It's so great to see everyone progressing! I am on day 5 of stims. My blood and U/S yesterday showed an Estrogen level of 375 and >20 follicles that are < 10 mm. I'm supposed to continue with Lupron, Menopur, and Follistim until Thursday's blood and U/S.
Right now my only realy issue is finding un-bruised space on my stomach 3x/day (my RE has me do all injections SQ). Does anyone use their thigh? Any tips? For some reason it seems like that would hurt more?
Me (30):
Blocked fallopian tube, mild Hypothyroidism
DH (31): Low
motility and morphology<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
@lilycakes78 I ended up calling my nurse this morning, she pretty much said since I was already showing one at 11mm, that by tomorrow's scan it will have grown more so they just want to make sure I don't ovulate. Good luck with your frosties! @lemonliz, unfortunately having a manicure doesn't always stop me from picking either. Keeping my cuticles moisturized helps a lot. I have like 3 different oils on my desk.
Me 42, DH 33, TTC for about a year naturally (but no protection for 4 yrs). Together 6 yrs, married June 2014. CD 3, FSH of 15, E2 67, AMH 0.43, LH 6.2, normal HSG test DH good count but low volume, 87% motility, 1% morphology IUI#1 - Nov 2014, 100 mg clomid and HCG, 2 large follies 20 & 16mm (7 follies total). BFN IVF# 1 Jan 2014, 225 Gonal F, 225 Menopur, Ganirelix, 4R/3M/1F w/ICSI - PUPO!
@lemonliz@vballbaby I got pink & whites put on this past weekend because my cuticles were ragged and looked disgusting!
@sweetieshellie Ugh to your thyroid! I hate having that added issue to deal with!
Unfortunately I'm going to be moving over to the February group. Luckily we're only pushing out a couple of days due to some scheduling issues I had (shakes fist at work) but I wish you ladies all the best!!!!!!
Me:36 DH:40
Married since May, 2012; TTC since September, 2012
DX: Blocked Fallopian Tube, Hashimoto's
March 2014 - Clomid, Trigger, TI = BFN, April 2014 - Clomid, Trigger, TI = BFN, May 2014 - Clomid, estrogen, trigger, IUI = BFN, June & July 2014 - Natural cycles = BFN, August 2014 - Femara, estrogen, trigger, IUI = BFN, September 2014 - Femara, estrogen, trigger, IUI = BFN
Prepping for IVF in with ER/ET slated for early February
@tumbleweed123 - yay for your trigger! How does this work, it almost sounds like you ovulate one egg and not the rest?
@NariaDreaming I do the same thing with putting all of my meds on a table in the corner of our guest room so I don't even have to see them when I don't want to. Do you do more than that? I would love to know how everyone addresses all of these meds and the routine.
@Smootiepie I hope insurance ends up covering your IVF!
@vballbaby 9 follies is great! FX things keep going well.
@Kbrooke06 fwiw, as unintuitive as this sounds, I've found that giving myself the shots is better than my husband giving them to me (though I haven't had to test that with PIO yet, but I'm going to have to next week!) and the quicker, the better. All the videos/tutorials say in particular with PIO the quicker the better, like a dart, and it's just so hard to do it that way! But on my last cycle I had to have a nurse give me my 3rd PIO shot after a few from my husband, and I immediately told my husband to give them to me just the way she did - quick and fast. It really is better, I think on the stims/IM shots too.
@RG1979 - I really feel for you - hang in there. FX for a great scan Wednesday.
@jro1602 I haven't tried the thigh, but I have heard it hurts more.
@Buttmonkey34 we had a hard time deciding 1 vs 2 as well, and went with 1 last time. It's hard!
***
AFM, I had my b/w and u/s Friday and my lining was a little over 7mm and they want it over 8, so I'm pushed back one week while we continue Estradiol 3x a day and have added in a Vivelle patch every other day. I go in again Wednesday and likely will do our FET the 14th-16th.
They also tested my Vitamin D levels at my request after I mentioned it has been low in the past, and it is indeed low - 20 and they want it b/w 30 and 100 with me taking 1500 mg a day. I am trying to figure out how much more I should take daily.
I am also debating a vacation I've been invited on Feb 7-14 - if this FET doesn't work, we'd go right into another fresh cycle most likely and unless we did another cycle with BCPs, we'd be monitoring then. But I don't want to delay another month on BCPs unless that's what my doctor wants to do - she mentioned doing a shorter protocol next time. Has anyone had an experience with this?
QOTD: I have a sweet tooth so definitely chocolate!
doves654 yep, I guess only large follies ovulate when triggered, so only that one large one will ovulate for now. It gets wasted but the rest should line up better once we start stims next week. Since I likely will ovulate that egg today or tomorrow, my RE is having me stop BCP tomorrow, in hopes of starting AF and getting me ready to start stims on Monday.
@twinkie0612 I feel like suppositories 4x a day would be a PITA. I do love that they're blue though
***
AFM, I had my b/w and u/s Friday and my lining was a little over 7mm and they want it over 8, so I'm pushed back one week while we continue Estradiol 3x a day and have added in a Vivelle patch every other day. I go in again Wednesday and likely will do our FET the 14th-16th.
They also tested my Vitamin D levels at my request after I mentioned it has been low in the past, and it is indeed low - 20 and they want it b/w 30 and 100 with me taking 1500 mg a day. I am trying to figure out how much more I should take daily.
I am also debating a vacation I've been invited on Feb 7-14 - if this FET doesn't work, we'd go right into another fresh cycle most likely and unless we did another cycle with BCPs, we'd be monitoring then. But I don't want to delay another month on BCPs unless that's what my doctor wants to do - she mentioned doing a shorter protocol next time. Has anyone had an experience with this?
QOTD: I have a sweet tooth so definitely chocolate!
@doves654 4x a day is a PITA. The suppositories are white with blue specks in them (the viagra), but they do leave your discharge a slightly pale blue color.
I hope the extra estrace and vivelle do the trick for your lining. Are you taking 1500IU of Vitamin D? My vitamin D was just barely normal the last time I had it checked and my RI still wanted me on 2000IU, I would probably take at least 4000IU if I were you.
I can't help with the shorter protocol, maybe she is talking about an antagonist protocol?
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
is anyone else hurting today? my lower back is killing me and I feel like I've done abdominal crunches (however we know that's NOT the case haha). Dreaming of a massage right now. I am working on my DH's books but I am so distracted by the way I'm feeling. Maybe a Nestle Crunch will help ) Thanks @doves654 I hope so! Seeing the others with so many more makes me nervous. @kbrooke06 did you have a scan today? I know I'm impatient sorry B-) Edit for responses
Me 42, DH 33, TTC for about a year naturally (but no protection for 4 yrs). Together 6 yrs, married June 2014. CD 3, FSH of 15, E2 67, AMH 0.43, LH 6.2, normal HSG test DH good count but low volume, 87% motility, 1% morphology IUI#1 - Nov 2014, 100 mg clomid and HCG, 2 large follies 20 & 16mm (7 follies total). BFN IVF# 1 Jan 2014, 225 Gonal F, 225 Menopur, Ganirelix, 4R/3M/1F w/ICSI - PUPO!
@doves654 I'm with you on another fresh cycle if this FET doesn't take. I want to make sure we have enough frosties after a first pregnancy that I'll never have to go through another fresh cycle again. Y'know, unless my fear that there's something wrong with all my frosties comes true.
IVF#1 (w/ICSI): BCP 9/9-9/23. Gonal-F, Ganirelix, Low-dose HCG (antagonist protocol). 41R/35M/32F... 2 transferred on 10/14, 14 frosties! On cabergoline to help avoid OHSS. BFN, possibly because of 90% drop in estrogen and progesterone a few days after ET.
FET#1: Transferring 2 on January 8. BFP! beta#1 (1/17): 408, beta#2 (1/20): 1310, first u/s scheduled 2/5
is anyone else hurting today? my lower back is killing me and I feel like I've done abdominal crunches (however we know that's NOT the case haha). Dreaming of a massage right now. I am working on my DH's books but I am so distracted by the way I'm feeling. Maybe a Nestle Crunch will help ) Thanks @doves654 I hope so! Seeing the others with so many more makes me nervous. @kbrooke06 did you have a scan today? I know I'm impatient sorry B-) Edit for responses
@vballbaby OMG my back is killing me! I have been counting it towards my sciatica, but maybe its not? It just started really bad last night. Sorry for the delay in an update. Yesterday was reallllly tough for us. Just stressing over a few different things, so we needed a break from the world. My u/s isn't until Thursday. I'm too impatient to wait that long though, so I'm going nuts. How as your scan? I must have missed it, if you already posted it!
****Siggy Warning*****
Our Story
Me: 26 DH: 33
Married April 2014, TTC since May 2014 (but unprotected for over 4 years prior)
First RE visit Aug 2014
Me: low AMH (1.2) DH: SA was great!
IVF#1 with ICSI and FET: ended BCP 12/28. Started stimming 1/4. 225mg Bravelle+150mg Menopur+100mgClomid
@Kbrooke06 fwiw, as unintuitive as this sounds, I've found that giving myself the shots is better than my husband giving them to me (though I haven't had to test that with PIO yet, but I'm going to have to next week!) and the quicker, the better. All the videos/tutorials say in particular with PIO the quicker the better, like a dart, and it's just so hard to do it that way! But on my last cycle I had to have a nurse give me my 3rd PIO shot after a few from my husband, and I immediately told my husband to give them to me just the way she did - quick and fast. It really is better, I think on the stims/IM shots too.
***
AFM, I had my b/w and u/s Friday and my lining was a little over 7mm and they want it over 8, so I'm pushed back one week while we continue Estradiol 3x a day and have added in a Vivelle patch every other day. I go in again Wednesday and likely will do our FET the 14th-16th.
They also tested my Vitamin D levels at my request after I mentioned it has been low in the past, and it is indeed low - 20 and they want it b/w 30 and 100 with me taking 1500 mg a day. I am trying to figure out how much more I should take daily.
I am also debating a vacation I've been invited on Feb 7-14 - if this FET doesn't work, we'd go right into another fresh cycle most likely and unless we did another cycle with BCPs, we'd be monitoring then. But I don't want to delay another month on BCPs unless that's what my doctor wants to do - she mentioned doing a shorter protocol next time. Has anyone had an experience with this?
QOTD: I have a sweet tooth so definitely chocolate!
@doves654 Thanks for the info! I thought really long and hard last night about doing it myself, but I just couldn't pull myself to get it done. I've always had a thing with needles, so this is a huge test for me. I'm nervous about all the injections after this 10 day cycle. I do have a back up though, my boss is my primary care doctor. Hopefully we don't have to make him do them, but I'm thankful for the option. DH did great this morning. I think it was because we were in-between meetings so there was just no time to overthink it. Anyways! Thank you so much for the advice! I probably should take back the comment I made to DH about it NOT being a dart :-? haha
We have had to re-think vacation plans due to the cycles and timing, It's such a hard thing to get past. I'm a planner, so not knowing when things will be happening drives me up a wall. Hope you can get some answers soon! I'm not on any of the meds you are, but FX for everything!
****Siggy Warning*****
Our Story
Me: 26 DH: 33
Married April 2014, TTC since May 2014 (but unprotected for over 4 years prior)
First RE visit Aug 2014
Me: low AMH (1.2) DH: SA was great!
IVF#1 with ICSI and FET: ended BCP 12/28. Started stimming 1/4. 225mg Bravelle+150mg Menopur+100mgClomid
@kbrooke06 my second scan is tomorrow so you didn't miss anything
Me 42, DH 33, TTC for about a year naturally (but no protection for 4 yrs). Together 6 yrs, married June 2014. CD 3, FSH of 15, E2 67, AMH 0.43, LH 6.2, normal HSG test DH good count but low volume, 87% motility, 1% morphology IUI#1 - Nov 2014, 100 mg clomid and HCG, 2 large follies 20 & 16mm (7 follies total). BFN IVF# 1 Jan 2014, 225 Gonal F, 225 Menopur, Ganirelix, 4R/3M/1F w/ICSI - PUPO!
@Twinkie0612 I'm taking 1500 IU of vitamin D already, so I'm thinking of bumping up to 5000IU? Can you really overdose, persay?
So you've only done longer protocols with BCP? I know there are alternatives but not the names of them off the top of my head.
@tweetyknicks we debated whether to do another fresh cycle before this FET because we only have one frozen embryo. It was a really stressful decision due to my age and ovarian reserve, but we ultimately decided to go with the FET for now since my husband is pretty sure he only wants one kid. We'll see how it all shakes out though.
@KBrook06 it really is better the quicker you can do it. I had to tell myself I was fierce to do the first one. Whatever it takes, right? hahahaha
IVF#1 (w/ICSI): BCP 9/9-9/23. Gonal-F, Ganirelix, Low-dose HCG (antagonist protocol). 41R/35M/32F... 2 transferred on 10/14, 14 frosties! On cabergoline to help avoid OHSS. BFN, possibly because of 90% drop in estrogen and progesterone a few days after ET.
FET#1: Transferring 2 on January 8. BFP! beta#1 (1/17): 408, beta#2 (1/20): 1310, first u/s scheduled 2/5
@doves654 You can overdose on Vitamin D, but I am pretty sure it would take more than 5000IU. Some of the prescriptions for Vitamin D are 10000IU.
SIRM does batched cycling, so pretty much all of their protocols include BCPs (although I do know of a patient that can't take BCPs, so she started ganirelix after ovulation and continued that to line up her cycle). They also tend to use lupron to down regulate cycles, so most of the protocols include lupron as well.
I can't remember, were you on a lupron protocol in November? Most short protocols that I know of are antagonist. Basically you go in for a baseline after you start your period, then start stims. After a few days of stims you start ganirelix or cetrotide to prevent ovulation.
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
Thanks for the feedback, @Twinkie0612. You are like a swiss army knife pal, with something handy for anything that arises.
I was on a Lupron protocol in November - BCP --> Lupron --> end BCP --> AF and then baseline and stims. We used Lupron to prevent ovulation then.
Ha! If you've been at IVF as long as I have you pick up a few things
Yup, sounds like you were on an agonist or long lupron protocol last cycle. I would guess that the short protocol your RE mentioned is an antagonist protocol. Some women have better response on an antagonist protocol since lupron protocols can supress the ovaries. Antagonist protocols are sometimes used for PCOS women too because it gives you the option of a lupron trigger.
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
@dove654 - deciding to go away is such a tough decision. I have put off/missed out on so much over the years because of the "What if?" It's hard. Sorry, I don't think that was really helpful. I just know it's a really hard decision.
@vballbaby- Thanks! Let us know how your US goes tomorrow! I feel pretty ok in my abdomen. I get cramps on and off, but that US was really uncomfortable this morning!
I had my US this morning after 5 days of stimms and did my 6th day of shots after the results. Everything is progressing beautifully! I'm so happy. The Dr said I am right where they want me to be! I have a total of 12 follicles, 8 of which range between 10mm and 16mm. I just continued with my gonal f and menopur today and tomorrow I add cetrotide. My next scan is Friday morning. As of right now they expect to do my egg retrieval over the weekend or very early next week. So exciting!
Ugh! Can I have an AW moment? I can't wait until I am done with BCPs!! They have had me on it for like 6 weeks this time without a break and that is just too long! It screws with my thyroid meds absorption (lost my thyroid to cancer, so I rely entirely on meds) and it makes me hypo, but my Endo doesn't feel it is worth tweaking my dose for short term BCP stints, since my levels bounce back almost immediately after going off the Pill... But it makes me so tired after a week or so. I hate the way it makes me feel. And, as I mentioned. I am on week 6!! That's over a month feeling like crap. So done with this!! So excited tomorrow is my last day on BCP!!!
Thanks for letting me vent.
*************Siggy Warning. Loss mentioned.************
Me: 36, DH:37
Married 4/2010, TTC since 7/2011
Dx: Officially Unexplained (I have Polycystic Ovaries diagnosed via ultrasound, but few classic PCOS symptoms, he has mild MF issues. So... not issue free, but nothing so severe as to explain IF)
I also deal with post-surgical Hypothyroidism following Thyroid Cancer in 2009, but under control with Levothyroxine
4 months Clomid (thinned lining) and 10 months Letrozole (every indication that I responded perfectly)
6 failed IUIs in 2013, 3 with trigger
IVF #1 in March
2014
ER 3/21/14, 31R/21F,
12 frosties!
ET 3/26/14, 1 perfect blast transferred: BFN
FET#1 5/28/14, 2 "beautiful" early blasts transferred. BFP!!
Beta #1 (6/11/14) 798; Beta #2 (6/18/14) 7,966.
1st u/s (6/25/14) showed 2 sacs, 1 empty & 1 with a beautiful little bean doing what it needs to do!
vballbaby - Yes! My lower back has been killing me and I don't even know why. It's driving me nuts. I hope your scan today was good.
Spring78 - Yay for no more BCP! They really are awful to be on. I don't miss that.
Update: Had my baseline this morning, although they wait to get the b/w results back before I hear any specifics, they did say my lining was nice and thin, I have over 15 follicles on each ovary (so hopefully a group of them will cooperate) and I have no cysts. I *should* be good to start the stims on friday night.
@Spring78 , I did 6 weeks on BCP too! It SUCKED! I hate them. I can only imagine how bad it was for you with your thyroid meds. They just made me sleepy, so very sleepy, bloated and just blah. So HOORAY for no more BCP! I know how great that felt!
Thanks for the love @emmuffy but it looks like I'm going to be delayed until February now. I was really hopeful that I would be stimming by the end of this month, but it doesn't look like it anymore. My RE has been difficult to reach and I haven't even started BCP yet. Fx for a phone call soon and 4 or more eggies once I'm stimming I know i'll be posting updates! GL my little penguins!!! Xo
I'm seriously bummed. Today's ultrasound shows 8 follies but only 2 are really getting bigger (I've got a 14 and a 13 and have a couple following at 9,8, 8,7, 6, 3. I'm on day 6 now so the estrogen level will tell us more later today. They really like to see at least 4 leads. Going to keep plugging away and hope that they grow. I would probably still go through with ivf with 2 and hope for the best. Fml
Me 42, DH 33, TTC for about a year naturally (but no protection for 4 yrs). Together 6 yrs, married June 2014. CD 3, FSH of 15, E2 67, AMH 0.43, LH 6.2, normal HSG test DH good count but low volume, 87% motility, 1% morphology IUI#1 - Nov 2014, 100 mg clomid and HCG, 2 large follies 20 & 16mm (7 follies total). BFN IVF# 1 Jan 2014, 225 Gonal F, 225 Menopur, Ganirelix, 4R/3M/1F w/ICSI - PUPO!
@vballbaby - You and I are on the same schedule. I am also on day 6 of stims but have my second scan tomorrow. I know from my first scan that I have quite a few follicles but mine were all less than 10 mm. Did they tell you how big they should all be by now? They didn't really tell me on Monday if things were where they should be. I also totally agree with you on a bloated stomach - I was actually considering unbuttoning my pants while I sit at my desk! Now I'm debating how to incoporate yoga pants into a work appropriate outfit
@doves654 - I tried the leg and it was actually much better than the stomach!
Me (30):
Blocked fallopian tube, mild Hypothyroidism
DH (31): Low
motility and morphology<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
@lemonliz, thank you for the encouragement, this is the first appt where I've come home in tears. I got the feeling from the Dr. today that they would trigger when the large ones get to 18-20 max (which would only be day 9 of stims when I have 12 days worth of drugs). I guess it depends if the little ones have any significant growth. They didn't mention letting the large ones go in hopes of letting the others get bigger either. Time will tell. It's never good news when the Dr. comes in (his words when he walked in ugh). He did say it would be up to us whether to continue with the IVF with only 2. I thought this shit got real when my loads of meds arrived, it's only now getting real. :-< Edit @jro1602 on my day 3 scan I was already showing 2 larger than the rest. I know it's better if they all stay closer in size rather than having any leads. When I asked Dr. if I could increase my meds he said they started me at the highest dose (I'm taking 225 iui Gonal F and 225 Menopur each day and started Ganirelix last night. I've still got some hope, it's just dwindled a bit.
Me 42, DH 33, TTC for about a year naturally (but no protection for 4 yrs). Together 6 yrs, married June 2014. CD 3, FSH of 15, E2 67, AMH 0.43, LH 6.2, normal HSG test DH good count but low volume, 87% motility, 1% morphology IUI#1 - Nov 2014, 100 mg clomid and HCG, 2 large follies 20 & 16mm (7 follies total). BFN IVF# 1 Jan 2014, 225 Gonal F, 225 Menopur, Ganirelix, 4R/3M/1F w/ICSI - PUPO!
@vballbaby so sorry to hear your news! Fx for the others to get bigger! Will be thinking about you!
AFM: still plugging away with the meds on day 4. U/s is tomorrow morning. Nervous for it. Anyone having issues being stopped up in the bathroom? Needing a softner now. Ugh! Lol tmi, sorry! Headaches are becoming more regular along with stomach and back pain.
Edit: words lol
****Siggy Warning*****
Our Story
Me: 26 DH: 33
Married April 2014, TTC since May 2014 (but unprotected for over 4 years prior)
First RE visit Aug 2014
Me: low AMH (1.2) DH: SA was great!
IVF#1 with ICSI and FET: ended BCP 12/28. Started stimming 1/4. 225mg Bravelle+150mg Menopur+100mgClomid
IVF#1 (w/ICSI): BCP 9/9-9/23. Gonal-F, Ganirelix, Low-dose HCG (antagonist protocol). 41R/35M/32F... 2 transferred on 10/14, 14 frosties! On cabergoline to help avoid OHSS. BFN, possibly because of 90% drop in estrogen and progesterone a few days after ET.
FET#1: Transferring 2 on January 8. BFP! beta#1 (1/17): 408, beta#2 (1/20): 1310, first u/s scheduled 2/5
@lemonliz and @bluejell0 - can't believe our appointments are tomorrow, I have to be up so early! Have either of you gotten your period yet? Figures the one time I'm waiting for it, it doesn't show up. Glad to finally get this show on the road even if it is nerve-wracking too
Married 6/2012. TTC Since 10/2012. Unexplained Infertility. No BFPs. First RE Visit 10/2013. 2 cycles on Clomid. IUI 2/2014 - BFN. IVF #1 - January 2015
Hi there,
Sorry I'm so late to the party. School started again and things have been crazy. I had my u/s today and my lining is at 11 and my estradiol was 452. So, we're on track for transfer to be next Thursday! @vballbaby I had a few 8s and 9s make it when I had a 14 (my left ovary decided to participate around day 7 of stims, and I only stimmed for 9 days).
@lilyharper Sounds like you're exactly a week behind me, numbers and all. I didn't realize E2 would be that high for a frozen cycle. Never was for IUI.
IVF#1 (w/ICSI): BCP 9/9-9/23. Gonal-F, Ganirelix, Low-dose HCG (antagonist protocol). 41R/35M/32F... 2 transferred on 10/14, 14 frosties! On cabergoline to help avoid OHSS. BFN, possibly because of 90% drop in estrogen and progesterone a few days after ET.
FET#1: Transferring 2 on January 8. BFP! beta#1 (1/17): 408, beta#2 (1/20): 1310, first u/s scheduled 2/5
@lilyharper My doc seemed fine with it, though he did reduce my estrace to 4mg/day instead of 6mg/day. Did your doc change dose and/or have you use a trigger shot?
My E2 usually seems low, though I tend to react strongly to meds.
IVF#1 (w/ICSI): BCP 9/9-9/23. Gonal-F, Ganirelix, Low-dose HCG (antagonist protocol). 41R/35M/32F... 2 transferred on 10/14, 14 frosties! On cabergoline to help avoid OHSS. BFN, possibly because of 90% drop in estrogen and progesterone a few days after ET.
FET#1: Transferring 2 on January 8. BFP! beta#1 (1/17): 408, beta#2 (1/20): 1310, first u/s scheduled 2/5
@LilyHarper thanks for that! I need to get my optimism back. Today was rather deflating. But I know a lot can change in just a few days. Dr. mentioned possibly triggering on day 9 which would be Saturday. I would imagine my 13 & 14 will be big by then. FX for your transfer!
Me 42, DH 33, TTC for about a year naturally (but no protection for 4 yrs). Together 6 yrs, married June 2014. CD 3, FSH of 15, E2 67, AMH 0.43, LH 6.2, normal HSG test DH good count but low volume, 87% motility, 1% morphology IUI#1 - Nov 2014, 100 mg clomid and HCG, 2 large follies 20 & 16mm (7 follies total). BFN IVF# 1 Jan 2014, 225 Gonal F, 225 Menopur, Ganirelix, 4R/3M/1F w/ICSI - PUPO!
@tweetyknicks nope, they seemed fine with that e2, and no trigger. It's really interesting to see how different clinics do the same cycles differently. They don't trigger where I am, but will give hcg during the transfer (directly?) if there have been repeated "good" transfers with high quality embryos, but BFN's. That's not my history, so they don't seem to think its necessary.
@vballbaby it's hard to stay positive when you get news like that, but I know it helped me when we had a much smaller response than necessary to hear about follicles catching up and hidden ones appearing. (But I also tried to stay realistic and realize that the number they saw may be it) In my case, we had a much smaller response than anticipated (they'd expected me to have 20+, and when we triggered they said 9 was likely, and that was an improvement from 8). But at ER they got 11, one was overmature and one was under mature. I vaguely remember highfiving my RE when I woke up and he told me we'd gotten 11. He was amused.
TMI over here too ... @NariaDreaming that sux! My period is not being very nice this cycle either. Now, no flying clots (but it ain't over yet so who knows!) But it has been a lot heavier and waaaaay clottier (If that's a word), and massive ones like ur flying one. I have ruined 2 panties and messed up my jeans (luckily dark jeans and didn't go to the outside!) Don't know if that is still a result of the meds and ivf from end of November? I also ran out of tampons this morning. Awesome. I'm debating on using the pads that I have for the rest of my period (hopefully only 1 or 2 more days) or buying a whole new box of tampons that I hope I won't get to finish until at least 9 months from now lol.
*** If you want to know where I (and soo many others) have gone, click here ***
@kristin1k I did finally start AF yesterday, I was getting worried it wouldn't happen before my appt! Not sure if that's even necessary, but I just want everything to go right.
So speaking of things not going right, I had my baseline this AM and the U/S tech couldn't find my MFing left ovary! Leftie is kind of troubled, that's the side with the blocked tube and they always have trouble seeing it during baseline. She has to jab with the wand and push on my left side simultaneously, ouch! Maybe that's why I hate the baseline U/S so much? But that didn't even work this time. It's in there, I swear!
They saw 10+ antral follies on the right, and as long as my bloodwork looks good they are going to let me proceed. I've never had a cyst so I guess they're not too concerned about that? I'm glad I'm not delayed but of course I worry about everything so I'm worrying about this. I would have liked to know my total AFC as well.
:-w
They'll be able to find my ovary at ER, right??? They'll be huge by then and it will be no problem, right?
Posting and running, but GL everyone! Hope things are going well!
Me:35, blocked left tube, RPL, AMA DH: 34, low morph & borderline count
TTC since 8/2012
1st ever BFP 11/4/13 - CP 11/6 @ 4w4d
12/2013: 50 mg Clomid + trigger + IUI TI + progesterone = BFN (all follies on left side)
Well period finally came on. Called my Dr. this morning and spoke with the nurse. My nurse is supposed to get back with me today after talking with the Doctor to see if we are going to do another fresh cycle or a frozen cycle. So, waiting here by the phone.
Re: ~*~January Precious Penguins ~*~ January 5th!
Hi Ladies!
It's so great to see everyone progressing! I am on day 5 of stims. My blood and U/S yesterday showed an Estrogen level of 375 and >20 follicles that are < 10 mm. I'm supposed to continue with Lupron, Menopur, and Follistim until Thursday's blood and U/S.
Right now my only realy issue is finding un-bruised space on my stomach 3x/day (my RE has me do all injections SQ). Does anyone use their thigh? Any tips? For some reason it seems like that would hurt more?
Me (30): Blocked fallopian tube, mild Hypothyroidism
DH (31): Low motility and morphology<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
Married: 8/11, TTC since 1/14
IVF #1: January 2015
@lemonliz, unfortunately having a manicure doesn't always stop me from picking either. Keeping my cuticles moisturized helps a lot. I have like 3 different oils on my desk.
CD 3, FSH of 15, E2 67, AMH 0.43, LH 6.2, normal HSG test
DH good count but low volume, 87% motility, 1% morphology
IUI#1 - Nov 2014, 100 mg clomid and HCG, 2 large follies 20 & 16mm (7 follies total). BFN
IVF# 1 Jan 2014, 225 Gonal F, 225 Menopur, Ganirelix, 4R/3M/1F w/ICSI - PUPO!
@doves654 4x a day is a PITA. The suppositories are white with blue specks in them (the viagra), but they do leave your discharge a slightly pale blue color.
I hope the extra estrace and vivelle do the trick for your lining. Are you taking 1500IU of Vitamin D? My vitamin D was just barely normal the last time I had it checked and my RI still wanted me on 2000IU, I would probably take at least 4000IU if I were you.
I can't help with the shorter protocol, maybe she is talking about an antagonist protocol?
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!
Thanks @doves654 I hope so! Seeing the others with so many more makes me nervous.
@kbrooke06 did you have a scan today? I know I'm impatient sorry B-)
Edit for responses
CD 3, FSH of 15, E2 67, AMH 0.43, LH 6.2, normal HSG test
DH good count but low volume, 87% motility, 1% morphology
IUI#1 - Nov 2014, 100 mg clomid and HCG, 2 large follies 20 & 16mm (7 follies total). BFN
IVF# 1 Jan 2014, 225 Gonal F, 225 Menopur, Ganirelix, 4R/3M/1F w/ICSI - PUPO!
@vballbaby OMG my back is killing me! I have been counting it towards my sciatica, but maybe its not? It just started really bad last night. Sorry for the delay in an update. Yesterday was reallllly tough for us. Just stressing over a few different things, so we needed a break from the world. My u/s isn't until Thursday. I'm too impatient to wait that long though, so I'm going nuts. How as your scan? I must have missed it, if you already posted it!
****Siggy Warning*****
Our Story
Me: 26 DH: 33
Married April 2014, TTC since May 2014 (but unprotected for over 4 years prior)
First RE visit Aug 2014
Me: low AMH (1.2) DH: SA was great!
IVF#1 with ICSI and FET: ended BCP 12/28. Started stimming 1/4. 225mg Bravelle+150mg Menopur+100mgClomid
ER 1/17: 10R/ 8M/ 8F. PGD test showed 7 normal.
ET: 2/17, Transferred 2 day 5 blasts
BFP 2/24!
@doves654 Thanks for the info! I thought really long and hard last night about doing it myself, but I just couldn't pull myself to get it done. I've always had a thing with needles, so this is a huge test for me. I'm nervous about all the injections after this 10 day cycle. I do have a back up though, my boss is my primary care doctor. Hopefully we don't have to make him do them, but I'm thankful for the option. DH did great this morning. I think it was because we were in-between meetings so there was just no time to overthink it. Anyways! Thank you so much for the advice! I probably should take back the comment I made to DH about it NOT being a dart :-? haha
We have had to re-think vacation plans due to the cycles and timing, It's such a hard thing to get past. I'm a planner, so not knowing when things will be happening drives me up a wall. Hope you can get some answers soon! I'm not on any of the meds you are, but FX for everything!
****Siggy Warning*****
Our Story
Me: 26 DH: 33
Married April 2014, TTC since May 2014 (but unprotected for over 4 years prior)
First RE visit Aug 2014
Me: low AMH (1.2) DH: SA was great!
IVF#1 with ICSI and FET: ended BCP 12/28. Started stimming 1/4. 225mg Bravelle+150mg Menopur+100mgClomid
ER 1/17: 10R/ 8M/ 8F. PGD test showed 7 normal.
ET: 2/17, Transferred 2 day 5 blasts
BFP 2/24!
CD 3, FSH of 15, E2 67, AMH 0.43, LH 6.2, normal HSG test
DH good count but low volume, 87% motility, 1% morphology
IUI#1 - Nov 2014, 100 mg clomid and HCG, 2 large follies 20 & 16mm (7 follies total). BFN
IVF# 1 Jan 2014, 225 Gonal F, 225 Menopur, Ganirelix, 4R/3M/1F w/ICSI - PUPO!
@doves654 You can overdose on Vitamin D, but I am pretty sure it would take more than 5000IU. Some of the prescriptions for Vitamin D are 10000IU.
SIRM does batched cycling, so pretty much all of their protocols include BCPs (although I do know of a patient that can't take BCPs, so she started ganirelix after ovulation and continued that to line up her cycle). They also tend to use lupron to down regulate cycles, so most of the protocols include lupron as well.
I can't remember, were you on a lupron protocol in November? Most short protocols that I know of are antagonist. Basically you go in for a baseline after you start your period, then start stims. After a few days of stims you start ganirelix or cetrotide to prevent ovulation.
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!
Ha! If you've been at IVF as long as I have you pick up a few things
Yup, sounds like you were on an agonist or long lupron protocol last cycle. I would guess that the short protocol your RE mentioned is an antagonist protocol. Some women have better response on an antagonist protocol since lupron protocols can supress the ovaries. Antagonist protocols are sometimes used for PCOS women too because it gives you the option of a lupron trigger.
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!
@Swefie - your numbers are great!
@dove654 - deciding to go away is such a tough decision. I have put off/missed out on so much over the years because of the "What if?" It's hard.
@vballbaby- Thanks! Let us know how your US goes tomorrow! I feel pretty ok in my abdomen. I get cramps on and off, but that US was really uncomfortable this morning!
I had my US this morning after 5 days of stimms and did my 6th day of shots after the results. Everything is progressing beautifully! I'm so happy. The Dr said I am right where they want me to be! I have a total of 12 follicles, 8 of which range between 10mm and 16mm. I just continued with my gonal f and menopur today and tomorrow I add cetrotide. My next scan is Friday morning.
Thanks for letting me vent.
*************Siggy Warning. Loss mentioned.************
Me: 36, DH:37
Married 4/2010, TTC since 7/2011
Dx: Officially Unexplained (I have Polycystic Ovaries diagnosed via ultrasound, but few classic PCOS symptoms, he has mild MF issues. So... not issue free, but nothing so severe as to explain IF)
I also deal with post-surgical Hypothyroidism following Thyroid Cancer in 2009, but under control with Levothyroxine
4 months Clomid (thinned lining) and 10 months Letrozole (every indication that I responded perfectly)
6 failed IUIs in 2013, 3 with trigger
IVF #1 in March 2014
ER 3/21/14, 31R/21F, 12 frosties!
ET 3/26/14, 1 perfect blast transferred: BFN
FET#1 5/28/14, 2 "beautiful" early blasts transferred. BFP!!
Beta #1 (6/11/14) 798; Beta #2 (6/18/14) 7,966.
1st u/s (6/25/14) showed 2 sacs, 1 empty & 1 with a beautiful little bean doing what it needs to do!
EDD 2/14/15, missed miscarriage, DX: Trisomy 21. D&C 8/1/14
FET#2 Transferred 3 embies, 2 looking pretty good, one not so much. BFN.
IVF#2 January 2015, tentative ER 1/23
They just made me sleepy, so very sleepy, bloated and just blah.
So HOORAY for no more BCP! I know how great that felt!
CD 3, FSH of 15, E2 67, AMH 0.43, LH 6.2, normal HSG test
DH good count but low volume, 87% motility, 1% morphology
IUI#1 - Nov 2014, 100 mg clomid and HCG, 2 large follies 20 & 16mm (7 follies total). BFN
IVF# 1 Jan 2014, 225 Gonal F, 225 Menopur, Ganirelix, 4R/3M/1F w/ICSI - PUPO!
@vballbaby - You and I are on the same schedule. I am also on day 6 of stims but have my second scan tomorrow. I know from my first scan that I have quite a few follicles but mine were all less than 10 mm. Did they tell you how big they should all be by now? They didn't really tell me on Monday if things were where they should be. I also totally agree with you on a bloated stomach - I was actually considering unbuttoning my pants while I sit at my desk! Now I'm debating how to incoporate yoga pants into a work appropriate outfit
@doves654 - I tried the leg and it was actually much better than the stomach!
Me (30): Blocked fallopian tube, mild Hypothyroidism
DH (31): Low motility and morphology<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
Married: 8/11, TTC since 1/14
IVF #1: January 2015
Edit @jro1602 on my day 3 scan I was already showing 2 larger than the rest. I know it's better if they all stay closer in size rather than having any leads. When I asked Dr. if I could increase my meds he said they started me at the highest dose (I'm taking 225 iui Gonal F and 225 Menopur each day and started Ganirelix last night. I've still got some hope, it's just dwindled a bit.
CD 3, FSH of 15, E2 67, AMH 0.43, LH 6.2, normal HSG test
DH good count but low volume, 87% motility, 1% morphology
IUI#1 - Nov 2014, 100 mg clomid and HCG, 2 large follies 20 & 16mm (7 follies total). BFN
IVF# 1 Jan 2014, 225 Gonal F, 225 Menopur, Ganirelix, 4R/3M/1F w/ICSI - PUPO!
Me (30): Blocked fallopian tube, mild Hypothyroidism
DH (31): Low motility and morphology<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
Married: 8/11, TTC since 1/14
IVF #1: January 2015
AFM: still plugging away with the meds on day 4. U/s is tomorrow morning. Nervous for it. Anyone having issues being stopped up in the bathroom? Needing a softner now. Ugh! Lol tmi, sorry! Headaches are becoming more regular along with stomach and back pain.
Edit: words lol
****Siggy Warning*****
Our Story
Me: 26 DH: 33
Married April 2014, TTC since May 2014 (but unprotected for over 4 years prior)
First RE visit Aug 2014
Me: low AMH (1.2) DH: SA was great!
IVF#1 with ICSI and FET: ended BCP 12/28. Started stimming 1/4. 225mg Bravelle+150mg Menopur+100mgClomid
ER 1/17: 10R/ 8M/ 8F. PGD test showed 7 normal.
ET: 2/17, Transferred 2 day 5 blasts
BFP 2/24!
Married 6/2012. TTC Since 10/2012. Unexplained Infertility. No BFPs. First RE Visit 10/2013. 2 cycles on Clomid. IUI 2/2014 - BFN. IVF #1 - January 2015
ETA: E2 was 439
My E2 usually seems low, though I tend to react strongly to meds.
CD 3, FSH of 15, E2 67, AMH 0.43, LH 6.2, normal HSG test
DH good count but low volume, 87% motility, 1% morphology
IUI#1 - Nov 2014, 100 mg clomid and HCG, 2 large follies 20 & 16mm (7 follies total). BFN
IVF# 1 Jan 2014, 225 Gonal F, 225 Menopur, Ganirelix, 4R/3M/1F w/ICSI - PUPO!
@vballbaby it's hard to stay positive when you get news like that, but I know it helped me when we had a much smaller response than necessary to hear about follicles catching up and hidden ones appearing. (But I also tried to stay realistic and realize that the number they saw may be it) In my case, we had a much smaller response than anticipated (they'd expected me to have 20+, and when we triggered they said 9 was likely, and that was an improvement from 8). But at ER they got 11, one was overmature and one was under mature. I vaguely remember highfiving my RE when I woke up and he told me we'd gotten 11. He was amused.