Hi all!
Our Transfer will likely be in June and I wanted to invite others so we'd have a place to talk while we are preparing! Join me!
My Story:
My DH and I are both 35. We tried for 2 years and ended up at a fertility specialist with slightly low AMH (1.4) and MFI (low everything). She sent us straight to IVF with ICSI. We had egg retrieval in February after 10 days of stims. We ended up with 2 PGS tested "Normal" embryos, both Girls! We are so excited to have made it this far but still have a long road ahead! I am having surgery on Tuesday to remove scar tissue and she's going to remove all the lining and make it all "smooth and shiny" as she put it. I'll take Estrace & Progesterone for the next 4 weeks after. Then a period, and then finally start Transfer prep! Looking like Mid June but we'll see !
Re: May/June 2021 FET Do I have any buddies?
Praying that everything goes well on Tuesday! After it is all done, it will be the perfect home for the embabies
AFM:
Likely having my transfer done in May/June depending on how everything plays out! DH and I are trying for the first time - we knew from the get go that we needed IVF because DH has KFS (and any available sperm has been frozen for some time). I'm currently on stims with an anticipated ER for next week, but we need to go through PGT-A and all that, so looks like a FET in May/early-June assuming we have any viable embryos and depending on when I get my period and start on meds. So far, greatest challenge, as everyone forewarned me, is my anxiety!
How are stims so far?
I hear you that the breakdowns are no fun! I think I had a mini-one last night - I said yes to an important work meeting next week and it may be on the same day as my ER...add that to the anxiety with the process itself, and I couldn't sleep, thinking about what excuse to use, if it will impact my career, if my boss will hate me and "WHY did I not say "can't do" when I was asked", lol.
Stims are going good so far! Definitely have no idea if my body is responding well to them or what my chances are (I got calls from the clinic after the first and second ultrasounds/ bloodwork with the data and a general "looking good" but nothing more than that). Trying to stay positive and hope them follicles keep growing and that we have a decent shot. Was definitely feeling pretty down yesterday (probably linked to the work bit I mentioned) but noticed I'm more chipper today (probably because I have another ultrasound/BW tomorrow and I'm hoping they've grown some more!). Did you do anything to keep your mind occupied when doing the stims? I feel like I need a hobby, lol.
@skyee87 My husband had to have sperm retrieved due to Azoospermia, but we never got a genetic reason / diagnosis? Anywho, is that what your H had as well? TESE / MESA / micro tese etc? How long ago was that, and how did it go?
**TW**
<div class=" Spoiler">I can also vouch as a fellow / future girl mom, it is totally amazing. 💕💕💕</div>
But I'll also join in here.
The estimate for transfer is mid-May.
@skyee87 I can 100% relate to the work/IVF struggle. I feel endless guilt and anxiety at work. Then once I think I will be in the clear for a bit, 3 more appointments pop up and I have to tell my boss I'll be late or have to leave early or need the day off. . It's insane. I hope your meeting and egg retrieval are on different days!
I don't have great advise as far as keeping busy. I try to put my mind anywhere but on IVF, but it doesn't work lol.
@blackhottamales Yay! Welcome!
@blackhottamales hi!! Welcome!!
@danij823 OMG, no kidding! Fate may be conspiring in my favor in that the client (with whom the meeting was scheduled) called me this morning out of the blue and noted that the date is flexible and we can reschedule if my boss and I need more time (I should probably search my house for listening devices because it's so creepy how I needed that call right now! XD).
How are you feeling about Tuesday?
AFM:
Just returned from my third bloodwork/ultrasound. Waiting on the clinic to call so I can try and see if they'll give me more than "looking good", lol. Estradiol went up (276.9 pg/ml versus 115.5 (2 days ago)) and follicles seem to be growing (although only one is above 10mm). Next appointment is on Saturday!
AFM:
I just did day 6 of stims last night. I was doing Menopur (150), Demaxe and Follistism (300) up until today. Today, I'll do the same but add in Ganirelix. Have another ultrasound/bloodwork tomorrow. Call with the clinic yesterday was a wake up call (somewhat) as we may have to cancel the cycle depending on the ultrasound/bloodwork results this weekend. Apparently, I have a lead follicle! Blerght! It doesn't seem to be that big of a gap between it and the others, though, so I'm unsure if my doctor is just being overly cautious. Lead follicle is 12mm and others are 8mm. I'm hoping for some last minute sprinters and that my left ovary wakes up for the action (no measurable ones there, other than a 5mm one). Trying to keep myself grounded and not freak out too much before it is time to make the call, but have so many questions on what my options are and whether cancelling the cycle is really the best move.
We’ve got a Day 5 BB and Day 6 AB waiting for us - I really hope one takes. We’ve also got a miscarriage history - my one summer 2020 was awful and took a lot out of me. But feeling positive so far for a retrieval so hope to see some great out comes with this group.
DX: Endometriosis - Stage 4, DOR, RPL
03.2016 - Natural BFP - MC 5w4d
04.2016 - Natural BFP - Chemical
10.2016 - IUI w/ Injections #1 = IUI Cancelled (cyst/no mature follicle)
11.2016 - IUI w/ Injections #2 = BFP, EDD 08.2017 - It's a BOY!
TTC #2 06.2019
08.2019 - IUI w/ Injections #1 = Chemical
09.2019 - IUI w/ Injections #2 = BFN
10.2019 - IUI w/ Injections #3 = BFN
01.2020 - IUI w/ Injections #4 = BFN
08.2020 - Natural BFP - MC 9w5d
11.2020 - IVF Retrieval - 3AB & 4BB
05.2021 - FET #1 = BFP, EDD 02.2022 - It's a BOY!
AFM: returned from my ultrasound/bloodwork appointment today, and learned that we are not cancelling and the stimming cycle is still ON. Stimming today/tomorrow and another appointment on Monday.
@skyee87 Yay girl! So glad they didn't cancel! You should be close to trigger now huh? Good luck darlin!!
@dukie001 I'm so heartbroken for you. Your strength and determination amaze me. Wow IVF with a 2 hour drive, that is intense. You just have to get your baby after all this! I am rooting for you so hard!! I hope this next IVF gets you the perfect embryos and in the next couple months we will be celebrating BFPs together!
@BusinessWife How are you ?
AFM: I have surgery tomorrow to remove my scar tissue then a long month of hormones to build lining back up. Pretty boring stuff. So hoping the next month goes by quickly! I always get nervous being put under with my legs up in the air *sigh*. All part of this crazy journey. I hope you are all feeling some hope and peace today!
Doing okay over here, thanks! I got a positive OPK so now I'm just WFAF to start our transfer cycle...! Pre- auth supposedly went through for the Ovidrel, so I will probably call CVS again here momentarily and schedule that delivery for mid-April. I have hopeful days, and less optimistic days I guess, it's up and down. Idk why last night I was in a thing where I had zero doubts whatsoever and I have her name picked out and everything! Lol 😂 Hey, expect miracles, right????
@dukie001 Glad you have a tentative date already. It's so much better for me mentally when there is a goal in sight. Hang in there. :/
@dukie001 So sorry you have to wait until end of May and you have to go through another one of these, but 100% agree with @BusinessWife.
AFM:
Just got word that I will be stimming tonight and potentially triggering tomorrow (depending on bloodwork/ultrasound in the morning). A little anxious that I don't have a lot of follicles within measurable size (about 5), but hoping for a good outcome.
@danij823 LOL I'm glad I'm not the only one! In my fantasy world, we have a third girl this time ...and then a boy at the end. 😜 Similar to the other girls' names, the FN comes easy, it's the MN we go back and forth on. If / when we do finally get our little boy at the end, it's going to be almost impossible to settle on a boy name. 🙈. I think in our hearts we've always just known it would be girls for us. Dunno why.
my story: TW (will put as a spoiler so not to upset anyone)
-TW-
Summer 2015 - no BFP yet, labs normal, referred to RE
Fall 2015 - Summer 2016 - Further testing all normal. 3 IUI's -- BFN. Recommended move to IVF. Planned cycle for fall 2016.
September 2016 - Surprise natural BFP. MMC @ 8 weeks. RE expressed confidence that we just needed the 'right' embryo.
Fall 2016 - Spring 2017 -- Break from TTC
June 2017 - Started IVF; egg retrieval for freeze all cycle. 9 mature eggs retrieved, 5 fertilized. 2 4BB embies on ice.
August 2017 - FET transfer both embies. BFP. Twin pregnancy confirmed by ultrasound. EDD 4/28/18
September 2017 - Twin B stopped developing; Twin A doing perfectly! Graduated from RE @ 10 weeks
March 2018 - Baby Girl born via C/S due to pre-eclampsia -- strong and healthy!
TTC #2
January/Feb 2021 - Freeze-all IVF cycle
March 2021 - FET of 1 PGS normal female embryo. BFP! Beta #1 156, #2 472, #3 1241, #4 5268 EDD 12/5/21 - Christmas baby!
"When all is lost then all is found."
Wishing you all the best luck! I know last summer was tough...hopefully this will be your rainbow after the storm
@dukie001
Glad you have a plan and are preparing to move forward. Sometimes the worst things lead us to the best things, so I'm praying you have a successful cycle and transfer!
Summer 2015 - no BFP yet, labs normal, referred to RE
Fall 2015 - Summer 2016 - Further testing all normal. 3 IUI's -- BFN. Recommended move to IVF. Planned cycle for fall 2016.
September 2016 - Surprise natural BFP. MMC @ 8 weeks. RE expressed confidence that we just needed the 'right' embryo.
Fall 2016 - Spring 2017 -- Break from TTC
June 2017 - Started IVF; egg retrieval for freeze all cycle. 9 mature eggs retrieved, 5 fertilized. 2 4BB embies on ice.
August 2017 - FET transfer both embies. BFP. Twin pregnancy confirmed by ultrasound. EDD 4/28/18
September 2017 - Twin B stopped developing; Twin A doing perfectly! Graduated from RE @ 10 weeks
March 2018 - Baby Girl born via C/S due to pre-eclampsia -- strong and healthy!
TTC #2
January/Feb 2021 - Freeze-all IVF cycle
March 2021 - FET of 1 PGS normal female embryo. BFP! Beta #1 156, #2 472, #3 1241, #4 5268 EDD 12/5/21 - Christmas baby!
"When all is lost then all is found."
@mbradfo2 so excited for you! Congratulations!
@mbradfo2 Best news ever!! So Happy for you babe!
@skyee87 How's it goin love? Did you trigger?
AFM
Surgery went really well. My Dr. said there was actually less scar tissue than anticipated so that was good. She said it looks great in there now so I'll be good to go for transfer. I have to get through these 4 weeks of hormones and get a period but then transfer meds! Still looking at a June transfer but at least I have something to look forward to. I am a little afraid of the Estrace 2X a day.. and suppositories yuck.
I am feeling almost normal today, I thought I would be more sore. I also talked to my nurse about my elevated doppler results. She said they will recommend acupuncture twice a week and on transfer day & baby aspirin for my transfer cycle.
I'm pretty excited today, I see a light at the end of the very long tunnel!
I triggered last night and have my ER scheduled for tomorrow at 10a. Last scan showed 5 follicles (14mm-21mm). A little nervous about the outcome but very glad to be done with the shots (for now at least, lol). Started my intake of electrolytes today to hopefully stay clear from OHSS.
Our Journey for #1
2017 -- Discovered MFI but didn't move forward with treatment due to expense and grad school
Spring 2019 -- Started with RE and confirmed MFI
Fall 2019 -- 3 cycles of Clomid and TI, 3 BFNs, discovered hostile cervical mucus was also contributing
Spring/Summer 2020 -- 3 cycle of IUI, 3 BFNs
Nov 2020 - First IVF with 3 little frosties, had to change to freeze all due to OHSS
Feb 16, 2021 - FET #1 - BFP! Beta #1 100 Beta # 2 541 EDD 11/4/2021
Here's the Protocol:
3 weeks of Birth Control w/ 1 week Overlap of Lupron Injections
16 days of Estradiol patches and Pills 6 Days of Progesterone injections
Trigger shot (dang it)
FINALLY Transfer
PIO for 10 weeks or until negative beta...
Also a bunch of other stuff, antibiotics and baby aspirin etc.
Is this a pretty standard protocol? I feel like it's a lot, as I was expecting just Estrogen and Progesterone. After this entire month of hormones I'm currently on, I am really not looking forward to 3 weeks of birth control. ugh. Come on Mid June!!