eggs retrieved MESA success found live swimmers :)
    Fertilization Report 6 eggs mature and ICSI'd 4 eggs fertilized normally
    Day 6 Report to Blast for CCS 4/16: 2 DAY 5 BLASTS BIOPSIED FOR CCS a 4AB and a 3AB!!!!
    CCS Results BOTH BLASTS CCS NORMAL!!!!!!  call on 4/24
    Regroup call to discuss CCS results and FET call on 5/20
    FET prep: CD 1 6/08 CD 3 Start BCP 6/10, HSG 6/12 Lupron Start 10 iu 6/17 End BCP 6/21 CD 1 6/23!!!
    Start vivelle patches 6/25 change e/o/d reduce Lupron to 5iu 6/25 Blood Draw 7/01, 7/08, 7/15, 7/19
    Increase vivelle patches 7/03 2 change e/o/d and 7/05 change e/o/d 3 and 7/07 4 change e/o/d add vaginal estrace 2x a day
    Lining Check/Blood Draw 7/08 and 7/15 End Lupron 7/18  Start PIO 1ml daily 7/18  Blood  Draw 7/19
    Flight to clinic 7/22
    FET 2 CCS BLASTS :):)  7/23 :):) YES YES both thawed and both fully expanded :):)
    7/26 :):) 3dp5dt PM very very faint positive FRER
    7/27: 4dp5dt Neg Digi AM but very very faint positive FRER PM POSITIVE DIGI CLEARBLUE PREGNANT 1-2 :):) 
    7/31:8dp5dt AM POSITIVE DIGI CLEARBLUE PREGNANT 2-3!!!! :):) 
    Beta 1 8/01= 408!!!!!!!!!! at 9dp5dt FET
    Beta 2 8/03 = 1014!!!!!!!!!! at 11dp5dt FET
    8/05/2015 AM POSITIVE DIGI CLEARBLUE PREGNANT 3+!!!! :):) 
    First Ultrasound: 8/20!!!!!! TWINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Genetics says BOTH BOYS!!!!!!!!!
    Second Ultrasound: 9/03!!!!!!!!!!










     










  • @efhoping2010 that makes sense. I was just curious. My RE is really pro 1 embryo, but every patient is different, though for under 40, he most likely would advise against it. We were really surprised, but went with his recommendation.
    @emsmama15 I guess it depends on the RE. Our NY RE discourages more than 1 bc of risks associated with multiples, which makes sense too. I know in some states, like MA, there are now laws in place that prevent the transfer of more than 1 at a time.
    If we weren't so far in at this point and I could look at IVF with a more clinical view, instead of an emotional, it's pretty cool the stuff they can do.


  • I'm afraid that I don't have any advice, but I just want to lend my support. I hope that the first IVF is the one. XO

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                 Visit The Nest!image Visit The Nest!

      "It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness." - Eleanor Roosevelt


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  • Thank all you ladies for your support. @efhoping2010 I probably will hit you up for some of your knowledge. 
    My RE was talking about putting in 2 to 3 embryos  with the hopes 1 will stick, due to my age. I thought that was normal.. I guess we do things different in LA. HAHA
    ****Loss Mentioned***
    Me: 41 Him: 41
    TTC since December 2013
    HSG 9/18/14 = Tubes open but T shaped uterus
    IUI #1... 1/6/2015 + 50mg Clomid = BFN
    IUI #2... 1/29 & 30/2015 + 50mg Clomid +Tigger +Progesterone = BFN
    3/14 BFFP! Natural w/acupuncture & herbs only
    EDD = 11/22/15;  No heartbeat = 7/21/15
    Cooper Midnight Johnson born sleeping 7/25/2015



    Lilypie Angel and Memorial tickers
  • @Teenie16It is a really tough decision. Glad you have a good RE and partner through it. We might be pretty close in our timing. I am CD1 today of what will be our ivf cycle. I am going on bcp's so we can time it better with my work schedule - so baseline ultrasound and the real start will be March 26th. I thought we would beat the odds too (have a good history in my family), but alas here we are.... fingers crossed for us both that it will work!! and not be too stressful...

    Regarding the transfer of embryo's, the center i am at will transfer 3-5 day 3 embryos and 2-3 day 5 if no genetic testing (i am sure its less if you are younger). A lot higher than what everyone has mentioned so far, but I have a lot of confidence in their ability to predict. They really emphasize that their goal is one healthy baby. They have had zero triplets or greater in the last few years and their percentage of twins is lower than the national average and really quite low for my age range. 
    Me (42) w/ partner for 16+ years
    TTC #1: 11/2012 - 9/2013; 6/2014 - present
    Follistim + TI (3x): All BFNs
    Follistim + IUI (1x): BFN 
    IVF #1: 17 retrieved,15 fertilized, Day 3: 15, Day 5/6: 3 biopsied
    Result; 1 frozen blast (inconclusive PGS results)
    IVF #2; ER: 6/22 16 retrieved, 6/25: 5 transferred (CP), 2 frozen
    FET 9/17: BFN
    Current FET -- Transferred 2 day-3 embryos - BFN

  • I agree it really depends if there is genetic testing on the embryos or not.  My new RE will transfer a max of 2 CCS normal embryos if over 35 and usually only 1 CCS normal if under 35 but it depends on circumstances.

    Without genetic testing my old IVF clinic with me wanted to transfer anything viable at day 3.

    I have transferred as many as 3 embryos at day 3 and had a chemical pregnancy so numbers are not everything.


    H: 34 dx Azoospermia due to CBAVD from CF  
    ME: 39 IS FINE!!!  DOR and poor AMH/FSH/LH
    IVF/ICSI/PESA #1 Beta 1 373 Beta 2 1783 BOY/GIRL TWINS!! Born April 2010!!
    Natural FET 5/26/12 2 blasts Beta 1 207 Beta 2 513 Beta 3 1377 U/S 6/28 Pregnancy not viable d & c scheduled :( 
    IVF/ICSI/PESA #2 ER 11/15/12 Nothing to transfer :( 
    IVF/ICSI #3 April 2013 MDLF 3dt of 3 embryos, chemical :(  
    IVF #4/ICSI/MESA/CCS/FET EPP April 2015
    ODWU CCRM with Dr. Sch COMPLETE!!!! Put on acai supplement they are studying for DOR and embryo quality.
    DAY 3 Labs Drawn 2/26 put on vitamin D and calcium supplements
    Regroup and Protocol Reveal 3/04 "Bazooka Protocol" EPP with MDLF "Protocol 6 with patches"
    ER/MESA 4/10 ER 9 eggs retrieved MESA success found live swimmers :)
    Fertilization Report 6 eggs mature and ICSI'd 4 eggs fertilized normally
    Day 6 Report to Blast for CCS 4/16: 2 DAY 5 BLASTS BIOPSIED FOR CCS a 4AB and a 3AB!!!!
    CCS Results BOTH BLASTS CCS NORMAL!!!!!!  call on 4/24
    Regroup call to discuss CCS results and FET call on 5/20
    FET prep: CD 1 6/08 CD 3 Start BCP 6/10, HSG 6/12 Lupron Start 10 iu 6/17 End BCP 6/21 CD 1 6/23!!!
    Start vivelle patches 6/25 change e/o/d reduce Lupron to 5iu 6/25 Blood Draw 7/01, 7/08, 7/15, 7/19
    Increase vivelle patches 7/03 2 change e/o/d and 7/05 change e/o/d 3 and 7/07 4 change e/o/d add vaginal estrace 2x a day
    Lining Check/Blood Draw 7/08 and 7/15 End Lupron 7/18  Start PIO 1ml daily 7/18  Blood  Draw 7/19
    Flight to clinic 7/22
    FET 2 CCS BLASTS :):)  7/23 :):) YES YES both thawed and both fully expanded :):)
    7/26 :):) 3dp5dt PM very very faint positive FRER
    7/27: 4dp5dt Neg Digi AM but very very faint positive FRER PM POSITIVE DIGI CLEARBLUE PREGNANT 1-2 :):) 
    7/31:8dp5dt AM POSITIVE DIGI CLEARBLUE PREGNANT 2-3!!!! :):) 
    Beta 1 8/01= 408!!!!!!!!!! at 9dp5dt FET
    Beta 2 8/03 = 1014!!!!!!!!!! at 11dp5dt FET
    8/05/2015 AM POSITIVE DIGI CLEARBLUE PREGNANT 3+!!!! :):) 
    First Ultrasound: 8/20!!!!!! TWINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Genetics says BOTH BOYS!!!!!!!!!
    Second Ultrasound: 9/03!!!!!!!!!!










     










  • I'm here to support and cheer you on every step! I've been through multiple IVF cycles so if you have any questions at all let me know! it is a tough decision, but I'm so happy you and your partner are on the same page. that is definitely one of the most important parts to this. best of luck, hoping and wishing for you.
  • @Teenie16 I just realized you're in LA. which clinic are you using? I'm in kansas but fly to LA for all my treatments. I will be there next weekend in fact. I go to Dr. Wilcox at HRC Pasadena.
  • I also just want to send some support your way and wish you the best of luck!! ;)
    Me: 38 ~  DH: 38 ~   DD: 8
    TTC #2 since March/April 2014.
     
     
  • I think it's wonderful your BF supports this decision.  I wish my DH was willing to go to the extreme to make this happen.  I am looking forward to your updates as you begin your IVF journey.  It is very exciting and I understand it can be very taxing so when you do need support, you will find it here!

    Good luck!!
    **child mentioned**
    Me(38)PCOS/Hypothyroid   DH(43)Low T/ED
    MMC at 10 weeks 03/2011 DD born 01/2012   TTC #2 since 04/2014
    BFP 8/26/2016


  • @beingr I go to Dr. Barak at LA IVF Clinic. He has offices in Pasadena and West LA. That's such a long journey for you for treatment. How did you find and choose that office?

    You ladies are so wonderful! I knew before this post how supportive you all are but this just reinforces that to me. I didn't mean for my original post to sound needy, it was more just to get it all off my chest. . Sometimes is seems more real once you say it out loud.. Thank you all again. For those of you with experience, I thank you in advance for your insight and I'm sure I will have more questions as we move along.

    BIG HUGS to you all
    >:D<
    ****Loss Mentioned***
    Me: 41 Him: 41
    TTC since December 2013
    HSG 9/18/14 = Tubes open but T shaped uterus
    IUI #1... 1/6/2015 + 50mg Clomid = BFN
    IUI #2... 1/29 & 30/2015 + 50mg Clomid +Tigger +Progesterone = BFN
    3/14 BFFP! Natural w/acupuncture & herbs only
    EDD = 11/22/15;  No heartbeat = 7/21/15
    Cooper Midnight Johnson born sleeping 7/25/2015



    Lilypie Angel and Memorial tickers
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