Any TTC over 40?

dragonette505 · January 2017

Just wondering how many of us there are.... I'd sure love to connect with and follow some ladies in my boat as well. Everyone on here is great, but I feel a bit like a rare bird! When I google search TTC over 40 in general it seems there aren't many/any active groups (not just on bump but in general). Anyway just throwing this out there.... would love to meet others 40 and over

Momifbysea · January 2017

Yes, I feel the same and I'm 42! Glad you're here!

dragonette505 · January 2017

@momifbysea Yay! Thank you for commenting! I'm older, 43, so you know there's at least an older lady on this merry go round!

are you trying natural or ivf, if you don't mind my asking? I'm going with ivf, but we may also throw a natural cycle in too. We just wanted a bunch of frozen embryos on hand for more opportunities

Momifbysea · January 2017

Hi! So glad you're here! We've had our testing with RE come back and as of tonight I will start 5mg Femara for IUI prep this cycle. I'm a bit, okay, a lot freaked out at taking this because it's off-label use (Femara is a breast cancer drug as approved by the FDA), and the prescription bottle has a warning not to take if you're pregnant or intend to become pregnant. I've read about some greater risk for birth defects with Femara although obviously the doctor must not have been too concerned to have prescribed it. So much to think about as I take these pills tonight.

Im not sure if we will go to IVF, perhaps if this doesn't work after a few cycles? I'm glad you have a plan for that and keep us posted!

Momifbysea · January 2017

@dragonette505 update on the IUI prep...feeling much less worried about the Femara and no side effects so far. When does your IVF process start? Curious if most clinics or insurance have an age cutoff for that? We didn't know how much time we have to try IUI first before heading to IVF.

KLake42 · January 2017

I'm turning 40 in April. But I'm using my wife's eggs, and she's 38, so our eggs won't be over 40 yet.

I am feeling more and more cautious about high risk "geriatric" pregnancy. I mean, I eat well and exercise moderately, but I'm still overweight, so I'm wondering about gestational diabetes and blood pressure risks.

I lost 20 pounds last year, and I'm trying to hang onto that as a good sign (brought me down to where I'm right on the line between overweight and obese), but I still could be doing better if I didn't rely so much on comfort food for the stress of infertility!

KLake42 · January 2017

Also wanted to add-- my friend, who is 44, just had her second IVF baby (using eggs she harvested at 43), so there is hope!

vlagrl29 · January 2017

I just want to add something to make you ladies feel better. A lady on my ICAN FB group just had her baby at the age of 48 - no medical intervention.

artemis618 · January 2017

Hello! I've seen you over on the Infertility board and appreciate your sharing your experience and wisdom

Almost there - I'll be 40 in October. We achieved our first pregnancy naturally the month after we got married last year (2nd month trying), but *TW* lost it at almost 12 weeks. After that and upon realizing that my insurance covers two cycles, we're jumping straight to IVF primarily for screening and hopefully banking. After these two cycles, depending on what we get we'd be open to trying naturally - but we'd like more than one so want to at least see what we might get now for later.

Had my baseline u/s this AM and my AFC is only 9. I know everyone is different, but I am trying to manage my expectations given my age (and I noticed my AMH went down from when I froze eggs 4.5 years ago). Doesn't seem to be a ton of information out there. Will start stimming for IVF #1 on Sunday...

dragonette505 · January 2017

@Momifbysea I don't know much about femara (I totally skipped iui and jumped right into ivf)! So many of the drugs we use have crazy warnings! I'm all done with my most recent ivf cycle and waiting to see if we get any to freeze. I developed ohss (ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome) so we are doing a"freeze all" we will do a transfer in a month or so (and maybe try a natural cycle in there too!)
@KLake42 I'm just waiting for the day someone calls me a geriatric preg! Lol I'm a redhead so it will probably be an explosion! Lolol. I think it's possible to have totally healthy "geriatric " pregnancies, and since we are preparing we should do ok!
@vlagrl29 yup! We are all hoping to have that
@artemis618 Hey! Yeah I think we are both on an ivf board? I've had a similar experience (tw-mc) with a natural pg, mc at 10 weeks and decided to jump right into ivf. We are banking embies to have the most opportunities. I would've liked a fresh transfer this go round, but since I'm over stimulated we may just try a natural cycle between.

So glad to chat with all of y'all.... I don't think it's at all hopeless for us, but I think it does feel a little odd sometimes when many people doing ivf or TTC are actually pretty young. Being older does have its challenges (physical and psychological) and it's just good to have some buddies who also remember the 80's lolol

laurad75 · January 2017

Hi @dragonette505! We have connected on the IF board but I check this board from time to time as well. It would be great if it was a little more active. I am 41 (turning 42 a little later this year) and we are trying for our 1st. We did one cycle of IUI and now we are moving on to IVF. Last dose of bc will be Sunday and I'll start stims on CD 2.

artemis618 · January 2017

@dragonette505 Just wanted to check in 'cause I was thinking of you. If I recall correctly you were concerned about OHSS. I hope all's well!

dragonette505 · January 2017

Hey all! Sorry I was quiet! I was quite sick with OHSS and then as soon as I was okayed by my doc I went to Iceland and Austria! Just got back last night and will be on here and active again!. So glad to see so many of us! @laurad75 Awesome to see you here! I remember you from the other board as well. @artemis618 thanks so much for checking on me... in the first days I was too sick to deal with doing anything but lying in bed! But just saw my doc today and he says I'm back on track!

artemis618 · January 2017

@dragonette505 Sorry to hear about the OHSS! Were you on cabergoline? My Dr. just prescribed it to me this AM (I trigger tomorrow night) though I don't really think I'm at risk, I'll take it 'cause that sounds positively awful

Did you love Iceland? It's been on my list of places to visit for years but I haven't made it happen yet.

dragonette505 · January 2017

@artemis618 Hey, on my first go round with ohss I didn't take meds and while it was uncomfortable, it wasn't the worst. This time my estrogen was SO much higher that I started taking the Cabergoline on the evening after my retrieval. I can only guess it helped, but because this time instead of mild ohss I had moderate ohss the whole experience was much worse. My doc says the cabergoline only "helps" but may not take away all of the symptoms. If I would've felt worse without it I cant imagine, so I'm happy I had the meds!

Honestly if they give you the stuff, take it... ohss is awful. And no one over the age of 35 is usually expected to get ohss, but I'm proof you can get it multiple times in your 40's.

Iceland was awesome... I didn't care for their cuisine for the most part, but the look of the place was amazing! Waterfalls and volcanoes and thermal vents and icebergs and thermal pools..... so amazing looking. I want to go back in the summertime and hike and camp!

dragonette505 · January 2017

ps: All,
Now that its getting to be time to start planning transfers, I have to admit my confidence goes up and down. Its like for every part of this process part of the work I have to do is pep talk myself into belief in my body again. In the beginning you're told, hey these cycles may not work. Then you do cycles and the the next fear is embies may not thaw, or implant, or stick...
ugh....
So now I'm working on just staying focused on one step at a time again... and trusting that I have a chance.
I just know that sometimes I watch vids of younger ladies and they talk about how their docs are sure this process will eventually work out for them. I don't think that's the same level of confidence when you get to be my age.
Anyway, just throwing this out there. I'm going to be doing acupuncture, fertility yoga and meditation heading into FET.
What are y'all planning to do to keep sane

artemis618 · January 2017

@dragonette505 Yup, definitely planning on starting the cabergoline the night of the retrieval. My nurse said some people feel nauseous/dizzy on it, and that it can also be taken vaginally if needed. I'm not sure whether to try it orally

Because I'm a fan of Iceland (for not having yet visited) I picked it to present for a Junior League project with ~3rd graders. As part of the session planning, we had to come up with snacks related to the country that would also be kid-friendly. I ended up going with hot dogs, French fried onions, and Apple juice since I didn't think they'd be down with rye bread and smoked fish, and Icelandic EDIT: Skyr(, not yogurt) is pricey. I was really saddened to learn that they EAT those adorable little puffins though!

I hear you on the body confidence - I feel like my body already betrayed me with the (TW: loss mentioned) miscarriage and so much is out of our control. But it seems like your body cooperated pretty well with your last protocol, which is a big thing! Like you said, one step at a time. Are you PGS testing?

I have an acupuncture appointment Wednesday (night before ER). I've had four appointments so far but may wait till I hit my insurance deductible for the year (shouldn't be too long with all this IVF business!) so that I'll only have to pay 10% out of pocket to go back. I do find it relaxing and cupping helpful for my back.

Momifbysea · January 2017

@artemis618 OMG they eat puffins?!?

@dragonette505 welcome back!!!

RobynHopes · February 2017

Hello everyone.
I'm 41 and newly re-married. My husband and I are meeting with my doctor next week to discuss the removal of my IUD and our desire to TTC a child together. Do any of you worry about telling everyone? I feel like many of my family and friends will think I'm crazy to want this at the age of 41. However I've never felt more ready to this adventure on. Does anyone have these thoughts?
Robyn

Momifbysea · February 2017

Hello @RobynHopes and welcome! I think these thoughts are normal. I'm older than you and I think my parents worry that my body is too old for it or whatever. Congrats on your marriage and I wish you the best! Make sure to join in on our TWW (2-week wait) thread and good luck!

littledarlins · March 2017

Im brand new to the bump; this is my first post. I have been reading this thread for days, waiting until the period passed when you can read the feed but not reply yet. I am 47, so I definitely qualify for the over 35! It took me some time to find a doctor who would work with someone my age wanting to use her own eggs. So i found a Clinic that works with older patients, and we are doing a mini stimulation, and the ER is tomorrow morning. Yikes! This will be my second go-round, but it has been some time now. I froze my eggs a few years back, but in the thawing and fertilization they didnt survive. So I am not giving up; Im going for it. I have only read of a few successful cases for someone my age, but my tests look good, the blood work, U/s ,etc. They seem optimistic too. I have definitely responded to the stims but the real thing to hope for is the health of the egg because of my age. Im still a bit nervous, but I just have to give it all. I am believing for the best.

vlagrl29 · March 2017

That is so awesome @littledarlins good luck!

laurad75 · March 2017

@littledarlins Welcome to the board. Please let us know how your ER went today!

Momifbysea · March 2017

@littledarlins welcome! It's so good to know there are clinics who will work those who are a little older who want to use our own eggs! Do you mind if I ask where the clinic is? I'm just starting IVF later this month and will be turning 43 this year. I heard a lot of clinics cut off using your own eggs after you turn 43 so your post is so refreshing in case we need some more cycles done. I've heard some really good things about mini-IVF in older women. I wish you the best!

littledarlins · March 2017

@Momifbysea Am I allowed to mention specific clinics in this forum? I am happy to message you about
the couple that I looked into.

Momifbysea · March 2017

Oh sorry I didn't think about that, probably not!

ETA: But on the Infertility forum I had seen some people comment where they went so who knows.

littledarlins · March 2017

I am back already and I am so surprised- it was alot easier than the last time I did this. I got 4 good eggs and one not so great, but I really have to wait and hear after two hurdles: one tomorrow, and one on Monday to see how they look after fertilization. If they look good, then the Dr suggests going another round, which is how mini IVF works, you go in for a few eggs at a time, wait til they are really mature, and then wait a month and do it again. This is really about the age thing. So I am feeling thankful that I am still in the running and just hope that the little darlins do well over the weekend.

vlagrl29 · March 2017

Great news and good luck with the eggs

littledarlins · March 2017

thank you @vlagrl29

littledarlins · March 2017

My ER update is that of the 4 eggs we retrieved one is fertilized and happy, 2 are happy but not fertilized yet, and one is not happy and it's out of the race. They said this is kind of normal at this point and age, but I have to wait and see what happens by day 3 to really know, which will be Sunday, and then they will let me know on Monday. Yikes!! Anxiety!

littledarlins · March 2017

@Momifbysea i thought I replied to you, but I dont see it. I am not really used to this format yet!

littledarlins · March 2017

@Momifbysea I am attending the Infertility Clinic in St Louis. There are a few that will see people up to 45, who want to use their own eggs. This doctor is giving me a real chance at 47 and I am hopeful that it will work out. I definitely wanted to try the mini ivf, because I did the regular stimulation last time, when I was 43 or so, and we got a good number of eggs, 16 , but they didnt survive well, and so I am happy to try this gentler way even if it takes longer.
I met with a couple of other doctors first, including one from the Colorado Clinic, which has the goo stuff they put the eggs in, to mimic the atmosphere of the uterus. They have a cut off , too , but they did say they would check with the lab and see if they would make an exception because of my hormone levels. I opted for St Luis in the end, because Colorado doesnt do mini IVF, and St Luis Does. I did not speak with the New Hope Clinic in New York, but that is another mini-ivf place that has boasted older moms from own eggs. I hope that helps.

SP128 · March 2017

@littledarlins fx for all your eggs. MAy they become healthy embryos that implant.

amberruka · March 2017

Good luck to you @littledarlins!!

Momifbysea · March 2017

Thanks @littledarlins! That sounds like a promising number! I had heard of the St. Louis clinic, and mini IVF sounds good.

littledarlins · March 2017

@dragonette505 Just checking on you because you havnt posted in a while. Do you have a transfer scheduled? You have to let us know, so we can send you lots of good juju.

ivfover40 · March 2017

Hello All! Great to see a board like this. As you can tell from my user id, I'm over 40 and undergoing IVF. I'm actually 41 (almost 42). I am currently taking stim meds for my third IVF cycle.
We have been trying to conceive for a little over a year now. My first RE suggested that we go straight to IVF and not waste time with IUI, considering my age and numbers.

A little history about me: My SO and I have a 4 year old daughter (adopted). I began the adoption process prior to meeting my SO and she came along about a year into our relationship. He's a great guy and was fully on board. So after she came home and got settled, we decided to start trying for another child.

Below is a summary of what I have done so far:

IVF #1 – Antagonist Protocol; STIM meds: Menopur 150; Gonal F 300; Ganirilex; HCG trigger; 7 eggs retrieved; 5 mature and fertilized (with ICSI and Assisted Hatching); Two 5d embryos transferred (according to RE, average quality), Nothing to Freeze. BFN

IVF #2 – Long Lupron Protocol; STIM Meds: Menopur 150; Follistim 450; Lupron; HCG trigger. 5 eggs retrieved; 5 mature and fertilized(with ICSI and Assisted Hatching); Three poor quality and 1 average quality embryos transferred on day 5. Nothing to Freeze. BFN

IVF #3 – Antagonist Protocol w/Saizen and estrogen priming; STIM meds: Menopur 150; Follistim 450; Saizen 4ml; Ganirilex; HCG trigger; Day 5 Stims - Ultrasound #1- 6 follicles – largest 9mm. I usually stim for 11-12 days, so I have a week or so to go before trigger shot.

laurad75 · March 2017

Welcome @ivforver40 I am also 41 and will be 42 this summer and trying for our first LO. We tried one cycle IUI (BFN) and the next cycle was cancelled after I O'd early. I had one ER - 3 retrieved/ 3 mature/ 3 fertilized; 1 made it to freeze but came back abnormal after PGS. I'm now preparing for a 2nd round of stims.

I'm glad you are here and hope you participate.

littledarlins · March 2017

I had good news today that one of my little darlins made it to day 3 freeze, and it is rated healthy. Yea! The best part of at least one good embryo is, the Doc says yes for another round of mini IVF. I was so worried. So now I just have to let my system get back into its cycle. I dont know how long you have to wait in between? Anyone?

ivfover40 · March 2017

Thanks @laurad75 I will keep you all updated on my third (and hopefully final) IVF cycle. I found out yesterday that my progesterone is elevated so I will not be able to do a fresh transfer, which is ok because we really want to do a FET with PGD testing. I go for my next appt. on Thursday.

@littledarlins Congratulations on your one healthy embryo! As they say, all you need is one! I am not 100% sure how long you have to wait in between cycles, but I think as long as your numbers are good you don't have to wait.

littledarlins · March 2017

Today I received in the mail a picture of my little embryo. It really caught me off guard. like wow, there is a mini me and we are on the way there! It was so nice of the coordinator to send it, because I have been Googling older women doing IVF, and I was really getting nervous. I thought there were many women who had done IVF at my age, and it turns out there really aren't. So seeing this little set of circles really made my day.

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