May 2018 - IVF

mayflower513

Lol I am an idiot.  Vaginal = suppository.  

Crazy!  I wonder if one is a back up??

mich_elle

@cmarieb35 No, you're not an idiot! Valid bc another bumpie on another IF thread was using them rectally so...not a stupid thing to clarify! When I read how she was using them, I was like...what?!? I always associated suppositories with the vag!

mayflower513

Funny.  I wonder if she was actually supposed to do them vaginally and did them wrong lol.  I think of suppository as rectal unless it specifies vaginal not sure why!

I was thinking back to your PPA post... have you talked to your OB?  I think anxiety meds might help you but obv idk if you can take them while TTC or once you get pregnant... but there has to be something!

retro_belle24

Hi everyone! Fx for all the ladies going through the IVF next month I should be starting IVF in May too. 

I just got the call from my financial coordinator that my insurance has approved IVF based on DH's SA. I'm should start my period this weekend and if I do, I go in Monday morning for blood work, learn my protocol, and start BC for about 7 days. Next Thursday my mom and I will be attending medication class. My mom is coming with me instead of DH because she'll be giving me my shots and DH works long long days. I'm looking forward to the medication class because I know absolutely nothing about the IVF drugs and it'll be nice to have a basic understanding when read other people's protocols.

mich_elle

@cmarieb35 LOL, I didn't even think of that! Who knows! Well, we will once we get closer and as this specific question, LOL! As for my PPA, yes, I've spoken to my GYN & a therapist. Zoloft is safe during pg so I'm assuming it's also safe while TTC. But...since I have anxiety about my anxiety  I'm afraid of adding anything to my system that *may* interfere w getting pg. Once we're past all this baby making shit, I'll get on something. Thanks for recommending that 

@retro_belle24 Welcome and GL to you! 

mayflower513

@mich_elle I totally get it.

ugh so I’m like 90% sure it’s CD1.  I feel like an idiot lol.  My last couple periods have been so weird Bc I spot for like a week before I get it so unless I get it and it’s super heavy I question when it actually starts.  I started spotting last Sunday and today it’s definitely different but still not like heavy so it makes me question if it’s still spotting!  It also only gives me a 27 day cycle last cycle but I also had my surgery so I know that can throw it off, and I ovulated on day 12 so it still could make sense.  I guess I’ll see what happens over the day and maybe I’ll end up calling and sounding like a dumbass.

mayflower513

Are any of you doing pomegranate juice or anything?  When do you drink it, before or after transfer?  I might do that and the pineapple core.  And I’m doing acupuncture.

emmasemm

@sarah_fox I hear you on getting doctors to see the whole picture and consider the effects of their specialty on other specialties more! And I have also tested positive in the past for gluten antibodies - I’ve been GF for 10 years. However with the amount of traveling I do I regularly have issues with contamination and therefore hardly ever test truly negative. However I know when it’s flaring up as the symptoms are too damn obvious. I’ve been trying to be extra careful since we started IVF and have cut my travel.

@cmarieb35 @madasm0530 I was put on prescription prenatals before our first IVF round by my RE. Then they are sure you’re taking a good one. However the general recommendation is to start a prenatal when you start TTC. 

@mich_elle @cmarieb35
Regarding progesterone, every RE has their own general preferences firstly. If you have some known low progesterone issues then they typically have a more aggressive version. Most people should be ok with just vaginal progesterone once a day - either one of the suppositories (to keep your stress at the right level try for the blue ones not the red ones so you don’t think you’re spotting) or crinone gel is also popular. I’ve used that each time without any issue. If you use anything vaginally you should know that you cannot check progesterone levels with a blood test as it goes direct to the uterus, not through blood.
PIO seems scary at first with the needles but everyone manages fine, and it gives most issues with mild local reactions in the following days at the injection sites which form hard painful knots. These can be reduced by using heat pads, warming the vial before injecting etc. Some people find they have issues when the PIO oil is sesame, but none when it’s olive oil. So again if you have a chance maybe try the olive.
Some doctor’s use both just to be sure. But the research says if you have normal progesterone levels in natural cycles then once a day crinone is just as good as higher doses, multiple times a day or combining crinone with PIO.

@cmarieb35 so are you calling it CD1? And yes to me drinking pomegranate juice and eating pineapple core. But then again I already threw in the kitchen sink a long time ago so the list of things I eat, drink and supplements I take is huge. Anything that is proven to do no harm I do, regardless of whether there is statistical evidence it helps or not. All things have been given the green light by my RE (and my former one) - though they wouldn’t necessarily mandate to take some of them. I love my acupuncture sessions.

mayflower513

@emmasemm thanks for all the info!  I guess vaginal progesterone is fine then!

I am calling yesterday CD1.

and it looks like we’re doing antagonist protocol... this is what he gave me.

when do you do pomegranate?  And how much?

emmasemm

@cmarieb35 that just looks like the general info sheet - you should get a much more detailed sheet with exactly which quantities of which medications to take at which times on which days. Some the dates eg for the trigger won’t be fixed until your last monitoring appointment 

mayflower513

@emmasemm yeah I know it’s general but I would have to think they’re at least using this protocol if this is what they gave me?  I should find out more Monday when I talk to the IVF coordinator.

capekaren

Howdy all!

I’m pretty new to The Bump and, I just posted on the “TTC over 35” board for the first time last week. @mich_elle suggested I join this thread as it looks like I’ll also be doing IVF in May. I’m 40 (turning 41 in May), and my fiancé is 40. We’ve been TTC since July of 2017, and started seeing a RE in February. The RE (Dr. Brain Berger at Boston IVF) wants to go straight to IVF, luckily we live in Massachusetts and health insurance pays for most of it.

I just did my Clomid Challenge in late March, my CD3 FSH was 8.69, CD10 (after 100 MG of Clomid) FSH was 7.68, and my AMH is 1.56.  We had a follow-up appointment last week with the RE, the official diagnosis is Unexplained Fertility. Right now I’m waiting for AF (due tomorrow or Monday), I’ll call my clinic as soon as AF comes, and my nurse will walk me through the planned protocol for mid-May. 

My doctor said we’ll be doing an Estrogen Priming Protocol, and a fresh transfer (day 5) of one embryo with PGS. 

The only potential glitch in the plan is some genetic testing that is going to happen this week. I have a family history of Neurofibromatosis (type 1), and even though I have no symptoms I could technically be a carrier with a very “mild” case. I’m getting a blood test on Monday, if it turns out I’m a carrier then the IVF plan will include PGD. If PGD is needed it will cause a delay because the labs need to be reserved a month (or two) in advance, so the IVF might get pushed to June or July. I’m also super impatient, and I dread that thought of delaying a month or two! I want to get this thing going!

So fingers crossed that I’m not a carrier of NF1! I’m also hoping this crazy moodiness and sleepiness goes away soon (I assume its the Clomid).

mayflower513

Welcome @capekaren!!  I’ve heard good things about Boston IVF and Dr. Berger.  I considered Boston IVF but women and infants is more convenient for me location wise and the RE im seeing has been recommended by multiple people so I just stayed where I am.  Where in MA are you?  I’m in Rhode Island.  I’m looking forward to following your journey!

capekaren

Hi @cmarieb35
Another New Englander! I'm out on Cape Cod.
So far we love Dr. Berger and the entire staff. When I was researching RE's I had heard some complaints about Boston IVF feeling too much like a "factory". They do have a ton of patients, but that place is so well run and organized, and I am consistently impressed at everyone's level of compassion. 

mayflower513

@capekaren I figured the cape after I posted because of your screen name.  I think most of the big places seem like factories.  Hey, it gives them experience I guess!  I’m feeling less than totally informed right now but I think that’s just because I’m waiting to talk to my IVF coordinator.  I really hope I feel better then!

tl_seekingfam

Hey ladies! Can I join you all?  

I’m 31 with severe endometriosis and (unofficially) PCOS and DH is 29 with an A+ report card on his SA lol. We have been TTC since December 2016. I had a Lap in June 2017 to remove a 6 cm cyst on my left ovary, Endometriosis and a polyp blocking my right tube. Since then, I’ve gotten pregnant 3 times, all ending by the week 5 mark. My doctors suspect egg quality is compromised from the toxic fluid caused my my endometriosis and I will be moving to IVF to hopefully bypass that fluid.

I live in Missouri but will be traveling to Prague to complete my IVF cycle. The baseline ultrasounds and blood work will be done with my doctors here and then I plan on flying over about a day or two before trigger (May 23). I’ll be getting my protocol sometime this week. I’m also in the middle of the TWW for my last natural cycle.

Nervous and excited all at the same time

mandurz

I will go ahead an jump on the may train, though my ER might be the last day or so of April. I am excited to see so many people getting ready as well. I had a CD 2 monitor appointment this morning to see if we are a go to start stimming and got the call that things are good. 

My protocol is strange but seems to have fairly good results. We are doing a modified lower stimulation cycle, because I have PCOS I tend to over respond but it takes me a bit to get going. 

So here is the plan:
4/2-- start clomid 50mg twice daily and will continue that til the trigger, 
Also start femera 2.5mg twice daily but only for 5 days
Dexamethasone once a day til the ER
Will have a monitor appointment 4/21 to get the go ahead to start shots
4/22-- add in 150 gonal f and 75 menopur every other day until trigger.
After 4/22 will have monitor appointments every other day like normal.

I have a bit of a history and it is in my signature, but I know on my mobile app I can't see it so here it is...


major TW losses and living child mentioned

I went through IVF in 2014 that resulted in 4 frozen embryos, 2 of which I transferred in March 2015. It was successful with twin boys. I ended up going into early labor and had them at 29 weeks (very scary and intense being in the NICU for 7 weeks total). Well both were growing very well and doing pretty good, one had some breathing concerns and was seeing a specialist. In June (3 months before turning 2) one the one with breathing concerns passed in his sleep. We had already decided and started working towards doing another FET with the remaining 2 embryos, and decided to continue working towards that. Did FET #2 in Aug 2017 and it was again successful with one implanted. At 10.5 weeks we got the worst news that there was no longer a heartbeat and the baby had stopped growing probably the day after my last ultrasound 2 weeks prior. Had to have a D&C since my body didn't realize that the baby had stopped growing. Did the genetic testing to find out why (since we opted out of PGS before they were frozen) and found out it was a girl and had trisomy 9. We went through another IVF and out of 13 eggs only one made it to blastocyst to be frozen. 
END TW

So after all of that we are at it again trying to get some more embryos. This time we opted for PGS and I can't wait to get going. Has anyone else taken the dexamethasone? Does it actually help you respond better to the stimming meds?

mayflower513

Editing for formatting issues! I can’t tag you knottie.

welcome Knottie!  I’m so sorry for your losses.  Where would the fluid be that could be causing the egg quality issue?  Why Prague?

@mandurz welcome!  I’m so sorry about your son and loss.  I don’t have any experience with dexamethasone.  Will you transfer 2 embryos again or one?

Baby dust to all!!

mandurz

@cmarieb35 yes the plan is to transfer 2. My RE has never mentioned trying 1, even with our first round. 

mayflower513

@mandurz interesting - mine will only start with 1, I wonder what the difference is.  Either way, I hope it works for you!!

I just talked with my IVF coordinator and finally got the deets!  @mich_elle I'm using your format

PROTOCOL: stim for 10 days (more/less if needed)
1. Follistim for about 5 days
2. Add in ganirelux and manipur for another 4-6 days
3. HCG trigger

Keeping leuprolide on hold in case of OHSS

NEXT (tentative/estimated) STEPS:
4/30 bw + us
5/04 start date for stim meds, take for 10 days (+/-)
5/13 HCG shot
5/15 ER
5/18/20 ET
5/29 beta

I'm so anxious right now - this shit is getting real!

leilee101

Hi ladies,
I've been hanging out on the TTGP IF thread but it was suggested I check this one out too, I didn't even know there was a whole infertility forum! DH and I have been TTC #1 since Summer '16 and, much like many of you, have hit a TON of bumps on the way. History in spoiler, but long story short, DH does not produce sperm so we need to use a donor. We tried one IUI **TW** ended in a CP **end TW** and decided to just move to IVF. So I just started birth control on 4/12 and meds are being delivered now. One meds are received, I'll get more information - but was told to expect to be on BCP for ~2 weeks, so assuming late April/early May to start stims!

Sorry to see so many of you having to go through this process, but also glad to see so many who have gone through this because I have no idea what's going on! Anxious but excited to finally get this show on the road.

mandurz

@cmarieb35 I thought it was interesting as well but since it worked I didn't complain. I hope it works for you too!

tl_seekingfam

@cmarieb35 Sorry, it might be because my username was being changed! *edit- it never. Changed so idk? *
They said basically that endo secretes this fluid so wherever the endo is . Then when I ovulate, the eggs can come in contact with this fluid and immediately reduce the quality. 

As for Prague- it is significantly cheaper. Missouri is not a state that requires any form of fertility coverage so I would be completely OOP which would put IVF somewhere between $16-20k.. in Prague, with flights, meds, and staying there, plus the procedure, I will only pay about $7000. This clinic (and many of the ones in Prague) are top in the world, so after having a few friends do it successfully and frugally, I jumped at it!

mayflower513

No problem!! How do you change it?  I haven’t been able to figure it out.

that makes sense - I had no idea.  I hope it works!!

madasm0530

Hey Gals -  Saturday was CD1 for me so I start BCPs today. Looks like my IVF will actually be in May!

mich_elle

@retro_belle24 @capekaren @knottie 1467660167 I forgot to mention that if your do get to do IVF in May, feel free to add your info the spreadsheet in my siggy. It helps keep everyone to date at a glance!

@cmarieb35 I've heard about the pomegranate and pineapple core. I'll do both & maybe the acupuncture too. 

@emmasemm Thanks for the P info. Great tips as I inch closer to my meds being delivered beginning of May.

Hey @capekaren! Happy to see you joined us here! Did AF show yet?

@Knottie1467660167 Hi there & welcome. I'm so sorry for your losses (((hugs))). GL on your journey and keep us updated on your progress!  FX you'll be KU on your last cycle!

I'll be back on tomorrow to catch up with the rest of you ladies.  TB eats my damn comments when I'm mobile so I'm on my laptop but it's dying and the cord is MIA! Off to bed for me I guess! Check in tomorrow!

mich_elle

.

retro_belle24

@mich_elle thank you! I will def. be using it once I got my protocol. 

Things are going slow over here. I'm waiting for AF and then we can get the ball rolling. For once in my life, I'm actually wanting AF to come, haha! 

mich_elle

@mandurz Welcome! Even if you begin in April, come on in and add your info to the May spreadsheet so we can keep track of your progress! I'm so sorry for your losses  We are warriors...that's all I can say. I wish you the best of luck on your journey to expand your family  (((hugs)))

@cmarieb35 Happy to see you use the format and YAY for deets!!! Holy crap...our protocols and timing is so similar! I really hope that it stays that way so we can walk through this together  So exciting!! I saw that you called your CD1 the other day...awesome! When are your meds being delivered? 

@leilee101 Hi & welcome! I'm sorry for your CP and that you find yourself here but, you're in great company! GL to you on your road to motherhood!

@Knottie1467660167 Prague...wow! That's amazing and sending you the good vibes now! My anxiety has anxiety over the fact that it has anxiety so I simply cannot imagine adding international travel on top of this process. I'm already walking around at like a level 9 so... Oh and DH just announced that he'll be traveling back to France for work for a week in June! I don't sleep when he's not home and when he went recently, DS had the flu and I had a terrible cold. FX we stay healthy while he's away AND that this trip doesn't interfere with our TTC plans.

@madasm0530 Jump on the May Train! Whoot-whoot!

tl_seekingfam

cmarieb35 said:

No problem!! How do you change it?  I haven’t been able to figure it out.

that makes sense - I had no idea.  I hope it works!!

I changed it by logging into the knot since they are all tied together. But it doesn’t look like it’s changed over here!

I have my pre-stims ultrasound tomorrow. Hopefully everything looks clear and good to go!

prudence9-2

Lurking....

@Knottie1467660167 - I also have a friend who did the IVF in Prague (she’s also lives in the US) and it resulted with a beautiful boy & a girl that are almost 5 y/o now. Good luck!

They do have some of the best fertility clinics over there!!!

mayflower513

Good luck @Knottie1467660167!

@mich_elle FX our utes stay the course and we keep on our schedule!  The coordinator suggested I have my meds delivered around 4/30 since that’s my us/bw day and I could start them 5/4, so I asked for them by 4/30 and they said they’d send them next Monday or Tuesday so I should have them by the end of next week!  I need to figure out if I order lupron or not... it was ordered but I was told to keep in on hold in case I need it for OHSS, but the pharmacy said there’s a shortage and I may not be able to get it if I wait til I need it.  So I’m going to see if I hit my OOP max without it (so it wouldn’t cost me anything) and I think I’ll order it if that’s the case but if not I’ll roll the dice.

when do you get yours??

mich_elle

@cmarieb35 LOL..yes! OMG that's exciting! Mine are due 5/3 with 5/5 start date. I had it set for 4/30 originally too but when I double checked with the nurse, she said to push it closer??? The pharmacist said that the batch of one of the meds would expire before I was done with it if it was delivered then so I pushed it a bit closer. I still need to call back to confirm whether or not a new batch with a further expiration date is available. I don't recall off the top of my head now which med it was. Ummm, wait until that day-talk about shit getting real!?!?! 

mayflower513

@mich_elle omg that’s so close!  How can it be expiring within a few weeks?  I asked and they said everything is good for a year.  Can you get all but the one sent and then get he last one on 5/3?  I’m getting the lupron sent today Bc they said they have to in order for me to be able to get it and then the rest they’ll send next mon which I’ll get on Tuesday.  They did say they are only sending me 2 vials of follistim even though 3 were called in so I’ll have to refill that if I need it.  My coordinator said to open everything because some have to be refrigerated.  I have a feeling it is going to be intimidating!

kristimh80

*lurking* @mich_elle Is your Lupron the compounded kind? If so, probably why it expires so quickly. I had to get Lupron for my trigger shot and they said was only good for a week. Btw...I'm excited for you!! Good to see you'll be moving forward so soon!

emmasemm

Hey everyone! Lots to catch up on!

So we got our protocol today, ready in case CD1 comes over the weekend.
I’m facing some challenges getting meds due to language barrier and some maybe not licensed in Germany... which is causing huge stress.

We start CD2 evening with 5 days of Rekovelle which is FSH only at 12 units daily.
Then Zomacton (HGH) starting CD2 EOD 12 units per day ending CD10.
CD7 we start Meriofert (FSH and LH, like menopur) at 450iu per day. This one is not available in Germany. And previously I took max 300iu per day. So I’m really intrigued how my follies respond.
Same day we start daily cetrotide 0.25mg per day.
Trigger is a 15000iu HCG of a brand called Gonasi (which is not available in Germany). So far I only took 5000iu doses to trigger, so this is a huge jump. Good job I don’t have to worry about overstimulating!
I’m still waiting for name and dose of antibiotic, blood thinner and steroid.
They're aiming for ER CD14 or 15.

@capekaren welcome and hope the genetic tests come back clear

@mandurz @leilee101 welcome

Great to see a few of us are moving closer!

madasm0530

good morning may IVFers! we finally got our 'program start' scheduled for tomorrow; trial transfer, $$$, injection training, etc. does everyone's clinics do trail transfers? i didn't know this was a thing until recently.

we'll also get our specific protocol. i found out yesterday that we have some rx coverage which was amazing. 

i need to get myself added to the spreadsheet and catch up with everyone's progress!
  

kristimh80

@madasm0530 Yes, mine does trial transfers. It allows your doctor to be able to measure exactly where they need to place your embryo. It will also give you an idea of how full your bladder should be. At my trial, mine was way too full and awful so at actual transfer I wasn't as aggressively drinking water before lol

madasm0530

@kristimh80 they told me to come with a totally empty bladder and drink at least 48oz of water prior to the trial. Luckily I have an hour to do so so at least I won’t be chugging. 

mayflower513

I don’t think we do a trial transfer (no one has mentioned it).