Feb/March IVF/FET

AandDM2014 · January 2016

@ssandberg I too have to let people know that doing IVF is not a guarantee of getting a take-home baby. And yes, I live less than 5 miles from USC, but I'm not doing another retrieval cycle any time soon (assuming I ever do one). Thank you for thinking of me though!

@oxinfree Ugh! Being in limbo is the worst! Hopefully you'll hear something soon!

@_Amanda_ Congrats on getting great numbers from your appointment! How exciting that you get to start stims tonight! They're totally no big deal, I promise. The needles are so tiny it's like nothing. Your fear is what will get you! The format of the forums can be challenging, especially if you do it on the app. I find it much easier to do it on the computer, where it remembers all the threads I'm reading and which post I read last. I tried clicking on your link and it did not work.

@2015dee Did your clinic not do a beta for you? It seems weird that they'd tell you to take bcps before being absolutely certain you weren't pregnant.

2015dee · January 2016

@AandDM2014 - nope, they didn't do one. It seemed weird to me too. Glad I went with my intuition. I'm having bw done tomorrow.

mtpbadger · January 2016

@2015dee that is incredible news and so glad you went with your gut!!

I'm glad you shared the news with us all. Even though I still get a twing of sadness hearing others great news, when I see it on here, it only lasts a second as I know everyone on here has had quite the journey to get their BFP and it gives me so much hope that I will be able to share that news someday as well. I hope and pray for a healthy pregnancy for you and while I'm glad to hear you will still be lurking, I hope you don't have to join one of these boards again!!

Knottie1432834683 · January 2016

@2015dee - congrats! I know its been a long journey for you so I wish you the best. I hope you everything stays smooth and you end up with your take-home baby :-)

stranzm · February 2016

Many thanks for the warm welcome by many of you. Sorry it has taken me a while to respond...a round of sicknesses in this household for the last week +.

Here is some of my background from IVF#1: 22 eggs harvested, 13 eggs mature, 9 embryos successfully formed. We did genetic testing on the embryos...3 looked great, 1 inconclusive, and 5 not good at all (such as triple chromosome whatever...those would have been definite miscarriages or not survive birth). I transferred 2 embryos and and was blessed with a healthy baby girl.

I'm actually not as optimistic this time around. The remaining "great" embryo did not make it to be frozen, so the one for FET is the "inconclusive" one. We've decided I'll do this and one fresh round again and then call it quits. As you are all aware, it is a very emotional and expensive journey. I've decided I don't want to go through many heartbreaks at the expense of not enjoying the blessing we already have. So, while I never intended to have an only child, I've accepted that we're lucky to have a child.

It may seem like I've jumped back into this game quickly. But, as I am sure you have all learned, the stats don't get greater the older we get. I'll turn 38 this year, and I continue to show a decreased ovarian reserve. So, I've decided to try again this year and see what happens.

@StephanieWalstrom - I hoped that answered it for you.
@knottie1432834683 - I would definitely recommend transferring 2. I can't remember the stats for age, because it was clear to me when I went through round 1 that it was best for me to transfer 2. My RET at the time wouldn't have done 2 if I had been under 30. I'm actually a little anxious because I have only 1 to transfer this round.
@ssandberg - I hope I don't depress you with the fact that I had one successful IVF. It is VERY normal to feel the thoughts you are having. You just need to own it and make decisions that are best for YOU, not trying to make other people feel good at your expense. I had a friend who literally stopped attending any baby showers for 2 years b/c all it did was make her go home, cry, and be depressed.

vssbrm · February 2016

@2015dee OMG! I am so excited for you!!!! I won't lie, I prayed that we would be the lucky couple that this to happen to, but If not us, I am so glad it is someone in this group!! My fx so hard for you that you have a smooth 9 months!!

susykat77 · February 2016

@2015dee Woohoo!!! OH MY GOODNESS! How exciting!! Will you please keep us updated!?!?? I'm not sure how I missed this update earlier! I do understand feeling a little skeptical... I'd head over to the PGAL board for support through this. And as for me, BFP's on a board like this don't trigger me. I'm genuinely happy for you. Congrats! Big (creepy internet) hugs to you.

capps42613 · February 2016

@2015dee wow! What a surprise. Looks like we won't be cycle buddies after all. Congrats. I wish the very best for you and DH. I would love for you to keep us updated!!

vssbrm · February 2016

Two things mostly unrelated to infertility:

1 I found another gray hair. This is probably fertility related.

2 looks like this storm is going to keep me in Denver. Which I will love spending more time with my BF and her daughter, but I get super anxious when my travel plans change.

2015dee · February 2016

You all are seriously the best. Thanks so much for your kind words and well wishes!

@vssbrm - it's def fertility-related. happening to me too

dragonfaerie · February 2016

Jumping back in here: tomorrow is the last day of my BCP. I'll start Dexamethasone on the 5th, and have US/blood work on the 6th. If everything looks good, I'll start injections on the 7th. I've also put in a request to see a counselor through my company's EAP. I've been really lethargic and anxious, despite feeling mostly positive about the process. I don't know if BCP can make you tired (never experienced that in the past) but a little extra help never hurt anyone. Not to mention my sleep cycle is way out of whack! Thinking happy thoughts for all you lovelies today!

ssandberg · February 2016

Just can't seem to come up for air...I got the PGS results back and only 1 of 4 tested normal. 1 more came back "unknown" because they didn't get enough sample. That means total we have 3 normal frosties headed into the FET transfer process, and 1 unknown.

I really thought we'd get more good embryos with 2 rounds of stims. DH and I are both 32 and healthy. This ride is SO hard sometimes. Thanks for being a support system for me here -- I really appreciate it.

oxinfree · February 2016

oh @ssandberg - I'm so sorry. That really sucks. Afterall, it only takes 1 and PGS increases your odds substantially. Keep your chin up. big hugs.

@dragonfaerie - welcome back... I'm sorry you've been feeling off so to speak. Hope chatting with a counselor gives you a bit of a lift.

@vssbrm - I die my hair regularly, but every so often between colourings I definitely notice more and more of the little buggers... ahhh stress.

afm - still no news...

getting a little annoyed over here. is no news a good thing maybe? argh I dunno. Between my hubbies tests and mine, we're a bit all over the place. *trigger warning* doesn't help that 3 friends (no lie) texted/posted etc. about the birth of their new babies within the last 48 hrs. Good times... fml

babyexpress · February 2016

@2015dee that is amazing you just had a natural pregnancy after everything you have been through, please try not to feel bad about sharing the great news. You have been blessed and that is a great thing. Congrats.

@dragonfaerie I feel like the BCP make me tired too. I start to get exhausted every night about 8pm. I hate it.

@vssbrm I dye my hair also, so I wouldn't know if there is grey. But I do notice it falls out some through stress. Since I have taken this month off from stims before my FET, I have lost 12 lbs. I think I gained weight from the stims and it was so depressing. I feel normal again.

@stranzm I just turned 37 and I have 3 normal embryos to transfer. I am leaning towards what you did and transferring 2 in March. It makes me nervous, but I also think it will definitely give me the best chances. My DH is all for it also. GL on this round. I don't blame you at all for jumping right back in there.

Knottie1432834683 · February 2016

@stranzm - thanks for your advice. A few questions: how old were you when you did your ER? Also, were all of your blasts 5 day blasts? So basically did you transfer two 5-day blasts that came back now after PGS?

susykat77 · February 2016

@dragonfaerie So exciting that you are getting going on your cycle soon!! What a great idea to request to see a counselor through the EAP - I just might do the same thing. Sorry you are experiencing anxiety and sleep issues... no fun at all.

@vssbrm Seriously, my gray's are multiplying!! Sorry your travel plans changed. I live in Colorado and I bet the airports are a mess!!

@stranzm I don't remember if I welcomed you or not, so welcome! So wonderful that you have a little girl from your first IVF. When is your FET scheduled to happen? What meds will you be on? I ask because I am having a FET in March, so I am curious.

@_Amanda_ Sorry about the cyst but otherwise it all sounds good! I really hope that your start isn't delayed. I clicked on the Facebook link but it didn't work. Is the group private so that no one can see that you are in the group?

@oxinfree Ugh!! Come on results!!! I really hope no news is good news.

@ssandberg Sorry you are feeling down about your PGS results. This whole process is such a freaking roller coaster.

AFM - I booked my tickets today for Prague, I leave March 8!! I talked to my boss (I just started a week ago) and told her I needed 2 weeks off for DE IVF in Prague and her response was, family comes first, what ever you need! I was SO worried as my last boss (also federal gov't) wouldn't let me use sick leave to go to Prague. Anyway, I'll fly out on March 8 and my flight home is March 21. I think I built in enough buffer time on both ends just in case my period is a little early or late. The only downside to this plan is that DH can't come with me... So, I'll be going at it all alone. Boohoo! And on top of that, I am a very nervous flyer so I am not looking forward to the flight home (as I can't take my anxiety meds). It makes me anxious just to type about it. But it is SO worth it!!!

edited bc I missed 2 posts

AandDM2014 · February 2016

@gragonfaerie Welcome back. Hopefully you're just feeling off because of the bcps.

@ssandberg Uh. So sorry to hear that you only have 3. That should be enough with pretested ones though!

@oxinfree Ugh! 3!? How terrible. I hope you've blocked their posts about it. I know that helps me deal with it: I only have to see it once if I hide the post!

@susykat77 Wow! How wonderful that your new boss is so cool and understanding about it! On your way home you just have to remember that you're flying for two and you gotta keep your cool for your PUPO LO!

MR449 · February 2016

@2015dee that's so exciting! I'm always super happy when those of us who have been dealing with infertility get this good news!

This week we did uterine cavity assessment (saline infusion sonogram) and trial embryo transfer. I was a little frustrated about the trial embryo transfer -- they told me to drink lots of liquids (40 oz) and then when I went in the nurse couldn't find my bladder, so she made me go back out to the waiting room and drink more. I'm pretty sure she is just new/ not so great at this -- because after drinking a total of SIXTY OUNCES the doctor brought me back in (I was shaking, I had to pee so badly) and was like, "Hmmm, your bladder is a little too full for this..." >insert eye roll emoji here<

I started pricing out IVF meds and want to throw up. WHY oh WHY is IVF not covered in Virginia?

dragonfaerie · February 2016

@babyexpress While I'm sorry you are tired too, I'm glad to hear that someone else feels off from BCP. I was not prepared to be this out of it.

susykat77 Thank you! I'm waiting for a call back from EAP. I was a psych student and I actually really like therapy. Just getting some extra tools, and having someone to vent to is awesome. Can I ask where in CO you are? Are you getting this SNOW?!

susykat77 · February 2016

@dragonfaerie Lot's of snow here!! I am on the Western Slope - near the Utah border so high desert BUT we still got about a foot of snow. Not nearly as impressive as how much they got in the mountains - or the huge snow storm on the east coast last week.

AandDM2014 · February 2016

@MR449 Ugh! I had a similar thing happen during my two transfers. Not a pleasant thing! I think we all feel that way about meds/ivf coverage.

AFM - Not much going on. I have four days in a row of giving myself injections while the DH is at work. Today I got to spend a few hours at Disneyland, which was fun. I hope everyone has a lovely week!

Knottie1455746131 · February 2016

Hi Ladies! I would love to join your cycle group. My ER will be at the end of February and here's a little bit about me.

Me 36 DH 41 We are doing Ivf due to MFI, my husband has retrograde. This will be our 1st Ivf cycle ****child Ments*** I have 3 children from previous marriage and DH has none. ***end ments***

I will be doing 2 cycles of Ivf and banking with PGS, then hopefully a FET early May, my RE thinks this is my best option for a take home baby. He did not recommend a fresh transfer due to my age and Antral Follicle count of 9 even though my AMH is 3.1.

I just received my meds and it's all starting to feel real, I will be on a short protocol of Gonal-f 375iu, Menopur 75iu,Cetrotide .25 mg and HGH 2.5mg. My baseline apt is February 10th which is also the same day I have to leave town. I'm very excited and nervous, here's to hoping for lots for Bfp's for everyone!

MrsM00re87 · February 2016

@oxinfree sorry for the late response... I was out of town for work.
No worries. So my history is no pregnanies thus far. Dx with "mild" PCOS/Diminished ovarian reserve. I was told even though I'm young, my ovaries are aged is how my doctor said it. And we are dealing with MFI as well. So ICSI for us. And No success with clomid or IUI. Resulted in No pregnanies. I responded well, but with no success so we are moving on to the "big guns" hopefully we have some success.

MrsM00re87 · February 2016

@_Amanda_ and @2015dee thanks for the warm welcome. Really excited to be part of the community. Nice to hear of others prior struggles and hopefully triumphs with their IVF cycles. Nice to know you're not alone!

I did hear word today about my upcoming appointment with the scheduling nurse prior to my cd 1 start. Going on Feb 22nd. I'll still be on the provera pills at that time. And hopefully soon afterwards I have my cd 1 start.
Is anyone else nervous about all the time that will have to be missed for work? I really don't wanna let the bosses know too much initially, but might have to let the cat out of the bag sooner than later I guess. Just worried about how the schedule is gonna work. Trying not to get too worked up about it, if I gotta miss some work, gotta miss some work.

dragonfaerie · February 2016

AshleySchulte87 I told my boss up front about everything (even before we told my MIL!) because I knew that appointments could be last minute and there could be lots of them. It was such a relief to not have just keep saying "I have an appointment" and to have his support. He has been super cool about everything! I asked him not to say anything to anyone because we wanted to keep it private, and he understood. My understanding of employment law is they can't ask what's going on unless it starts to interfere with you completing your job. But depending on the relationship you have with your boss, it might be good to talk to him/her about it. You don't have to go into details, but sometimes they can be a bit more understanding if they know what all the appointments are for.

Knottie1432834683 · February 2016

Hi cycle buddies. I'm so happy everyone's cycle's are progressing!

@candicane1979 - welcome and wish you a smooth IVF cycle.

AFM ***MC mentioned with some graphic detail*** Please skip if it will be bothersome.

As you all know, I found out earlier this week that D&C did not "clear everything out" and that I still had a big chunk of the contents of conception in my uterus after the D&C and subsequent period. I am scheduled to have my hysterscopy next week (which hopefully should not impact my FET date) and would remove everything.

So this kind of absolutely awful (and maybe in 2 years funny) story happened to me today: I've been spotting a little on and off since the last period, which the RE said was likely to to the BCP I am on. I haven't really been using panty liners or anything because it hasn't been much. So today, I am traveling for work and giving a speech in front of like 70 people (with 5 other speakers). I'm standing up talking to some people when I feel something plop out of my V as I'm laughing or whatever. At first, I was like what the F? Then I realized what happened and in the 2 seconds it took me to have that thought, I started feeling a warm GUSH down my leg. Not a dribble, not a a little leak, a waterfall. Realizing what is going on I run out of the conference room to the restroom which has a passcode to get into it (ARE YOU KIDDING ME), I run back to the front desk, in tears screaming "I need to get into the bathroom now!" As I'm screaming/crying this at the front desk person, I see my suitcase which I have conveniently left by the door and think, I need that! He rushes me to the female restroom and I rush into the stall, pull down my trousers and see I am completely soaked in blood from my waist down to my ankles. Like completely soaked. TMI but I'll just say many large clumps. When I take my pants off, it gets all over my feet so I'm in a stall with blood ALL OVER the toilet seat, the floor, and bloody foot prints. It looked like a murder scene. And every time I stand up to try and clean myself up, I start bleeding all over the floor. It was the like the most humiliating awful experience ever in my life. I couldn't walk out to the sink to get water to wash myself (because I'm naked from the bottom down covered in blood) so instead I use toilet water to clean all the blood off me, and the stall. Some, 30-40 minutes later or something, I have cleaned myself up enough, threw my pants out, put on new underwear and pants from my suitcase (I mean, thank god I had that with me, I really don't know what I would have done otherwise). take the quarters out of my wallet and buy pads in the bathroom etc and make my way back into the program (which is now over) and everyone is whispering I think wondering what has happened. I apologize and said I'm so sorry I had a female emergency- but what kind of female emergency takes 40 minutes to clean up? I hope, I pray no one saw anything because my pants were black. I really just wanted to say "oh I just finished having a miscarriage in your bathroom!" UGH. This was like the most embarrassing experience of my life.

So upside, maybe? I'm going in for another sonogram on Friday and I pray, I hope they tell me that everything is now out and I will not have to have the procedure on Friday. Seriously though, being a woman totally sucks.

mtpbadger · February 2016

@knottie1432834683 OMG that is quite the experience! It seems like you are handling it ok and yes, probably in 2-3 years you will look back and laugh at what happened. Glad there an upside as well and fx that the sonogram on Friday gives you the all-clear!

AFM - I just got back from my saline sonogram and mock transfer and things did not go as I had hoped. My RE had some concerns about what she believes is scar tissue and is a little perplexed at what could have caused (no prior miscarrages; D&Cs; infections,etc.) and indicated she would be more comfortable having me scheduled for a hysterscopy before moving forward with IVF. This could be the missing puzzle piece though as to why the 3 IUIs didn't work and resulted in two CPs. I'm just so frustrated that 1) this wasn't done sooner and 2) that it just seems to be one more hurdle that will delay this cycle. I don't know if it's just not the news I was expecting to hear, being on BCPs, it being a long week or a combination, but I couldn't get out of the office quick enough before I just broke down. Thankfully DH was with me for support and I don't have to be back at work for another 40 minutes so hopefully I can get my emotions under control before then. I absolutely hate that there is no control through this process and just when I think we are moving forward and allowing myself to get excited, I get kicked to the ground and reminded that my body just doesn't work like it's supposed to and things get delayed. It doesn't help my bday is in two weeks (when I was supposed to start stims) and I think that's getting me down as well....another year older and still not pregnant.

Sorry for the vent. My DH did get me laughing in the car on the way home though when he mentioned that I had time to "update the people, you know "them"' before you go back to work". When he asks me how I know stuff about procedures and everything, I always just say "oh they said; they have had this done...." so that is how he refers to everyone on this forum as well. It did make me smile as he knows what a great support group this place is and even though he may not understand what my body is going through and all the feelings, he understands I have this safe place to come.

capps42613 · February 2016

AF arrived today. I called my RE as instructed and she told me to come in tomorrow morning for baseline blood work. She doesn't think the doctor will want another US bc he just did one last Tuesday at my initial appt and got a count.

Because AF came after only 22 days this time around, and the doctor didn't see any evidence that ovulation occurred last week via US, I think it's safe to say I didn't ovulate this month. That makes me think my doctor will put me on BCP, but I'll wait to see.

After tomorrow's lab appt I have my IVF info session scheduled for Monday night & Tuesday a.m I will meet with my RE to discuss my medication protocol. #bringiton

Knottie1432834683 · February 2016

@mtpbadger so sorry to hear that! Its so funny to hear about your DH - mine is the same way. So nice that he is supportive and tries to make you laugh when you just feel down. I know its a delay and totally know the feeling but hopefully the hysterscopy will figure out where the scarring is coming from and that will enable you to move onto next steps. It's frustrating that you have to wait longer now.... Hang in there!!

MrsM00re87 · February 2016

@dragonfaerie Yeah I may just do that even before I get underway. I'm sure she'll be good about it. We have a good rapport and everything. Might just be one less thing to stress about in this whole process. I dunno guess I was hoping to keep things somewhat secret for a bit, but oh well let the cat out of the bag eh?

MrsM00re87 · February 2016

I was just wondering if anyone else was told what protocol they will have. I guess I will be starting the Antagonist Protocol.

momof2furkids · February 2016

@AshleySchulte87 yes, I am doing Antagonist, Gonal F and Menopur currently, adding Cetrotide on Monday. Hope all goes well for you!

sassysd7 · February 2016

Hello ladies! I don't know if I introduced myself since I started my own IVF thread but I will now! I am in my first cycle of IVF with ICSI. We are MFI. I am 24 and my DH is 26, married going on 5 years, no treatments, and never been pregnant. I am currently on day 9 of stims. I just had a scan which showed: left ovary: 2-15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21, right ovary 2-20, 21, 17. I am waiting on my E2 and progesterone levels. It is looking like trigger will be on Sunday with retrieval on the 9th and transfer on the 14th. I am on: morning 10 units Lupron and 10 units low dose HCG and evening 150 units of gonal-f. I hope to transfer 2 and maybe have some to freeze. This is looking like our one and only attempt. It would take forever to save again and pay off the loan we took out.
Do I have any cycle buddies out there on about the same schedule? Also what are some of the saltiest foods you can think of? My RE has recommended an increase in salty food and gatorade to avoid OHSS. I look forward to reading about everyone's journey.

AandDM2014 · February 2016

Welcome @sassysd7! I'm looking like I'll be doing a transfer around the same time you are, though I'm doing an FET as we did a retrieval cycle in October. I'm hoping you get good eggs and good embies! I get you about this being your only attempt. We too are very seriously considering calling it quits if/when we run out of frozens. Why is it so darn expensive!!!

AFM - I had my second monitoring appointment this morning. No growth in my ovaries, but lining was looking a bit thin to me. I should hear back in a few hours with my blood work results and doctors instructions. I'm going to guess that I'll be increasing my estrogen to 4 orally and 2 vaginally daily for the next week-ish. I hope everyones week went well!!

dragonfaerie · February 2016

Here's where things get scary for me: I stopped BCPs on the 2nd (yay for spotting and cramping) and started dexamethasone today. Tomorrow I go in for US/BW to see if my body responded to the BCP and we can start the Menopur and Follistim on Sunday. I'm trying to keep optimistic because I've responded well to all of the hormones I've done in the past, but it's hard to not think worst case scenario.

@sassysd7 Pickles, top ramen, salt and vinegar potato chips. A lot of microwave meals (lean cuisine, etc) are full of salt as a preservative.

capps42613 · February 2016

Doctor said my baseline numbers were within normal limits and he does not feel that I need to be put on BCP. Glad it's one less medication I have to introduce my body to. Has anyone else not been put on contraceptives before starting Lupron? And does it speed the process up or will I just wait longer to start meds? Anxious to get my med protocol now

Foxy8609 · February 2016

Hi Ladies, I would like to join the group! I am going IVF w/ ICSI. We are dealing with MFI (0% morph). We have been married for almost 4 years, no prev pregnancies. I was very nervous to start the injections but turns out they are nothing. I think my worst experience through all of this was the HSG, otherwise everything has been a piece of cake. I just got the call to do my trigger shot tonight and I go in Monday morning for ER. We are doing PGD testing so we will be scheduled to do FET in March.

For anyone else, did your doctor give you 2 types of meds for your trigger? I am taking lupron and pregnyl tonight and then tomorrow will be another dose of lupron. Tomorrow is another US and BW and then they might tell me to take another shot of the pregnyl.

_Amanda_ · February 2016

Hello ladies!!

CONGRATUALTIONS @2015dee !!!! That is such a blessing!

A quick update: Today is Day 7 of stims! I had an u/s yesterday. I had 21 follicles on my right and 21 on my left. They averaged in size at 7-9 mm. I go back tomorrow for another u/s! Hopefully, ER will be sometime this week! I'm on the Antagonist protocol with dual trigger. I started out at 225 IU of Follistim. Then, they added in 75 IU of Menopur and reduced the Follistim to 150 IU. Anyone else on Day 7 of stims? So far, so good!! I updated my blog, if you'd like the super detailed version.

_Amanda_ · February 2016

Foxy8609 said:
For anyone else, did your doctor give you 2 types of meds for your trigger? I am taking lupron and pregnyl tonight and then tomorrow will be another dose of lupron. Tomorrow is another US and BW and then they might tell me to take another shot of the pregnyl.

I will also be on a dual trigger protocol.

Foxy8609 · February 2016

@_Amanda_ ok I was wondering if that was normal. I noticed that my doctors are not having me do any intramuscular shots either. All of them are subcutaneous. Your meds sound like what mine are/were.

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