@Hopeful_mom I'm so sorry to hear about your PGS results!! Hugs!!
@safire3 that is really similar to my protocol! It's my first go round too. I have the first US tomorrow since I started stim Friday. Currently, I'm at 150 gonalF and 150 menopur. I don't think my RE is checking prolactin on me. Did they tell you guy they checked it?
side note--holy mother! That menopur is a bitch! Burn much??
Me 30 DH: 31 Married for 7 years Dx: MFI TTC since 2016 August 2017: IVF #1 (11 eggs retrieved, 8 mature, 3 fertilized with ICIS, 2 Frozen) FET #1: October 11th -- Beta only 12. CP FET #2: January 12th -- BFP!
@safire3 my first u/s this cycle only showed 5, by my third we were up to 9. So don't stress yet, you made it beyond 4 and hopefully only up from there!
@safire3 my last 2 cycles were microdose lupron! I found that protocol to be the one I would go from barely any follies to: where did these all come from!! I don't see why they would want to up your dose unless your estrogen was low. @angelbea ugh! I don't know much about prolactin except that I know elevated can mess up cycles (I had a sis who had elevated prolactin and it turned out she had a huge fibroid... connected somehow but can't remember how so). Hopefully it won't impact retrieval but for sure have it looked at ahead of transfer
@tnh0413 and we also started stims the same day! GL with the appointment tomorrow! I only had prolactin done as part of my initial IF work up so don't know much about it ( sorry @angelbea). And yes the Menopur does have a bite to it. That's why you ladies who inject yourself are so awesome. If I had to do this myself I would probably just sit there for hours staring at the needle first because I know how much it will hurt.
Thank you @southerngirl31. You guys have made me feel much less stressed about it.
@dragonette505 that is awesome I hope that's the case for me. Also the estrogen was good, it went from 41 at baseline to 443 today. I guess I'm just grasping at straws. I just want everything possible to make these follies grow!
@safire3 your estrogen sounds good! They don't want to overcook your eggs. I kind of am surprised my dose of follistim is so low but I guess my new doc is trying something different?? Lol I'm on 150 and in the past I've done up to 350
@dragonette505 wow 350 is a lot. I guess your doc is happy with your numbers for now as well. I though I was on high doses until I saw the doses that others are on and realized mine is actually not that high. I hope we both get good progress reports on a Thursday!
@safire3 I think she is going for quality over quantity.... so she's not pushing as hard with the drugs. Also this is my first go with HGH so I think she may be holding back. So I have to mentally be more chill and not expect numbers like my past 2 cycles. Glad I have you as a monitoring buddy Thursday! I might be starting ganerelix Thursday!
Oof, you guys I was at 300 for 6 days, then 375, then this was my second night of 450. (But no menopur). It is all suddenly hitting me like a tonne of bricks. Totally huge and bloated (not to mention gassy!), and gross-feeling. And so tired! I even fell asleep on the couch. Gonna hit the hay now here too.... another early scan tomorrow:/ *autocorrect hates me
Wow @BusinessWife you started high but I guess that's because you're not on Menopur. All these protocols are so interesting. I would love to understand how they pick which one to use for each patient. For me the bloat only really started today. My symptoms really haven't been bad so far. GL with your scan tomorrow and I hope it will be trigger day for you!
@BusinessWife yeah... I'm not yet terribly bloated, but hella tired. I go to bed after shots anyway during stims. I figure my eggs are taking up all this energy!!
It's interesting to see how you guys know the meds, dosages and many tinnie details of your IVF. I'm here in Japan and for the start of my procedure til now, prob almost a month now, I just know I got a nasal spray which prevents me from ovulating, HMG, and tonight I'll have a trigger shot. I'm a Filipino, DH a Japanese. I don't speak fluent Japanese so I can't join forums here in Japan. I'm just glad that even though we got different types of procedure, we can basically understand each other. Hugs to all!!
@tinjp78 that is so interesting! I have heard of the nasal spray, but I dont know much about it because I'm not on that. I had to look up the HMG because I hadn't heard of that, but it sounds like the same idea of what we do here - the follistim/gonalF is basically just FSH, and the menopur is really the same as your HMG, combo of FSH and LH. Same idea, just different names. ;) What did you use for trigger?
@dragonette505. Omg that was me last night. I totally crashed on the couch after dinner. Usually that's DHs routine!!! :D Luckily he even helped me get the kitchen cleaned up before bed bc normally I do all that by myself while he's dozing lol. By the time I got to bed, I felt just zapped, like my brain wasn't even working lol. I don't mind if it means my body is putting every ounce of strength into growing nice eggies!!! Still super tired today tho... Luckily I don't have to go into work till 12, but I have stuff I have to do in the home office beforehand. It's going to be tough.
@safire3. Thank You! Yes I wonder too... I may just ask my doctor today and see if I can get a quickie answer from her. ;) still in the waiting room atm. Had my blood draw so far, just waiting for my turn to scan...
First of all, I did ask my doctor about the menopur thing and what she said is that because the menopur has the combo of FSH + LH component, where the follistim is just the FSH, I'm getting the LH component from the low-dose HCG. So it's like we're doing the same medications just in totally independent delivery methods. Then she said that if you add the menopur, you knock 75 off follistim because the menopur contains both FSH and LH. So I thought that was pretty cool just different ways of mixing the same medications.
Okay, so we are definitely triggering tonight!!! It will be the dual trigger, so I think it'll be 40 units of Lupron plus whatever of the HCG. But I think I just need to wait to hear back from the nurse on the exact dosage. I am not sure if I will be doing all 10,000 of the novarel, plus the 40 Lupron or if it'll be more like half like 5,000 HCG + 40 Lupron, so we'll see. Plus, I guess I need to find out to about the timing. She told me for my stimming, I could do really anytime between 7 p.m. 10 p.m. to sort of pick a consistent time, and also not to be too stressed out if for whatever reason and turns out I need to stim an hour or so later or something like that, it's not a big deal. But I have heard that it's definitely very precise with the trigger timing. I have heard of people triggering at midnight or I don't know what time so we'll just have to wait and see what she says!
So the exciting thing is that, yes, we have 17 measurable follicles today, but I guess I'm a little disappointed, because when I asked the doctor, who is actually my doctor, she said, "well do you want me to give you a totally arbitrary number that really doesn't have anything to do with the number of exit we're going to get?" And I said basically will yeah, and she said that she saw 8 that were in the nice range that they want to see. But that doesn't mean that will get 8 eggs necessarily, so I guess I still don't really know what that supposed to mean. I saw nine on the printout that were between 15 and 20. So if she saying eight because the 20 is too big? I don't know and that leaves eight left? Or if she was just being a little bit imprecise with that, but like I said it was 17 measurable... I guess I don't know if she's not counting those 13's in the group? or what. guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens Friday!
@BusinessWife I've been learning lots from you guys. At first I was quite intimidated by all those abbreviations and units that I haven't seen before. But I did some googling and recognized they function much like what I'm taking. The IVF I've been put through this time is 'the slow method' as what my doctor had termed it. I'm not sure if it's because I have PCOS or it's just the way how they prefer it here. The details of my meds are not discussed to us. We just go to the hospital all the time and the nurses administer the drugs to me. As for my trigger shot, it will be at midnight, around 4 hours later
Hey trigger buddy @BusinessWife we are really triggering today!!! My time is at midnight today and I'd have my ER on Friday at 12nn. I'd have to start my fast from tomorrow (Thurs) dinner and stop all liquids at 9am (Fri). On my last scan 2 days ago, my doc saw 3 follies on my right and 3-4 on my left, from 15-22mm. She said I'm a poor responder... an invisible tear dropped as she said those words... but it didn't bother me so much... I believe in miracles
@tinjp78. Oh (((hugs))) hang in there! My BFF only got 3, or really 2 because the third wasn't mature.
***TW*** IVF success! <div class=" Spoiler">They did a fresh 3-day transfer of two, and she is 17 weeks KU right now!!! (with a singleton)</div> It can still totally work with just a few! ;)
The bloat hasn't hit me yet, I'm on day 5 of stims. Just had my scan and she's counting about 15 follicles total. None really greater than 10 mm. She said it's coming along. No changes to meds for tonight so I'll stay at 150 menopur and 150 gonalF
Me 30 DH: 31 Married for 7 years Dx: MFI TTC since 2016 August 2017: IVF #1 (11 eggs retrieved, 8 mature, 3 fertilized with ICIS, 2 Frozen) FET #1: October 11th -- Beta only 12. CP FET #2: January 12th -- BFP!
@dragonette505 So I finally read that article you posted and for sucked into her blog. It was an azoo blog!! Did you notice? So devastating tho, they did a retrieval for her the same day as her H and just had to freeze all the eggs because rhey dound no sperm and no precurser cells. Oof.
I just got a voicemail from my RE. None of the 7 made it to be able to be biopsied for PGS. I hate this. Ive never had one make it to blast yet. This is why it's so hard to be hopeful. I mean I see it work for others and everyone goes on to the transfer and then the beta, but I'm having trouble really believing that will be me. I feel like I'm just hanging out here doing the shots with you guys and then never graduate past the retrieval part. Sorry to be venting just really low right now. I guess we will do a fourth try. My birthday is next week and I turn 43. And I'm at work so trying not to cry. This sucks!
@BusinessWife@tinjp78 Yaaaaa for triggering! And yeah... so cool about the different protocols! I've done a bunch of different ones and yeah.. they all have the same intentions which is to hopefully get a good handful of eggies! When I hear of another persons protocol, I'm generally just looking to see doses because that's more indicative of what the doc is trying to do than necessarily the name of the med.
@BusinessWife I feel like they are saying the 8 are what they think will be in your sweet spot size and maturity wise, but like I showed with my last cycle, look how much growth happens even after trigger... I say don't worry yet. Re the blog post, I did notice about her having to do a freeze all of eggs because of the sperm... I didn't poke around, but I wonder that they didn't try to retrieve and freeze sperm prior to the ER...? I feel like that's what I hear happening to most couples with azoo, no?
@tnh0413 Yeah... I'm still doing ok as far as bloating... I mean, its coming on, but I can still fit in jeans so I'm doing ok. But fatigue?? BRUH! I'm so damn tired! LOL its ridic. Follies at 10 on stim day 5 is great. If you consider a typical 10 day stim schedule and about 2mm growth a day, you'll be at 20 with those 10's on trigger night!
AFM I just want to sleep right now.... soooooo sleepy. I don't know if this HGH is making me more sleepy but the zzzzz's are real! I swear I thought this HGH was going to give me energy and I would be in the gym taking advantage of it. In truth, yesterday I skipped the gym and rested my eyeballs in the wellness room instead! UGH
@dragonette505. From what I gather, she decided based on studies that fresh-fresh would give them the best chances of fertilization (not necessarily true, but she was more worried about sperm making it through the thaw.) So she basically talked her doctor into letter her do it that way. And then no dice. :/ I hear you on the zzzs!! I have so much stuff I need to do at home before I go to work and I just feel like I cant. All I want to do is sleep on the couch! :s
@Momifbysea I am so sorry. That is heartbreaking. And understandable that you would need to vent. (((Hugs))) I hope so much for the best for you. My friend ended up doing a day 3 transfer in case they didn't make it to freeze... would your doctor consider trying fresh in your case next time?
I just got a voicemail from my RE. None of the 7 made it to be able to be biopsied for PGS. I hate this. Ive never had one make it to blast yet. This is why it's so hard to be hopeful. I mean I see it work for others and everyone goes on to the transfer and then the beta, but I'm having trouble really believing that will be me. I feel like I'm just hanging out here doing the shots with you guys and then never graduate past the retrieval part. Sorry to be venting just really low right now. I guess we will do a fourth try. My birthday is next week and I turn 43. And I'm at work so trying not to cry. This sucks!
I'm so sorry!! I feel your pain. My first two cycles all were discarded as abnormal. My next two cycles nothing made it to even freeze. I decided to switch docs and then protocols and last two cycles I at least got some to freeze.
Do they have any idea why this is not working for you? (Just FYI: I turned 44 this summer.....44! So I am in the same old boat as you...but we are still trying). Have you done all of your cycles at the same place? Have they changed anything in their protocols? Have they considered 3 day transfer for you (some clinics are showing that 3 day transfers are actually helping some women who never get to transfer as there are some healthy embies that do better in the mom instead of the lab.
I am sending my biggest hugs and you deserve to vent as much as you want...
Thanks @dragonette505 I have been with the same clinic as they are the only one within three hours in any direction. If I was still in ny that would be different! I will ask about a different protocol when re calls back. I really appreciate the support.
@BusinessWife thank you for your words. My re strongly is urging for testing so doesn't recommend a fresh transfer in my case. I agree with him on this after talking with him and DH about it. It's tough but I realize it's a long shot at my age. Even to get one to test would make me feel like I'm making progress though, you know?
@Momifbysea no!!! Are any at least low grade? Maybe you can transfer one that doesn't look great? Ugh, I am so so sorry. We went from 7 to just two and that was devastating, so I can't imagine 7 to none. I'm sending you all the hugs and hoping maybe you can take the day off and have a whine and wine day?
Me: 39 SO: 36
Dx: low progesterone, possible DOR - officially "unexplained"
TTC#1 since November 2015 9/16/2016 IUI#1 - BFN 10/12/2016 IUI#2 - BFN 1/21/2017 Clomid/IUI#3 - BFN March 2017 IVF: BFP! (beta#1 191, beta#2 378!) - it's a boy! DS born 12/6/2017
TTC #2 since July 2018 May 2019 IVF #2: BFP! (beta#1 346, beta#2 646) - vanishing twin at 8 weeks. Baby B still going strong - due 2/8/20!
42 responses since I last checked. I hate not being able to get on here as much as I'd like.
@Hopeful_mom I'm so frickin' sorry! That really upsets me because we had high hopes for this cycle. Try to focus on your upcoming FET. You will have your rainbow baby(ies) soon!
@safire3 I was on the microdose Lupron last month. Follicles popped outta nowhere a few times. Your estrogen is great so that's why they haven't upped your meds. Mine were altered 3 times because my estrogen wasn't where they wanted it to be and when it was, they didn't change anything.
@Momifbysea I'm really sorry this hasn't happened for you yet. Hugs!
@BusinessWife Yay for trigger!! That 20 isn't too big at all!! I had a 26, 22 and two 20s at trigger yet still had 12 of 14 mature. I bet you will get more than 8! Can't wait to see!
Me:35 DH:37 Married 09/2013
*TW* TTC #2 since June 2016 *END TW*
Endometriosis
March 2017- IUI#1- Clomid - BFN April 2017 - IUI #2 - Clomid, Ovidrel - BFN May 2017 - IUI #3 - Clomid- cancelled cycle
And there you have it folks... I got my trigger shot at 11:30pm.... and not 12midnight... we thought this process is time sensitive, so we'll call the hospital tomorrow to ask if there's no prob with that 30 min difference. Otw home now. Starting to feel bloated.
That trigger shot wasn't that scary as I thought. Although now I'm starting to feel lots of activities going around my tummy. I'll probably just stay in bed the whole day tomorrow (Thurs) and just get ready for my ER on Friday.
@tinjp78 happy early birthday to you too! Glad you had your trigger and good that you are asking about timing because as I understand it is pretty critical to be exact. I wish you the best!
@funkykey and @poemasque can I like what you wrote 10 times? I know everyone in here gets it. Just blah. I'm going to take today.
So I just got a call back from our RE. I don't know, I just wanted to know the details on how far each of the 7 made it to maybe have some hope that some maybe almost almost almost made it to being able to be frozen. 2 made it to morula, 1 made it to blast but lacked a critical inner mass (the part that makes a baby as he said) and the other 4 degenerated at less than 10 cells apiece. He's willing to let us try again even though he says it's a long shot. So here i go waiting to call on cd1.
@Momifbysea so sorry to hear that. That just sucks and you can vent to us as much as you need to. Did your RE say anything about changing your protocol? Do they think it is an issue with egg quality? Hugs to you and take some time to just take care of you today.
Ladies thank you for all the kind words it really means ALOT, since i'm working i'm trying to focus and work through the tears but it is hard! Whether you're good or bad person and I will say I'm not perfect but I'm a pretty ok individual, and I just feel like I'm being punished! I honestly feel IVF should work for everyone. Its horrible that anyone even has to go through IVF but more unfair when you have to keep going through process after process. I cried in my RE office at the first appointment just so upset that this was my reality. I sucked it up and moved on, I could do this...it just shouldn't be such a journey that lasts so long!! I'm just so frustrated such a roller coaster of emotions!
I know I'm suppose to be excited to be moving on to an FET I'm just terrified and hate that I'm crying all the time, I don't want to be this upset while prepping for my FET. Its also my age that is adding to all of this extra pressure. And lets add my OH is an ASS and just can't understand any of this.
I'm really disappointed i didn't get another one, its that whole decision time of what do you do and wasting more time. I hate the results too, they are so close to being normal. One had an extra gene a 15 gene, really! I feel like it hurts less when its missing one not when theres an extra one...
angelbea my prolactin was high after my MC and they were concerned about that as well. However they only tested that again once I was getting ready to do the FET. I did IVF prior to them being concerned about it, so take a breath, it shouldn't effect your ER!
Momifbysea I hate that age truly plays a factor in all of this....I wish i could rewind the clock and yell at every person that said I had all the time in the world, including my OH! Its hard cause I do hold him responsible for some of this and then of course in ends in an argument. I still had to catch up from yesterday and I hate seeing your update, i'm so heartbroken for you!! Do you think that maybe you should just try a 3day transfer? You do respond and they are fertilizing, I think your eggs might thrive better inside you! I know its a gamble but maybe thats something you should discuss with your RE? dragonette505 i see i'm writing the same thing as this smart one here Its really true for older woman 3dt do work. I got did get pregnant with twins and there was a normal girl cooking in there...something just went wrong. You're really responding to the meds I just don't think they're all bad! Even the ones that i'm testing that aren't coming back abnormal, i still think should be good! You're RE said that some made it to 10 cell that means they were all still growing on day 3...I don't know I just feel like it really could be worth a shot!
dragonette505 i wanted to try the HGH this cycle but its still considered experimental apparently to my clinic and they said no
@safire3 I always find it so interesting that clinics cancel cycles. I was converted to an IUI with one, but I only had 3 for one cycle and still went through with it as we didn't know if I would respond better down the road. You can see in my siggy each cycle for me has been different. hang in there! And as others have said your E2 has rised really nice you're doing great!
@BusinessWife@tinjp78 woohoo for trigger, excited for you ladies!!! all this poking finally comes to an end yay!!! Nasal spray thats a new one for me...but obviously its working. Remember its quality over quantity!!
@BusinessWife i think your RE is aiming low as a just in case....20 isn't too big at all its after 27 that it could be a cyst and you lose it. Your RE wants you to be prepared as sometimes follies can be empty too and doesn't want you to be disappointed. 13 is a lil low and thats why they might not be counting it however the trigger should be able to plump those babies up and hopefully give you a few more!
allycheer00 i was thinking the same thing 48 responses what did i miss How are u feeling?
TTC since 2014 Unexplained Infertility - but I am 40...Low AMH .30 7 - IUI (50mg-150mg Clomid) Feb - August 2016 all BFN IVF#1 August 2016 (Antagonist protocol 4/5 eggs) Cancelled cycle RE thought I would get at least 10. IVF#2 Sept 2016 (microdose luporn pro - disappearing follies, ONLY ONE, convert to IUI) BFN IVF#3 November 2016 (4 ER, 3 F, 3DT)-BFP with TWINS // MC both at almost 10wks IVF#4 March 2017 //EPP (10 ER (1 wonky so 9 ER) 7F, 3B (5AB, (2)5BB) PGS tested- ALL abnormal IVF#5 April 2017 // EPP (7 ER, 7F yes! 6B) 2/5 day 4/6 day - 2 PGS normal! yes!! IVF#6 May 2017 // Antagonist didn't have time for Estrogen Priming...(4 ER, 3 F, 3B) (5AB, (2) 5BB) 2 PGS normal, yes!! IVF#7 June 2017 // EPP praying this is it and then on to an FET!
I'm so, so sorry @Momifbysea , that REALLY does suck, there is no other way to spin a positive light on it... it sucks... I'm so sorry.
I just have to say, that this group of ladies in the july/aug IVF are TOUGH! Life keeps knocking you down with multiple failed IVF rounds, severe MFI, Azoo, DOR, poor PGS results... the list goes on and YOU just keep getting up again, brushing yourself off, and pushing forward. You are rockstar warriors!!! I am so inspired by all your stories, you truely blow my mind with your courage, tenacity, and persistence and I'm so thankful to get to walk along side you for this journey. It's not easy, but it's better with people like you.
You are beating infertility, no matter how you feel right now, or what bad news you've gotten, your attitude and spirit is winning 100% and IF doesn't stand a chance
Me 34 DH 36 Married since July 2010 MFI (High DNA Fragmentation) & Mild endometriosis
TTC #1 since June 2015 Aug 2016 - May 2017 6 IUI's with letrozole - BFN April 2017 - laparoscopy to remove mild endo June 2017 - Mini IVF letrozole 12.5mg, Gonal-F 75IU - Cancelled early ovulation, no eggs retrieved. Aug/Sept 2017 - Mini IVF letrozole 12.5mg, Gonal-F 75IU, cetrotide - 13 eggs retrieved, 11 mature 5 eggs ICSI'd 6 eggs frozen - 1 day 5 blast transfered, 2 expanded blast frozen - BFP! May 2018 - Baby girl born - Our Joy
TTC #2 since July 2019 July 2019 - FET - BFN Jan 2020 - FET - canceled due to family health issues Mar 2020 - FET - low beta - chemical pregnancy July 2020 - ICSI'd remaining 6 eggs - 3 fertilized - 2 survived to early blast stage, transfered both - Chemical Pregnancy
@Hopeful_mom Until you are holding a baby in your arms it will be hard to trust that those 5 frozens will be your golden ticket. I have three and I just don't trust that they will be it! That's why I'm doing this cycle and one more (hopefully that will be all) this year. It sux you put your body through all of that work for nothing. I am happy to be trying this HGH, though ive read a lot that some women have had lower yields (but some of them still got pg) because it doesn't boost quantity but hopefully quality! This cycle is a little scary for me because I'm back on the antagonist protocol and the last two times I did it (I'm so crazy.... I keep thinking ive done 6 cycles when its only been 5) I had low numbers and nothing to freeze or transfer. I think they only use HGH with antagonist so I had to go back to this protocol
@Hopeful_mom I'm so sorry to hear about your PGS results after everything you've gone through. This cycle in particular seems to have been really hard. What a way to kick you when you're down. It is a sad loss and you should take the time you need to grieve. Lots of hugs! I agree with @dragonette505 that it won't feel like anything will work until you have that physical baby. We've got two frozens right now and I'm contemplating going another round to bank a few more, so I understand how anxious you feel. I'm glad you have the 5 and I really hope your sticky beans are in there.
@BusinessWife Woohoo for your impending ER!! Good luck with your trigger tonight!
@Momifbysea I am so, so sorry about your results. That is devastating. Please, vent all you want. You have every right to be angry, frustrated, sad...everything! I'm sending you so many hugs right now.
I just want to thank all of you for your kind words. I just got home from work and am letting myself cry as I type this as Ive been on deadline and have had to hold it in all day. I know I will pick myself back up again, because all of us are stronger than maybe we realize, but right now I just feel sick to my stomach. @hopeful_mom thinking of you especially as I know this cycle has been extra tough. Don't know what I'd do without this group.
I'm so so sorry Momifbythesea -- it is just so incredibly disappointing and disheartening news. Please don't give up hope! A family member of mine tried for 5 years (IUI, IVF, etc.) but was not successful and then got pregnant naturally at 43, so there are still some good eggs in there! And my grandmother got pregnant at 44 with my feisty aunt! Hang in there.
Me: 41; DH: 45 Both married for the first time in our 40s; went straight to IVF after multiple fibroid surgeries (2/17) ER: #1: agonist/antagonist protocol: 19 eggs; 8 mature; 13 fertilized; 1 7-day blast (6BA = abnormal/non-viable) (4/17) ER: #2: same protocol but stimmed an extra 2 days: 16 eggs; 10 mature (5 more matured in lab); 13 fertilized; 2 6-day blasts (5AA & 6BA) & 2 7-day blasts (6BA & 5BB): only 1 Day 6 6BA tested normal! FET on 7/10/17 Beta on 7/21/17: Negative:( (8/17) ER #3: 9 eggs; 6 mature; 3 fertilized; 1 7-day blast (6BA = abnormal/non-viable) Developed severe complications (abdominal bleeding) following egg retrieval which required hospitalization, transfusion & emergency surgery. Done with IVF.
Re: Anyone doing IVF in July/August?
@safire3 that is really similar to my
protocol! It's my first go round too. I have the first US tomorrow since I started stim Friday. Currently, I'm at 150 gonalF and 150 menopur. I don't think my RE is checking prolactin on me. Did they tell you guy they checked it?
side note--holy mother! That menopur is a bitch! Burn much??
Dx: MFI
TTC since 2016
August 2017: IVF #1 (11 eggs retrieved, 8 mature, 3 fertilized with ICIS, 2 Frozen)
FET #1: October 11th -- Beta only 12. CP
FET #2: January 12th -- BFP!
@angelbea ugh! I don't know much about prolactin except that I know elevated can mess up cycles (I had a sis who had elevated prolactin and it turned out she had a huge fibroid... connected somehow but can't remember how so). Hopefully it won't impact retrieval but for sure have it looked at ahead of transfer
Thank you @southerngirl31. You guys have made me feel much less stressed about it.
@dragonette505 that is awesome I hope that's the case for me. Also the estrogen was good, it went from 41 at baseline to 443 today. I guess I'm just grasping at straws. I just want everything possible to make these follies grow!
*autocorrect hates me
@dragonette505. Omg that was me last night. I totally crashed on the couch after dinner. Usually that's DHs routine!!! :D Luckily he even helped me get the kitchen cleaned up before bed bc normally I do all that by myself while he's dozing lol. By the time I got to bed, I felt just zapped, like my brain wasn't even working lol. I don't mind if it means my body is putting every ounce of strength into growing nice eggies!!! Still super tired today tho... Luckily I don't have to go into work till 12, but I have stuff I have to do in the home office beforehand. It's going to be tough.
@safire3. Thank You! Yes I wonder too... I may just ask my doctor today and see if I can get a quickie answer from her. ;) still in the waiting room atm. Had my blood draw so far, just waiting for my turn to scan...
First of all, I did ask my doctor about the menopur thing and what she said is that because the menopur has the combo of FSH + LH component, where the follistim is just the FSH, I'm getting the LH component from the low-dose HCG. So it's like we're doing the same medications just in totally independent delivery methods. Then she said that if you add the menopur, you knock 75 off follistim because the menopur contains both FSH and LH. So I thought that was pretty cool just different ways of mixing the same medications.
Okay, so we are definitely triggering tonight!!! It will be the dual trigger, so I think it'll be 40 units of Lupron plus whatever of the HCG. But I think I just need to wait to hear back from the nurse on the exact dosage. I am not sure if I will be doing all 10,000 of the novarel, plus the 40 Lupron or if it'll be more like half like 5,000 HCG + 40 Lupron, so we'll see. Plus, I guess I need to find out to about the timing. She told me for my stimming, I could do really anytime between 7 p.m. 10 p.m. to sort of pick a consistent time, and also not to be too stressed out if for whatever reason and turns out I need to stim an hour or so later or something like that, it's not a big deal. But I have heard that it's definitely very precise with the trigger timing. I have heard of people triggering at midnight or I don't know what time so we'll just have to wait and see what she says!
So the exciting thing is that, yes, we have 17 measurable follicles today, but I guess I'm a little disappointed, because when I asked the doctor, who is actually my doctor, she said, "well do you want me to give you a totally arbitrary number that really doesn't have anything to do with the number of exit we're going to get?" And I said basically will yeah, and she said that she saw 8 that were in the nice range that they want to see. But that doesn't mean that will get 8 eggs necessarily, so I guess I still don't really know what that supposed to mean. I saw nine on the printout that were between 15 and 20. So if she saying eight because the 20 is too big? I don't know and that leaves eight left? Or if she was just being a little bit imprecise with that, but like I said it was 17 measurable... I guess I don't know if she's not counting those 13's in the group? or what. guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens Friday!
***TW*** IVF success!
<div class=" Spoiler">They did a fresh 3-day transfer of two, and she is 17 weeks KU right now!!! (with a singleton)</div>
It can still totally work with just a few! ;)
The bloat hasn't hit me yet, I'm on day 5 of stims. Just had my scan and she's counting about 15 follicles total. None really greater than 10 mm. She said it's coming along. No changes to meds for tonight so I'll stay at 150 menopur and 150 gonalF
Dx: MFI
TTC since 2016
August 2017: IVF #1 (11 eggs retrieved, 8 mature, 3 fertilized with ICIS, 2 Frozen)
FET #1: October 11th -- Beta only 12. CP
FET #2: January 12th -- BFP!
@BusinessWife I feel like they are saying the 8 are what they think will be in your sweet spot size and maturity wise, but like I showed with my last cycle, look how much growth happens even after trigger... I say don't worry yet. Re the blog post, I did notice about her having to do a freeze all of eggs because of the sperm... I didn't poke around, but I wonder that they didn't try to retrieve and freeze sperm prior to the ER...? I feel like that's what I hear happening to most couples with azoo, no?
@tnh0413 Yeah... I'm still doing ok as far as bloating... I mean, its coming on, but I can still fit in jeans so I'm doing ok. But fatigue?? BRUH! I'm so damn tired! LOL its ridic. Follies at 10 on stim day 5 is great. If you consider a typical 10 day stim schedule and about 2mm growth a day, you'll be at 20 with those 10's on trigger night!
AFM I just want to sleep right now.... soooooo sleepy. I don't know if this HGH is making me more sleepy but the zzzzz's are real! I swear I thought this HGH was going to give me energy and I would be in the gym taking advantage of it. In truth, yesterday I skipped the gym and rested my eyeballs in the wellness room instead! UGH
@Momifbysea I am so sorry. That is heartbreaking. And understandable that you would need to vent. (((Hugs))) I hope so much for the best for you. My friend ended up doing a day 3 transfer in case they didn't make it to freeze... would your doctor consider trying fresh in your case next time?
I'm so sorry!! I feel your pain. My first two cycles all were discarded as abnormal. My next two cycles nothing made it to even freeze. I decided to switch docs and then protocols and last two cycles I at least got some to freeze.
Do they have any idea why this is not working for you? (Just FYI: I turned 44 this summer.....44! So I am in the same old boat as you...but we are still trying). Have you done all of your cycles at the same place? Have they changed anything in their protocols? Have they considered 3 day transfer for you (some clinics are showing that 3 day transfers are actually helping some women who never get to transfer as there are some healthy embies that do better in the mom instead of the lab.
I am sending my biggest hugs and you deserve to vent as much as you want...
@Momifbysea no!!! Are any at least low grade? Maybe you can transfer one that doesn't look great? Ugh, I am so so sorry. We went from 7 to just two and that was devastating, so I can't imagine 7 to none. I'm sending you all the hugs and hoping maybe you can take the day off and have a whine and wine day?
TTC#1 since November 2015
9/16/2016 IUI#1 - BFN
10/12/2016 IUI#2 - BFN
1/21/2017 Clomid/IUI#3 - BFN
March 2017 IVF: BFP! (beta#1 191, beta#2 378!) - it's a boy! DS born 12/6/2017
TTC #2 since July 2018
May 2019 IVF #2: BFP! (beta#1 346, beta#2 646) - vanishing twin at 8 weeks. Baby B still going strong - due 2/8/20!
That's so cool you get a nurse to trigger you instead of a nervous husband!
42 responses since I last checked. I hate not being able to get on here as much as I'd like.
@Hopeful_mom I'm so frickin' sorry! That really upsets me because we had high hopes for this cycle. Try to focus on your upcoming FET. You will have your rainbow baby(ies) soon!
@safire3 I was on the microdose Lupron last month. Follicles popped outta nowhere a few times. Your estrogen is great so that's why they haven't upped your meds. Mine were altered 3 times because my estrogen wasn't where they wanted it to be and when it was, they didn't change anything.
@Momifbysea I'm really sorry this hasn't happened for you yet. Hugs!
@BusinessWife Yay for trigger!! That 20 isn't too big at all!! I had a 26, 22 and two 20s at trigger yet still had 12 of 14 mature. I bet you will get more than 8! Can't wait to see!
Me:35 DH:37
Married 09/2013
*TW* TTC #2 since June 2016 *END TW*
Endometriosis
March 2017- IUI#1- Clomid - BFN
April 2017 - IUI #2 - Clomid, Ovidrel - BFN
May 2017 - IUI #3 - Clomid- cancelled cycle
July 2017- IVF #1-Microdose Lupron protocol, Gonal-F, Menopur, HCG trigger- 12 mature eggs, 9 fertilized, 4 frozen- 2 PGS normal!!
August 2017- FET #1
And to get that news right before your birthday? What a slap in the face. Ugh.
@funkykey and @poemasque can I like what you wrote 10 times? I know everyone in here gets it. Just blah. I'm going to take today.
So I just got a call back from our RE. I don't know, I just wanted to know the details on how far each of the 7 made it to maybe have some hope that some maybe almost almost almost made it to being able to be frozen. 2 made it to morula, 1 made it to blast but lacked a critical inner mass (the part that makes a baby as he said) and the other 4 degenerated at less than 10 cells apiece. He's willing to let us try again even though he says it's a long shot. So here i go waiting to call on cd1.
Congtats on triggering today @BusinessWife and @tinjp78!
I know I'm suppose to be excited to be moving on to an FET I'm just terrified and hate that I'm crying all the time, I don't want to be this upset while prepping for my FET. Its also my age that is adding to all of this extra pressure. And lets add my OH is an ASS and just can't understand any of this.
I'm really disappointed i didn't get another one, its that whole decision time of what do you do and wasting more time. I hate the results too, they are so close to being normal. One had an extra gene a 15 gene, really! I feel like it hurts less when its missing one not when theres an extra one...
angelbea my prolactin was high after my MC and they were concerned about that as well. However they only tested that again once I was getting ready to do the FET. I did IVF prior to them being concerned about it, so take a breath, it shouldn't effect your ER!
Momifbysea I hate that age truly plays a factor in all of this....I wish i could rewind the clock and yell at every person that said I had all the time in the world, including my OH! Its hard cause I do hold him responsible for some of this and then of course in ends in an argument. I still had to catch up from yesterday and I hate seeing your update, i'm so heartbroken for you!! Do you think that maybe you should just try a 3day transfer? You do respond and they are fertilizing, I think your eggs might thrive better inside you! I know its a gamble but maybe thats something you should discuss with your RE? dragonette505 i see i'm writing the same thing as this smart one here
dragonette505 i wanted to try the HGH this cycle but its still considered experimental apparently to my clinic and they said no
@safire3 I always find it so interesting that clinics cancel cycles. I was converted to an IUI with one, but I only had 3 for one cycle and still went through with it as we didn't know if I would respond better down the road. You can see in my siggy each cycle for me has been different. hang in there! And as others have said your E2 has rised really nice you're doing great!
@BusinessWife @tinjp78 woohoo for trigger, excited for you ladies!!! all this poking finally comes to an end yay!!! Nasal spray thats a new one for me...but obviously its working. Remember its quality over quantity!!
@BusinessWife i think your RE is aiming low as a just in case....20 isn't too big at all its after 27 that it could be a cyst and you lose it. Your RE wants you to be prepared as sometimes follies can be empty too and doesn't want you to be disappointed. 13 is a lil low and thats why they might not be counting it however the trigger should be able to plump those babies up and hopefully give you a few more!
allycheer00 i was thinking the same thing 48 responses what did i miss
@funkykey do you have an appt yet for you set?
Unexplained Infertility - but I am 40...Low AMH .30
7 - IUI (50mg-150mg Clomid) Feb - August 2016 all BFN
IVF#1 August 2016 (Antagonist protocol 4/5 eggs) Cancelled cycle
IVF#2 Sept 2016 (microdose luporn pro - disappearing follies, ONLY ONE, convert to IUI) BFN
IVF#3 November 2016 (4 ER, 3 F, 3DT)-BFP
IVF#4 March 2017 //EPP (10 ER (1 wonky so 9 ER) 7F, 3B (5AB, (2)5BB) PGS tested- ALL abnormal
IVF#5 April 2017 // EPP (7 ER, 7F yes! 6B) 2/5 day 4/6 day - 2 PGS normal! yes!!
IVF#6 May 2017 // Antagonist didn't have time for Estrogen Priming...(4 ER, 3 F, 3B) (5AB, (2) 5BB) 2 PGS normal, yes!!
IVF#7 June 2017 // EPP praying this is it and then on to an FET!
I just have to say, that this group of ladies in the july/aug IVF are TOUGH!
Life keeps knocking you down with multiple failed IVF rounds, severe MFI, Azoo, DOR, poor PGS results... the list goes on and YOU just keep getting up again, brushing yourself off, and pushing forward.
You are rockstar warriors!!!
I am so inspired by all your stories, you truely blow my mind with your courage, tenacity, and persistence and I'm so thankful to get to walk along side you for this journey. It's not easy, but it's better with people like you.
You are beating infertility, no matter how you feel right now, or what bad news you've gotten, your attitude and spirit is winning 100% and IF doesn't stand a chance
MFI (High DNA Fragmentation) & Mild endometriosis
Aug 2016 - May 2017 6 IUI's with letrozole - BFN
April 2017 - laparoscopy to remove mild endo
June 2017 - Mini IVF letrozole 12.5mg, Gonal-F 75IU - Cancelled early ovulation, no eggs retrieved.
Aug/Sept 2017 - Mini IVF letrozole 12.5mg, Gonal-F 75IU, cetrotide - 13 eggs retrieved, 11 mature
5 eggs ICSI'd 6 eggs frozen - 1 day 5 blast transfered, 2 expanded blast frozen - BFP!
May 2018 - Baby girl born - Our Joy
TTC #2 since July 2019
July 2019 - FET - BFN
Jan 2020 - FET - canceled due to family health issues
Mar 2020 - FET - low beta - chemical pregnancy
July 2020 - ICSI'd remaining 6 eggs - 3 fertilized - 2 survived to early blast stage, transfered both - Chemical Pregnancy
I am happy to be trying this HGH, though ive read a lot that some women have had lower yields (but some of them still got pg) because it doesn't boost quantity but hopefully quality! This cycle is a little scary for me because I'm back on the antagonist protocol and the last two times I did it (I'm so crazy.... I keep thinking ive done 6 cycles when its only been 5) I had low numbers and nothing to freeze or transfer. I think they only use HGH with antagonist so I had to go back to this protocol
@allycheer00, @ReesaAnne16, and @Malibu45 Congratulations on being PUPO!
Both married for the first time in our 40s; went straight to IVF after multiple fibroid surgeries
(2/17) ER: #1: agonist/antagonist protocol: 19 eggs; 8 mature; 13 fertilized; 1 7-day blast (6BA = abnormal/non-viable)
(4/17) ER: #2: same protocol but stimmed an extra 2 days: 16 eggs; 10 mature (5 more matured in lab); 13 fertilized; 2 6-day blasts (5AA & 6BA) & 2 7-day blasts (6BA & 5BB): only 1 Day 6 6BA tested normal!
FET on 7/10/17
Beta on 7/21/17: Negative:(
(8/17) ER #3: 9 eggs; 6 mature; 3 fertilized; 1 7-day blast (6BA = abnormal/non-viable)
Developed severe complications (abdominal bleeding) following egg retrieval which required hospitalization, transfusion & emergency surgery. Done with IVF.