~~January Precious Penguins ~~ January 5th!

SweetieShellieH · January 2015

Welcome to the January 2015 Precious Penguins Check-In!!! Check-ins will be every Monday & Thursday. Your check-in leaders are @SweetieShellieH (Monday) and @emmuffy (Thursday).

This is a check-in for those who are doing IVF/IVM or FET with an ER/ET scheduled for January. If you are interested in joining, please fill us in on your cycle below. Please include what cycle number this is for you, where you are in the process, when you expect to start stims, when you're planning on retrieval and transfer, and when your beta day is! Also, please update us along the way!

For those that don't have it yet, here is the link to our badge https://i57.tinypic.com/8ybc3m.jpg

Below is our list so far. Everyone is welcome, so please let us know if you would like to be added

BFP!!!!

BFN (((HUGS)))

PUPO!!!!

Between ER & ET

Stimming
@.Mrs.Matt. IVF #1
@apitts2 IVF#2
@browncoatjr IVF#1
@cokiebear IVF#3
@Kbrooke06 IVF#1
@Kcheese IVF#1
@kford81 IVF#1
@NariaDreaming IVF #1.2 (fx for <60 follies this time!!)
@RG1979 IVF#3
@saysjess IVF#1 (not sure if you’re stimming yet? Fx for 4+ eggies!!)
@sewfie IVF#1
@ShortStuff IVF#1
@SmootiePie IVF#1
@vballbaby IVF#1

Prep (BCP/Lupron/EP)

@afsalinas IVF#1 FET#1
@bkam IVF#1
@BlueJell0 IVF#1
@Buttmonkey34 IVF#2 FET#1
@doves654 IVF#1 FET#1
@Dyork IVF#1
@emmuffy IVF#2
@Fluffydamn IVF# ??
@GoBucksOH IVF#1
@Jetta83306 IVF#3 1st w/ DE (Donor is Stimming)
@jro1602 IVF#1
@kels1977 IVF#1
@kristin1k IVF#1
@lemonliz IVF#1
maddychan IVF#1
@Mysh IVF#2
@shadidynyc IVF#1 FET#1
@Spring78 IVF#2
@SundayBrunch IVF#1
@tifga IVF#1 FET#2
@tumbleweed123 IVF#3
@tweetyknicks IVF#1 FET#1
@Twinkie0612 IVF#4 FET#1 w/ OE
@zeynsom IVF#2 FET#1

Waiting to Cycle (No prep)
@crazycatlady4 IVF#1 FET#1
@Discouraged31 IVF #1 FET#1
@K1111K IVF#2
@kfb829 IVF#1
@lilycakes78 IVF#1 FET#1
@LilyHarper IVF#1 FET#1
@MamaKakes611 IVF#3
@tbj1 IVF#2
@wcasar IVF #1 FET#1

Cycle Delayed / Cancelled

@BootsOrHearts IVF#1 FET#1 moving to February
@crazycatlady4 IVF#1 FET#1 - FET Early February
@Daashuriaa IVF#2 FET#1 - Moving to February
@fizzashaudhary IVF#3 FET#1 - RI Protocol for 2 months

QOTD: Today my period is making me reallllly want chocolate. I had several handfuls of chocolate covered almonds in the 5 minutes after DH got home as he was telling me about his day. What are your cravings when AF rears her ugly head?

SweetieShellieH · January 2015

Hi ladies! Let me know if I put you in the wrong spot or deleted you by accident

Sorry again for not posting this morning. I had to work days so I woke up at 5am and left earlier then normal because it was snowing. And when I got home, I took a nap on the couch. I was just sooo horribly exhausted despite having a pretty easy day at work that I needed to sleep. But I think I know why after getting a message from the clinic. Apparently my stupid thyroid is acting up, so my TSH is elevated (again!). I was worried when I first heard the message and thought they were going to cancel my cycle (since I had an IUI cancelled a year ago because of it) but luckily they aren't. They do however want me to go from taking 125mcg of Synthroid, to 137mcg - I had to google it, because I thought 137mcg was a typo, but it's not. Seems like a weird number for a pill thou. I started Estrace yesterday and my u/s looked good, no signs of the cysts that were causing me a lot of pain a few weeks ago.

tumbleweed123 · January 2015

Hello Penguins!

I went in today to see how my lead follicle was (despite being on BCPs I have a lead follie that was delaying my cycle) and the good news is that it grew to 22mm so I was able to trigger it with Lupron today. I should ovulate just that large follie and set the stage for more even growth once we start stims. I'll continue to do lupron injects until next week, and hopefully start stims a week from today.

I feel gross and bloated from BCPs and this Lupron trigger made me super tired…but I'm happy to finally be starting the cycle.

Excited to read everyones updates!

Twinkie0612 · January 2015

Hi penguins!

This week is a pretty easy week and the calm before the storm. I'm still cruising along on lupron, lovenox, prednisone, baby aspirin, and a bunch of supplements. Tonight is also my second delestrogen injection. Tomorrow the rest of my meds are being delivered and Friday I start viagra suppositories 4x a day.

Next week gets a bit crazy. I have my first monitoring blood draw Monday, my doppler u/s and IVIG on Tuesday, and monitoring blood work and u/s on Thursday. If all goes well I'll start PIO on Thursday and my Transfer will be the 20th.

QOTD: I am a salty food craver. My favorite is salt and vinegar potato chips. I could devour an entire bag in one sitting.

SweetieShellieH · January 2015

@NariaDreaming lol I'd like to punch it too! If it were detached from my neck of course. Don't want to TP myself lol. BTW, I just clicked on your pinterest link ... mouth watering!

kristin1k · January 2015

Hi there! No more BCPs!! I am so beyond happy about that! If all goes according to plan, my baseline u/s is Thursday with injections starting that evening. I confirmed my shipment of meds would arrive tomorrow and am dreading the anxiety that comes along with inspection of those boxes. This may be TMI but is it super weird getting an u/s while on your period? Seems messy!! How are all you girls doing with your daily shots? I'll be joining you soon!

Smootiepie · January 2015

Had my baseline Friday, and all went well. AFC was 25 and E2 was 12. And I know you all were on the edge of your seat re: my AF - started a few hours after the baseline was done (which nurse said is just fine). Started stims last night, which was waaaaaaaaaaaaay too much fun. After sitting with needle in hand for about 5 minutes, DH came in and asked if I wanted him to do it. I feel beyond silly that I couldn't get up the nerve to just stab myself, but I think I may have a lot less stress if I just let DH do it. Not really much for side effects other than I have an awful headache, but that could just be from being back at work (and having a super shitty day w/ clients) after being out for nearly 2 weeks. Oh and that damn Menopur, which stung like a sonofabitch...

As I was in the middle of writing this, the clinic called to tell me that my new insurance would cover the IVF. To which I wanted to be beyond excited, but knew in my heart was complete bullshit since I researched the hell out of our insurance options re: IF. She thinks the rep she was talking to may not have read the exclusions portion, so now she'll have to clarify. So I guess it's still technically TBD, even though I have no hope.

QOTD: I get insane sweets cravings just before AF, want to eat all the things during AF, then it switches to salty as AF is leaving.

Twinkie0612 · January 2015

@kristin1k It's not as bad as you would think getting an u/s while on your period. I never found it any messier than a regular u/s, since the u/s gel is the messiest part.

tweetyknicks · January 2015

@nariadreaming Yay for stims! I hope your body is less enthusiastic this time.

@tumbleweed123 Out of curiosity, did you get an E2 level for having one lead follie? I always thought mine were low during my IUIs (200-250 for one lead follie and maybe one several mm behind it).

@sweetshellieh Yay for no cyst! Sleep sounds nice.... zzzzz....

I slept poorly last night. One time I was hot, another I had to pee, and the several others I had no good reason. Occasional stomach pain lingers from taking Doxy with too little food yesterday and I feel bloated. (Bitch, moan)

On the good side, my FET is Thursday (woo!) and I got to see a counselor today (also woo!).

I hope the counselor will help me with stress management and getting me and DH past the problems of the past few years (mostly DH's son, but a bit with IF too). Besides counseling, I could use to get my life more organized, which means I stop committing to so damn much and sort out what I already have going on. Think that'll happen? Me neither :-P

ETA: QOTD: Dark chocolate, mashed potatoes, soup... generally comfort food

kristin1k · January 2015

LOL @nariadreaming !!!!

Twinkie0612 · January 2015

NariaDreaming said:

Twinkie0612 said:

@kristin1k It's not as bad as you would think getting an u/s while on your period. I never found it any messier than a regular u/s, since the u/s gel is the messiest part.

@Twinkie0612 you've never met my period, LOL

LOL. I should clarify that I have always been on BCPs for IVF and they tend to make my period lighter I only remember one baseline where the doc removed the wand and there was any visible blood. Although one of my baselines was done before I ever started my period, so that helps.

vballbaby · January 2015

Hi ladies! I've been waiting all day to post this, LOL. I'm on day 4 of stims and I am already becoming uncomfortable in my abdomen, however I'm now a pro at the injections with no hesitation. Had an US today and they can see 9 follies (I was excited it was more than the 6 they saw on Friday), the largest one is at 11mm and they said things were growing how they should be. Question though, my estrogen level today was 108, they said it needed to be over 100 (good). They also told me to start with the Ganirelix tomorrow night, which will be day 5 of stimming and I don't have my next US until day 6. I just felt this was early to start that, but what do I know? That was really what I wanted to get some feedback on - what were the parameters for you when you started Ganirelix? I'm assuming the follies will still grow, and that this is just to suppress ovulation. Oh yea, I totally had a sobbing/laughing moment while watching the end of the Notebook last night. I was actually laughing at myself for my sobbing, haha. At least I recognize what's going on.

Edit QOTD: hershey's kisses, broccolli cheese soup or anything with cheese.

.Mrs.Matt. · January 2015

@sweetieshellieh I know your pain, hopefully the new meds get everything back in order! And @kristin1k it is gross, just try not to look at the wand once they pull it out! Afm, I'm officially stimming! i feel like I just got on a terrifying roller coaster, and I'm buckled in. Considering that we paid a lot of money for this ride, I better try to enjoy it! No turning back! My scan this morning showed 13 tiny follicles on each side. QOtd: I don't think I really crave anything but laying on the couch and vegging out!

wcasar · January 2015

Still nothing exciting to report. Waiting on AF. She's officially late, but should be here soon. I'm officially eating everything under the sun. Wish she would just hurry up, I want my frozen embryo inside me this month!

Twinkie0612 · January 2015

@vballbaby during stim cycles my clinic actually has me start 1/2 doses of ganirelix at my baseline (before that I am on lupron for a few weeks).

tumbleweed123 · January 2015

tweetyknicks on January 2nd, that lead follie was 12mm and my E2 was 103 or 105. No idea what E2 would have been today, when the follie measured 22mm, but based on my bloating and emo state of being, I'm guessing it would be higher.

vballbaby · January 2015

@.Mrs.Matt. and @smootiepie I'm jelly of your follicle counts, that's awesome!
@tumbleweed123 that's pretty neat that they can just trigger that one pesky follie to ovulate!
@twinkie0612 thanks, I just felt like my estrogen should be higher, but I'm not the expert here, haha. Too much googling and seeing how many people started Ganirelix much later in stimming when their estrogen was much higher.
Edit for @.Mrs.Matt. your name is not wanting to tag...

shadiddynyc · January 2015

Hey peeps, looks like everyone is moving along. Started my af on Saturday, I was surprised to see it so soon & never been more happier to get this cycle on the road. Going in for b/w & u/s tomorrow.
@kristin1k‌ I thought the same thing the very first time I had to do it, now I don't even think twice about it.

QOTD: love chocolate or anything sweet when af is here.

tumbleweed123 · January 2015

vballbaby yep, I was pretty psyched - I was worried that he was going to tell me that I had to sit out a month! But, just as a Lupron trigger would cause big eggs to ovulate, using Lupron at the beginning of a cycle can do the same. My RE had me do a double dose today, to make sure, but I get to drop to a normal dose tomorrow.

Also, Re: Ganirelix, I started it on day 3 of stims last time, my RE says that sometimes it can help with egg quality - so he starts some women on it sooner than others, if he really wants to make sure to get a jump on quality. My first cycle I started it on day 6, I believe.

Kbrooke06 · January 2015

Hello!

Day 2 of shots was horrible so far lol! DH is terrified of hurting me and I'm way too freaked out to try it myself. But, we pushed through and got it done. For me, the Menopur didn't sting hardly at all. The Bravelle is waaaaaay worse for me! Crossing fingers that tonight's shot goes better than this morning. Also, I swear I can feel something going on. Small, quick jabs. I haven't noticed any side effects yet, so that's good! Next u/s is Thursday morning. Can't wait to see!

ShortStuff · January 2015

@SweetieShellieH - Sorry about your TSH! Glad it can be controled though.

@Kristin1k - I've had and US while I had some pretty heavy spotting, but never with an actual flow. They always ask if you are bleeding or spotting and they put a pad (like a wee wee pad for small dogs) down for you to sit on. They're used it.

@Tweetyknicks - GL Thursday!!!

@Vballbaby & .Mrs.Matt.- I love reading about these US results right now because I go for mine tomorrow morning! Your numbers are great!

My stimms are going well. I feel good. I can feel some cramping in my ovaries at times, but that's about it. The menopur isn't even bad to me. It stings a tiny bit going in, but it doesn't bother me much. I was expecting it to be much worse. I go for an ultrasound tomorrow morning, so I'll find out how I'm progressing! I'll let you all know tomorrow how my US goes!

QOTD: I honestly don't get constant cravings from AF. I do eat A LOT though! I feel like I'm always hungry when AF is arriving!

Dyork · January 2015

Hi ladies. Finally got my period so I have my baseline set up for Wednesday morning. Still injecting lupron, which just makes me sleepy, that's about it. QOTD: twizzlers...I HAVE to have them every month. It's a horrible period addiction.

Kcheese · January 2015

Today was day 5 of Stims for me. Had u/s with about 7 follies on each side (he was rattling off measurements so quick I was losing count). Upped my doses a little & have next u/s Thursday. Side effects so far have been headaches & zero energy. Starting to feel a little bloating, but nothing bad yet. As for the actual shots at first they were a breeze, but now they seem to be hurting more- boo!

QOTD: usually craving some chocolate

apitts2 · January 2015

Had my first follicle count us today, they told me several but didn't give me a number. Repeat us Wednesday. Cont same meds and doses. I also did my very first accupuncture which I thoroughly enjoyed, has anyone's acupuncturist advised herbal
Supplements? Not sure about that with all my other meds

also I'm pretty sure I'm coming down with the flu which is the worst timing possible, prayers please that I am better tomorrow! Prayers and well wishes to all!

Qotd: I crave pretty much anything sweet during AF.

tifga · January 2015

apitts2 Ugh I hope not I just had it so not fun.

AFM: Transfer is Friday but I am feeling hopeless about the whole thing today.

tumbleweed123 · January 2015

tifga FX for Friday!

tumbleweed123 · January 2015

SweetieShellieH sorry about the cranky TSH! Mine is up too -- because of all the vitamins/supplements that I'm taking…I'm still at an OK level according to my RE, but I'm exhausted, and I know that as soon as the stims get added in, I'll be a zombie. I really hope this is my last stim cycle, for a million reason, but getting my TSH in order is one of them. FX for you and getting that TSH under control asap.

Twinkie0612 mmm, salt and vinegar potato chips!

BlueJell0 · January 2015

Hi Penguins!

I am done with BCPs, waiting on my period and baseline U/S, excited to get this show on the road! Also nervous!

:-SS

I have been listening to the Circle + Bloom guided meditations and that has really been helping though. I wish I had found them a long time ago.

I hate getting ultrasounds during my period. Baseline during IUIs just always reminded me that the last cycle failed, and things are just more swollen and tender during AF... I just hate it. Plus I have a heavy flow and worry I will bleed everywhere. Ugh.

@SweetieShellieH I'm glad they didn't cancel you! FX your thyroid just needs a little boost.

@tifga it is so hard to stay positive, isn't it? FX for you!

@tweetyknicks I also see a counselor, I started after my last loss. It has made a huge difference in my life. I hope it is the same for you!

QOTD: I crave basically all the junk foods. Salty & cheesy mostly but I won't say no to chocolate either. If it's bad for you I want it, lol.

lilycakes78 · January 2015

Hi penguins! Hope you are all doing well! Sounds like there is a lot going on! @NariaDreaming - I love the idea of a tranquility corner! Awesome! @kristin1k‌ - Lol! That is the worst! Although I'm totally used to it by now. I call it the bloody ultrasound! @vballbaby - I had the opposite concern. I didn't start Ganarelix until day 8 or so. I was so worried it was too late... But I trusted the docs and it all worked out. On my paperwork it said something about if you have two follies over 11 then they will start you on it. So it sounds like you are on track! @wcasar‌ - FX that AF comes soon! I feel exactly the same way. Can't wait to get these frozen embies inside me! @lemonliz‌ - TG for anxiety meds. I took them before both my surgeries and my retrieval. Glad you are feeling nice and calm! AFM - now that there is a February group set up I think I will move on over there now. But I would still love to read all your updates and cheer you all on!!!!! I hope to see lots of great news! Best of luck to you ladies! Xoxo! QOTD: I usually love salty stuff but whenever AF comes around I've gotta have chocolate!

Sewfie · January 2015

@SweetieShellieH, thank you for posting the check-in! And I'm glad that they're not canceling your cycle.

@tumbleweed123, that's pretty cool, to be able to take care of one follie while still growing the others.

@Smootiepie, there's no shame in not being able to give yourself a shot. My husband gives me all my shots.

@tweetyknicks, GL with the counselor.

@wcaser, gl for AF

Had another monitoring u/s and b/w this morning. Had a whole bunch of follicles- mostly around 11-11.5mm. My right side is really producing those (7 around that size, plus a few more a bit smaller); my left ovary is a little lazier, but there were 3 around 11mm, with a few more a bit smaller, and 1 that was 12mm. My e2 was almost 1450, and we're looking at Friday or Saturday for ER. Next appointment is Wednesday.

QOTD: What are your cravings when AF rears her ugly head?
Usually I really crave a good steak. And a glass of wine.

SweetieShellieH · January 2015

When I was stimming in November, my clinic told me they add Ganarelix once you have a follie reach 12mm. Interesting to see the variations with the start time.

tweetyknicks · January 2015

@lemonliz No idea if I'll be the first, but I'm definitely close to it. Glad your anti-anxiety meds are helping.

GL @tifga !

@tumbleweed123 I'll have to go back and check my numbers now.

Spring78 · January 2015

Hi ladies. Sounds like things are really starting to move for some of you! Starting to get exciting. :-)

I am still on BCPs until Wednesday and Lupron until Saturday. U/S on Sunday then it will be time to get this show on the road.

In the meantime, we're planning an international trip for May/June. So excited! My dad is from Scotland and he and my mom are planning to go over for a month when he retires this spring. We're going to join them for a bit. It will be my 6th visit, but I always look forward to seeing family. DH and I are also planning a side trip to London for the first time. I'm a little conflicted, given our IVF journey... But we just can't keep putting life on hold. Best case scenario, we have normal embies from this IVF and our February FET will work & I'll be over my first trimester icky-ness by then but still not really showing or uncomfortably big. Worst case scenario, the FET fails, but I still have the trip to look forward to. Guess that's as much of a win-win as one can hope for in all this. :-)

Discouraged31 · January 2015

Hi all, AF is late so we have an U/S fri incase it doesn't show by then. Then he will determine if I can start the meds for FET or if he wants to induce my period. If I start Fri FET will be 1/29 so still hanging on to the idea of a precious penguin!! Otherwise we will be pushed back to beg of Feb.. FX!

enish21 · January 2015

Hi ladies! I finished BCP on Friday and started AF today. I have had 6 days of Lupron so far. The first 4 I had no problems with. These past two the injection site gets red and a little itchy for a while after. I am also having bloating since starting these too. I go in Wednesday for blood work and U/S. @kristin1k‌ I totally was thinking the same thing! We'll see how that goes! Then I assume I'll be starting stems soon. https://i57.tinypic.com/8ybc3m.jpg

maddychan · January 2015

Sorry for the confusion, the post by enish21 was my old account that I don't use. So I'm still maddychan on here

So heres my post again Hi ladies! I finished BCP on Friday and started AF today. I have had 6 days of Lupron so far. The first 4 I had no problems with. These past two the injection site gets red and a little itchy for a while after. I am also having bloating since starting these too. I go in Wednesday for blood work and U/S. @kristin1k‌ I totally was thinking the same thing! We'll see how that goes! Then I assume I'll be starting stems soon.

Fluffydamn · January 2015

Hey ladies!!!
Just going along on bcp's. I ordered my meds last night and they should be here by Thursday. My scan is this coming Monday.

QOTD: I crave steak and junk food

GoBucksOH · January 2015

Hello Penguins!

Still plugging away on Lupron injects. Finished BCP on Saturday (thank goodness) and currently dealing with AF. The nurse said I may have some "breakthrough" bleeding, but I am having a full-on regular period. I go in Friday for baseline U/S and start Gonal F and HCG that night.

Twinkie0612 · January 2015

@lemonliz yup viagra. I was actually on the suppositories last cycle as well.

Viagra is used to increase blood flow and hopefully improve uterine lining. My RI found out that I have issues with blood flow to my uterus and put me on lovenox (I also had +APA which would have also required lovenox), baby aspirin, and vitamin E (also thins the blood), but I never had issue with my lining until my November cycle when my lining never met my clinics minimum requirement for transfer. My RE is putting me on viagra suppositories 4x a day starting a week before my lining check. She is trying to be proactive with my lining. My RI isn't a fan of using viagra, but says it won't hurt anything.

tumbleweed123 · January 2015

RG1979 let's hope 3rd time's the charm for us both! Good luck with your scan on Wednesday -- hope all looks great and you get to trigger.

vballbaby · January 2015

@Kbrooke06‌ hope your shots are going better today - mind over matter!

I say that but I'm scared of this Ganirelix needle tonight, I keep reading that it's not as sharp and you really have to jab it in [-O<
@shortstuff good luck with ultrasound today!
@apitts2 my Dr. said not to take any herbs from the acupuncturist as they may interfere. She did recommend drinking fresh ginger tea in the morning before anything else which I've been doing for a couple of weeks (cleanses and warms you up). I hope you don't have the flu!
@tifga try to think positively. When I told my acupuncturist I'd been watching things that make me cry (birth stories, the Notebook, etc lol) she said something about cells not dividing properly when you're overly emotional and told me to try to keep things on an even keel and watch happy or mindless things (ie American Idol or Animal Planet, comedies). So think happy thoughts and keep your chin up! :x When I'm sad, I tend to delve into the sad feelings more so I'm going to try and not do that.
@lemonliz I wish I had some anxiety meds! I have some OCD tendencies that flare up (picking at my cuticles) when I'm stressed so I had to get myself in check this past week and get a nice manicure. If my nails are nice, I won't pick. Stupid nerves.
@sweetieshellyh I hope you can get the TSH under control and the new dosage works!
I'm looking forward to another ultrasound tomorrow to see my 2 day progress. My abdomen is becoming increasingly uncomfortable - I just have this extremely full, bloated feeling and all kinds of twinges going on, but emotionally I feel pretty good. I pretty much look like I have a baby bump. ha!

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~~January Precious Penguins ~~ January 5th!

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