October 2018 IVF

bakerstreetboys

Hello,

Is anyone else starting an IVF cycle with a ER in October?  We will be starting our second cycle later this month; I'll start the estradiol patch after I get a positive OPK, and then injections once AF arrives.

optimisticmrsk

Hi @bakerstreetboys! I’m hoping to start my 1st IVF cycle pretty soon ! I’m waiting for AF this week to start BCP for a couple weeks and hopefully start stims late Sep and then (FX!) do an October ER! I’m so anxious to start as we have had to wait so many months to start IVF, it’s our first infertility treatment ever so I’m very excited too. Wish you best of luck this cycle! So are you doing a whole cycle this second time, meaning Stims and egg retrieval? May I ask if you were able to get any eggs on your first try or what were your results ?

bakerstreetboys

optimisticmrsk    I hope they get everything started for you soon!  Do you know what your protocol will be?  Yep, we have to do a full cycle again, including ER.  We only got 3 mature eggs last time, two fertilized, and we put them both back.  I got pregnant but had a CP unfortunately.  With nothing to freeze for a FET, it was super disappointing.  I'm 40 with low AHM, so we don't expect to get a ton of eggs, but a few more would be nice!  I'm looking forward to chatting with you and other ladies once this thread picks up a bit!

Avrilmai

Hi ladies. I’ll be joining you in October. We did our first ER cycle in August. We had 3 fertilize but only one made it to blast. I’m on BCP now to shrink some cysts and then l’ll start the microdose lupron protocol in October 
@bakerstreetboys I have a low AMH too, so we’re hoping the new protocol will get us a few more “good” eggs. What protocol are you doing? 
@optimisticmrsk I hope this cycle brings good results. What led you to IVF? 

optimisticmrsk

Yes, @bakerstreetboys, I know I will be doing an Antagonist protocol, so I will be taking Gonal-F, Menopur and Cetrotide.

I’m really sorry to hear about your CP last cycle. The positive thing is that your doctors now have a better idea of what they need to change/tweak for a more successful cycle! Sending you all the positive vibes.

optimisticmrsk

Hi, @Avrilmai it sucks that we have to go through this but at least it’s nice to have cycle buddies to share/vent with

I personally don’t know anyone who has done IVF so it’s nice to talk to people that are going through the same thing.

Thank you for your well wishes. I guess we fall under “unexplained fertility “ which is why we ended up having to do IVF. All our tests have been relatively normal. We have been TTC since Aug 2016 and I have never gotten a positive pregnancy test, no miscarriages and/or CP. Our RE better explained it saying that it’s like if my husband had a key and I have a lock, but it’s just the wrong key for that lock, or viceversa. Hence, we are going straight to IVF with ICSI, since my DH’s morphology is borderline low , possibly due to a medication he has been taking for many years and which he needs to continue to take.

bakerstreetboys

@avrilmai Hi there We're doing the long antagonist protocol with estrogen priming.  It's the same protocol that we did last time, but we're upping the Gonal-F to 450.  I was hesitant to do the same protocol again, and asked the RE about the MDL route, and she said it's about 50/50.  We'll try that next if this one doesn't work.  I'm in Canada so the meds are a bit different, but it's the same principle.  I'm not on BCP because they don't want to over suppress me.  They consider the last cycle "successful" because I got pregnant, but I don't exactly agree!  We thought about PGS testing, but opted out of doing it.  We have had three losses in a row, so now it's about finding that "good" egg.  Did you freeze your blast from the last cycle?

@optimisticmrsk Hopefully IVF unlocks that lock for you!  I have definitely found this site helpful, I hope you do too.

ah80

We are scheduled for an October cycle. We have an appointment today to get test results and review protocol. 

Avrilmai

@bakerstreetboys we did freeze. we did ICSI and PGS testing (and are hopefully doing the same in October). we decided to do a second ER before transfer. My RE kind of left it up to me as far as protocol. She noted that the antagonist protocol did "work," but that the MDL may be better for a "poor responder" so we decided to give the MDL a shot. 
@optimisticmrsk that is a great analogy. I completely understand that idea of wanting to find people going through the same things. I mean, I may know people who are going through this, but everyone keeps it so quite, myself included. I did share with a few friends/family and they have been supportive but it really is the whole empathy vs. sympathy thing and I find talking with people who've been there, done that, or who are just going through it for the first time to be so very helpful. 

ah80

@Avrilmai Yes that is totally it! Empathy vs Sympathy! I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me.  Outside of the professionals I'm working with and my partner I haven't felt comfortable talking to anyone.  

optimisticmrsk

Thank you @bakerstreetboys !! So far it has helped a lot. Hoping this cycle ends in a healthy , full term pregnancy for you , FX!! When are you starting your stims ?

@Avrilmai you are so right ! Even though having a support system from friends and family is important, the fact that we are able to connect with other women experiencing the same, makes this journey a little less lonely. Sending you all the positive energy for this cycle to give you better results ! Have you had to make any major lifestyle changes since starting IVF ?

@ah80 hope your appointment went well ! Will this be your first IVF cycle ?

bakerstreetboys

@optimisticmrsK Thanks!  Not sure yet when I'll start stimming.  Finally got a positive OPK yesterday, so the nurse will call me today to give me a start date for the patches.  Injections should start in about two weeks.

Have you started BCP yet?  So much waiting with IVF!

ah80

@optimisticmrsk Yes, this will be my first cycle and very possibly my only one. The Dr has said my chances are very small of being successful due to my severe DOR.  I asked to redo my day 3 labs. My AMH result was the same at 0.03. The Dr does not expect me to respond to medications.  He said if I don't, that's it.  He will not do another cycle with me. If I do respond, I could do another cycle for embryo banking. But it sounds like that is very unlikely.  At first, I was kind of relieved to know that I will have an answer in about 6 weeks.  I now keep thinking about what it will be like to be told it's over.  I have a small amount of hope right now. What will it be like to live with no more hope? I'm trying to stay positive.  I also found out I have an immmune issue with my NK cells which requires additional labs so they can address if I do actually get to the point where I could transfer an embryo.  

ah80

Where are you ordering medications from?  I was told to shop around for the best prices and that some pharmacies will price match.  Is anyone ordering from outside the US?

optimisticmrsk

@bakerstreetboys I’m starting BCP tomorrow !! and you’re right on the waiting ...it’s very frustrating sometimes. I can’t believe my very first IVF appointment was back in April !! We got so many tests done in the meantime but it feels so surreal that I’m about to start the actual treatment bc it took so long to get to this point. You and I are probably starting stims around the same time, as I was told that I would be on BCP for about 2 weeks and then start injections. I’ve never been more excited to give shots to myself lol.  Besides your meds , do you plan on doing anything else different this cycle vs your last cycle?

optimisticmrsk

@ah80 I’m really sorry about your diagnosis

optimisticmrsk

My message got cut off @ah80! I meant to say , it is really unfair but you’re right on staying positive !! You are doing everything you can and you should remain hopeful because people beat the odds all the time. I really hope you are one of those people , FX !!

annewton1011

We will doing our first cycle in October. It was a rough road to get to where we are today, but i started birth control Monday, medication was ordered and our treatment package was paid for today. We have our orientation Wednesday. I am extremely nervous. I have done so much research, but I feel like nothing can prepare you for this experience. I would love a group of ladies to talk openly with about what we are going through each step of the way. While I know my family and friends are here to listen, I fee like it is different to talk to people who are experiencing it firsthand. Baby dust to us all ❤️

mamakrystal34

We are also starting our first attempt with IVF. We are 7 days into hormones and I am trying to stay calm and positive. Not an easy thing. People are supportive but I honestly feel like I am doing something many people can’t relate to. I have a few women who have walked this road. Finding it hard to talk to others about it. Hoping for the best experience to us all! 

mamakrystal34

I relate! I feel the same. We aren’t alone if we have each other

bakerstreetboys

@ah80 I'm sorry about the test results; do you have the option of working with a different RE?  There's a low AHM thread on this board that I have found very informative.

@optimisticmrsk How crazy is it that we're thinking, yay, I get to jab myself in the stomach with needles soon?!  You're right, we'll be stimming at the same time   I'll start patches on the 19th, and injections on the 27th.  ER should be around October 9 or so, just after our Thanksgiving long weekend.

@annewton1011 Welcome to our new little group   Hopefully we'll have more ladies joining us in the next couple of weeks.  I find it so helpful to have people to talk to who are going through the same thing at the same time.  The orientation seems overwhelming at first (at least I thought so), but once you actually have some time to read things over on your own and start the injections, it's no big deal. 

@mamakrystal34 Hello   Have you had an u/s yet to check on your follicles?

optimisticmrsk

Looking forward to chatting some more with you ladies @annewton1011 and @mamakrystal34 ! I’m also a first-timer so it will be nice to follow everyone’s experiences.

@annewton1011 you’re right, when I first started doing research about IVF I also found it extremely nerve racking and overwhelming. However, even though we’ve had a few bumps in the road to get here, I’ve just been taking it one day at a time and I feel more relaxed since I know that from this point on, I have very little control over our results on this cycle. Once I accepted that fact, it made me feel calmer about the whole situation.

@mamakrystal34 have you tried to do guided meditation or breathing techniques ? There’s apps for that or you can even find some on YouTube. It’s only a few minutes and I have read on this forum many women have tried it and it helps to relieve stress and keeping a positive attitude. 

@bakerstreetboys I will be a couple days behind you ! Tentatively I’m supposed to start stimming around Sep 28 or 29. Today is my first BCP !! I’m a little nervous about side effects because I actually stopped taking BC around 5 years ago because of bad side effects and I haven’t taken any form of BC ever since. So we shall see!! Nevertheless I keep reminding myself that all the side effects are a small price to pay to get our miracle baby babydust to all of us and hoping we can stay strong and positive !! Happy Friday everyone !!

nicole030985

Hello ladies,

I will be starting a 4th attempt of IVF soon. My body always responds well to the stims, however, I have a problem with them making it to day 5. The first IVF in February I only had 2 morulas at day 5 which I transferred and didn’t work. The second IVF in July was cancelled after 9 days of stims due to a spike in progesterone and bleeding. The third IVF in August I had 2 pre-blasts on day 6 and transferred both that didn’t take. I have unexplained infertility and the doctor didn’t really have any answers for me. He checked my blood to make sure I had good chromosomes and I’m waiting for that result now.  

My embryos are always perfect on day 3. This last time I had 10 our of 10 perfect on day three. I did my own research and this time I am going to transfer 3 embryos on day 3. I think they will do better where they belong for me. Maybe I will get lucky and have some continue to day 5 to at least have some in the freezer for back up. 

I have been TTC for about 3 years now. I only came close once with an IUI but that was only a chemical. So I guess we will see this time. Good luck to everyone. 

Avrilmai

@optimisticmrsk I haven’t made many big lifestyle changes. I did reduce my caffeine to one cup of half-caf coffee. I also made some of the lifestyle changes mentioned in the book It Starts With The Egg. Reduced plastics, changed some products. I’m really trying to work on eating more protein as I typically have a diet higher in carbs (this is not going so well). My RE also had me start taking CoQ10 and DHEA supplements 3x a day. 

@annewton1011 @mamakrystal34 @nicole030985 welcome ladies. Looking forward to chatting with you through this journey. 

@ah80 I was wondering the same thing as bakerstreet, is working with a different RE an option?(if things don’t work out this time) FX that you don’t have to consider that. 

@nicole030985 are you doing ICSI? 

mamakrystal34

@bakerstreetboys No news on my follicles yet. Just did and US to check ovaries and and measure uterus. 

@optimisticmrsk I have been practicing meditation for years. Doing my best to be consistent. The biggest issue is time. These shots and appointments really cut into my usual morning meditation routine. This week I am going to try meditating after work to decompress.

optimisticmrsk

@nicole030985 so sorry to hear about your multiple IVF attempts ! Hopefully with Day 3 transfers it will bring you positive results and your take home baby ! Have they discussed with you the possibility of low sperm quality? I have read that if there’s a significant drop off in embryos after Day 3 , it might indicate DNA problems with the sperm. So maybe you can discuss with your RE next time.

@Avrilmai same here ! I also reduced caffeine, plastics and use chemical free products around the house as well as cosmetic and personal hygiene products etc. Also trying to eat much healthier and taking supplements. FX, every little bit helps !! How long are they having you on BCP ?

@mamakrystal that’s amazing !! I’ve been meaning to start meditation, but you’re right sometimes it’s hard to find time even if it’s just a few minutes. I practice yoga so we do some meditation at the beginning and end of class but I would like to have my own routine as well. You have inspired me to give it a try  how are you finding the stims so far ? Have you experienced any side effects ?

bakerstreetboys

@nicole030985 Sorry to see that you've been through so many cycles.  Have you switched REs at any point?  I think trying with day 3 embryos seems like a good idea.  My clinic's policy is that if there are fewer than three that fertilize, they transfer on day 3.  With my first cycle, we only had two fertilize, so we transferred them both on day 3.  Unfortunately it was a CP, but at least we had a shot. 

ah80

@bakerstreetboys @Avrilmai I have thought about getting a 2nd opinion with another RE. If this doesn't work, I will probably feel like I have to do that before completely being able to move on.  Everything I've read about my test results support the diagnosis and indicate that that my chances using my own eggs are very small.  There are some RE's who wouldn't even make an attempt based on my levels.  I am running out of eggs and unfortunately there is no treatment to fix this.    

@optimisticmrsk I hope so too!

bakerstreetboys

 Day one of patches for me!  Bring on the headaches

optimisticmrsk

How’s everyone doing ?

I’ve been on BCP for several days and haven’t had any symptoms yet which has been nice , hopefully it stays that way !!

@bakerstreetboys yay for Day 1, at least you’re moving closer to the next steps, hope your headaches aren’t too bad !

@mamakrystal do you have a retrieval date yet ?

bakerstreetboys

@optimisticmrsk That's great that you haven't had any side effects.  Hopefully you get through the round without any!  I don't like the bcp either, and haven't used it for years.

I just want October to get here!

drewsdarlin

I hope we get to start things for the IVF cycle in October and ER will probably be around first of November though. We have education day Tuesday for IVF.

bakerstreetboys

Hey @drewsdarlin I hope you have a good info session and that they answer any questions you have!

drewsdarlin

bakerstreetboys said:

Hey @drewsdarlin I hope you have a good info session and that they answer any questions you have!

Thank you 

ah80

I received my protocol last week.   When I met with the RN, she said it wasn't clear if I wasn't doing a fresh or frozen transfer so the actual protocol wasn't not ready for review and we just talked. She sent me the written protocol after the meeting.  When was reviewing my calendar with the prescriptions, I saw here were medications on the prescriptions missing from the calendar. I asked about the discrepancy and they revised my my calendar. The more I'm thinking about this the more upset I'm getting.  I can't believe that an error like that was made.  Now I'm worried about other errors.  It's possible it may have been caught since she said she wanted to meet again. I'm just upset it happened in the first place. It doesn't seem like there is a lot of room for inattention to detail!   Am I overreacting? 

optimisticmrsk

@ah80 I totally get how you’re feeling ! It is very frustrating! Thankfully you were able to catch the error on time ! According to the advice from other women that have already gone through IVF you do have to advocate for yourself and stay on top of everything concerning your protocol/cycle and double check anything  that may seem off. AFM, my clinic also messed up some of my paperwork so we haven’t been able to order my meds until they fix it in their system. I have followed up almost everyday and it was supposed to be ready today but of course now I have to wait until Monday! And they won’t give me my calendar for baseline monitoring , etc until meds are ordered and we at least have a tentative delivery date. So annoying and frustrating to keep having delays !! You’re definitely not alone and it just proves we have to be proactive with our treatment.

@bakerstreetboys I feel you, girl ! Can’t wait for October either ( see my little rant above about my delays on ordering meds ) *major eyerolls* hope everything is going smoothly with your cycle!!

optimisticmrsk

Welcome @drewsdarlin ! Good luck on your info session ! Have you tried other fertility treatments before IVF ? Or are you going straight to IVF?

drewsdarlin

optimisticmrsk said:

Welcome @drewsdarlin ! Good luck on your info session ! Have you tried other fertility treatments before IVF ? Or are you going straight to IVF?

We did 6 IUI's with clomid and one IUI with injections in 2010-11 and only second IUI worked but ended in 4th loss in 2010. then had a 5th loss in 2015.

optimisticmrsk

@drewsdarlin so sorry to hear about your losses ! IF sucks  I really hope you have a successful IVF cycle, the chances of a viable pregnancy are much higher with IVF so sending lots of babydust your way !

drewsdarlin

optimisticmrsk said:

@drewsdarlin so sorry to hear about your losses ! IF sucks  I really hope you have a successful IVF cycle, the chances of a viable pregnancy are much higher with IVF so sending lots of babydust your way !

Thank you 

lauralee00

Hello everyone!! This is my first ever post on the bump. I'm excited to find some IVF cycle buddies. I started my stims today! This will be my 2nd IVF try. Our last try was 5 years ago and it was an absolute failure... Only 4 eggs with 0 fertilization after icsi (very rare). We've always suffered from severe mfi, but now I'm older and have dor (amh 0.44). This cycle I'm starting on Gonal F 275, Menopur 225, & HGH. 

Can't wait to get to know all of you!!