March / April - IVF/FET

yelllow22

Thanks for the good wishes! Best of luck to you too @BingALing23
Waiting to go in, cramping a lot but excited!

oxinfree

Good luck at ER today @BingALing23 @yellow22 - sending you both massively positive vibes. Let us know how it goes!!!

@mummysmomma - wow you're going to be pupo so soon! How exciting!!!

@Tulips29 - hoping your little follicles are growing even steadier on the upped dosage. How you feeling?

Tulips29

@BingALing23 @yelllow22 good luck today ladies! Fx for you and lots of good quality eggs! 

@lilsweetheart115 I didn't start ganirelix yet. I asked the nurse yesterday when I get to take it and she said closer to the ER. The clinic ordered 4 of them for me, so I wonder how many I'll need to take and when since supposedly I have only 4-5 days of injections left. I'm thinking they might have ordered extra for me for the next cycle if this one doesn't work...or I'll just keep injecting longer based on current response. I hate this unpredictability. Especially since I'd like to request a sick day for the day of my ER and ask to work from home the next day so I can work from the couch. My boss doesn't know what I'm going through so I'm thinking to just tell him on Friday after my appt that I have a procedure coming up next week and will need to take a sick day but I just don't know what day it will be yet. I hope he understands and doesn't questions if I'm ok. How was ganirelix for you last night? 

@oxinfree I'm sorry you're feel down about losing follicles. It does only take 1. A friend of mine shared with me that she had 30 eggs retrieved, half fertilized and then by the time she had her transfer, only 1 survived and she had the baby as a result of that 1 egg. It makes me very hopeful, so don't feel down and just keep thinking positive thoughts! I'm feeling good, injections aren't as bad even with today's increased dosage of gonal f. I just keep thinking weird thoughts that maybe I'm not injecting in the right spot or the right way since my follies are growing so slowly. I described my process to the nurse and she said I'm fine. I did it exactly as on the videos the clinic sent me, but I constantly worry that I'm doing something wrong. Especially since the IUI injections were so different, I was thinking for IVF it'd be a lot worse. It's actually easier to me and the needles are way smaller. 

Drove2u

Everyone at work now is ooohing and aahing over my assistants ultrasound pics. Just keep smiling right? So unfair. I want my own US pics to show off. 

vssbrm

@drove2u I'm sorry you have to sit there with that going on. Not fun. 

Tulips29

@Drove2u ugh, that's the worst, I'm sorry you have to sit through that. 

dragonfaerie

@Tulips29 I think I only took two (maybe three) shots of Ganirelix, and they ordered me five. 
@oxinfree Praying for encouragement for you! Think happy thoughts and rub your belly for good luck!

oxinfree

@Tulips29 I absolutely agree that it only takes 1. Unfortunately this is our third go around and my optimism wanes. We've transferred 4 embryos to date and nothing has stuck. Today I go for intralipid infusion and I'm hoping that's my golden ticket. Time will tell. I'm also doing acupuncture throughout this time and much better on my diet so hoping all these factors combined provide for a positive outcome. It's just harder some days than others, and its hard to see numbers drop. 
I totally get what you mean with injecting and worrying about doing it right. I'm so paranoid that I alternate sides each night (ie. gonal f on left, menopur on right, then switch and do the opposite the next night). No clue if that's a good idea, but it's what I do haha). Glad to hear this is somehow easier than IUI injections. Yay for that!

@Drove2u - ugh ugh UGH. Just ugh all around. Ugh. We should just start bringing in our embryo pictures, or maybe ask for follicle pictures and really make people uncomfortable haha. Big hugs. xx

Rachnan

@bingaling23 @yelllow22Good luck today ladies!

jenn6782

@BingALing23 @yelllow22 good luck today!!!

thucks

Good luck to everyone that is going in for ER today. 
My face book "on this day" post sparked up some really strange emotions today. In 2012 today we were just about over our 2ww for our very first IUI. Then in 2014 on this day we made a trip to Indianapolis (2hrs away) to make a very hard decision to dispose of 3 Grade 4AA embryo's. Since we had our twins we swore we would never do this again and we were content. Well here it is 2016 and I just gave myself my first round of shots for baby #3. Kinda strange how life works.
I give kutos to your husbands for doing the shots for you. When we started my DH tried to do it and just couldn't he bruised me so bad and would freak out about it so I have pretty much always gave my own shots and I kinda prefer it that way. My poor DH is basically the driver and sperm donor at my appointments when he is needed. This all makes him a mess he even blacked out during one appointment. lol 
Shots weren't bad this morning it is kinda like riding a bike. I totally forgot how much menopur stung though. I love the Folli pen didn't bother me one bit. But I feel miserable today like I need sweat pants AF finally showed up wich is perfectly fine and then my shots to top it off.

oxinfree

@thucks - sorry that walking down memory lane drudged up some emotions for you today. Not surprising.. must of been a tough decision and reflecting on it is hard I'm sure. Hugs. 
Yay for starting injections. Totally like riding a bike! But yes, you and me both forgot about the stinging menopur. I do have to say, I do it slowly and ice a bit beforehand, and its no biggie anymore. Hope it gets easier and easier for you. 
ps. I'm living in my sweatpants these days. I'm so bloated I can't fit into any of my jeans, and leggings just dig in because of the elastic waist. Gosh I'm sexy haha.

Tulips29

@oxinfree what is intralipid infusion? I haven't heard of that, but whatever it is, I pray it's your golden ticket as well! 

milanjayla

@Drove2u sorry you are having to be around that. I have two baby showers pending...one dh's best friends wife and the other his cousin. He knows There is a possibility I won't go. 
AFM- just got our call from the lab! We have six frosties! I'm so excited about that! She said that they are all good quality and are b and above. I hope we won't need them for awhile but it's great to know they are there. 

thucks

@oxinfree it's funny how life expectations of a sexy women completely differ from reality. The things we do for children or to try and have children. Sweat pants are a blessing but not the most sexy things we can wear lol 

oxinfree

indeed @thucks - though I keep trying to convince my husband I'm rocking the bloated look he's pretending he's into it haha

@Tulips29 - Intralipid is a 20% fat emulsion that is administered routinely by IV as a source of fat and energy. It is thought to help implantation for those with elevated NK cells and endometriosis. 

Tulips29

@oxinfree oh, interesting. I truly hope it helps you!

What is everyone doing to help with their cycles? I was on a strict diet before to lose some weight but realized it's not good during this process so I am eating normally now and getting as many nutrients as possible. I heard anything fat free is bad as well, so I gave that up. I saw another thread where others are completely switching up their beauty products. I only use paraben free stuff. Any other tips? What else are you doing that helps? I want to maximize success as much as possible. 

BingALing23

I'm home resting. They got 14 eggs. Will get an update in the morning.

@Drove2u Such a horrible feeling trying to put on a good face! Although @oxinfree's idea is a good one!

yelllow22

30 eggs retrieved ! No wonder my cramping was out of control. Feeling fine now, sleepy , I still have pain meds in my system from the IV and took a Tylenol 3. Lots of rest and Netflix
@BingALing23 Glad to did good too, Fx for great news tomorrow!

thucks

@Tulips29 I don't know that there is any specific thing you can eat or do to help the process. I have always been told to cut my caffeine intake and watch what I eat but don't "diet". My very first round I was strict on myself I stayed away from fast foods I did no caffeine and no alcohol and drank Gatorade and ate pineapple lol. I took the week after transfer off and was basically bed rest. I got a BFN. My second round I didn't watch anything that I ate I was trashed for my birthday 2 days before I started stims and at one point drank a monster I only took the day after transfer off and I got a BFP like twins. 

dragonfaerie

@yelllow22 and @BingALing23 Awesome ladies! 

thucks

@yellow22 and @BingALing23  Those are some awesome numbers!!! FX for great calls tomorrow. 

Tulips29

@yelllow22 @BingALing23 wow, great numbers ladies! Looking forward to your updates tomorrow

@thucks lol well then, I should just have that ice cream I've been craving! I'm trying to be good with food and only have 1 cup of tea per day. I can't function otherwise. I see a lot of ladies are doing acupuncture here, but my insurance doesn't cover it and I just don't want to shell out extra $$$ for it when this process is expensive as is. 

dragonfaerie

@Tulips29 Everything in moderation! I all but cut out caffeine during my stim cycle, but there were days I just had to have a cup! And I think I said this before, but my nurse said she'd rather me have a glass of wine and relax then be stressed out a ton, as long as I didn't go crazy drinking. I tried acupuncture but it was too expensive for me to really relax and get the benefit, so I quit. 

Tulips29

@dragonfaerie I agree with you about moderation. It's funny, every time I see my parents, my mom offers me a glass of wine. I have to keep reminding her that I'm not drinking at the moment due to stims. But I'm so tempted to say yes, I'd love a glass! 

BingALing23

@yellow22 30!!! That's amazing!!! So happy for you! Hope you're recovering well!

Drove2u

Lol you guys. My husband just had shoulder surgery two weeks ago and got pics of close ups of his muscles being operated on which he hung on the fridge and said "look it's our first ultrasound" I just gave him a look. Sorry buddy. Not even close. Hahah 
girls those are some amazing numbers. Wow!! 30 eggs??? That's great!! My phone doesn't let me tag for some reason. So annoying. But I'm reading everyone's posts and my fingers are crossed for you. 
My bday is on Monday. Turning 35. Not too psyched especially since I don't have any children at this point yet. But I'm going out with friends Friday and so drinking a bottle of wine. AF is expected on Tuesday so this is my last weekend to really enjoy myself. Starting stims on CD2 or 3. 

dragonfaerie

@Drove2u Happy birthday! Live it up, girl!

vssbrm

@drive2u happy early birthday and enjoy that bottle of wine. I had my bottle a few weekends ago.

@dragonfaerie and @Tulips29 I think moderation is key! I have not had wine in a few weeks, but I agree, a few sips to relax can't be the worst thing. I would just stick to a nice red and not an overly sugary white. As for acupuncture, I have found that it does amazing things for my anxiety. It is expensive and I probably won't do it much longer than after a week or so after the transfer but if I were rich I would go evrryday. 

@thucks it is funny how things work out like that! 

@yelllow22 30 eggs!! Wow! Fx for awesome fertilization rates!

@BingAling23 14 is awesome too! Fx for a high fertilization rate and healthy embabies!!

afm: I go in for the Lupron depot shot tomorrow morning first thing. I should not have looked at the needle, it is scary. I am not sure why they administer this one when we have done all the other shots. 
We are starting out the transfer cycle the same way as the retrieval - with a death in the family. The visitation is tonight. 

dragonfaerie

@vssbrm I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Hugs!

Tulips29

@vssbrm oh no, I'm sorry about your loss. XX

Rachnan

@Bingaling23 @yelllow22 Congrats to both of you, great numbers!

BingALing23

@vssbrm first- I am so sorry that you're dealing with a death in the middle of all of this. Second...my trigger needle was BIG, but I actually didn't  really feel it...though that may be because I've got some extra cushion back there GL with your shot!

@Drove2u My birthday is Sunday...but I'll be 39  Happy early birthday! And enjoy your last hoorah for awhile!

Foxy8609

Hey all, Looks like everyone is getting some good numbers! Ive just been creeping all week. I felt very swollen and had a lot of pain since monday. Today it finally went away though. It worried me because last time it was only 2 days after retreival that I felt crumby but that I associated with constipation. 

Tomorrow we get to find out if we have an embabies to freeze. I am so nervous this time. 

BingALing23

@Foxy8609 FX for good news for you tomorrow! 

lilsweetheart115

@vssbrm yes! They never really mentioned it to us but this nurse told me this time bc she was giving me medicine someone donated. So she was just showing me how much there was and that there were two partial vials and to make sure we use it all. It's an extra poke which is a bummer but you won't waste money. Keep them after in case need them or someone else does. Let your hubby know that you know of someone's nurse who said to make sure to use it. If you don't need it then that's good less pokes. We just had to use the older meds first before the new stuff we ordered. So sorry for your loss! Hope your shot goes well in the morning.
@Tulips29 they are probably looking at your labs and follicles and deciding from all of that when you're ready for ganirelix. They don't want you to ovulate too soon so if your levels start showing you may ovulate they'll prob have you take it to make sure you don't ovulate before eggs are ready. Also I think it's supposed to slow down your bigger follicles so the smaller ones can catch up. But yes the unpredictability is a pain. Everything is last minute. It makes planning things tough. Last cycle we did I thought I'd be doing retrieval Wednesday based on first ivf how many days did meds and I ended up doing retrieval day later. So you never know what'll happen. So crazy! 
@Drove2u I'm so sorry about coworker's us pic. so frustrating! They don't know what you're going through do they? Though even if they know they won't understand unless have been through it. It's tough. Like @oxinfree said wouldn't it be nice to bring in your embryo pic or follicle us pics?! Urgh though for sure! We are here if need anything. Just let it out and hopefully you'll feel better. Thanks for coming to us. And happy early birthday! Hope it treats you well!:)
@thucks yay for starting meds! Bummer to deal with period at same time. Sorry about the emotional trip down memory lane. aw your poor hubby. I get it. I worry I would faint if did own shots bc I can get weak and dizzy after having blood drawn if I watch it being drawn or see blood after. If I do see blood I make sure to stay sitting or if already sitting lay back if start feeling funny. Definitely glad my husband does them. Hope tonight goes well. Doing that shortly so trying to catch up on all the updates. 
@milanjayla congrats! That's awesome!
@bingaling23 congrats! That's so awesome and happy early birthday!
@yelllow22 congrats! That's amazing!
@foxy8609 glad the pain went away and hope for great news tomorrow.

lilsweetheart115

Crampy and bloated. Fun stuff. Just did meds. Stinging and itching. It was much better tonight though. Ganirelix wasn't bad going in. Menopur was the worst one tonight. But ganirelix started stinging after like usual. But overall tonight was good. Maybe the bloat helped with shots? Who knows. Yay for better night of meds tonight!

Tulips29

@lilsweetheart115 I'm glad to hear your injections are going well. I started feeling super bloated yesterday so fx it's the increased dosage doing its work and those follies are growing! I'm now on the way to my appointment and my the cramps/bloat are in full swing. I just want to climb back into bed. I also got a few dress options for next week's wedding and I think I'll need a few pairs of spanx to hold this bloat in. It's not fun  

lilsweetheart115

@Tulips29 well hopefully the cramping and bloating are good signs. Fingers crossed for you! And spanx are good for holding bloat in. I love dresses and own a lot of them bc they're easier than doing separates. Hardly ever have anywhere to wear them. I like to wear casual dresses during the summer though.  Hopefully nothing interferes with the wedding for you. 

oxinfree

@Tulips29 and @lilsweetheart115 - what I've noticed about bloat - tmi warning - is that when I become constipated (and thus super gassy) the bloat gets way worse. Then it dissipates and I realize only my ovaries feel slightly full/heavy. So I'm not really sure for you ladies what it is, but mine seems to fluctuate day by day. Today is pretty bad but I'm hoping to be able to go to the washroom before my US otherwise that's going to be one uncomfortable checkup. Ugh. Are your dress options all tight fitting @Tulips29 ? or can you kinda kind the bloat under flowy fabric ?

@Foxy8609 thinking of you and your embabies today. Hoping you have lots to freeze. 

@Drove2u and @BingALing23 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY LADIES!!! Mines coming up at the end of April and all I can think is that'll be one great celebratory birthday, or I may just want to curl up in a hole this year. Hoping for the former.

@vssbrm - I am very sorry to hear your news. I know it is never easy. Sending you my best wishes. Hugs.

AFM - I had intralipids yesterday which was fine, and then today go back for US/BW. Very nervous to see our progress and find out if I'm ready to trigger... I think I will be based on my waddling walk, but I hope all my follicles are close in size and that I haven't lost more. Eep. FX.