May 2018 - IVF

sunny_side

 @Mich_elle needle is not nearly as bad as it looks! I carry more weight in my bum so for me it hurts less than the tummy shots! Thank you!

@mayflower513 Thank you! Hope you get a great report for your 5dt! 

mich_elle

Thanks @sunny_side! Trigger shot=done! Had a tense few minutes trying to draw all the meds into syringe with that large needle but DH pulled up a video which helped. Plus I realized that there was a notch, like a little window, in the rubber stopper where I could view the tip of the needle. Much easier after that! Phew! Glad that's over. Of *course* I sobbed when it was all done-just a release really. We did it. We got to trigger day. Now, retrieval day. Onward ladies. Off to bed

suziev3

@leilee101 Trigger shot was all hype and no big deal.  I numbed the area for about 15 minutes and it was no prob.  My nurse also prepped it for me in advance and gave me a 1 inch needle instead of the 1 1/2 because I am pretty small.  Never knew that was an option. My lead follicle was 21.  They said they would trigger me at 18 but they changed their mind to let some more catch up.  Hang in there. 
@retro_belle24 Thank you! Glad you are able to go through with your retrieval. 
@mich_elle You made it!  Moving ahead on retrieval.  Congrats. 
@mayflower513 That's great.  The waiting for results is harder than the shots in my opinion.  
@sunny_side Yay! FX for fertilization. 

AFM,  I go in at 8 tomorrow for retrieval!   

prudence9-2

@mich_elle I like the plan of transferring everything that looks good on day 3!!! Don’t worry about multiples as in our age, most of them won’t make it to day 5... 

as for the day after retrieval I was totally fine. Make sure you take some pain killers with you in case you’re having pains. I didn’t really have much pains after. You might feel uncomfortable a little bit. But it’s not too bad. 

mayflower513

@mich_elle yay for trigger being done!!  Enjoy your day of no shots!!

@suziev3 good luck!!

I’m still uncomfortably crampy.  At this point I’m not sure if it’s the endometrin... could that have taken over and be causing painful cramps?  Idk if I should be worried.

leilee101

@suziev3 happy retrieval day!! Good luck!
@mayflower513 never had an ER but asked a friend about the days following and she said 2-3 days after she was very bloated and crampy, I guess the empty follicles fill up with fluid after causing that sensation. But no personal experience sorry, hopefully some of the ladies on here know, or if you’re really concerned you could always call and ask nurse - that’s what we pay them all this money for!

Having a WTF moment, went in again today to see if we would trigger tonight or tomorrow. My largest follicle was 15.5 yesterday and 15 today. My lining was 8.5 yesterday and only 6.5 today. It was a different tech than I usually have, so maybe that’s it? But I left the appointment almost in tears .. I was hoping to see these numbers going up not down!

mayflower513

Thanks @leilee101 - it’s not as bad now so I think it’s getting better.

and oh no.  It probably is the tech, unfortunately they’re not all equally good and since it’s measuring there is room for error.  FX you go back tomorrow and they’re all higher!

sunny_side

@suziev3 Happy ER day! excited for your update
@mich_elle Glad you had a smooth trigger! 

My experience/ Follicle Size Answer for @leilee101, @mich_elle, @retro_belle24:
I think you ladies asked about lead follicle or mentioned follicle size at trigger so here is my crazy analysis! Since I had 4 of my 5 follicles retrieved, I guessed that the ones that had eggs were the 2 lead follicles at trigger, 19.6 & 19.8, then a 17.1, and a 15.5. Im assuming the one that didn't retrieve was my 13.6- but you really never know.  BUT In a past cycle, I had 12 follicles with 10 retrieved and deduced that my smallest retrieved was 13.5. You three ladies all have at least one follicle size15 at this point so that sounds PERFECT to me!

@Emerald27 2 more days until you get your day 5 report!! 

@madasm0530  ugh. I feel your pain about the HPT. I know they say the trigger shot has hcg hormone that has been known to mess with the results of HPT... but still id probably take one because - LOL. 

emerald99

retro_belle24 @mich_elle GL with ER!!!  I'm so psyched for you both.
@suziev3 FX that ER is going well / went great!

@mich_elle my ER was Monday, and I'm definitely still crampy, although that's likely because gas doesn't have as much room to move, and I'm soo bloated.  I decided to take Tuesday off as a mental health day, but when I went for a little walk, I was glad that I was taking it easy, because I wasn't ready that day to be walking around the office all day.  You might not want to over schedule the day after the ER.

AFM I stayed away from here all day yesterday...it's easier to wait until Saturday if I don't read about it all the time, but I want to be here to encourage you wonderful ladies!  I also started looking at an FET thread, because I'm wondering if I'll be able to be on vacation until a few days before transfer. My doc will put me on BC after AF, and we're road tripping so we can bring PIO with us, so I think I should be ok??

mayflower513

I spoke to the lab and we have 10 that are 4 cell and 1 that’s 3, so we have 11 in the game.  My transfer will be Sunday but I won’t get a time until Saturday and they won’t look at them again until Sunday am so I have no idea how maybe will be left!!

suziev3

Thank everyone! Update: ER went smoothly. We got 21 eggs. FX the quality is there this time. I’m on a strict high protein, no carb, low sugar diet to reduce chance of ohss for the next 5 days. I don’t know if that will help some of you ladies who are experiencing post retrieval bloating but might be worth a try. 

mich_elle

@mayflower513 That's awesome and best of luck to you this weekend! 

@suziev3 So happy for you! 21 whoot whoot! When will you get updates on them?

AFM, I had to scramble last night when I realized I could not be in 2 places at once: I needed to go back to RE for another blood draw to confirm trigger but also had to get DS to school! So I managed to arrange for my cousin to bring him after I put my car seat in her car and got him settled at her place before dashing off to the clinic! And, my trigger was a success...hurrah and E2 is up to 1019 so I'm stoked for tomorrow!  Thanks again for all of your words of advice and encouragement! I'll be doing my ER tomorrow am at 8am. I've decided to pass on going to the communion-I hate the thought of missing something so special but also hate the thought of feeling physically not well so far from home. Anyway, assuming that we have an embryos to transfer, I'm guessing that will happen Monday, which would be day 3. 

Did you ladies do anything post-retrieval that helped you feel better? Obviously resting but what about heat pack, etc? And, when are you eating pineapple core and pomegranate juice? Is that with the ET? or Just with FET? Can you tell I'm feeling in the weeds and a bit of a mess? LOL

mayflower513

@mich_elle I’ve been using a heating pad and it helps.  And I’ll start eating pineapple core the day of transfer  idk about the pomegranate juice.  I’ll also get acupuncture treatment after and maybe the day before transfer.

and GOOD LUCK!!

suziev3

@mich_elle Good luck tomorrow. You made it this far, so you can totally handle the retrieval. Heating pad is great. I do acupuncture too. They usually want me to take Tylenol vs Ibuprofen when I get home, so maybe have some handy. Low/no sugar versions of electrolyte drinks like vitamin water, Gatorade, or pedialite. I think the pineapple juice and pomegranate juice is for FET, not sure when to start if you are having fresh transfer. But the anesthesiologist mentioned watermelon juice the day before ER to help if you have veins that play hard to get. 

prudence9-2

Good luck tomorrow @mich_elle

mayflower513

Good luck today @retro_belle24 and @mich_elle!

emerald99

@mayflower513 That's fantastic!!  GL with the transfer Sunday!!!
@suziev3 those are awesome numbers!  FX for more good news.  How's the diet going?  They told me high salt, high protein, and lots of water (esp with electrolytes) but I haven't necessarily cut carbs much.  I hate even the low sugar G2 and much prefer SmartWater, but I don't know how the amount of electrolytes compares.  I've been super thirsty and super craving salt.
@mich_elle @retro_belle24 can't wait to get an update!  Sending you good vibes!!

leilee101

Good luck today @mich_elle and @retro_belle24! Thinking of you both. And holy egg farm @suziev3 that’s awesome! thanks everyone else for the post ER tips.. keep em comin!

FINALLY got the go ahead to trigger tonight.. ER will be Sunday! I’m making my nurse friend come over and do it for me lol

mayflower513

Yay, good luck @leilee101!

Am I the only one who’s trigger was sub q??

@suziev3 FX for a good fertilization report today!  Keep us posted!

emerald99

@mayflower513 Mine was subcutaneous as well - ovidrel, I think.

mich_elle

Hey ladies! I'm going to go nap now but wanted to give a quick update first. All went very well and we are very happy! RE retrieved 6 eggs...6! Whoot whoot! I can't believe it! So now, you know the drill...we wait! I should get a call tomorrow morning with a report on how many were mature & number fertilized. Assuming I'll have embryos to transfer, that will be Monday 5/21! Again, thanks ladies...you rock

Where's my ER buddy...@retro_belle24, how did it go?

@mayflower, my trigger (Pregnyl) was sub-q just like all my other shots thus far.

suziev3

@Mich_elle That’s fantastic! Best case scenario. 
@leilee101 Yay! You finally made it to the trigger! Congrats. 
@emerald99 The diet sucks but I have to adhere to it because of my risk of ohss for 5 days. I’m eating salty seaweed snacks for fun:) Keep us posted on tomorrow results!
AFM,  we got 14 fertilized. Which is great... but basically the same as last time. And again the report says there is browning of the shell ( can’t recall the technical term) so that may indicate a quality issue again. Having mixed emotions right now. Holding my breath til Tues. 

mayflower513

@suziev3 yay for 14!  Is that note on all of them or just some?

retro_belle24

Hi everyone! Just woke up from a long nap. Feeling a little sore around the stomach but not too bad. I had the ER today and they retrieved 12 eggs!! I was pretty nervous last night and this morning so it was a relief to wake up to good news. I’ll get a call tomorrow afternoon with a count of how many were fertilized. FX’d. 

@suziev3 that’s wonderful news about the count! FX for Tuesday’s call. 

@mich_elle yay on your 6!! That’s fantastic! I’ll be thinking of you for tomorrow’s phone call. 

@mayflower513 my trigger shot was sub q as well and it was with a small needle. 

mayflower513

I just had red spotting and now I’m super worried.  Why would I have it now??

mich_elle

@suziev3 Yes, thank you! Yay for 14 and FX for Tuesday

@retro_belle24 How you doing? You get your call yet?

@mayflower513 Huh, I'm sorry I don't know what to tell you other than email/call your nurse for peace of mind. Try not to worry (((hugs)))

AFM, DH did my 1st PIO shot this morning and it really wasn't bad at all. I contribute that to using 4% lidocaine cream to numb area for 30 min first, then coughing when he inserted the needle. I was terrified of that needle and still am. Maybe I'll work up the courage to try it myself!

Also, got a call from the embryologist this morning:
6 retrieved
3 mature
2 fertilized
Now we wait until Monday's call to see if they made it to day 3 and if we will have a transfer. We will do both if they make it. I'm happy-sad. I was really hoping that *at least* 3 maybe even 4 got fertilized but that was just not in the cards for us. Let it go, let it go, let it go...my mantra for today.

suziev3

@mayflower513 Seems like it could be totally normal if it is light, but I'd check with the doctor/nurse to be sure.  As for my embryologist report,  I'm not sure if they are all brown or just some. I may have a quality issue but if I can get 2 pgs normals out of this, I will be thrilled.   
@retro_belle24 Great news.  Keep us posted.  
@mich_elle My fingers are crossed so hard for you!  The waiting is so nerve racking but Monday will be here soon.  You've got 2 and that may be all you need!

prudence9-2

@mich_elle I’m going to keep my fingers crossed for you that they both make it to day 3!!!

sunny_side

Sorry I’ve been MIA for two days! I felt so good after ER that I played tennis on Thursday and yesterday I was working and trying not to obsess over the wait! 
[email protected]_elle! We are in the same boat! I also have 2 that fertilized and find out on Monday... which can’t come soon enough!!
@retro_belle24  FX for you! Did you get a call to see if your 12 were successful?? 
@leilee101 FX for a great ER and report tomorrow!! 
@suziev3 14 is amazing! Did you get any updates yet on growth? 
@mayflower513 I’m sorry to read about the spotting. I just edited this post I thought maybe it was a period but forgot you were a 5dt so they probably have you on meds. Thinking of you and hoping for a smooth transfer tomorrow. My friend is my Obgyn and she told me that pineapple core has highest concentration of the enzyme that is supposed to help with implantation. I forget the name but she said to buy whole pineapples and eat the core. I’ve done it before and it is really tough but doable!   I was a subQ also (Ovidrell). 

retro_belle24

Hi all! The lab finally called me and out of the 12 eggs retrieved, 9 were mature and 5 were fertilized. We have another update call on Monday then Friday before PGD/S. I’m a little worried about having 5 fertilized and waiting to see if they last 1 week before testing but I’m trying to think positive thoughts. 

mich_elle

aww congrats @retro_belle24! 5 lil embies...grow, grow, grow! Is it Monday yet?!? LOL! FX for you lady!

mich_elle

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mich_elle

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Sorry ladies, I'm trying to be cute and drop a gif here but clearly, I don't know how to do it! Hence, the random . as my post 

mich_elle

. Still

sunny_side

@mich_elle Was the gif a HUGE glass of wine LOL because I need it. I think You,me, @retro_belle24 @leilee101 have updates coming on Monday and @suziev3 will hear back on Tuesday! Who else is waiting for Monday?? 

@retro_belle24 great fertility report! I know we always want more but 5 is wonderful and you know what they say... it only takes one.

mayflower513

Congrats on 5 @retro_belle24!!  FX they grow, grow, grow!!

thank you @sunny_side!  I really hope I have a few good embryos left in the morning and there aren’t any issues on the ultrasound that prevent me from doing the transfer.  Luckily my acupuncturist has a class going on this weekend so I just had my pre transfer session and will go back tomorrow either right after or at lunch time when she has a break.  I also picked up a pineapple!  My appt is at 845.

sunny_side

Wonderful news @mayflower513!  Hoping for a great update tomorrow. We’re you able to chat with them about spotting? 

mayflower513

@sunny_side I did, they just said they’ll do an ultrasound and if there’s anything going on they won’t continue with the transfer.  Super reassuring! (Not!)

sunny_side

I get it!  ...Well with that answer they don’t sound worried so that is a good sign. Business as usual is good!! FX 

mayflower513

Thank you @sunny_side