May 2018 - FET

tosh24

@roisis I'm not sure what to do about the video ads either but they're driving me nuts. Every time they start to come in from the side,  they freeze my laptop. I have to close my browser and reopen, but it's only like another 5-10 minutes until it happens again. It's so frustrating. Then yesterday I started getting them on my phone. I had planned to message the mods and say WTF??? I know they can alter who sees ads because the girls on TTCAL complained that all the pregnancy-related ads popping up on that board were insensitive so the mods removed them and now we don't get any over there.

roisis

@tosh24 Good to know that someone can change things. I wasn't sure who to message so I messaged the BumpAdmin - would that be the right place or are there mods specifically for the Infertility boards? Maybe others who are frustrated could message too?

Orlaa

@kristimh80 so sorry to hear your transfer didn't work, the disappointment after all the build-up is really tough. 

@roisis glad to hear your cyst went away, there are so many procedures to go through during IF, at least you got to miss one. 

AF arrived today so I've officially begun my FET cycle. I'm not sure how I feel about doing a natural cycle. I suppose less meds is a good thing but on the other hand I feel like they might be more reliable.

I'll have my first scan sometime next week then I think we just wait for the right moment to do the trigger.
I feel strangely laid back about this cycle compared to the IVF, which completely took over my brain. 

The weather is suddenly great here so that's definitely cheered me up. We have a couple of weekend breaks to look forward to and I've started gardening again which I find therapeutic. Although retail therapy sounds even better @greenhillgirl

roisis

Yay for starting new cycle @orlaa ! That's great that you're feeling more relaxed about this fet - it's definitely a lot less involved than a full ivf cycle. Enjoy the sunshine

kristimh80

@Orlaa Yay for starting your FET cycle!! Glad to have you here with us!  

ASabelko

Re: Video Ads
I put an Ad Blocker extension on my browser and don't see them anymore.  

@Orlaa Yay! Glad to have you here

@roisis Thank goodness for the cyst going away! 

AFM - I'm just waiting for my meds to start Lupron on the 29th.  All I can say as I'm so excited for no IM injections this time around. 

roisis

@ASabelko Thanks I'm also relieved not to have any injections. The Crinone gel is pretty icky - but I am not good with the needles!
My mum just rang me out of the blue on my way to work to say that she read all the information I gave her (my clinic offers a 'For friends and Relatives' info leaflet that I gave to her) and that she's sorry she hasn't said it directly to me yet but she's there to talk whenever I need it. She's not good at discussing things like this and honestly, recently she's just looked pained around me, so I was really touched

ndz2018

@roisis That’s Wonderful your Mom reached out to tell you that! I just had an AWWWW moment reading that 

AFM, lining check this morning on CD 6 is 8.3 it’s looking like it will be nice and thick by transfer time  .. back for a recheck in 4-5 days. Also waiting for the nurses call for Instructions... my guess is I’ll be taking 3 Estradriol a day. 

kristimh80

@ndz2018 That's great lining for only Day 6! 

@roisis So good to hear about your mom!! I love that your clinic gives you information for your family and friends. So many people really don't know what to say to us or do for us during this. 

northbeach3

@roisis I similarly had an awww moment and then I was like, where can I get this pamphlet?!?

AFM, last day of BCP to gear up for first monitoring next Tuesday. Really hoping no cysts have developed.

Also, im relatively new to acupuncture. I did a few sessions during IVF, im wondering when I should begin for FET? I imagine early to help with lining?? Any suggestions?

ndz2018

@northbeach3 I had started back in Feb BUT the acupuncturist I used was only there mon and fri and with my work schedule I didn't always get a chance to make it to the appointment. I planned on starting again this week so thank you for reminding me!I I THINK I read some where to start  like 7-8 weeks prior to transfer but I'm sure you can jump in now and get that blood flowing to your ute!

tosh24

@northbeach3 I go 5-6 times during a cycle. Once around CD3-CD 5, once around ovulation (since I'm doing natural FETs), once day before transfer, once day of transfer (right after), and once about 5dpt. Sometimes I also go after I get a BFN and stop progesterone because I find it helps with AF symptoms and heaviness. When I was stimming, I went 2 additional times between CD3 and trigger. 

northbeach3

thanks @ndz2018 and @tosh24 -- okay, i'll get on her dance card.

i think my last regimen was pretty similar to yours @tosh24.  i did accupuncture 1x week before transfer and then immediately before and after transfer. i'll plan to go 1x per week in the three weeks before transfer then.

roisis

I just plan on starting acu once I start my new cycle to help with the lining. I think I mentioned that friend does them for me - which is great - but of course we get chatting so every appointment takes ~2 hours and I just don't have time for that 3 times a week But I think I'll ask her to start me next week - maybe she can help get AF going.
@northbeach3 Yeah - these pamphlets are really good. My counsellor at the clinic gave them to me, there was one for managing stress and one for dealing with work - honestly I'd say we've covered all of that pretty well here in discussions! But the one for family and friends was great because you can hand it to them and say "Here! Read this - THEN ask me questions!!" I could try scanning it if anyone would like to read?

ndz2018

   YUP!

roisis

@ndz2018 Lol!! Thank god it's not just me! I realised I 'had' to get a bikini wax last weekend because I had that appointment on Tuesday Heaven forbid I'd let things get untidy!!

ndz2018

@roisis OMG I am so overdue for a bikini! Calling today!

roisis

@ndz2018 Ha - I know it's dark but I kept thinking "My insides parts may not be at their best - but outside is gonna be SO fine!!"

ndz2018

EXACTLY!! @roisis

northbeach3

@roisis only if scanning or taking a pic of it is do-able... i'm very curious about the pamphlet.

kudos to you ladies who take extra grooming steps.  after a year of my RE seeing my hoo-hah, there's no pretense anymore. he's lucky if i even shave my legs and get a pedicure!

roisis

@northbeach3 Oh I meant to bring the leaflet with me to work but completely forgot - I'll bring it in on Wednesday (I work from home on Tuesdays)
AF is due today but there's not the slightest sign of her. Honestly I'm feeling pretty down (hoping it's pms!) at the moment - this just feels like the start of another week whereby nothing is happening. I know I shouldn't be so glum and that things will get moving again soon, but seriously this feels like it's been going on forever. I had my consult for this ivf cycle back in October, didn't even start stims until February and now I'm waiting until May to prep for transfer. Some of that was due to external family circumstances but still - I really didn't think things would take this long. I think back to last year before I started my first cycle and I can't believe I naively thought that a round of ivf takes approximately a month - that one way or another I'd have all my answers by Easter 2017, oh how little I knew. And I'm just so tired - is anyone else feeling constantly tired? I'm not even on any medications at the moment so I don't know what has me feeling so low but all I want to do is go to bed. I'm finding it really hard to muster any enthusiasm for work too, which I have gotten away with up until now, but there's only so long this can go on.
Sorry for the negative rant, I do generally like to keep a positive outlook on things, but sometimes it all just feels a bit too heavy. This morning is just one of those days. Hope you all are having a better start to your week

mrsyng

@roisis don’t beat yourself up for feeling down. It’s definitely good to acknowledge how you’re feeling and always great to vent as well. It’s been such a long process for me too and every now and then I feel this same exact way!! I’m hoping AF show up sooner than later for you, I’m also awaiting AF by Friday or so to start my FET but I have a sneaky feeling she may be late which also worries me too. Hopefully when AF shows you’ll feel more positive... *hugs*

greenhillgirl

I know what you mean @roisis ! I've been on this huge reading binge lately and I totally think it's related to just being so tired and kind of burnt out on reality and wanting to escape. Reading is generally a healthy escape but not necessarily when it's at the expense of wanting to talk to DH. Is there something that helps you recharge, every time?

Lol @ the hair removal stuff. I told my friend the other day, I have the goal of not being the hairiest person they see. That is my only standard bahaha.

I'd love some encouragement on being sick during FET. I just had a really bad cold after my big work event on Thursday and was in bed for 3 days. I'm back at work today but worried about what my lining will look like at monitoring tomorrow while my body is depleted. Can my body fight a cold and build a great lining at the same time?

kristimh80

@greenhillgirl Yes! You can still grow a good lining when being sick.  had a cold and bad cough for 3 weeks my last round. My lining still go to an 11 besides it all

northbeach3

hey @roisis, no rush on the pamphlet!  i'm on AF watch today too.  Went off the BCP on Thursday and it usually comes by day 4 which is today. don't really sense any signs, so that's a bit worrisome since I'm supposed to go in for first day of monitoring tomorrow. if it doesn't come, I wonder what they will do... wait until she shows or start me anyway? think my anxiety is inching up -- having lots of racing thoughts about work, friendships, transfer, etc. guess i'm worried that my body hasn't fully recovered from the MC.  i hope it's all irrational and AF arrives later today so i can have one less thing stressing me out.

how's everyone else? feel like it's been quiet on the may board. is everyone else on AF watch too? anyone start their meds/cycle yet?

how do you guys plan a few months into the future? my husband and I both get july off (educators) so we're trying to plan a vacation. i'm a planner, so I like to plan things pretty far out in advance. it can be hard to navigate transfers because i'm trying to account for all possible outcomes -- will i be PG? will i be cycling again? i want to be realistic and also prioritize getting PG, but i also don't want to put my life on hold. does anyone else sometimes feel caught? maybe it's my anxiety talking!

ndz2018

@roisis I am in the same boat as you I had my first consult on Oct 27th and my ER in Dec! I had minor surgery on my septate uterus in Jan and benched till March and like you it was supposed to be April but sadly we are both in May now. I feel so stuck sometimes and like the days are crawling. I'm sorry you're feeling so bummed out lately. This whole process is brutal on us physically and i think MORE mentally/emotionally than anything! I am trying to keep myself occupied but it's not working out too well. I decided to start cleaning out the closest today after work may be therapeutic but when I get home lately I am so BEAT all i want to do is lay around we'll see if that happens. Also never apologize for your rants.. we have our good days and bad days, its life.  We're all here to listen and help as much as we can as your internet friend . I am crossing my fingers that your AF comes very soon and that this is all PMS. Just know you're not alone in feeling that way, i think any feeling we have during this time is totally natural and I, personally, totally empathize with what you're feeling right now. Hang in there doll

@northbeach3 i'm Hanging in there! Have my BW and US tomorrow I'm sure I'll be continuing on 3 estradriol a day which have been making me an emotional mess. I'm hoping my lining in nice and thick last month my lining was 10.1 at this time in my cycle lets hope we have the same results! As for being a planner , yes I am one! We actually are in the process of moving but not till June-ish. We have shore house( we live in NJ) so our vacations are usually just staying down there when we have time off BUT I am also trying to plan a little getaway. I am factoring how far along I'll be if this one takes, or if I'll have to do another one, etc so you're not alone there and its so hard to know so I decided that I will not make any plans till I know for sure I am PASP!!

@greenhillgirl Being sick is the worst!!! I think your lining will be just fine.. Are you taking any meds?Feel better!

kristimh80

@northbeach3 I'm always planning for the future! In a weird way, I think it keeps me sane thru all of this. Whether its a vacation or playing with those IVF calculators daydreaming of "what if it happens at this time". FX for you that AF gets here ASAP! I swear, she never wants to come when you are expecting her / need her to get a move on! 

northbeach3

@kristimh80 well it's helpful to know it's not just me! did you have a follow-up appt today? that's what the may spreadsheet said.  i know you were delayed in getting to see your RE... did you end up starting AF?

as of tonight, no AF, but may be having cramps/light spotting... hope it shows in the AM since my ultrasound isn't until the afternoon. 

roisis

Thanks for the support ladies It's so wonderful to have you guys understanding what this is like  
mrsyng Thank you. Hope your AF arrives by Friday - we may be cycle buddies yet!
@greenhillgirl I'm definitely a big reader too - what's your fav genre? I'm really big into the lighter side of fantasy - Terry Pratchett's Discworld series is my comfort blanky!! Seriously - myself and DH have been on committees to organise 3 Discworld conventions - we are just that geeky Also recently re-read Harry Potter and just started Ursala Le Guinn - but so far not as impressed as I thought I would be! Oh and the Anno Dracula series by Kim Newman is insanely awesome (if a tad sexy/gruesome!!). There's something about losing yourself in a book that is definitely an amazing escape. What are you reading at the mo?
@northbeach3 FX for AF today It sounds like she's on her way! I'm completely with you with the increasing anxiety, once something has made me anxious I tend to spiral and get upset about all other aspects of my life. Like work is really stressing me - but only because I can't concentrate, and I'm upset because I've gradually gained ~10lbs over the last year - which shouldn't matter at all at the moment - but it bothers me! And then as you say, relationships and just day to day life..... I find it so hard to actually plan things for the coming months. And I'm usually a planner - so that worries me too. There are just too many variables along the lines of - will I be pg - if so will I be sick? - if not will I be cycling again - and if so can I arrange around appointments? I've told DH that I just can't plan any summer holidays right now. I work in research so attending conferences is a big thing for me - but I've hardly submitted to any this year. I'm actually waiting right now for word as to whether or not I got accepted to a conference in Spain at the end of June. Honestly, my submission was not strong - I think there's a BIG part of me that would prefer not to go - but at the same time I hate rejection!!! I'm not sure what I even want to happen here!! I really get stressed about the lack of control at the moment
ndz2018 Thank you I'm sorry this has taken so long for you too. I think it all just hit me when I was looking through my calendar yesterday - this is (or at least can be) a stupidly long process. There are a few people I used to talk to about it - but I just don't want to anymore because I just can't go into explaining all the holds ups. GL in your appointment today - hoping for thickness

Today I'm taking lots of VitC, sitting with a hot water bottle on my tummy, I went for a jog and I shall be jumping on DH once he gets home (was feeling too low last night - but tonight I'm making it happen!!). Lots of natural remedies for bringing on AF.
One other thing can I ask you ladies - does anyone else have to have a up-to-date smear report before your clinic will transfer? I'm suddenly very worried this could hold me up again. My clinic wants one done within 3 years. My last was in May 2015 and I went for one ~5 weeks ago but the nurse couldn't quite get up to my cervix and so just took a 'general swab' which she said should do it for now (sorry about the tmi). But I haven't go the results yet and I'm really concerned it will come back inconclusive and then my clinic won't proceed. I've rang my GP clinic and they said they'll try to chase it. The really annoying thing is that this wouldn't have been an issue if I had of transferred in April, I'm not sure how strict they are about the 3 year time limit. Has anyone else dealt with this?
Thanks again for all your support

kristimh80

@roisis Honestly, I don't remember my doctor ever mentioning needing a pap smear. If they swabbed you, then I think that would count. Hopefully, they can track it down for you, but I'd think you were fine though. Even if they are strict...you are right at 3 years and I doubt they'd plan it to the exact day / time.  

roisis

@kristimh80 Thanks - you're probably right - I just can't help thinking something else is going to go wrong

ndz2018

@roisis I don't remember them saying this either and agree with @kristimh80 you're right at the 3 year mark don't worry it will all fall into place!

AFM, Lining check this morning CD 12 i'm at 9.9 ... cramping i think from the estrace. Hoping its just my lining getting nice and thick but I'll run it by the nurse anyway.

greenhillgirl

roisis yes my doctor requires an updated pap within the last two or three years. Why couldn't she get to your cervix? Could you call your OBGYN and get one quickly just in case so you don't have to stress about it? I can't remember where you live. If they can't see you fast enough, you can always get one at Planned Parenthood quickly. But I bet if you explain the situation they would waive it. It's all up for the doctor's judgement I think.

I typically like to read classics, historical mystery or romance,  psychological mysteries, or chick lit. I'm pretty picky about it being decently written though. I just downloaded and read all 13 Sookie Stackhouse books on my e-reader in the last weeks. I really enjoyed them, but some bits got boring. I really liked her character. I also love the Inspector Lynley Elizabeth George series and anything Jane Austen inspired. Throw all your suggestions at me! Bonus points if they are well-written and have strong female characters. 

ndz2018  exciting keep us posted!

northbeach3 I find it really hard to plan too and am a big planner. I planned a vacation for us for early June because the prices were cheap, I could get away from work, and I knew if I had FET #2 either 5/1 or 5/5 that I would have had a few weeks that I was either pregnant or not-pregnant. I figured by then I could either pick my butt up off the floor to go on vacay after a second failed transfer or deal with some pregnancy symptoms. I made sure to pick something with a short flight and very little driving and a rental where we can stay in one place and cook/relax as needed. If you're off in July could you plan something in very early July and then plan that late July or early August will be your next transfer if you need it? You wouldn't be too pregnant to travel either. 

northbeach3

PHEW, AF finally came late last night before I headed to bed. breathing a sigh of relief and ready to get this show on the road. my baseline is this afternoon and it'll be my first day of E2 in shot form. gonna try to do it myself tonight b/c I'm travelling during the second shot and will have to do it on my own then too. finishing off my L-arginine today... started baby aspirin, folic acid, and will do first acupuncture tomorrow. come on, womb, let's be hospitable this time! fx for no last minute snafus or cysts!

@roisis it's crazy that something like a pap smear would be an issue since you've been undergoing so much monitoring. i hope that's not a hang up for you.  hope all your AF-inducing tasks work so we can be cycle buddies! 

@ndz2018 can't believe how quickly your transfer is coming up... glad to hear you're lining is thickening up. 

@greenhillgirl thanks for the reassurance about "making it work".  after my fresh transfer, my hubby and i were trying to plan one last babymoon to a zika-free place and had settled on an alaskan cruise. I had started researching and then learned that ladies past 24 weeks cannot board most major cruise ships -- i would have been starting my 3rd trimester in early july so that was out.  with this new cycle, we back to considering the alaskan cruise. i'm just slightly worried about possible symptoms + boat. i'm prone to motion sickness as it is and the month of pregnancy really kinda hit me like a mack truck. well i'll try not to get too far ahead of myself.  appreciate learning how everyone manages the short-term future.

mayflower513

@roisis my insurance actually require a pap within a year!

northbeach3

Got the all clear. Thin lining and quiet ovaries. Excited to get going. 

greenhillgirl

@northbeach3 that’s good news!

AFM I had monitoring this a.m. and have a transfer date of Tuesday 5/1 so I guess I’ll be leading the pack. I start PIO on Thursday. 

pizza_brat

Hi everyone! I'm still here! I've been checking in on the group periodically and reading all the posts, but feeling a bit overwhelmed about responding to everyone!

@greenhillgirl How exciting that you're the first transfer - only one more week!

@northbeach3 Glad you got your period. It's so frustrating waiting for things the natural way.

@ndz2018 I'm so jealous of your lining! I feel like mine will never be that thick!

I had my lining check today, but it was only 6.5mm so I have to push everything back a week. I have another lining check next Tuesday, so my tentative transfer date is now May 11. I have been on Lupron since 4/3 and estradiol patches since 4/11. My doctor was concerned that I wasn't absorbing enough estrogen, but my level was 637 today, so I won't need to add in any oral or vaginal estrogen, thankfully. My nurse said that it could be that my body is not reacting as quickly to estrogen from the patches versus from my own body. I was really hoping the medicated cycle would magically give me a thicker lining! Thankfully, so far I haven't had any bad side effects from either Lupron or Estradiol, and I've actually liked being on both medications.

mrsyng

@roisis my re required a current pap prior to starting ivf since the 3 year mark would have been in this month. I believe i did my pap in December 2017 to avoid any issues. I hope they find your lab because I know how frustrating that could get!

@northbeach3 glad AF showed and you received the all clear to start! Did you get a date for transfer yet? 

@ndz2018 I believe your lining is on track!! I remember RE always saying anything over 8 is good. Good luck! Your transfer will be here shortly!!

@greenhillgirl so excited for your upcoming transfer. Will you be poas?

@SingleGeneMe Fx your lining thickens with the changes. Have you tried Pom juice? Heard some have tried and was helpful. Doesn’t hurt to try since it’s just juice. Good luck!!

roisis

@ndz2018 Hurrah for a great lining Hope the cramping isn't bothering you too much (at least it's a sign that it's working )
@northbeach3 Ah I'm delighted your AF came and you're all good to start - that's great news How did your first E2 shot go? (and I had no idea about cruise ships either - good to know!)

@greenhillgirl Woo-hoo for getting your start date - Yay! You shall be leading our pack
With the pap, the nurse just couldn't get up to my cervix because she could see she was causing me pain (I'm really bad with the speculum - next time she suggested I organise some valium). She seemed to think this would do, but I'm not so sure now. I'm over in Ireland and these things are organised a little differently - we don't really have OBGYNs, unless you need to go see a specialist. Basically the government has a Cervical Check programme whereby all women over 25 can get a pap smear for free every 3 years - and it's just done by your GP. It's a great programme but it means that results are slow - and in my case this may cause a problem. I feel so stupid for letting this happen - I though I was all organised. I even had a mammogram before starting this cycle even though I didn't need to -there's family history and they just said it would be a good idea. All I can do is hope it won't be a problem now.
Ooo - and I LOVE the Sookie Stackhouse series!! After mentioning it yesterday I actually started re-reading that first Anno Dracula - and yup it's brilliant! It's an alternate history set in London in ~1800s whereby vampires are real. Sounds corny I know! But it's so amazing - it's completely full of subtle references to literature and historical fiction (I'm convinced I'm missing lots of clever references!) and it has great characters - including very strong female ones. I am definitely with you on needing strong female characters - and I know I already mentioned him but Terry Pratchett is awesome for that! Cannot recommend him enough
I wonder if we should start a separate thread for books that are good at distracting us at this time? I may get on that
mrsyng  - I really wish I had just thought to take care of this back in December too!
SingleGeneMe - sorry your lining isn't what you had hoped, but you're still on your way and it sounds like your estrogen levels are good