September/October IVF

caseyw8784

Hi guys, took a little break from the bump this past week. Last thursday my company had a round of layoffs...yay, they're always fun, aren't they?  

So, DH and I were put back into limbo since my health insurance was terminated (we've since switched over to DH's insurance, which is practically the EXACT same policy/coverage as what I previously had, so we know we will still be covered - which is a relief!) Now my RE has to re-submit all the paperwork for preauthorization, which the health company is notorious for taking 4-6 weeks to get the approval done. So we wait. 

In the meantime, the genetics lab told me that they are hopeful about the new kit that they *may* be able to test embryos on to rule out the mutation, since getting my biological mother tested has been a failure. They're testing this new thing right now but could be "several weeks" until they validate it. In a weird, backwards way, it kind of worked out since we have to wait on the insurance pre-approval anyways... 

And I'm weirdly ok/content with this delay this time...not sure why, but i'm glad i'm not stressing even more than i have been in the past... ::shrugs::

Good luck to everyone who has an upcoming beta, ER, ET, etc! I haven't been able to catch up on all the posts yet, but I skimmed, and I'm glad it seems like everyone is progressing nicely!

Esperer

@caseyw8784 so sorry about the layoffs and sorry also for the latest delay - but I am glad you aren't letting it stress you out.  I am totally with you, at first I would constantly sweat every little thing, but once you go around the block a few times and learn just how much this IF journey is sprinkled with surprises, you'll drive yourself crazy if you let every single thing get you down.  Good for you!  I hope you can use this break to take care of yourself and spend some quality time with DH.  And hope they figure out the new test soon!  Thank goodness for brilliant scientists making all these developments, right?

As for me... retrieval was yesterday which yielded 22 eggs!  After a couple being immature, we ended up with 9 being fertilized - 7 normally and 2 with ICSI.  I am really excited with this number and hope that they are 9 great quality embabies who grow and thrive for momma!  I'll know more after my next update on Sunday.  Transfer is set for Tuesday!

Hope everybody has a great weekend!

nellin-2

@caseyw8784 you poor thing! I'm glad you aren't letting this stress you out and hope that the new insurance covers your testing! 

@Esperer Congratulations! I hope you are recovering quickly from retrieval. Good luck distracting yourself for the wait! 

Monica54321

Embryo Transfer today went well!!  Transferred 1 day 5 excellent grade hatching blastocyst.  They froze 3 more good grade blastocysts today, and are letting the other 8 (4 blastocysts and 4 morulas) continue on for another day before deciding which others to freeze. 

Transfer was SUPER easy. Nothing like the mock transfer or IUIs I've had that were very painful and difficult in the past. 

We're rooting for #9 to snuggle in tight during these next two weeks!

Hopeful_mom

@Esperer Congratulations! Sounds like things are progressing nicely, hope ur embassies r growing nice and strong!!
@Monica54321 awe yea!!  so glad this went well, hope your lil embaby grows into your beautiful baby!!  your embassies shall be making you proud!!  rest up mama!  whens your beta?

my update is strange - went to my dr today and apparently the sore throat is going around and there really isn't anything i can take, how much does that suck.  I have to drink lots of fluid and rest ugh!!  That was annoying enough but I just spotted brown TMI but WTH is going on.  I can sit here and say OH i hope it IB, but, its regular spotting before AF shows, how on earth is this possible, i'm beyond.  My tummy has been bothering me all night and assumed it was just eating too many blueberries.  I'm so confused.  I did my IUI last wed 9/21 after my 9th day of stemming showed only one good follie was ready to go.  it's usually 2 weeks from IUI that AF will show or test, but its 9 days, how is this possible. AF usually shows and i don't get the chance to even test  sorry i'm a bit of a downer right now.  I'm just so confused, how could i ov earlier then the trigger...my blood work would've shown it.  UGH!!!! @elisam511 trying not to over think things but who knows.

good luck to everyone!!  so great to see everyone progressing so nicely!!  looking forward to seeing some BFPs up here soon!!

Monica54321

@Hopeful_mom - My beta is 10/10. 10d5dt

AFM - Just got a message from my lab, they froze 3 more day6 blastocysts, so I've got 6 total on ice from this retrieval. Wow! This is the first time in MONTHS that I feel completely at peace. All of my worries and fears have melted away, as evidenced by my 105/60 BP from yesterday, lol.

PCOSat25

Ok everyone it is day 5 and I have not gotten an embryo update since the fertilization report on day 1. When I had a planned fresh transfer they made it sound like I would get calls about every other day. When we switched to planned future FET the embryologist by said I would get a call on day 5 and 6 to discuss what little ones made it to blastocyst and were ready to freeze. They specifically said I would get a call Saturday (today) 

My clinic phone hours are until 12pm on the weekends. I called spoke with the front desk and left a message for the embryologist at 10:30am. It is now 12:40pm and I have not received any return call. 

Has as anyone else had an issue getting updates? If nothing made it they would have called sooner right? I am concerned the reason they are not calling is nothing has made it to blastocyst yet. Ugh I am freaking out...

Monica54321

@PCOSat25 - I'm sorry you didn't get an update today! I've noticed that every clinic has different communication plans for post-egg retrieval.  I got a fertilization report on day1, then nothing until I was in the embryo transfer room on day5. What matters is that they didn't do what they said they would do and that is not acceptable.  Did they give you written info on when/how they would contact you (and with what info)? Another thought is that the embryologists might work later than the clinics official closing time, so you still might get a call before they leave for three day.

Hoping4Success

@PCOSat25 i had problems wirh my updated i was freaking out like i didnt even get a update the next day for my fert report i thought sure nothing fertelized blah blah then i emailed my nurse and she replied to be and apologized for having me be so freaked out ? Also like monica said they might say longer hours and they will call . Do u have am email address for ur nurse? I would email if u do

PCOSat25

Thanks ladies. I will email my nurse but unfortunately that still won't get me answers today. It is possible the embryologist is working later hours. I have been glued to my phone. But I feel like it is pretty unlikely I will get a call today. 

I am just soooo angry. The original documentation I got planning my fresh transfer said calls on 1 3 and 5. When they switched me to frozen they said I would just get the fertilization call and then a call on day 5 with the Blastocyst and freeze report. And now I didn't even get that. I feel like I am being treated as a lesser priority as we are not doing a fresh transfer...which was definitely not even my choice. Ugh. 

JESSABER0414

@PCOSat25 Ugh! I'm so frustrated for you reading this. Someone should have called you no matter what the results.  I hate that you are in limbo this long about their progress.  Wishing you a quick day and good results asap! Wish we could do more.  

Hopeful_mom

@PCOSat25 I don't even understand how its possible that they don't call.  I'm so frustrated for you as well, hoping good news is coming your way!!

@Monica54321 wow so exciting!!  you are well on your way mama, glad things are progressing as they should for you this cycle!!  excited for 10/10 to come!!  when you had your IUI did you have more then one follie?

unfortunately for me AF has showed 5 days early, i really thought this could be it.  Called the dr to see if I would go in for baseline tomorrow and get the process going...but seems I am going to sit out this cycle and give my ovaries a break in hopes they will respond the following month.  UGH i hate the thought of it but seems i don't have a choice.

PCOSat25

@Hopeful_mom AF showed up very early for me as well. They warned me that might be the case after my ER. Because I am not doing a transfer I am not on progesterone support. The nurse told me that all the stimulation medications would cause my AF to come pretty soon after retrieval. Maybe your AF is early as a reaction to your stims? 

Afm i I got a call this morning and they let me know and only 5 of the 18 made it to the big freeze. It was a little bit of a shock/disappointment but I am happy to have 5 on ice. 3 were really great quality and were frozen independently. The last two were fair and frozen as a pair. I have a follow up appointment tomorrow and hope to start prepping for a fet at the end of October or beginning of November. 

Hoping4Success

@PCOSat25 5 is great we might be doing a fet around the same time i go see my re wed 

Hopeful_mom

@PCOSat25 Remember it's quality over quantity, that's greats news very exciting!!  It true about the stemming but the month before it came regular speed.  I converted from ivf to iui and still had hopes...a girl can dream can't she.  Hopefully I'll be trying again as you prep for ur FET.  Do you know how many you want to transfer?  Good luck!!

mous-2

Hey all...
moving into this thread since the August/September thread didn't work out in my favor. 

I will be starting my second round of IVF as soon as AF makes her unwanted appearance this Sunday. I am starting this cycle with a new doctor who is going to try a new approach since the last one didn't work out. I had poor fertiliation with my last cycle. I will be doing an antagonist protocol again but this time it will be more aggressive, whatever that means. 

Anyways, here's to the next couple of months. Hoping for bfps all around. 

meli123k

PCOSat25 That's frustrating the communication was poor from your clinic, but glad to hear you have 5 embabies on ice and best of luck with your upcoming FET!!

@Hopeful_mom So sorry to hear AF came and that you will have to do more waiting, but I hope it will all be worth it with a wonderful response next IVF!

Monica54321 Yay, that's awesome your transfer went well and great you have 6 more on ice! FX!

Esperer That's awesome news! Hoping they are all great quality and that your upcoming transfer goes well! 

caseyw8784 So sorry about the layoffs But glad you aren't feeling too stressed about it all, and that's great news that DH's insurance is comparable. FX that the delay works out well for the new testing!

Hoping4Success Yay, that is great news!!! FX!!

Mary_Hope Welcome and fx for a speedy tww with great news at the end!

Nellin WOW, that is incredible!!! Best of luck going forward!!

@JESSABER0414 Hope you're feeling better now, and fx for lots of embabies!

cherrybea Welcome and best of luck this cycle!

I haven't been able to check in lately, so a lot to catch up on and hoping I didn't miss anyone! My first u/s showed 6 follies on each side for a total of 12, and yesterday there were 9 total ranging from 8ish to 15ish. I feel like this isn't great, but trying to stay positive and keep reminding myself quality over quantity, quality over quantity. Really hoping the ones in there are good. Overall the side effects haven't been too bad for me, some slight nausea at times but nothing I can't handle. I was feeling pretty good that I wasn't bruising at first, but once my menopur dose was upped a couple days ago I started getting some icky bruising. Icing beforehand now but not sure how much good it's doing. Tomorrow I go in for a third u/s & bw. Hoping for good news!

Hopeful_mom

@meli123k thank u, I'm certainly hoping so it's just hard to keep being disappointed.  Sounds like things are moving in the right direction, as long as they keep growing together you'll be all set!! Menupar isth worst and burns too.  I found 1/2 way through stemming things started to hurt more.  Good luck tomorrow!!

@Mous hi and welcome! Sorry you have to join us but wishing u a successful cycle.  Did you make it through a full ivf cycle? I haven't been through a full cycle yet but have done 2 rounds. I'm now looking to my next cycle since AF just arrived and not sure which direction to go in.  I'm not in the mood to start with a new dr but starting to feel like maybe I should, it's so hard!! 

mous-2

@hopefulmom I did complete a cycle through a fresh transfer. However, we had low fert rates and transferred two poor embryos that didn't implant. Our last RE came highly recommended but I wasn't a fan. So far, my new RE is optimistic and very caring. I'm hopeful for the next few weeks to be a success. 

Im sorry to hear you haven't completed a cycle. I hope you're trying a new protocol even if you're staying with your current doc bc at some point a change might be all that you need. 

elisam511

We had our follicular ultrasound this morning and it looks like our 6 follices are still growing.... largest at 14, then some 12s and 10s.... going back on wednesday to see how we progress and will determine retrieval day. https://youtu.be/0opNMPQjC-Y

Feeling a little unsure right now.... I'm happy that the follicles are still growing, and hopeful that the others will catch up so that we can get the full 6 at retrieval! Please wish us luck.... any words of wisdom?

Have a happy Monday!

Hopeful_mom

@Mous I'm very hopeful for you!! It's so important to have an a RE on ur side.  My RE is highly recommended so it's so hard to think I'm in the wrong place.  We did change my protocol slightly BUT I also did 2 IVF cycles bac to bac SO that could've been the issue to.  Going bac to my RE tomorrow to try again and see what's next.  I wanted a baby like yesterday as us all so it's hard to think of doing mini ivf as that takes longer.  But maybe that the road I need travel. Looking forward to hearing ur progress.

@elisam511 glad things r moving in the right direction, hope it continues!! Grow follies grow!!

elisam511

Thanks @Hopeful_mom ! I just put up another update after today's u/s appointment. We are growing, and still have more growing to do! Hopefully retrieve on Sunday
https://youtu.be/HA757Ku_K0A

How are you doing?

I also wanted to ask (in general) how everyone is doing with the injections? I feel like I normally do, am just tired of being pricked 4 times a day... 

What has been the HARDEST part of this entire journey?

mous-2

@elisam511 menopur was the toughest thing for
me. It felt like liquid fire. Other than that, I was just a bit fatigued. With my second cycle coming up I hope everything remains tolerable.  Cute videos btw!

Hopeful_mom

@elisam511 i would say i have to agree with @mousmenopur was the worst for me, the burning while doing the injection was not fun.  My second round of IVF they added Lupron which i hated too as i had to do it 2x a day and I almost left the house a couple of times forgetting to do it and had to go back.  It was such a small amount too 10 ml, BUT I also think the syringes I got were terrible as they really hurt to get in even.  This process is not easy.  My first gonal F shot malfunctioned and I didn't get the correct dosage at all.  So you just never know.  Hoping ur smaller follies catch up and you have some great eggs to retrieve.  Good luck with the storm too, hope ur grandparents do ok!  and of course that it really just blows over!

rmarble23

I'm officially PUPO!! Everything went well.  Two little embabies snuggling in now.  Just wish DH was there but he had to work and could take the time   beta testing scheduled for 10/17

Hopeful_mom

@rmarble23 awe that's fantastic news, wishing u all the best!! Hoping u have some sticky embabies in there!! Excited for u!

mous-2

@rmarble23 good luck!!!

meli123k

Hopeful_mom The menopur stung for me too, definitely my least favorite of the injections! The icing seems to have helped, no more icky bruises

elisam511 Glad to hear your follies are growing well! While I didn't like the injections, they weren't too bad compared to the emotional toll of this journey. I just keep focusing on the end goal and trying to stay positive, that this will all be worth it in the end. I was lucky not to have many side effects from the meds, some slight nausea at times and feeling bloated the past few days.

@rmarble23 Good luck!!!

AFM, tomorrow morning is my egg retrieval. Feeling nervous, but hopeful. My nurse says it looks like 8 mature ones in there (for a while it seemed only 4 were maturing well, so I'm thankful some more caught up at the end!). I also found out I might be able to do a fresh transfer after all...not positive on that though. I'm sure I'll find out more soon. Hope everyone is doing well!

Hopeful_mom

meli123k Oh wow that is amazing!  so glad to hear you got some superstar follies!!  best of luck tomorrow, hope you get lots of fertilization going, looking forward to hearing ur update!!

meli123k

@Hopeful_mom Thank you!! I'm back from ER and feeling pretty good. They ended up getting 13 eggs, not sure they are all mature but will get a status update tomorrow on how many fertilized. If all goes well we can do a fresh transfer in a few days! Just relaxing on the couch now, had some mild cramping after and a bit more pain on the ride home, but I was given a script for pain meds which has helped. I hope you are doing well and have a good weekend!

Hopeful_mom

@meli123k so exciting!!  Can't wait to hear how many fertilized!!  hoping all your embabies will grow nice and strong and be ready for a fresh transfer.  rest up so ur embabies will want to get nice and cozy when its time. yay!!  feeling very positive for u, good luck!!

meli123k

Got my fertilization report this morning! Out of the 13, 9 were mature and 8 fertilized. I'm feeling cautiously optimistic and hoping they continue to grow well. I'll get another update tomorrow. Also feeling much less sore than yesterday

How is everyone else doing? Any weekend plans? DH & I are taking it easy this weekend, which I'm thankful for because life has seemed really busy lately!

elisam511

Thank you so much @Hopeful_mom everyone is safe in Miami and I'm actually getting a mani pedi now! I'm in Raleigh NC and it's raining but not bad.... Retrieval is tomorrow and we have 5 mature follicles! Please say a prayer and light some candles for us! 

I'm sorry to hear about your painful injections! Did you have to do them yourself or did you have some one help? I did lupron twice a day and gonal f at night with hcg (4 total everyday) but it really wasn't that bad! What hurts more now is my skin around my belly button bc I would pinch so hard I'd bruise myself! Anyway, how are you doing? 

Hopeful_mom

meli123k thats a great fertilization report!!  how are your embabies doing?? so excited for your transfer!!  how r u feeling now?  Hope your weekend was restful!!  I've been pretty under the weather and first starting to feel like myself again.  

elisam511  I did have slight bruising on my belly too but its really from the injections for sure as my arms have even more bruises.  My veins stopped giving blood so i was getting pricked multiple times, not fun to say the least!  But we know in the end it will all be worth it!  How did everything go?  Whats the update, hoping great, been keeping you ladies in my prayers for sure!!

As for me my big follie that was a cyst went a way yay!!  I'm ok with it as i knew i needed to take a cycle off so just glad i have a follie maturing and i can still have hope and try naturally this month which my OH prefers so i can still hope for the best AND if not should be able to start up again end of Oct.  so we shall see whats in store.

Monica54321

Our poor tracker is woefully out of date.  Everyone take a look & get your info updated

Link to Tracker

BecauseLove

Hi All-Not sure if this is where I belong but thought I might give it a try.

We are off to our first IVF consult on Friday (after roughly 2 years of TTC and many cancelled IUI's and 2 IUI's etc).

Any guidance any of you have is greatly appreciated.  

Esperer

Hi all - updated the tracker with my beta date which is this Friday 10/14.  Taking all my willpower to not POAS before that but I promised myself I wouldn't!

@Monica54321 I see today is your beta - good luck!  Hoping it's happy news for you!

@Hopeful_mom hoping for a happy outcome for your natural cycle - miracles do happen!

@BecauseLove welcome!  Keep us posted once you get your protocol from your doctor.  Chances are you may end up moving onto the October/November IVF board due to timing, since the entire process takes anywhere from 2-6 weeks from what I've gathered, depending on if you start with BCP - but either way, good luck to you!

Monica54321

Just got off the phone with my nurse, beta came back at zero.  I've been testing at home for awhile, so I wasn't surprised, more relieved to get the confirmation so I could mentally move on.  FET scheduled for 11/8!

Esperer

Ugh, so sorry @Monica54321.  IF suuuuuuucks (!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

BUT you have a great attitude and I will be rooting for you for your FET next month!

Hopeful_mom

Monica54321 UGH!!! This process really does suck, I still dont understand still how everyone doesn't get a BFP.  I so sorry!  @Esperper is right on!  I love your positive attitude and am thrilled you get to try again soon.  I will be cheering you on as well.  I haven't moved over to the other boards yet but i'm sure i'll be following u  I thought I updated mine to IUI and BFN, guess it didn't save

@Esperer  thank u so much, it really would be such a miracle!  Now that the dr confirmed my cyst has gone away I'm excited to have a good follie for this cycle and can hope for the best.  I've been trying to get to acupuncture 2x a week so maybe that can be the trick this time. 

BecauseLove hi there!  and welcome to the ivf party!  I'm so sorry you find yourself here but we are thrilled to have you.  Ive been rooting for you through your iui's and it wont be any different.  I feel like you had a far drive to your drs so I hope the monitoring will be a bit easier through your process.  I'm so hopeful for you.  Moving on from IUI to IVF is upsetting BUT I try to find the excitement that this could be it.  I will say I find the injections painful at times but once you get the hang of it its not so bad.  Some people do icing before and they say that helps a bit.  I had more side effects from the meds after I was done stemming as opposed to during stemming.  Just breathe and take all the info in during your consultation, and then u might first have questions.  OH I also watched some videos for the injections as I first didn't press the injection pain hard enough for the gonal F and it didn't work right, go figure.  First day up and i got it wrong...don't worry it happens and u just move on.  Anything can happen during stemming so try to never get discouraged AND dont compare how many eggs you get to anyone else.  All of our bodies respond differently.  I've gone through 2 rounds of stemming and never made it to ER (Egg Retrieval) so i know first hand it can suck.  BUT the good news is i feel like your body has responded to these drugs so i have high hopes for u.  Happy to help in anyway I can.  I'm still a newbie but feel like i keep gaining more knowledge each day.