Hello all…
DH and I have been TTC for about 3 years. I have PCOS and he has a borderline count with low motility. After three failed IUI cycles with both clomid and follistim our doctor has recommended we move on to IVF.
I need a little perspective on IVF. Everything I know about it seems daunting. I'm a ball of nerves over the process as well as the possible long term side effects. Has anyone had any success or know anyone with positive experiences? Additionally, any negatives that you've come across? Just trying to make a rational decision moving forward.
Thanks!
Re: Considering IVF...
Me: 40, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s, low ovarian reserve
DH: 42, bi-lateral varicocele (corrected in Dec 2013)
2008 Married
2009 Started TTC #1
2012 Hormone studies/ultrasound, HSG, Clomid
BFP ended in MC
2013 3 rounds of Clomid
Hormone studies/ultrasound, SIS, polyp and bicornuate uterus removed
DH varicocelectomy
2014 Hormone studies/ultrasound, HSG, SIS, removed 2nd polyp
IVF #1- retrieved 17, 3 mature for 2 day transfer, BFN
IVF #2- September…our last chance….. retrieved 22, 6 mature blasts, 2 embies transferred, BFP (300 beta) on Oct 1st, Beta #2 675 Oct 3rd, Beta #3 2,484
EDD Twins 06/09/2015
1/30/2015 PPROM at 21 weeks, 3 days. Hospital bed rest to let these sweet peas cook. Holding on for 34 weeks!
***SIGGY WARNING***
Our Story
Me- 35, mild hypothyroidism
DH- 29, low count due to a chromosomal abnormality, only option is IVF/ICSI with PGD.
Married 5/13
TTC since 8/13
IVF/ICSI #1 ER 9/14 - 14R, 6M, 6F, 5 blasts off to PGD- 1 normal female, 2 balanced males
FET 12/8 of 2 frosties - 1 male/1 female - stick babies stick!
Beta #1 10dp5dt 444! Beta #2 14dp5dt 2,340! U/S 1/5-- TWINS!!! EDD 8/26/15
"You'll never see the rainbow if you can't survive the storm"
I think for me IVF was scary the first time around because it was new and unknown.
Is it fun? not really. The meds cause lots of fun side effects, such as headaches, heartburn, hot flashes, and bloating. ER causes some pain and discomfort. ET isn't bad except for the full bladder part. Then there is all of the anxiety about number of eggs retrieved, embryo quality, and waiting for betas.
Is it something I would never do again? Obviously not since we are gearing up for our 4th cycle.
For me, nothing in the process is too much to handle and it is all worth it to have a chance at getting pregnant. I am begining to worrry about how we will afford treatments going forward if this cycle doesn't work, but physically and emotionally I am not ready to give up.
TTC #1 since August 2011
My Blog
September 2012: Start IF testing
DH (32): SA is ok, slightly low morph, normal SCSA Me (32): Slightly low progesterone, hostile CM, carrier for CF, Moderately high NKC, High TNFa, heterozyogous mutated Factor XIII, and +APA
October 2012-May 2014: 4 failed IUIs, 3 failed IVFs, and 1 failed FETw/donor embryos
November 2014: IVF w/ICSI #4 Agonist/Antagonist with EPP and Prednisone, Baby Aspirin, Lovenox, and IVIG for immune issues. Converted to freeze all due to lining issues. 2 blasts frozen on day 6!
January 2015: FET #2 Cancelled due to lining issues
April 2015: FET #2.1
PAIF/SAIF Welcome!
This completely. I will do whatever I have to to my body, and I know I can handle the physical pain and stress. Emotionally and financially it's another story. Having no guarantee when you are 100% OOP is absolutely the hardest part. Although it may be a tie with being surrounded by people who are blissfully ignorant.
***older child mentioned***
I never mention my LO on the board and I know I could get flamed for saying this but I truly believe that people who have a child after struggling with IF have a very unique love for their child(ren). I'm not saying they necessarily love their children *more* than those who never had trouble getting pregnant, but i do believe it is a different love and appreciation. I pray that everyone here gets to experience that.