Anyone doing IVF in July/August?

Hopeful_mom · August 2017

@allycheer00 whoa high five!! you are indeed a badass...i would need to do some mad stretching ever trying that myself!

Malibu45 menupar does suck and burn...I use to do 4 powders at a time not sure if the amount matters. They say try to angle straight, each day is different dont know why but it is.

dragonette505 haaaaaaa ur killin me!!!!!

funkykey · August 2017

@Hopeful_mom - no date yet, just waiting.... and waiting.... and waiting.... But I will call and follow up next week; maybe they'll have some news.

All of IF has been really draining on my H and I - like on our relationship. I've mentioned before that we've had conflicts - so part of me is hoping that over this next couple months we can just work on ourselves and each other, you know, so that we'll be feeling stronger in case there's more bad news with our FETs. We both really want to be good parents, and to model a certain kind of marriage to our children - I think we both hold ourselves to high standards - and at times during IF, I don't think we've modelled that marriage, exactly...

It makes us both nervous and afraid to be parents, and it'd be nice to have a couple of months without any injections or appointments or giant bills coming due... Might be nice to like, go out for dinner again, maybe out on a date. I don't even feel like I've physically recovered yet!

All that being said, I've been told that IF is much, much more stressful than parenting (from people who've experienced both!). The exact quote was: "Yes, when you're parents, you might disagree about discipline or technique, but you love your child, and you share that love - so there's work, but there's joy too. When you're dealing with infertility, there's no child. It's all work and no joy."

Sometimes, I really hope that's the case! I hope they're right, because some days, I think: "Could it really be harder than this?!"

Momifbysea · August 2017

Edited for a typo.

@allycheer00 omg you're my frickin hero! Wow! Ive never gotten to PIO yet so I have some pretty big anxiety about it. Remember I'm a needle phobe and just this cycle got myself to watch DH inject me, that was a huge step since if I need another cycle I'd have to do all the shots (he moves out of state in two weeks and I'm temporarily staying here purely for IVF benefits, crazy right?) anyway, you are so brave! Was it hard to get the needle in? My SIL who's a NP said it's kind of like throwing a dart, like you can't be all slow and gentle about it. Does it burn or just hurt? Sorry for all the questions...also so exciting you're at this point! When will you know your transfer date?

@funkykey I love reading your comments and appreciate you hanging out during your wait, I know it must seem like forever! IF does take a toll on relationships, we've had our moments and at the moment I'm just so tired, not just physically but emotionally, so it's hard. I like to think couples that go through this rough journey will come out bulletproof in the end. That's my happy thought at least. It sounds like you two are really in the same page and so committed to being good parents, and I think that's awesome.

@BusinessWife anything yet? Waiting sucks!

Feeling nausea, bloating, and gassy here, just yuck. I'll take it as a sign the stims are working though.

helloworld9 · August 2017

@malibu45 - PIO = progesterone in oil. I'm not looking forward to those when I start my FET but it is what it is!

@funkykey - Infertility is so hard. I may have lived a good life before infertility, because this has got to be one of the most traumatizing experiences in my entire life. It really knocked the wind out of me. It's just so hard for me to find joy in everyday things anymore. To make matters worse, I hate seeing huge families and kids and babies and strollers. I distance myself from family and friends, especially those with children or are pregnant. I try to find joy in life but it's a struggle.

dragonette505 · August 2017

@funkykey I think IF I'd extraordinary stress. I've yelled at my husband during stims when he is two seconds late injecting me.... so cray. It's messy sometimes and two imperfect humans will mess up from time to time. The only way to get through this is to forgive each other and forgive YOURSELF. And then literally move on. We don't ever discuss those moments after we get past them or hold it over each other's heads.... we KNOW it's the situation making us crazy. Having kids.... sure there will also be crazy moments, but trying to have one has soooo much at stake. Just know that you can get through it together.
@Momifbysea yeah, there is a point during stims when it just feels gross.

AFM went in for my first scan and looks like I have about 10 or 11 follies. But they are still small so my doc wants to keep coasting me on estrogen till Thursday. She says little follies don't really even respond to stims so it's just wasting meds
I knew I was likely to have to coast, but still

allycheer00 · August 2017

@FunkyKey *TW As being someone who has now experienced both, I agree that parenting is way easier. It's that this IF thing is no guarantee. All this work with little reward. Sooo much stress. But one things for sure, it teaches you patience and that's one of the biggest things you need with parenting. Lots of my friends who haven't ever struggled with IF lose their minds over what I now see as small stuff. I've learned to appreciate and not complain. Also, you and your spouse don't have to be perfect to be good parents. Don't even strive to be. The fact that you even worry about that tells me that you will be a great mom. Hugs! end TW*
@momifbysea It really wasn't that bad yesterday. It didn't burn or sting. I made sure to warm up the oil first and stick that needle in fast! Today my muscle is sore but nothing painful. I figured I better try it on my own because (Lord willing) I'll have to do this for 10 to 12 more weeks and there's no way my husband will be there everytime.
@dragonette505 Dang, sorry for the stall. Hopefully by Thursday those follies really beef up and you'll probably have more by then too!

Hopeful_mom · August 2017

funkykey sorry that your having a rough patch. You should know I literally sent a text to OH saying date night?? SO I hear ya 100%! This whole process sux!! On your marriage, relationships and just life period! I've missed family gatherings just because i'm exhausted and since i'm still cramping can't sit for a 2hr car ride and be uncomfortable. I almost feel selfish not pushing myself but I can't. AND just me some family members have bad mouthed me because of it...I"ll get over it, but I get it. I keep reminding myself that this should be the worst thing that happens. Let this be our worst struggle in life and then we can have smooth sailing!!

Momifbysea I'm scared of PIO myself so I hear ya! I had my sister a year ago help with shots and she actually hut me more then doing it myself. OH can't do it. Funny he doesn't mind bruising me when he bites me but can't give me a needle thinking he hurts me. Excited for your next US!

helloworld9 I too don't enjoy life the way I used to and it makes me sad. And to think how much weight I have gained during this g-d awful process makes me sick! One round ok but over a year of meds is torture!

dragonette505 double digits is awesome grow follies grow!

AFM: Of course I miss the clinic call by like 20 min seriously! At least one of the nurses was nice enough to give me the update. So far I've got one frostie, praying tomorrow i will get more to join this party!! ugh this process! Its so hard not to stress here I had a better response to meds and yet I only have one day 5 which is the worst day 5 from all my cycles

I'm already worried I won't get any back this cycle and I went through so much just to do it! You make so many decisions through this process and have to hope they're the right ones.

helloworld9 · August 2017

@Hopeful_mom - I gained weight too. I don't know if I can lose this stim weight! I had no idea my belly can gain a ring of fat like that, haha. That's great you got one frozen on day 5! I had just one on day 5 too so I know it is nerve wracking to wait and see how many more make it. I'm hopeful you get a lot more soon!

Hopeful_mom · August 2017

@helloworld9 i truly appreciate your positivity! I try not to compare myself to others and stick to what is on par for me. Just think of your stemming weight gained, I've done that 8 times! I looked thinner *TW pregnant with twins

This process just sucks the life out of you! I've always had at least 3 to send for testing so i'm quite nervous

Cycle 5 I retrieved the same amount and had 6 for testing and got back 2...so its just concerning things arent progressing similarly.

I at least had a fun dream last night I was pregnant 12 weeks with a baby that already had pigtails, wishful thinking shall we say

[Deleted User] · August 2017

You guys!!! It's CD1!!!
<img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/3y/rdjferkq0eg0.gif" alt="">
Sounds like Monday's going to be a long day... baselines between 6-7:30AM, open the Bank at 8:30, go to the other location from lunch till close... ughh lol. That's the real reason I was hoping CD3 would be Sunday. But oh well, hopefully it's for the best!

@dragonette505 So what does "coasting" mean? Like you're still priming a few more days and THEN they will start the stimms?

@Hopeful_mom Congrats on your frostie!!!! Fx so hard for a few more tomorrow!!! ❤❤❤
<img alt="" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/pf/mpumpggxax1u.gif">

As for the relationship stuff? Omg so tough. I would say more, if this were a private board lol. I think we maybe are lucky in a way, we had already been through some tough stuff together... and on our own, too. I was very sick when I was 12, so maybe the medical aspect doesn't bother me as much. I know how to handle doctors appointments, what to ask, what to bring etc. and how to advocate for yourself to get the care you need. Then we went through two big cross-country moves and the loss of a step-parent all before we were even married. But then i think when we started TTC - I know I personally I felt like, thank goodness! the worst is behind us and now we can ride off I to the sunset. Ha! So ya. But at least it hasn't completely destroyed us - thank God, but I know that it can, and I can see how easily that can happen. I think it takes so much more active effort in the opposite direction - like with how much all the IF struggles will tear you apart, I think we've got to lean into our partners <i>that much or more, </i>if that makes any sense. For us anyway. Idk. Idk how I haven't homicided mine already - but I haven't yet!!!

As for the weight stuff, ugh. I don't even want to think about it! In the past two+ years of IF, I've gained back all the weight I lost for the wedding. When I bought my new work wardrobe, I made a point to get stretchy dress slacks that I would still be able to wear while stimming, or even pregnant early days fx. And a few dresses if it gets so bad I would rather shove pins under my own fingernails than put on pants. Lol. I am hoping the desire for a fit, healthy pregnancy will eventually help balance it all out, if we may be so lucky, but it's tough. I feel like I've just been putting one foot in front of the other most days. Please don't ask me to run! Lol

*typos, punctuation, gif

ReesaAnne16 · August 2017

My follicle scan this morning went OK, I have 5 follicles in the 13-17mm range, and several smaller ones. My doctor gave us the option to trigger tonight for a monday morning retrieval OR stim for one more day (with cetrotide ) and hopefully retrieve 2-3 more eggs on a tuesday retrieval. We had originally discussed retrieving all, and then fertilizing the 5 highest quality eggs.

Additionally, it would be much easier to get work off Tuesday than Monday. Because of these reasons, we decided to go one more day. Last time my lead follicle was 23mm when I triggered, so we're no where near that yet, plus with the cetrotide I feel better I won't ovulate early (like last time)

The closer it gets to the retrieval, the more nervous I get, because this may be our only chance to have biological children. It pains me to even acknowledge this in writing. I'm having a hard time feeling hopeful.

ReesaAnne16 · August 2017

@funkykey IF is so, so hard. I do believe parenting will be easier, because there will be joy in between the hard moments. I actually think, parenting will be sweeter for those of us who have gone through IF; we will appreciate the opportunity we've been given, and how much our child(ren) are truely miracles. I'll pray you don't lose hope in the waiting, and that you and your DH can rekindle your relationship during this brief pause.

ReesaAnne16 · August 2017

Yay for CD1 @BusinessWife!!! I'll pray Monday goes smoothly with all that you have on your plate!

Hopeful_mom · August 2017

@BusinessWife woohoo!!! alright lets get this party started!!! Hoipng for a great baseline!!

ReesaAnne16 you're so close that great! Hoping the extra day will get you a few more strong ones!

dragonette505 · August 2017

@ReesaAnne16 stimming one more day sounds like a great plan! fc a few more pop up!!!
@BusinessWife yeah she wants me to keep priming till Thursday... sux to wait longer, but when we reviewed my past cycles, especially the last two where I got ohss, she was like: your follicles are so small, why did the have you stimming with those high doses? Then she said at a certain size, follies don't respond to those meds anyway. I dunno, that's her plan and I'm rolling with it!
ALSO:

@Hopeful_mom I know how bad it sux when cycles just don't seem to be as positive as the last one.... i had a cycle where my doc expected to retrieve double digits and they only got 5! Devastating. I know this is not really a comfort, but you've got one frozen so far, and more can catch up tomorrow. I believe in those embies!!! This part is the most stressful

Ladies... I refuse to talk about how fat I've gotten in theses past months... it's Saturday and since I'm not stimming I'm going to have half a glass of champers cause no reason at all!

tnh0413 · August 2017

Hi all! Jumping in the thread! I just started Lupron injections on 8/16 and started my BC pills on 7/23. Two more nights of BC pills (thank god), I've felt crazy on them the past couple weeks. I have an appt for US on Thursday and if all good, we can start stimming on Friday with Gonal-F followed by Menopur on the following Monday I believe. We have an estimated ER date of between 9/4-9/8.

So I've only had three Lupron injections as of last night, and so far no real side effects other than a pretty bad headache right after the shot, however earlier today I have some serious bloating going on and I was surprised as I wasn't expecting this until the stims start -- anyone having similar rxn to the Lupron?

So glad I've found this thread!! We got this ladies!

dragonette505 · August 2017

@tnh0413 Hey! Sounds like we'll be on a similar schedule so glad to have you join us! I've got bw and us Thursday morning too so I'll be looking for your update. I did microdose lupron my last cycles and didn't notice much difference since the lupron was taken along with my other meds and they make me feel cray too

Hopeful_mom · August 2017

dragonette505 thanks for the hug (i adore kitties) and laugh i needed that! just enjoyed some pnut butter myself. I cleaned, I deserved the reward, dont judge

tnh0413 welcome best of luck with ur upcoming cycle!! I feel bloated morning noon and night so i'm no help to that question, sorry.

dragonette505 · August 2017

@Hopeful_mom peanut butter is much healthier than champagne! Lol good fats and protein!

Hopeful_mom · August 2017

dragonette505 there was chocolate involved too

dragonette505 · August 2017

Hopeful_mom said:

dragonette505 there was chocolate involved too

It's Saturday so it doesn't count

Malibu45 · August 2017

Quick update ! Went in for my scan and blood today and I now have 19 follicles ! They may want me to trigger tomorrow and procedure Tuesday ! Estrogen is almost 2,000! Today is my 8th day of stims

colenola · August 2017

Jumping right in hope I'm posting correctly!!!
New!!! August IVF ALERT!

trying to read through all the comments before posting but here it goes....

We are on day #10 of our 1st IVF cycle. My follies are growing a little slower than any of our combo IUIs, but ARE growing. Lining looks great. Next U/S is Monday.

Current Stims: 225 Gonal-F & 225 Menopur (in the Bum)
tomorrow upping gonal-f to 300 & I add Ganirelix

Starting to feel a little cramping of the ovaries on left side and the bloating comes and goes each day.
I was banned from working out as of today.

Still don't have a ER date but maybe monday I will know more.

dragonette505 · August 2017

@Malibu45 yay! Great follie numbers! Your estrogen is high, but you're not at ohss numbers yet (I think I got to 6k last time with 19 follies and for sure had ohss)
you should be good triggering now! Yippie! Pull that trigger!

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/6y/qxgyk65s9gse.gif

@nmariescontrino Sounds like all is going well!! Welcome!

Momifbysea · August 2017

Edited: my phone likes to make Lupron Lipton...

@Malibu45 that's an awesome count! Great news!

@tnh0413 welcome to the group! Sorry Ive never done Lupron so can't help but I'm sure bloated over here. Can't think of what I'll wear today that would fit but I'm just chilling around the house anyway. Good luck on starting your stims!

Im still shaking but I did my injection for the first time ever this morning! Biggest fear ever for a needle phobe but if I end up needing another cycle then my husband will live out of state by then so it's not an option. I'm feeling kind of bad*ss right now but still physically trembling, wow. This was follistim cuz it's easier, don't know about doing the burning menopur but this was a good one to start with.

dragonette505 · August 2017

@Momifbysea doing any of your own shots is totally badazz! I've done follistim and lupron myself, but not menopur, ganerelix or hcg trigger. I understand the trembling reaction... you have to amp yourself up so much just to do it!!! Yay shots!

[Deleted User] · August 2017

Lol you ladies are cracking me up this morning! @dragonette505
<img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/91/y96sw4rf2ctr.gif" alt="">

@Momifbysea. You totally rock, lady!!! You got this! ;) my phone does the same autocorrect thing with the Lipton. Super annoying lol

@nmariescontrino Welcome! Sounds like you're doing great! Not sure if you may want to make your username a little more anonymous, tho - personal preference. You can always tweak it over on the knot, if you need to. I don't personally have my real face or name in my avatar for privacy reasons, if anyone were to stumble across my post history, I would only want people to know it was me if I told them. ;) I have my first baseline scan Monday too! Big day! Fx for a good report and ER soooooooon!!!

dragonette505 · August 2017

@BusinessWife can't wait to see how your scan goes and how many follies you're starting with!!!

Malibu45 · August 2017

Thanks ladies! Went in this morning for the usual scan and blook and now I'm up to 23 follicles ! I feel so disgusting and bloated right now lol. They are most likely having me trigger tonight (Sunday) and procedure Tuesday !!

[Deleted User] · August 2017

@Malibu45. Ah!! That's awesome! Hopefully you dont have too feel so bloated and gross too much longer... (((hugs))) GL Tuesday!!! We'll be rooting for you!

@dragonette505. I was really hoping it would work for baselines today, but what can you do. Last talk, we were starting to get nervous bc my AFC last time was 19. If we don't do PGS, we are just hoping for not too crazy a number make it to freeze, so we can eventually attempt to transfer all.... as of now my doc for now will only transfer one at a time. Not sure if that approach might change in another 5-7 years, but we are hoping not to have to decide what do do with any extra embryos, if possible. I think it would be too hard to know some other family were raising our babies... :/ But trying not to fret or get too far ahead of ourselves. :) I just want to get started already!!! Going to try and vacuum and get a nice injection station set up here today! Lol

colenola · August 2017

@BusinessWife thanks for the good thought on name.

funkykey · August 2017

Thanks guys!

@dragonette505 - you're totally right. The forgiveness and moving on part is so important, but it's what we struggle most with.

@allycheer00 - I really appreciated your comments. Haha - if IF teaches patience, we are going to be very patient indeed!

@Hopeful_mom @helloworld9 - I've gained some weight too, not a lot but enough that I had to buy new pants for work. I think it's been more the stress and the constant disappointment than the hormones, but the hormones probably have not helped either... At a yoga class the other day, as I was leaving I got a real glimpse of my ass in the tight yoga pants, and it looked HUGE. Like, honestly, biggest ass in the class. I know you're not supposed to compare yourself to other people, follow your own journey, acceptance, etc... but I really want to fit into my old pants again, you know? It's hard enough being IF - when you're clothes don't fit, it's worse!

@ReesaAnne16 - I am feeling hopeful for you! FX!!! You're getting so close!!

@Hopeful_mom - FX that you get more good news today!

colenola · August 2017

@funkykey @Hopeful_mom @helloworld9 I have def gained about 10 lbs over the last year with all the meds and I just as I was getting it back down the doc told me I can't workout until after the ER.Something about no pressure on ovaries and no twisting or bouncing. BOOO! Anyone else banned??
These meds def make you feel larger than you really are. And it's all for a good cause!!!

Malibu45 · August 2017

Thank you so much ! That means a lot

dragonette505 · August 2017

@BusinessWife I know what you mean. I really wanted to start stimming on the weekend just so I'd have the day to lounge around instead of dealing with work, but it is what it is! I love folks who make an injection station. I can only make an injection box that stays closed nearby where I do shots because my cat won't let me have one! Lolol... here's a thought about your extra embies: like you said, in a few years they may be more amenable to you xfering multi's but also, you can move your frozens to a clinic that will let you if you want! I'm moving my frozens to my new clinic when I am ready to transfer. They're yours and you can do so if you want!
@funkykey sending hugs because I'm someone who can truly hold a grudge and if there is one thing I've gained from multiple cycles of ivf is letting ish go. It's amazing. I've even been able to apply it to non ivf stuff and I wonder what took me so long to learn how to do this! But I think that some hard heads like me need these lessons to be hammered in for them to take root. I think you just need to believe that you will be ok and you will be ok together. The fact that you are thinking about it means you're trying. Also.... I can't even look at myself in yoga pants

@colenola yes, try not to do stuff that creates torsion in your body. But we CAN walk! I do the treadmill throughout stimming as well as some fertility yoga for ivf that I found on yoga glo which is mainly restorative and no twisting or anything not permitted

Malibu45 · August 2017

Can anyone share some info or tips for the ER ? I will be under a light anesthesia so I know I won't feel any pain except for after I'm assuming. Any tips ?

[Deleted User] · August 2017

@funkykey that was me walking past a glass door and seeing my upper arms in a tank top.
<img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/6g/j2jf7obz7wok.gif" alt="">

Hopeful_mom · August 2017

colenola you want to take it easy for sure, you can hurt yourself exercising especially with such a good follie count. You'll be back to it in no time, enjoy the down days.

@funkykey I'm avoiding all mirrors at all costs!

Malibu45 each ER is different. A heating pad on your tummy can give you some relief of the cramping. I take tylenol but have found that taking midol instead helps me more. They also say to stay really hydrated. Drink lots of gaterade and eats some salty chips. I still dont get the salt part but thats what i've been told on here by many. Looks like your close so exciting!!

edit to add my update...
AFM: So I had my day 5 embaby that was a 5AB which is promising. She then mentioned that the other 2 she did freeze and biopsy are pretty poor...gee thanks. I was half asleep when she even told me. I think she graded then a 4BC or a 4CB...which doesn't sound good and I'm confused how on a day 6 they're a grading of a 4. I'm glad I at least have something to test. She mentioned I still have one going and they'll let it go till Day 7 to see...shes doubtful but letting it still thrive if it can. Why I get frustrated not doing a fresh transfer as I believe my lil ones do better inside their mama

Malibu45 · August 2017

Thanks ..starting to get nervous for foe the ER but at the same time I am so uncomfortable I want these eggs out. I may be more nervous about the anesthesia for some reason

Which brings me to one more question...Is it this normal to be so tired at this point in the cycle ? I'm not so much sleepy, my body just feels physically tired and all I want to do is lay down ! I feel so bad because I'm too tired to keep up with my 3 year old at this point

Malibu45 · August 2017

Ahh they just called....trigger tonight at 8:00 and ER 7:00 Tuesday morning

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