July FET

daisy222-2

Oh, and father's day. Sigh..... I don't think DH even remembered, he was leaving for a work trip that day and was stressed... his own dad did not get a call I am sure of it. But echoing PP that such holidays just make you want good news! Like, for something to finally work so you can be like all those adorable families with happy dads who are GOOD, INVOLVED dads, and my husband would be too, he just can't get a chance to be! *pity party*

Also, damn those videos where women tell their partners they are going to be a parent in some adorable way and the guy is surprised and delighted. Like, it sucks that for us this will never be some spontaneous, magical, unexpected thing. He'll know I will get a call with HCG levels on a specific afternoon, and that's that. Sigh..... I feel like w/ every shot in the butt he gives me, things get less and less magical. And knowing the gender (which I totally wanted to know!) probably takes away a little magic away too. If this works, maybe I'll make a pink cake just so I can eat it a cake 

angelbea

Dasiy 222-2:  I've heard that about the embryo growth too, and I wanted to believe it, since I had like 8 ("fantastic!" the nurse said) 8-10 cell embryos on Day 3, but then only ended up with normal embie.  But most of what I have read says that it's really the egg that determines the embryo's competency.  Once again, it's our fault....;-)

AFM, I had my baseline u/s and blood test today, and it looks like the cyst is gone!  I am cleared to go forward with the mid-July FET!!!  I'm so relieved to get this show on the road!!

Regarding the transfer, I will do acupuncture right before and right after (even though I'm not really a believer).  My RE recommends 72 hours/3 days of modified bed rest, so I will likely do best rest for the first day and then do modified for the other 2 days.  Most importantly, I plan to completely disconnect from work and just watch funny movies, ready good books (I even bought a pregnancy book to read!  I know -- probably too soon, but I have never been pregnant in my life, so I plan to enjoy "PUPO status" as much as I can!).   I will probably try to stay off the IVF boards too, but can't commit to that now:)  I've talked to other REs and women who have had successful FETs who say that any kind of best rest probably won't make any difference, and I tend to agree.  But, since my RE recommends it, I'll follow the orders.  My RE also prohibits exercise and sex for 8 weeks following the transfer (provided, of course, betas are positive).  It is interesting how restrictive some REs are.  I'm curious as to what the other FET protocols are for you ladies.

roadtobaby

Well my doctor did tell me no extensive exercise, I just go for a walk and I also stretch. Well it's been no sex for DH and I since my estrance is patch and virginal pill. And as for after the transfer. Yes doc start up to 8 weeks or up to heartbeat no sex. Our RE and I kinda set our own rules together based on what my body can handle. 

Holls214

Day 5 ER update. Just got the call. We have 4 blasts today. 3 are BB, 1 is an AB. We have 6 others still in the running. She said 2-3 of those were almost there and she hopes will be there tomorrow. 1 didn't make it at all. 

She said they are pretty judgy for the ratings so BB's are good.

roadtobaby

@Holls214  congrats 

joneser1281

@daisy222 I am intrigued by your protocol!  I didn't know there was a type of BCP that didn't have estrogen.  With my fresh transfer, I only took Endometrin (vaginal progesterone) after the transfer and after all the stim meds.  For my FET in October, I took BCPs, then Estradiol and PIO injections.  For this FET, I had the one time 3.75 mg Lupron Depot shot, but am not taking BCPs this time.  I think the Lupron is supposed to do the same job as the BCPs to suppress everything, but without the added estrogen to aggravate any possible remaining (microscopic) endo they may have missed during my March surgery.  My RE said the Lupron was kind of a precaution for me too to quiet down any possible remaining endo.  Keep me posted on any side effects you feel!

Haha, that is funny about your RE.  I know, I'd like a happy medium.  A little chit chat would be nice, rather than just all business all the time... But I get what you're saying.  I guess if mine made a little more of an effort to talk to me on a personal level, I might feel like she's more invested in helping me... and not just interested in taking thousands of dollars from me lol.  It costs you $200 just for an office visit with your RE?!?!

I never heard that embies all need to be fertilized by ICSI in order to be tested?  We didn't test though, so I'm sure I don't know all of those details.  A friend of mine went through 3 fresh IVF cycles and finally got PG off her first FET... She had told me that bad development days 1 - 3 are sperm related and after that it's egg quality.  But who knows!

I am with you on how we not only have to struggle to get PG, we also get gypped in that if it ever happens, there's no surprise or magic moment to share.  I laughed when you said about making the pink cake!  I say do it!  Lol.

@Knottie3527477 Congrats on the cyst being gone and getting to proceed!  It is so interesting to compare dos and donts that we get from our clinics.  It sounds like most of you get pretty strict orders about bed rest, no sex, etc.  I don't really have any restrictions at all lol.  I can resume normal activities I'm told.  Both my fresh transfer and FET resulted in CPs.  For the fresh transfer, I stayed active, but tried to restrain from my usual strenuous exercise.  For the FET, I was less active and tried to take it easy more.  My beta numbers were higher and better with the fresh transfer.  So was it because I did more activity... Or because it was just a better embryo?  I'll never know lol.

@Holls214 Glad you got some good news!  Hope they keep progressing for you!

I actually went in to my gyno's office today because I was worried I had an infection.  Prior to my lap, I got constant yeast infections or BV.  Since my surgery, I've not had any infections (knock on wood).  I really believe the surgery helped those issues as well.  They say that YIs result from poor digestive health and being that endo had twisted my intestines, I'm sure that was causing repeated infections.  I've been having some irritation (TMI alert) the last week or so off and on.  I was trying to brush it off, but then (TMI again) I've also been noticing an odor.  I figured I'd better get it checked out before we get close to the FET.  Nope, no infection.  I didn't see my regular gyno (because I'd have had to wait a whole week to get in!), but the doc I did see said everything looked normal.  He did ask me if I was taking hormones while he was looking around down there... I was thinking, man he's good... Can he tell just by looking around in there?  Hahaha!  He said the Estradiol is most likely causing the irritation and even the odor.  So there's some exciting side effects for you all to know lol.

nmtay

Hey loves! It's been a few days so I'm going to respond in general instead of individually!

First, congrats to everyone on healthy embryo updates!!! 

PGS answers: we did a fresh cycle in February, no ICSI, and just got them tested this month. Some labs will only biopsy them fresh, it really just depends on how the embryologists at your clinic feel about thawing and re freezing. Ours were good with it so we did it! Similar thing with conventional vs ICSI. Conventional can leave it contaminated from the sperm, which does give a higher chance for incorrect test results, but the testing isn't perfect anyway, so our doc wasn't really worried about it because the benefits hugely outweigh the risks/possible inaccuracies

Hopefully I will be having a transfer around July 23. Trying to be hopeful that it will A) not get cancelled and work! 

AFM, trying to not go insane over here...I literally started crying when my cousin said something about her adorable nephews and I'm choosing to blame it on my constant hormone imbalance but also why is it just so hard to be around all of everyone else's easy happy families? 

Hopeful_mom

Knottie3527477 was wondering where you were!  So glad to here the cyst is gone woohoo!!  Its really true how different each RE is.  Mine is the same as yours, regardless OH wasn't touching me, I was the one who wanted too!  He was afraid of hurting the babies...I tell him I (TW) MC anyway so I guess it really didn't make a difference...it was twins so who knows. Its also because of my age that no exercising for sure this round either.  Same as you may not believe in the acupuncture but I do believe my body needs it!!

@daisy222 I'm laughing at what you said about your RE, after my MC my RE wasn't in and I was in so much pain I couldn't wait for her and saw her partner.  Now OH really bonds with him and we're having this ridiculous conversation about politics and I keep nudging OH like shut up!!!  R u kidding me!  I literally had to say like OK guys back to me so we are doing this?  And you think my MC was because of???  Not kidding so I kind of appreciate my RE is all business...even though today she really was very nice, and I gues I was the one that was making small talk with her...I means its been forever I feel like I should know her better by this time right
Very interesting on the icsi and testing.  This round I'm sending 2 that were reg fert and the other was icsi!  AND so far my best grade embryo was reg fert go figure...hoping I get another normie back that is the same

joneser1281 ugh I didn't even start meds and already have such drama just from a lil probing WTH!!!!!  I just dont understand what the issue is and I"m not happy and know going to the gyno isn't going to fix it...praying its going to feel better in the am!!  the one thing I'm hoping will be true is I only have to do the estrace orally this round, hate taking that one vaginally always felt like I was doing it wrong!

nmtay sorry you're having such a hard time - you're hormones are out of whack!  But I have to say that if you thawed and refroze ur embabies and then got normies thats awesome and I think that ur miracles are on the way!  Try to focus on that when you're feeling down!  Are you thinking of transferring one or two?  And hormones are a bitch!  I find myself crying watching the news lately or even a commercial and I can't say years ago I did that BUT we live in a crazier world these days so who knows!!

AFM: Had my RE appt today so I was able to get my full report!! I have some fighters on my hand so hoping this is a good sign in the end.  Day 5, I got the one 5AA and on day 6 I got the other 2 at 5AA woohoo!!! My lil ladies are already striving for excellence.  Even my late fertilized one was still going on day 7 but I think it's a wrap on that one.  So 3 are ready to go! Praying they all come back to me normal.
Finally taking the next step for FET, I kind of can't believe it's finally time.  Hoping that I'm finally joining an FET board and its the real deal!!  I still have some blood work that has to come back normal but I'm still hopeful!!
Looks like I will learn the joy of pio but hopefully not everyday if my levels are on point.  Others once I start AF I go back and get my real calendar as many of you lovely ladies have said prior  I will start estrace orally and continue with that and use crinone 2x a day and then the PIO every 3rd day.  All depending on how my levels look.  So no estrogen patches or BCP for me.  FET could be as early as the week of July 10th eeeekkkk!! 
We did some type of test that I requested to make sure all is good in the hood down below, its similar to a pap smear but (TMI) I am in so much pain right now OMG!!  I dont know if its also the heat mixed with the friction of the day but holy geez!!  I'm hoping the swelling will go down.  I swear being a chic is stuff and i'm so sensitive to begin with  Lucky I'm still excited for my lil ones making it through!!
And My RE was in a good mood, I think pregnancy agrees with her and shes much friendlier to me, glad it only took so many cycles!  Anyhoo I told her that I share that she tells me how old I am and she stated "no, thats not true, your ovaries are just old"  thanks Doc! 

roadtobaby

In case I am repeating things or asking stupid questions I'm sorry, this is my first IVF experience. So I am on day 9 of estrogen (patch evry other day and pill Virginally three times a day) and my boobs are getting tender now, and also I feel a bit sick at times in the morning when I get up. Is that normal? My RE is using the highest dose Cus my body really don't respond well to smaller dose of meds (it doesn't work on me). Found out DH will miss the transfer. He started a new job and I had some of his co workers and their wife over this weekend and they were saying their 1st six months he shouldn't take off, if we planned vacation that will occupy a week day I should cancel but once that's over we will be okay. He is sad about it but I'm trying to tell him this way it makes it more fun and "normal" for him. My estrogen lining appointment is on Monday and I am really trying not to think much about it, if they lining is where it should be it means we are on schedule for July 7th if not, I don't know what will happen. Pray for us. 

MMD1986

Been a busy few days and looks like I missed a lot.  Glad everyone seems to be progressing nicely.

I had my baseline ultrasound and labs this morning.  Just got the call that I am ok to start my Lupron tonight.  So excited to finally be getting this cycle started.  And it's my husband and my 3 year wedding anniversary today.  So all around a good day.  

Holls214

@MMD1986 happy anniversary and yay!!! Good luck. 

Hopeful_mom

adaoga0616 So it getting my protocol from the nurse she mentioned that estrace can make you feel nauseous so that could be it.  I've taken it before and didn't know that could cause it.  I get car sick a bunch so unfortunately being nauseous isn't a really new experience for me.
Sorry OH is missing the transfer, technically you can always tape it.  My OH was absent as well and he really was just running late as he came by after it was all over...so you never know what going to happen.  For me I had to tinkle so badly that I couldn't think of much else during it!  Hoping you'll get there as planned!

@MMD1986 happy anniversary!!

Holls214

Got the day 6 update. We have 9 total!!! All great quality they said. All are being sent off for testing tomorrow. 

Bad news is I'm still recovering from ER went in and got checked by the doctor. I have moderate OHSS. Ovaries are the size of large oranges with fluid in the abdomen. Going to be a couple more days for recovery. Doctor felt bad but said at least we won't have to do another retrieval.

MMD1986

@Holls214 Congrats on the 9 eggs!  That is great news!

What are you doing to help recover from the OHSS?  Just rest?

Holls214

@MMD1986 thanks! Just rest and lots of fluids. Argh.

joneser1281

@nmtay I think my clinic is how you mentioned with PGS... I think they will only test them right away.  When I mentioned having them tested after our fresh CP and FET CP, my RE said it's too risky for the embryos.  She finds it risky in general, so I don't think she recommends it unless she finds it pretty necessary and she said the thawing to test and refreezing could jeopardize them.  Again, it's all a matter of the clinic's opinion... As we see with lots of things!  FX that your transfer remains on schedule!  And I totally understand what you mean with it sometimes being difficult to be around other happy families... I mean, it doesn't have to be a holiday like Mother's Day, Christmas, etc... It can be hard at any time!  Our day will come!

@Hopeful_mom I hope your drama has gone away... It's so annoying!  I agree with you, when I took Endometrin vaginally last summer, I hated it!  I mean, the first time I put it in, the tablet fell right out!  I was like WTF?!  My clinic told me not to worry, just to put it back in.  I was constantly a wreck that I wasn't getting enough to help the embryo.  They told me it's instantly absorbed vaginally, so I didn't need to worry if some of it was coming out, but it was such an ordeal!  I would have to lie down for like 30 minutes after to make myself feel like it was staying in... and this was 3 times a day!  I switched to the PIO injections for the FET.  I hate needles, but it was way more convenient doing that once a day.  I'm glad your embryos are still doing well!  Hopefully you stay on track and get your official calendar soon!  What kind of test did you have that caused you pain after?  Oh that's real nice of your RE calling your ovaries old lol.

@adaoga0616 I can't really help you on your symptoms/side effects.  I haven't had those particular issues.  I'm sorry DH will miss your transfer.  My DH was there for the fresh transfer, but he couldn't take off work to be there for my FET.  I was actually ok with it... I would rather he save the time to take off when we know I'm actually PG and he can maybe come to a US then.  He's most likely not going to be there for my FET this time either.  It's sad for me I guess that since it's our third type of transfer, it doesn't feel as special or that he needs to be there haha.  But the first time, I definitely wanted him there.  I hope you stay on track with your July 7th date.  I will think good thoughts for you.

@MMD1986 Happy Anniversary!  I'm glad you are on track and having an all-around good day!

@Holls214 9 is a great number!  Congrats!  Ugh for the OHSS.  Take it easy and take care of yourself.  Hopefully like they told you, you won't ever have to do it again.  My clinic told me that as well and I told them they better not have jinxed me!  Lol.  Those are some famous last words haha.

AFM I have my second monitoring appt tomorrow morning for blood work and US.  If all is progressing nicely, they should up my Estradiol from 4 mg daily to 6 mg daily.  I have cut back on my beverages lol.  I've not had one since Saturday night before the baseball game.  I even could have instigated a wine night this week, but I didn't.  I figure I'll wait for someone else to bring it up and if they don't, then I won't.  We have some social gatherings this weekend, so I will probably have one or two, but that will be my limit.

Ash_SE

I'm so glad to join you ladies here. I've been MIA just making sure we aren't but going to get canceled again. But we've are a go!

CD 9 and my lining is tri and already at an 8. I'm on Estrace 3x day, Prednisone 2x day, 40mg Lovenox, 36 units of Neupogen a day, 1 Baby Aspirin, and vitamins. I'll start Endometrin 3x day 5 days before Transfer and PIO every other day the day of transfer. Transfer is booked for Thursday July 6 with beta on July 15 due to my ectopic history. If it's negative I'll keep taking meds and test again on July 20th since 9dp5dt is a little earlier.  

cashewchicken

Just finished my sonohysterogram. No polyps and no other problems! We're good to go. I need to pick up meds on Friday. Let's get this show on the road!

MMD1986

@joneser1281 Good job on no beverages since Saturday! It's hard sometimes because it makes me feel so anti-social.  I decided to cut out alcohol starting Monday (we are going on vacation this weekend, so waiting until after that).  You'll have to find some good mocktail recipes so you can continue "wine" night while you're pregnant.

@Ash_SE July 6th is coming up quickly!  How many are you transferring?

@cashewchicken Yay for a good exam!  It is so exciting when you get the word that you are good to go!



I had my endometrial scratch this morning, it wasn't as bad as I was expecting, but definitely not fun. The worst part was them pushing on my stomach with my full bladder. 

Question for anyone who has done the progesterone shots before...how hard are they to give to yourself?  Looks like my husband will be out of town when I start mine, so it'll be up to me to take care of the first few.  Any tips or tricks?

Ash_SE

@cashewchicken that's awesome! That is what cancelled me last cycle . 

@mmd1986 I'm fairly certain only 1 sincere they are PGS tested. And I'm thinking we are going to pick a boy. We have 2 great boys and 2 great girls and 1 ok girl but all are PGS blasts. 

Ive done them on my own. Have your nurse draw a circle and use a mirror to aim

Hopeful_mom

big procedure day here - glad everyone did well, moving onward!!

joneser1281 I am feeling much better thank u!  I can't even remember the test name, it wasn't so invasive and the RE didn't even kill me, it was almost like  pap smear.  I'm just so used to all the poking a prodding but I my skin is sensitive and was apparently not happy with it for sure!!  You freakout as you don't want anything to upset the process.  Hoping your appt went well today.  I'm very proud of your restraint I do know a gal that had a glad of red wine through her pregnancy and has 3 beautiful kids...so maybe you don't have to give it all up  
I know I mention OH missed my first transfer and was not happy I transferred 3...so I have a feeling he will make it his business to make it to this transfer or at least be on time!!

Ash_SE welcome back glad things are able to move forward for you! Are they letting you pick the gender? Glad you have so many too choose from!! Mine are PGS as well and they suggest just going with one.  Im the one that wants to do to, but hubby is fully not on board with that!!  

@cashewchicken yay your a go!  congrats!  one hurdle down! woo hoo!!!

MMD1986 - glad the scratch is over that doesn't sound fun!

joneser1281

@Ash_SE Congrats on moving forward!  Wow, you are taking quite a few meds and some I've never even heard of... If don't mind me asking, what are the Prednisone, Lovenox, and Neupogen for?  Those didn't ring any bells for me and I'm always trying to learn everything I can about these processes.  Our transfer days are only 3 days apart!

@cashewchicken Congrats on getting the green light!

@MMD1986 Haha, thank you for the support on my boozelessness lol.  I agree, it does make me feel antisocial.  The funny thing is, I don't usually drink that much... Especially during the school year when I'm working because I'm usually just too busy or tired, even on the weekends.  I never have a drink on weeknights during the school year... Probably because then I'm so stressed I wouldn't be able to stop at one lol.  I tend to drink a bit more in summer just because... I can?  Haha.  I don't know, it's summer... It means fun, warm weather, and alcoholic beverages to me lol.  I actually think it's harder to not drink when someone is telling me not to... Or when I feel like I shouldn't.  Like after a transfer or if I knew I was solidly PG, I would have no problems not having a drink.  But it's this time right now... Prior to transfer when I technically can drink... But feel like I just "shouldn't."  That's what makes it tough for me not to indulge.  I like your mocktail idea!  I actually saw at the grocery store the other day that Ocean Spray makes a few different mocktail varieties.  The only problem with wine night is that one of the two ladies I get together with doesn't know the extent of my fertility treatments.  She knows we've been trying for a long time, but doesn't know I've done IVF.  I will have to be sneaky on wine nights in front of her after transfer, which I am not looking forward to... Especially since she's pretty observant and I'm sure will notice.

I actually posted about my endometrial scratch on here last week.  It sounds like you had a better go of it than me.  I found it painful!  It really hurt in the moment and for a short time afterward.  I was fine then.  I know, I hate the full bladder part.  I have found after going through full bladder stuff several times now (trial transfers, transfers, and the scratch) that I really don't need to drink as much as they suggest.  I drink water regularly as it is (my brother makes fun of me because I always have a giant Tervis of ice water with me wherever I go lol) so I've found that pretty much just drinking what I do everyday is enough to have my bladder full.

I will be doing PIO injections for the second time as well.  DH mostly did them for me, but there were a few times I had to do them myself if he didn't make it home from work in time.  I feel like the hardest parts were twisting to get the right angle and because it's oil, it's thick and kind of hard to push it when twisting my body at that angle.  It's doable though.  I would get the injection ready and then hold it under my armpit for a few minutes beforehand to warm it up.  It's so thick that I felt like warming it to my body temp made it easier to go in.  I also drew a circle myself each day with marker because it helped to ease DH's nerves about hitting the right spot and it helped me too when doing it myself.  Afterward I would hold a tissue to the spot (occasionally I had a little blood after) and massage the area for about 60 seconds to help the medication spread.  Sometimes I would use the heating pad after too, but not always.  OMG, there were times DH def hit the wrong spot... I'd instantly get the biggest ass muscle pain!  It was as if Tony Horton worked my ass on P90X3 and 22 Minute Hardcore all at once!  Lol.  Then it would hurt for the rest of the night and be hard to sit down... Even to pee!  Haha.  So, that's my lesson to you all... If that happens, you've prob hit the wrong spot lol.

@Hopeful_mom I'm glad you're feeling better!  Thank you for the well wishes!  I have heard about people enjoying some wine, even through pregnancy.  I would not have any after transfer, but I think I will allow myself a drink or two leading up.  Not everyday, but if in a social setting where friends are drinking, I don't think I have a problem with it.  If it's going to relax me, I think that's better than being stressed about making excuses not to drink... When I'm not even PG yet!

AFM, I had my second monitoring appt.  My Estradiol and Progesterone levels were good... My lining is at 11mm, up from 3 last week.  I was told they like to see it above 8 for transfer, so that was nice to hear.  They upped my Estradiol from 4 mg daily to 6 mg daily.  My next appt is on Tuesday.  I was a little freaked out at first when I saw my US results posted online because under each ovary it said "20+."  I had never seen a value that high and it made me nervous.  I mssged a nurse and she said that number tells them how many follicles are present on my ovaries, but that they are all measuring at under 11mm.  She said if they were larger than that, it would mean I am ovulating on my own and breaking through the medication... Which would mean they'd have to cancel my cycle.  Yikes!  This will be my third transfer and I feel like there's so much I just don't know.  I guess I never even thought about it... Like why don't they want you to ovulate during a FET cycle?  This is probably a dumb question, but I never really thought about it.  Haha.  Sorry for my novel... I feel like I always write so much, but I think it is my therapy haha.  I'm not talking to many people right now about this cycle, so you gals get to hear it all!<3

MMD1986

I'm definitely stealing y'alls idea of drawing a circle for the PIO shots. Thanks ladies, y'all are the best. 

@joneser1281 I like the mocktail idea because I think it will help me still go out and have fun during pregnancy. Once a week my husband and I stop in at our favorite craft cocktail bar for happy hour or brunch. We love the bartenders and always see friends there. So I'd still like to go while pregnant, and I'm confident the bartenders can come up with all kinds of fun alcohol free drinks.

Ash_SE

@joneser1281 I have a history of repeat miscarriages so they did some clotting testing and some immune testing and I have issues with both. The Lovenox is a blood thinner you inject, Prednisone is a steroid that reduces inflammation and calms the immune system, and the Neupogen is actually a drug that raises white blood cells usually give to cancer patients but in low doses helps implantation if you have a certain genotype ( that I have) that basically means my body doesn't react properly to the embryo and doesn't allow it to implant. It fights it off like a virus or cancer. 

@MMD1986 they will let us pick . I'm letting DH make that decision but I think im going to tell him not to tell me. He wants to pick but I honestly don't know which he would. I think he just doesn't want another man (re embryologist) picking. 

angelbea

@Ash_SE:  I asked for those tests (immune and thrombo panels) myself, even though no history of miscarriage, since I only have 1 embie to transfer (but my mom has a number of immune issues), and much to my surprise, I also have issues.  More thrombo issues than immune but need to take heparin, baby aspirin and Metanx (Rx-strength folate).  Not on Neupogen, though -- which genotype is that for?  I actually start the heparin next week.  I've heard Lovenox is better (also one shot a day instead of 2), so I may switch to that if I don't like the heparin.  The nurses kinda tried to dissuade me from taking the tests, saying that they were expensive, insurance wouldn't cover it, etc.  Even my DH, who is a doctor, thought I was crazy over the top for asking for the test.  So glad I did!  Hope it makes all the difference.....for us both!!

Ash_SE

@Knottie3527477   I have MTHFR too. I take Methylfolate on its own and the Methly B12. I don't take Mentanx because it has other preservatives in it as well. 

I did a natural killer cell tests through Rosalind Franklin and Dr Kwak Kim in Chicago. Also Reprosource testing for the KIR panel and HLA matches with my DH. I have the KIR AA halotype which has no receptors all inhibitory. That combined with our HLA-C ( I'm all C1 and DH is 1 C1 and 1 C2). So our embryos have a 50% chance of having a C2 . That combined with my AA and the fact that I have no C2 causes implantation rejection. The Neupogen is shown to overcome that . There is a fair bit on google and Dr Braverman site about it . You have to know how to interpret your C1 and C2 but there is a website you put the test result in and it will tell you. My RE is interested in all of this and ordered the testing. My insurance covered it ( BCBS) . Dr B pioneeredbit but he charges thousands to interpret vs my RE was only a copay. I can share more if you want to exchange emails. 

Hopeful_mom

Ash_SE @Knottie3527477   I have MTHFR too. And the Mentanx is on its way...now when hopefully when we do get the BFP you can still take it?  I wish my RE was interested in the immune testing but shes not Is there a specific day in your cycle to get the test done or can it be anytime?  My acupuncturist is the one who told me to get the natural killer tests, which of course is the one that scared me, but I guess I should.  I use quest dognostics are they the ones that will tell you how much the tests are?  I doubt my insurance will cover it...I've been trying to do research from the earlier information @Knottie3527477  gave me!  (guess you couldnt' find a way to update ur screen name, I was actually looking to and didn't see an option to do it in preferences)  Is the turn around fast on this type of test??

joneser1281 I'm so anti social through this process its bad and hard!!  As much as people may want to be supportive I truly find it easier just chatting with you lovely ladies that are going through it too.  As for the PIO shots it goes in the same spot that you do the trigger right?  Thats the one shot I've never done and have heard such lovely things about it that I"m not looking forward to it, probably why I haven't ordered it yet 

angelbea

Thank you Ash_SE -- very interesting information.  Sounds like you are covered on all bases.  I am sure it will make a huge difference this time for you. I don't have the NK cells, thankfully -- that was the one thing I didn't have, it seemed!

Hopeful_Mom:  I think you can take the test at any time (it is a blood test and saliva test), but I'm sure your nurses can give more info -- they seem to take these tests with some regularity, but usually don't do it unless there is some evidence that you have an issue (i.e., recurrent miscarriage).  I've not received the insurance bill yet, so not sure how much it will set me back.  The nurses at my clinic told me that it if insurance didn't cover it, it would be $1500.  It might be helpful for you to ask your RE to order the test, as if he/she uses a diagnostic code, it might be covered by insurance.  Will keep you posted on how much it costs me -- I have decent insurance, so we shall see.  Also, I'm already taking the Metanx but not sure how long I will continue if, God willing, I get a BFP.

cashewchicken

I feel guilty about my drive by posts but it's so hard to respond and comment on the phone! The weekend is here, and I'm chilling at home sipping coffee and browsing TB on my laptop. 

@Holls214- 9 blasts! That is awesome.  That's a good number to start, you'll likely have many to work with! Congrats.

In my previous post, I meant reduced dairy and reduced gluten.  It's probably better for my body to reduce both.

@Hopeful_mom- 3 blasts for testing! Woot!  Hope all come back normal!  Glad you're moving onto FET soon!

@adaoga0616- I'm taking the day of ET off, but otherwise resuming normal activities.  That is my plan anyway, I doubt my RE requires bed rest after transfer, but I'll ask.  Hope your lining appoint on Monday goes great!

@joneser1281- Glad that your lining thickness is where it should be!  I read that the reason why RE doesn't want you to ovulate for transfer is because that makes it difficult to pinpoint when to transfer the embryo.  Apparently there is a narrow window in which you can implant the embryo(s), and it's easier for the RE to schedule a transfer if the RE can control hormonal cycle through meds.  By the way, love your posts!  I do enjoy reading a long post, but I'm also guilty of writing one 

cashewchicken

@daisy222- Walking is the best! 

As for us IVF ladies being robbed of a surprise pregnancy announcement, I don't know but I think my husband will be surprised.  We have been TTC for 3 years now, going through TI, IUI and now IVF with every RE telling us along the way that we have a pretty good chance of getting pregnant.  But pregnancy never happened, not even CP!  At this point, we're so not used to not getting pregnant that I'm pretty sure both of us will be surprised if/when it happens.

I also personally don't now that many couples where the pregnancy was a total surprise for the husbands/boyfriends, as many of them conceived after TI.  One of my college friends found out that her mom was expecting when she went home for a holiday.  Apparently the first word that came out of her dad's mouth was "how!?".  lol.  It was shocking for my friend too, as she didn't expect to gain another sibling in her early twenties.

@Knottie3527477- I'm also doing acupuncture too, despite questioning its effectiveness.  At this point, I"m willing to try anything if it doesn't hurt (the process).  My mom also has RA and was concerned about immunity rejecting embryos, and I've convinced my RE to let me take methylprednisolone around transfer.  So hopefully that helps.  Will see how this will go, and if the transfer fails, then we'll look into more testing to see if my immune system is the cause of my infertility.

@nmstay- I know what you mean about hard to be around happy families at times.  One of my family members is pregnant, so I'm kind of trying to avoid seeing her as much as possible though it's hard because it's family.  It wasn't easy for her either, as she also struggled with infertility and ended up finding success with donor egg IVF.  But that said, it wasn't easy for me when the couple decided to do their pregnancy reveal over 5+ family gatherings about a month ago. Just pick a venue, and make one big announcement! I wish the IVF process wasn't so slow, and I hope FET date comes soon!

@MMD1986- Happy Anniversary!  I will also be doing PIO myself, I think.  My husband is a big wuss and he couldn't even look at me while I was doing my subcutaneous injections.  The pharmacist mentioned it's not easy to do it myself and gave me a recommendation for this business that will come to your house and will do injections for you.  I'm tempted.  The price is $125/day and since my clinic is only requiring me to do injections for 4 days (then switch to vaginal capsules), I might call them up...

@Ash_SE- Your transfer date is coming up! I need to read more about Neupogen, as my clinic recommends using that as a uterine wash prior to transfer.  I haven't decided yet whether to go with it or not...

joneser1281

@MMD1986 Love the mocktail idea, almost as much as I love that you and your hub have a standing date each week to go out... How fun!

@Ash_SE Thank you for the info.  Wow.  You have so much going on.  If you don't mind me asking (and if you do, I completely understand), how many MCs have you had and how far along?  Maybe I missed it in a previous post... I am always trying to educate myself on these issues... I feel like I've read on the boards that many women have immune issues, which are making implantation difficult.  Since I've had repeated CPs (1 natural and 2 through IVF), it's always made me wonder if I could, but my RE would never bring that up as a possibility... and I wouldn't even know what tests to ask for to find out.  I guess for now I'll just hope it was my endo that we didn't know about keeping us from success.  I am glad you know all of this info now and can take the proper meds to help you have success!

@Knottie3527477   How crazy it is that you found out you have immune issues too, but only because you took matters into your own hands with asking for tests!  I need to remind myself of instances like this when I feel like I am being pushy or a pest at my clinic.  Sometimes I feel like I'm afraid to speak up or that I should just let the RE do her job because she knows best.  Not always the case!  And I think that with how much we are paying them, we shouldn't be afraid to speak up.  Maybe if we don't have luck this time, I will consider asking about immune issues.

I have heard about that MTHFR gene before on these boards making it difficult for women to have success.  Every time I see it spelled, it makes me think of the word "motherf@#$er"... Which really makes sense, because if you have the gene, it's a real motherf@#$er to get PG!  So aside from having repeated MCs, have you ladies had other symptoms which prompted you to get tested and find out you have it?  I'll be honest... alot of what you gals are saying sounds like the biology or chemistry jargon that I sucked at in school... I don't know how you keep track of it all... You could prob be doctors yourselves with all you know!

@Hopeful_mom I know you what you mean... That's right, we will be social with each other on here!  I have known several friends over the years to be in the IF boat with me, but they've all left me in the trenches and had their babies.  My last IF friend got PG finally from trying an IUI... First try, no meds and she's due in October... Go figure.  I truly feel so alone... Like, why did they all have success and I'm still waiting?  It's just not the same talking to them about the situation now because they no longer know what it feels like... and I feel like they so quickly forget how it feels.  That is something I tell myself all the time... When we have success (notice my positive thinking... I could have said "if" haha), I will NEVER forget what it feels like to be in the position I am in now and I will never take for granted the fact that even if I've found success, there are so many other women still suffering in waiting.

As for your question about the PIO being in the same place as a trigger shot, I don't know about that... When I stimmed for my fresh IVF cycle, I didn't have any intramuscular/ass shots.  All of my injections, including trigger, were subcutaneous in the abdomen or thigh.  I've only had to do PIO intramuscularly, and it goes in the upper outer quadrant of the butt.  This is the video I watched and referred to for reminders:

https://www.freedommedteach.com/eng/videos.html?play=progesterone_in_oil

This chick doing the demo has no probs contorting her little bod to turn around and inject her ass with those fancy nails lol!

@cashewchicken I hear you about it being difficult to respond to a lot of posts sometimes!  I find that during the day I will check on my phone and read posts, but I like to wait until evening when I have time to get on the laptop and post.  It's just easier for me... Then I can take time to read and try to respond to everyone... and write my novels.   Glad you enjoy them!  Lol.  Interesting on the ovulation info, thank you.  There's always so much info I don't know... and I learn more on these boards from you girls than I do at the actual clinic!

And you're right, DH and I will still be shocked if we are ever PG... I take that back... a positive beta means nothing to us anymore, bc we've had that several times already and it hasn't worked out.  So I will be thankful, but not overly excited at positive betas.  If we can make it to and through that first US appt, then I will feel some excitement.  That's a milestone we've yet to make it to.

Also, my DH is a wuss about the PIO shots too!  It's amusing too because he's a big guy... Your typical manly man who is scared of nothing and no one... But he freaks out when giving me these shots.  "I can't do this... I don't want to do this... I don't want to hurt you... I don't like it."  Good grief, it's such an ordeal!  I'm like just do it already!  You're causing me stress!  I'd feel better if you'd zip your lips and do it fast!  Haha.

AFM not much is new... Since my Estradiol was upped from 4 to 6 mg on Thursday, I have major face acne like a teenager, so that's awesome.  I was handling the 4 so well, but since the 6 I have two GIANT whitehead zits near my mouth and several other small ones around.  So sexy!  DH and I went to a graduation party today and another party at his buddy's house.  I behaved and only had two beers all day... One at the graduation and one at the other party.  Thank you, thank you... No applause please lol.  We were outside all afternoon at the other party so I mainly drank water anyway because it was so hot and sunny.  I sprayed sunblock on my legs and arms, but forgot my chest.  #moron  It's as red as a tomato!  I usually tan quickly, but am kinda fair to start so I usually burn first.  I figure it's perfect... a red chest to match my red zits!

cashewchicken

@joneser1281- the link to the pio shot was quite useful. Thank you. But as I was watching the video, I couldn't help but admire her butt (not in a gross way) as my butt is pathetically flat. The pharmacist told me that 3/4 of the needle must go in the butt to hit the muscle and I thought, the needle will hit the bone!! I swear my butt is skin and bones and now I'm realizing it's too late to beef up my butt. Ugh should have started butt exercise when we started ttc.

I mentioned the injection service to DH and he told me not to, that he can do it! And then I remembered that he said the same thing the very first time we had to do a subcutaneous injection in the belly, and he chickened out last minute and we ended up calling his uncle who is a physician to inject the drug instead. Can't let that happen again. My plan is to hire the service on day 1 and get pointers so I can do the rest myself. 

Estrogen patch causing zits? Yikes. I'm already upset I break out in places I don't usually breakout after I started IVF...

angelbea

Not sure about you ladies, but I've noticed that the inter muscular shots hurt sometimes, but don't hurt other times.  I've only done the estradiol (PIO starts 5 days prior to FET), but by DH did it for me on Friday night and I jumped and screamed it hurt so much -- I swatted him afterwards!  I did it myself on Tuesday and barely felt a thing -- I think I will do my own from now on!  Oh, and until Friday, my DH didn't fully understand how often I will need to give myself shots (9 weeks of pregnancy for PIO and 13 weeks for heparin) and he was truly aghast!  He doesn't understand why we just don't do an IV.  I think he's just scared of my reactions:)  Not sure he yet understands the "no sex" restriction for 8 weeks following a positive beta.....not sure when I should clue him into that!  

joneser1281:  Your posts make me laugh;-)  You must be a writer by profession!  I had the same thought about the MTHFR gene -- that is how I refer to it in my head actually!  Also, I had a few glasses of wine yesterday at lunch with my parents, who were visiting for the day.  I honestly think that it won't have any effect on my FET, and I won't have 9 months of it, so might as well enjoy it now (this was the advice form a few of my friends who had successful FETs!).  But I'm going to limit to a few glasses a week and not drink too late -- it affects my sleep, unfortunately. 

cashewchicken:  Interesting that your mom has RA too.  My mom got it in her late 20s after a really bad flu; she also has giant cell arteritis, but didn't get that until she was in her late 60s.  But her side of the family has a lot of other immune issues, which is why I initially thought of doing the testing.  But she went on to have 4 kids (my brother at 39 and sister at 42) and no miscarriages, so who knows about these immune issues!

QQ for the group:  I start heparin shots tomorrow.  Any tips?

btw - I still can't figure out how to change my screen name.  You guys can use Knottie -- my name starts with K anyway, so perhaps it is meant to be -- feel free to shorten to "K" -- much easier to type!       

joneser1281

@cashewchicken I'm glad you found the video helpful... I do too.  OMG I know, that girl's body in the demo is bangin!  She looks super fit... However I wouldn't worry too much about not having junk in your trunk.  I don't have much of a butt myself... You'll be fine.

I actually don't use any patches... The Estradiol I take is pills.  I've never used any kind of patch... I didn't even know they existed until hearing about them these last few weeks on the boards.  Yeah... acne... just another fun side effect!  I'm also getting quite pissed off that I'm working out like I always have, but am having such a hard time keeping my weight where I want it.  I don't know if it's the meds or if it's just because it's summer and I'm off work, more relaxed, and most likely eating more during the day.  When I'm working, I tend to be stressed out and don't eat as much.  Right now I'm about 5 lbs up from where I like to be and I just can't get it down.  I know that's not much in comparison to weight issues some women have with fertility treatments, but when I bust my rump everyday working out and sweating like a whore in church, it really chaps my ass!  Lol.

@Knottie3527477 So are you taking an Estradiol shot?  I didn't even know there was such a thing?  I do remember from the PIO in the fall that it did hurt sometimes and sometimes not as much.  I was figuring that it was hurting if we weren't getting the right spot haha.  I think the PIO shot goes a little higher than I thought it did.  I told you guys before, if you accidentally get it too low in the cheek muscle, it hurts like a MTHFR!

The dudes just don't understand the whole injection stuff... and they get all worked up about it, when they aren't even receiving the injections!  My DH is the same way.

I'm glad you enjoy my posts lol.  I am not a writer, but a Kdg. teacher... I need wits for that too in order to entertain the cherubs all day so maybe that's why I'm amusing haha.  Thank you.   I am enjoying the drinking advice!  That's what I Iike to hear haha.  So does that mean the gals you know how had successful FETs didn't worry about curbing their drinking before transfer?  Good for you for relaxing and having a few the other day!

I do not know anything about heparin shots other than I had to get a few when I was in the hospital for my endo surgery.  It was after surgery and I was already miserable and I remember having to get them in my abdomen, quite close to where all of my incisions were.   I think I accepted two and then after that I kept refusing them (I wish I knew I'd had the option from the start), so they made me wear those leg warmer things on my legs that are connected to tubes to create circulation instead.  Those also became a different type of annoying, so I told them I'd just get up and start moving around haha.  I should start PIO Tuesday or Wednesday after my next monitoring appt, so I'm going to bask in my last few days without needles haha.

LadyBee17

Hello ladies!! I'm new to this group, but this isn't my first FET rodeo... I did just make a separate post about my bcp disaster, but I'll leave that for anyone else who's curious... You can see it on the list of other threads...

I'm scheduled right now for a 7/17 FET and am just about to come off BCP and have my baseline ultrasound on 6/29.

Good luck to you all and I'm personally hoping that it's third time lucky for me!

roadtobaby

Good news alert*******my lining is better than expected and we are on schedule for our transfer, I am so happy. And my ER gave me meds to help with the nausea. It was bad this weekend threw up a lot. But I am super happy and excited, starting PIO on sunday. And I'm getting a massage this weekend to help me prepare for next weekend. 

joneser1281

Welcome @LadyBee17 !  I hope everything goes well at your baseline and that you stay on track for 7/17!

@adaoga0616 Congrats on the good lining!  That sucks that you've been so nauseous.  What med is causing that for you?  I'm jealous of your massage!  That sounds heavenly!

AFM, I just came back from my third and what I thought would be my final monitoring appt before transfer.  Now I'm not so sure.  I'm waiting for my results to be posted online and to hear from the nurse on next steps after the RE reviews my blood work and US.  The US tech told me that my lining looks good, but that I have a pocket of fluid in it.   Great!  This has never happened before.  Have any of you experienced this before?  I asked her what it's from and she said it's hard to say, but these things can come and go.  They might just have me come in for an extra monitoring appt before transfer to make sure it goes away.  Transferring an embryo into a fluid-filled environment isn't going to work.  Well my FET is supposed to be in 6 days, a week from yesterday.  I just feel like the wind has been taken out of my sails.  The tech said my lining looks good and has the tri-laminar appearance they like and is at 11mm.  Well although 11 is a good number, that's what it was last week too.  I thought it would have thickened a little more since then.  Ugh.  Down day.  I just have so many questions racing through my mind... This is the first cycle I've not taken BCPs... Is that why there's a pocket in the lining?  This was the first endometrial scratch I've had done... Does that have something to do with it?  Even if the fluid goes away by transfer day, what if the environment is still hostile from the fluid being there before?  Ugggghhhhh!

Of course I consulted Dr. Google, which never works.  There are stories of cycles being cancelled because of fluid... Stories of the fluid clearing up before transfer and still having BFNs... and stories of fluid clearing up and BFPs with babies.  As with every IF topic you search, no help whatsoever from the internet!  I just am really worried about my cycle being cancelled.  They had me worried last week about the possibility of ovulating on my own and that causing the cycle to be cancelled... Now this fluid has me worried about a cancellation.  Our vaca is booked and I already pushed it back a week when my cycle was postponed.  I can't push it back again... and I don't want to have taken all that breast-cyst-giving Estradiol for nothing!  I know it's not the end of the world for a cycle to be cancelled... and of course I don't want to transfer an embryo into a less than friendly environment... but I hate the waiting game.  It will mean another whole month of meds and waiting again.  In need of good thoughts and sanity right now haha.

LadyBee17

Wow, I just read through your signature - you poor thing going through all of that! I'm afraid I've never heard of fluid in your lining, but my best advice would be to go with whatever the doctor says - you don't want to go ahead with a transfer only to have it be a waste of time, energy and money...

I'm actually in a very similar situation to yours, in terms of how many embryos I have left and how many cycles I've been through... The craziest thing for me is that I've transferred 2 genetically tested normal 5AA blasts and nothing! If this third one doesn't work, I think I might just lose my mind.

I'll be finishing off my last BCP tonight but am having the worst period pain of my life because my period has come through my BCP - to cut a long story short, I started taking the BCP because I was frustrated that my cycle hadn't come and I basically told the nurse that I had my period when really it was just light spotting. Two weeks later, AF has reared her ugly head and all the estrogen from the BCP is giving me KILLER cramps.

So... here we go, I suppose! Best of luck to you - please just trust that at the very least the doctors do know what they're doing and I know it's probably not what you want to hear, but with a little bit more time they should be able to fix it! That's pretty much the only thing I can cling onto these days - more time, and eventually it'll happen. With all the technologies of today, someone will be able to get me pregnant...

Keeping my fingers crossed for all you ladies!

Cowboycorgi

Lurker from June FET

@joneser1281, I had a little fluid build up when my RE measured my lining. He said it was most likely from the Estrace, and it happens to some women. He didn't seem phased by it. Transfer happened a few days after with no extra monitoring. 

*TW* I'm currently 4+1 weeks pregnant. 

joneser1281

@Cowboycorgi That is exactly what I needed to hear right now!  Thank you so much... and congratulations!  I guess I'm just nervous because it's never happened to me before.  During my fresh and frozen cycles, the conditions leading up to transfer were always "perfect" with no issues and this is what feels like my second bump (no pun intended lol) in the road for this FET.  I guess perfect conditions don't mean much though because we still haven't had success.  I guess all that I can do is wait to hear from the doctor.  Thank you so much for taking the time to think of me... Sending you good thoughts as well for your little one.