2 days ago @ 11:41 PM
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Hello ladies,
Sorry that I have been off of the boards for a bit, but I have a very excellent reason! Our beautiful baby girl decided she couldn't wait any longer to enter the world and was born at 32 weeks 4 days on January 14, 2012! I awoke the evening prior to find that my water had broken so we hurriedly made our way to the hospital. Initially, my OB planned that I would stay in the hospital for another 9 days on bedrest and then deliver at 34 weeks. In the meantime, they gave me a steroid shot to help with the baby's lung development and a depot dose of Magnesium Sulfate. After another ultrasound showed that there was basically no amniotic fluid left, my OB decided we needed to have the baby that day via C- Section. Our gorgeous little girl entered the world strong & crying. She only spent a little more than a week in NICU and has been home since. She is doing beautifully! She is perfect and so pretty with a head full of thick dark hair and just an angelic little face. We are so happy (though tired!) and feel so amazingly blessed after all we've been through to have this healthy, beautiful, perfect baby girl. She was born almost 4 years to the day of our first IVF appointment so it's been a long road but oh so very worth it. We are deeply in love with her already!
Hang in there ladies, miracles do happen to those who are persistent and faithful! God bless!
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2 days ago @ 12:06 PM
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NWells - It's DailyStrength plus the period for dot, then org. (Don't spell out "dot" - just use the period.) I am typing it this way in case there is a problem with sharing information from this site.
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2 days ago @ 11:10 AM
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girl at heart- is the is the site dailystrenght.org or do I actually write dot???? LOL!!!
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2 days ago @ 11:07 AM
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hello ladies,
Flgirl- wow congrats that is good news,
Girlatheart: My email is Nooker75@sbcglobal.net if you would like to email me. it will be great to have someone else going through the process with me.
As for me We finally had our meeting yesterday, we got the results of Michael's DNA chromatin test back- his swimmers are excellent!!!! So now the is the question whether it is me. We have decided to do another cycle in the summer, Michael wanted it to be earlier but I just can't right now. We are going to save for the biopsy procedure and have it done this time so we can figure out what is going on and they can also tell us if it is my eggs that are not of quality. They will be able to tell us which embryos are normal and we can put those back and hope for the best. SO it will be a good thing in the end. My Husband has faith that we will be able to conceive , and my RE even said to us that he wouldn't be surprised if we call him one day to tell him we are pregnant. Right now I am not there emotionally, I still need time to heal from the last cycle. We are going to continue to move forward with the adoption process, get the classes out of the way, and if anything maybe we will foster a little one w the hopes of adopting. SO we are not done with IVF, just taking a break for a little while.
Try to keep faith ladies.... Believe, some how some way it will happen for us!!!!
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2 days ago @ 10:18 AM
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NWells - I just read about your adoption plans. I'm in the exact same boat. After going through many failed IVF attempts, we are going that route. We have no money left. I would like to private message you. I'm on another website called DailyStrength dot org. I'm the same name as on here: GirlAtHeart. If you are interested, please register there so we can chat.
As for all you other ladies, don't give up the fight. One way or another, you will all succeed. As long as there's hope, let's all be hopeful!
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2/2/2012 9:53 PM
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Well I just wanted to update everyone. I had my first blood test/pregnancy test today and it was positive. I go again on Monday to see if my HCG level is going up. I am hoping to make it past each one of these little hurtles in this journey. I am hoping and praying for happiness for each and everyone of you!! We all deserve it!!! I know we wouldn't be going through all these heartbreaks and joys if we didn't want this to happen so badly.
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2/1/2012 2:25 PM
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Hello ladies
I have been keeping up with the posts, and decided to just check in.
Finally Myrtle has decided to arrive. She is slowly starting to show herself. I knew she would be very late this, how ever in the back on my mind there was an inkling of hope. OH WELL!!!!
As for the adoption process I spoke to DCF yesterday and we are waiting for them to do back ground checks and then they will come out to our house and do an interview. Once that is complete we can begin the classes. Hopefully we will be able to start them in March. In all honesty going through a private agency is really the way to go but it is just so expensive there is no way we can afford it. We just bought a new vehicle, it blows my mind that adopting a child costs just as much. OUI!!!! if it isn't' one thing it is another. My only delema is whether to adopt or foster. The lady from DCF was really pushing foster care especially because we would like a baby. BUT they are so short on foster family's in our state she was trying to push it on me. I don't think I would be able to handle getting attached to a little baby and having the baby t taken away and put back with its parents, it would kill me. I explained that to her and she ask if my husband and I had received counseling because of what we had gone through, and dealing with the issues of infertility, I asked how was that relevant and she again went on about fostering. I don't know I didn't get a good loving feeling from her.
So that is about it here, hope all is well with everyone!!!!
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2/1/2012 11:34 AM
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AmyB, DLMiracle, Patiently, QGirl: It's so nice to see good news on here. We are in between cycles, not knowing what we're going to do next and it certainly is encouraging at least to see some success. So happy for you, I hope that I can get that happiness some day as well.
Best to all......
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1/31/2012 4:18 PM
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Hello ladies! I haven't posted in awhile, but have tried to keep up on how everyone is doing. So happy for all the good positives out there, and still praying for those still trying....
As for us, we gave birth on 11.11.11 to a beautiful baby boy. Being high risk (we had vasa previa with velamentous cord insertion), I ended up on hospital bed rest for 6 weeks, but we made it to our goal of 35 weeks. Bed rest was for the birds, especially when it was in the hospital. But in the end it was oh so worth it! Best part of this whole story was that we didn't have any time in the NICU, 5 weeks early and we passed all test with flying colors! We were blessed.
For those still trying, keep the faith.
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1/30/2012 12:56 PM
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I am new to this forum and have been reading everyones stories and wish everyone the best. You are all amazing strong women regardless of the outcomes. I also will be going through IVF. Just started BC pills yesterday. I had sugery to remove fibroids last November. Of course we had to wait 3 months for everything to heal and now I guess we are ready! It's really nice to have a forum like this where everyone can share their experiences and insight! I will be sure to drop by and catch up often, so exciting!!!!!
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1/30/2012 6:12 AM
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flgirl-try not to worry. They choose the strongest and best embryos to implant first, so the ones they implanted are probably good. Also, for some reason sometimes the embryos don't grow as well outside of the body as inside. It only takes one! I have a friend who's doctor implanted 3 "less then average" embryos. After the implant he said that they needed to start thinking about donor eggs cause her's were so bad. All 3 took. She lost one early on, but now she has healthy twins with those "less then average" embryos.
Lavonda, good luck to you!
Wannabe, how are you doing? How many weeks until you are due? I can't wait to hear that your beautiful little girl is here! It will give so many people on this board hope.
Oh, has anyone read the book "What Alice Forgot?". It's a book about a girl losing her memory (not true), but her sister struggles with infertility. I seemed to relate with the sister some. It was a pretty good book where you didn't have to think about much.
As for me, I am starting my natural FET cycle this month. Literally no drugs, blood work, or ultrasounds until at least Day 10. So weird! WE will see how it goes. My Dr says that my cycles are normal, but I don't feel like they are. I seem to start spotting a week or so before my period comes. Anyway, we are going for it. We will implant 1 and then if it doesn't work, do one more FET then we are done. So crazy to think about.
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1/27/2012 5:44 PM
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Dlmiracle my AF just started today, so I will begin taking b/c pills on the first of feb. Im guessing it will be in march or maybe early april when we try for a fet. Ill keep u posted. I hope all is well with you.
And good luck to all!
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1/26/2012 11:55 PM
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Hi Everyone! This is my first post. I had a failed cycle in December after the ovadrel didn't trigger. I had 2 immature eggs. This is my second cycle and we used Novarel this time for the trigger. Last Thursday they retrieved 8 eggs in which 6 were mature and only 5 fertilized. We went on Sunday (3rd day) to get 3 inserted. The dr wanted to watch the other 2 since they didn't seem strong. So we hopped that they would come along and we could freeze them. Well neither made it. So now I am sitting here with many questions and concerns. Does this mean that that the ones inside didn't or don't have a chance? Should I feel anything or have any signs if they are implanting successfully? I can't take this wait. Feb. 2nd is my pregnancy test. I am gaining strength from reading many of your comments.
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1/25/2012 7:05 PM
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Nwells - I love that you and your hubbie are considering adoption, that's awesome news. keep us posted on your progress.
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1/25/2012 7:03 PM
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Lavonda - I am so sorry to hear abot your canceled cycled when would you try again?
cntryglr - wow, almost 15 weeks, that is awesome!!! your case is one of the most amazing in this forum. I'll keep praying for your safety and that of your little ones!!!!
Qgilr - Congratulations on your Baby!!!!
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1/23/2012 4:35 PM
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amyb - I too have been out of touch with the group but do read posts frequently and have been keeping up with the ups an downs folks have had lately. I know many of you have had some disappointing news lately, but I encourage you to stay positive. My husband and I were fortunately enough to have a successful IVF after several failed IUIs. We gave birth to a beautiful baby girl on Jan 5 (same day as you amyb!). I wish all of you the best and will continue to read posts on this site.
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1/18/2012 8:43 PM
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It feels so nice to hear good news from you gals now! Adoption is a beautiful thing. And triplets! Wow!!!!!!!!!!
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1/18/2012 3:01 PM
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Hello all! I know I haven't posted in a while, but I've been keeping up with everyone while I've been gone.
I wanted to update everyone on how the triplets are doing. I am 14 1/2 weeks today!! Whoo hoo 2nd trimester!! I feel like I can breathe a little sigh of relief. I actually had an appointment with my peri this morning. All 3 babies are doing very well with strong heartbeats. My doc also said, " your cervix is like a brick!"...which at first I was like ?? but then realized that is a good thing. We told him we were hoping he could tell us the genders today...he really had to look at those little ones moving around! He told us not to go out and buy anything yet, but he thought that our identicals are girls and singleton is a boy. We honestly would have been happy with whatever he told us...we still feel so very blessed. I have another appointment in 3 weeks (on my birthday!) and we're thinking we'll know for sure then. At that appointment he told us that we would be there for a while...they would look at each indiviual baby and take all of their measurements and stats.
Again, we feel so blessed, happy, and sometimes a little overwhelmed! I pray daily thanking God for each one of these little ones and to keep them healthy and safe. I also pray for all of you that are getting ready to or are going through a cycle.
Have a wonderful rest of the week!!!
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1/18/2012 2:27 PM
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tiff- There is a website, I can't remember it off the top of my head, something like adoptkidus or something like that, once I set up an account with them I guess our name gets places on a list for all the states in then country!!! Our chances of getting a lil one from any state is higher then just staying in CT, So in couple months, keep us in mind if you end up with a little one in CA who needs a good home.
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1/17/2012 10:48 PM
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NWELLS, you are amazing... You have a can do attitude and it brings a smile to my face... I am a Deputy Sheriff in California and twice a month I work the childrens court... I would adopt every single child in the place if I could,,, You will be creating a special life for the children you get,,, They only want love and someone to take care of them,,, Thank you for looking into the DCF adoption... You are a hero.........
Tiii
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1/17/2012 1:40 PM
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Lavonda- when they put me on a mock cycle which basically like the FET, I started to bleed three days in and bled for about three days, like I had Myrtle. Baffled my RE.... HA my whole case baffles everyone LOL!!! OUI!!!!
Well Ladies, My Husband and I have researched adopting, WOW!!! Going through an agency it is so expensive. So we are going to start with DCF in our state. We are going to an info session tomorrow night where we will schedule our our home interview and then we are going to sign up for the classes. After that we will move forward to get our name on a list and hopefully in a year we will have a little one to call our own. We are still waiting for the test results, and our post BFN IVF consultation with our RE. Looking, at waiting till October to start again, it all depends on where we are with the adoption process.
Moving Forward, focusing on something else. Need a breather to get my head back together, I still find myself crying. Sunday was our 7 year anniversary and driving to go to lunch (Giants game was on at 4 had to be home to watch it) I started crying because I never thought that after being married 7 years we would still not have a child. Heck it makes me tear up now. It has been a long 4 years for us and we just need a break, we are emotionally exhausted, frustrated and just DONE!!!!
I will check in and keep you all posted on our new adventure!!!
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1/14/2012 4:51 PM
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Hi Ladies,
I'm new to the site. I am just starting my first IVF cycle this month and I am sooo excited. I feel like my husband and I are in really good hands at the clinic we are going to. (We had gone to another clinic 1 year ago but had a bad experience with surprise charges and decided to try TTC the "old-fashioned" way for a while).
I haven't started my injectable medications yet for the cycle - but I've got a super sensitive stomach and am worried that the injectable medications will make me really nauseous. Does anyone have any tricks/tips for avoiding or curing nausea during an IVF cycle?
Thanks!!
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1/13/2012 3:50 PM
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No good news for me. My fet cycle has been canceled due to my bleeding. My doctor doesnt know what is going on with me at this point. We will try again with my next cycle.
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1/13/2012 1:57 PM
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Good Afternoon, I'm selling IVF medicine drugs because I'm pregnant and I would like to sell those medicine cheap and blessing a couple who want to do IVF treatment, we started our Infertility treatment in RMA clinic in San Antonio, Texas with Dr. Francisco Arredondo when I discovered that I was pregnant, we are very graceful to God for this miracle.
Anyone interested please contact me at 956-774-0393
RMA Clinic Info. (210) 337-8453
Thanks,
Elizabeth
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1/12/2012 3:47 PM
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Did anyone get dizzy when they were on Lupron? I've been on 20cc of Lupron for five days now, and all day I've been just a little dizzy (have you ever seen that V8 commercial where everyone is walking sideways...I feel sort of like that . Nothing crazy, but just wondering if that is what it could be from?
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1/11/2012 10:13 PM
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Amyb - How wonderful!!! Congratulations on your baby girl!!!! I had to look back at your old post because I thought we were closer to deliver, but not, you are right on time. I just entered my 36th week, looking forward to having our baby soon!!!! I'm so happy for you!!!!
Lavonda- not familiar with FET's, so I hope some of our pros will give you some insight. Praying that all works out for the best.
Nwells - my thoughts and prayers are with you and your DH. May the Lord guide your path, whatever that might be!!!!
welbd and hopefilled my prayers are also with you.
God bless everyone!!!
Nikic01 - hope I got your name right, best wishes on your cycle. these ladies are the best and they will guide you with any questions/doubts you might have.
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1/11/2012 12:43 PM
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Okay ladies..... I need some words of wisdom. Im freaking out alittle.
This past monday, my RE remapped my cervix and uterus. Then yesterday, I noticed light spotting. Today the spotting is alittle more and I have cramping as well. It feels like AF cramps... But I shouldnt have a period now. Today was my last lupron shot and I start the progestron shots tomorrow. My FET is scheduled of the 17th.
Any have any ideas as to what is happening?
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1/10/2012 5:11 PM
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Hello ladies it has been some time since I have been on here, I have not been keeping up well the last several months, I know it has been even longer since I have posted. I am sorry so many of you are in such a frustrated place right now.
I did want to share, for those of you that may remember me, that I had my daughter Rowan this last Thursday. We got pregnant with her after 6 IUI's, surgery for endo., and one unsuccessful IVF, we are very blessed the second round worked for us. We had a waterbirth and it was amazing, we were in a birth center with a midwife, not in a hospital, and it felt like the perfect balance to having to be so immersed in the medical world in order to get pregnant.
I know when I was cycling I met these type of posts with mixed emotions, happy for the new mom but often frustrated in hearing others success. I hope this does not add to anyone's frustration but that maybe it can bring in some lightness and hope. I am wishing the best for all of you and although I am on to a new leg of this journey I am sure I will come and read what is going on with you all from time to time, sending you all good thoughts and prayers even it I am not actively posting.
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1/10/2012 3:16 PM
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Hopefilled - I just wanted to let you know that you shouldn't give up and I don't think your RE should be telling you that either. If it were me I would seriously consider another RE. I was 30 when I went though the IVF process and my first cycle was canceled because I didn't respond very well. My numbers didn't go up the way they were supposed to. So the next time they gave me a different protocol with a much higher dosage of drugs. I didn't get a lot of eggs either and I am really not sure why. But I think the quality has much more to do with it. We got 6 eggs and all of them fertilized and they put back 3 on a day 3 transfer. It worked and my daughter is now almost 10 months old. So don't give up maybe consider taking all your charts to another RE so they can look at what has bee done and then they could give you another opinion. I wish you the best of luck.
Nwells - I am so sorry you have been such an inspiration on here and I was really routing for you. I hope that you can take some time for yourself and figure out your next step. Good luck with your next step!
Good luck to everyone!
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1/10/2012 2:49 PM
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Hello all. I have been sort of lurking here for the last week or so, and I think I've read every single post for the last year. I really feel like I know some of you, even though you didn't know I was here. I've been hugging you all with my mind and keeping you in my thoughts. It has been amazing to see all the success, and heartbreaking for all of the others.
As for me, I'm going through my first IVF after 2 years of TTC and 4 unsuccessful IUIs. My DH has tested perfectly. Oh, and I have stage 4 endo, and did a laporoscopy/hysteroscoopy (spelling? whatever) in July. I started Lupron on Sunday, I do 10 days of 20 cc and then go in for my baseline US on the 17th. I'm excited to get the process started, but trying to be cautiously optimistic and realistic. Lot's of ics going on there I really appreciate the support you all give to one another, and apologize in advance for any craziness I might bring...I tend to be a little excitable! Anyone else starting this process about now? Looking forward to talking with you, have a great day!
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1/10/2012 9:17 AM
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Hopefilled- It is so difficult to figure out if you should stay with a RE or get another opinion. It is also hard hearing from people that maybe you should try someone else. People who aren't going through IVF use to tell me to try someone else or go to UCONN..... I use to get pissed because who are they to tell me anything. I would hear get another opinion all the time, and from some of the ladies on here. Well, My RE got another job and we were transfer to another doctor head of IVF at Yale, who knew my case well but he did do some different protocols. I got a second opinion kind of by chance. My husband and I did talk about going to UCONN over the weekend. I am reluctant because if we have an egg sperm issue it doesn't matter where we go we are going to have the same issue. We are waiting to meet with our doctor about the results from Michael tests, I am carious to see what he says. If they come back normal then we are not sure what we are going to do!!! So I am still up in the air about going to get another opinion but we are considering changing clinics all together. So reading what you say about your RE, my suggestion would be try changing doctors, he seems kind of cold and if you feel like he is giving up on you rather than finding alternative solutions maybe a different doctor would be better. Again I know it is hard because you work with him so you know more about him then we do.
As for me I am not planning on doing another IVF for a LOOOOONG time. I need to get piece of mind and not be so obsessed with the whole process. My husband and I really talked about adoption over the weekend and we are going to start the process for that. See I always thought my mom went through menopause early, so I was always so nervous if I didn't pregnant I would never be able to. So I threw my self into IVF with this thought that I am going to start menopause so I had to get pregnant right away!!! Well my mom told me she started early menopause around 38-40, and i found out you can get pregnant in early menopause sometimes with twins because your body can release more than one egg at a time. Can I tell you that relaxed me more than anything thing, there is no rush. UGH!!!! Goal is to loose 25 lbs- how I have no idea I have been trying to loose 25 lbs for over 3 years and for some reason I just end up gaining 5 every year!!!! OUI!!!!
Anyway, good luck to the ladies starting an cycle.
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1/9/2012 7:23 PM
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Lavonda-praying for you during your transfer!! Wishing you can tell us some great news in a few weeks!!
I'm not sure what my answer is to my situation. Just seems like my dr is giving up on me. He tried 3 protocols and getting the same results. Today they told me to stop all my medications. They said that I crashed yesterday my blood work went from 108 on Friday to 38 on Sunday. I was so disappointed. The dr told me that I had some growth yesterday but isn't just about the growth the blood work has be working in my favor as well which it wasn't. He told me that for my age I'm not producing as many eggs as I should and they aren't growing like they should. Hello it only takes one egg to make a baby. I don't necessarily need lots of eggs. I just want one precious life! (would take more though)
What confuses me is my first IVF I was able to go through with it. I had 2 eggs that survived and I was able to proceed with the transfer but they didn't implant to my uterus so I was able to do it once just not sure why I can't get there again. Maybe I'm being to aggressive and my body needs a break? I need to set up a consultation with my dr again and but really scared he is going to be negative and his normal bedside manner not impressive
I did ask the nurse if he has consulted with the other dr in the clinic and she said I know he has talked about you with him. I asked if he had talked to any doctors outside the clinic and that she didn't know. I don't want them giving up on me. Maybe I'm being to dramatic. I just don't have words anymore.
Any advice or words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated.
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1/9/2012 5:11 PM
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Hopefilled, so sorry to hear your news. Dont give up. Perhaps you need another clinic to help you.
I went in for an ultrasound and bloodwork this morning. Everyone looks good and I will have the FET on the 17th of this month. Praying..........
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1/8/2012 7:23 PM
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Well, today wasn't any better for me. My doctor told me there was growth but still not where he expects me to be. He told me that since we have tried a few protocols and getting the same results this just might not work. I was heart broken. It is like he is giving up on me. I have been pretty quiet as far as his bedside manner but it sucks to be quite honest. I wasn't impressed with that the moment I had my consultation but when i had my surgery for endometreosis the surgeon nurses and the receptionist told me I was in good hands because he is good at what he does. So I kept going to him. I'm not giving up totally but just really frustrated and filled with all sorts of emotions.
I don't want to give up but it seems as though I don't have as many eggs as I should for my age. I'm 32 and so he said this is unusual for my age and that I will go into early meopause. I don't know this isn't his fault but I just wish he was a little more sensitive and I feel like I have to pull teeth to get him to explain something. I have been trying to deal with it but now with things spinning out of control in my world I am just beyond words.
I believe in miracles and I believe that this dr is not in charge of the outcome that he is tool to help me.
Thanks for listening...
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1/6/2012 9:52 PM
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Hopefilled... Something similar happened to me during my first attempt at an IVF cycle. In the end, my cycle was canceled. The second attempt, the doctor increased my original meds and added a new one. Then my ovaries stimulated well. Good luck to you. Although my cycle is a frozen one this time, it looks as if we may do a transfer close to the same time.
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1/6/2012 8:01 PM
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I had my first appt since my baseline u/s and not the news I had hoped for. First thing the nurse said when she came into the room is we have had great results with this protocol. Well, for some reason my body is stubborn. She found 6 eggs. 5 of the 6 were smaller than what they would at this time. Then they called me about my blood work. They wanted me to be at 200 or above and I was at 108. The doctor wants to keep me going and see what Sunday brings. The good news is this protocol is the most my estrogen level has ever jumped from my baseline to the next appt so I'm hoping the meds do some waking up of my body and make great strides by Sunday a.m. So please say a little prayer for me in hopes that we can continue with this IVF.
Thanks!
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1/5/2012 12:54 AM
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Mcblackie I am doing an FET sometime this month.. And I dont see the doctor until day 16. I am now on day 11. It is so different from the fresh cycle. And as far as the transfer goes, all I know is that I have to be taking the progestrone injections for 5 to 6 days before. Once I see the doctor on day 16, the b/w and u/s will determine how much longer it will take to prepare my uterus and then begin the progestrone shots.
What else could I be doing to improve my chances of success?
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1/5/2012 12:01 AM
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mablackie......Hey, I'm excited you are going for #3! My last cycle was a fresh but I believe would have been considered a "natural" cycle as I did not use any BCP's or Lupron. I basically just took a combination of Estrace & Delestrogen (if I am remembering correctly) followed by the normal PIO. It worked, obviously, as I am due next month. Hope this FET works for you. When are you scheduled to tentatively transfer?
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1/4/2012 8:09 PM
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Has anyone ever done a FET natural cycle? We are going to try 1 and I'm a little shocked at how little is involved. My RE said I wouldn't even go to the DR until day 10 of my cycle? That is crazy after doing a fresh cycle! Is that normal?
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1/4/2012 8:05 PM
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NWELLS- what a treat! We were watching that game...on tv!! I maybe saw you in the crowd!
Although I'm trying to get paranoid I am in my 3rd day of shots and I'm taking follistm and repronex. No lupron or micro lupron this time I don't know that I can feel much as far as discomfort so I'm wondering if my eggs aren't growing like they should. The first protocol I did I got 4 eggs and I didn't feel much for discomfort at all but hoping that we get more beautiful eggs with this protocol that my dr suggest I try. Just need not to think about it. Hoping for a great report when I go to my appt on Friday a.m.
By the way my stomach has not missed being a pin cushion. I just hope and pray this works but will have to take it one day at a time.
As always thanks everyone for listening!!
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1/3/2012 10:41 AM
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My Hubby got me Giants tickets for Christmas so I was at the Giants Victory over Dallas on Sunday night...It was awesome and a great way to just let go of everything!!!! MY hubby is awesome!!!!
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1/3/2012 10:38 AM
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Happy New Year!!!
Well I am finally doing a little better. In 6 IVF cycles I think this one hit me the hardest, I put so much faith and hope into it I really thought it would just be the one to work!!! I also let myself be depressed, every other cycle I would just pick myself up and look forward to the next cycle... t his time I just let my self get depressed and BE!!!! I am still not all there though. Michael came home the other night talking about a guy he works with and how he has adopted and he is going to talk to him.... THAT is a HUGE step for him, he was so reluctant.
Wanna you have always been so helpful and you always have such great advise!!! Reading what you have learned I cried because they are all so true... When we started this roller coaster we had know Idea where we would end up and the emotions that go into it all!!!! My RE was changed and this was our first cycle with him, I am not meeting with him until we have the results from Michael's chromatin test. Once we have those back we will set up an appointment to meet with him. We have tossed some ideas around, My sister has already said she would donate her eggs, but if it is actually Michael's sperm that is the problem I am not sure what we are going to do. He said we can get a donor, but I would rather try to fix his. I am settling down my fast pace, it needs to happen soon thinking. I am not going to even think of another IVF cycle until the summer, so we have plenty of time to figure something out.
Lcgl_ good to hear from you!!! I remember when you had your twins wow they are 2!! I hope you lil guy stays strong like his mom!!! I am glad he is responding to his treatment!!! I will be thinking of you.
Babies 4 us- UGH!!! Do you sit there and say will it ever happen for us???? I said that a lot, I also said it isn't fair, and I asked why ALOT!!!! But the realization of our sperm and egg are setting in and I am hoping that if we face that issue and deal with it that maybe things will turn around. I felt like if we just kept doing IVF our sperm and egg issue would just fix itself, well they haven't so now we need to face it head on!!! One day Babies one day!!!!!
Hopefilled I wish you the best.... try to keep piece of mind.... And I did acupuncture as well, if anything it helps you relax I recommend it!!!!
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12/31/2011 1:22 AM
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Hello and an early Happy New Year to you all....
Icgl....so good to hear from you. It's been awhile. Glad that everything is going well for you and your family. Can't believe your twins are already 2 years old. My how time flies!
Nwells, babies4us, and welbd.........So sorry that each of you has had rough news here lately. I hope that each of you is able to rally again and hopefully, find success in the new year. Just as Icgl said, it can happen though for some of us, it just takes a bit of time. Now after 7 IVF's and a traumatic mid-2nd trimester loss of twins, I am finally on the homeward stretch and will be bringing a baby girl home in February. It has been a long difficult journey though.
Hearing of some of the sad news recently has really gotten me to thinking about things I wish I had know when I started this journey nearly 4 years ago. Going through this IVF roller coaster, we learn so much, so just thought I would share a few of my own personal thoughts or things I wish I had known when we started out. Please feel free to add your own experiences to the list.
1) IVF is not a magic bullet. Yes, some people are fortunate and get lucky on the first try but for most of us, it takes 3 or more tries before success and that is if we are healthy with no other known issues.
2) Most of us will end up paying for everything out of pocket. If you have any insurance for IF, then you are very blessed. That said, most of us will not be ready to give up and will move heaven & earth to find the resources so be prepared to adjust everything else in your life to save the money.
3) If starting out again and under the age of 39 or younger, I would ONLY go to a clinic that has a Shared Risk or Money Back Guarantee program. It would take so much of the stress out of the equation and keep options open for other clinics, adoption, etc.
4) Really research your clinic, compare their statistics, and travel if you must to find the best place for you. After over $100,000 out of pocket to my former clinic and a terrible loss, I felt like I was getting no where. I took a year and researched clinics throughout the US and abroad. For my situation, I found an RE that other difficult cases referred me to and he was amazing. Very individual protocols with each case and extremely compassionate. He was worth traveling across country for! Don't feel like you have to go locally if you find another RE who is better suited to you. It is not that much more expensive, truly, and so worth it to know you are great hands.
5) I started my first IVF at age 40. Yes, some women will get pregnant with their own eggs after age 40. Most, sorry to say, will not. Try with your own eggs first, but if you really want a child, be prepared to move on quickly because even DE is not a sure thing and you may need finances for multiple rounds. Again, even with DE, there are some great Shared Risk programs out there. One clinic I know of will give you 6 tries and will give you an entire refund if you don't bring home a baby. Again, this takes the stress out of so many things.
6) If you feel your RE is "cookie cutter" then move on quickly. Too much is at stake financially & emotionally to keep throwing money into the wind.
7) Be your own advocate and research, research, research. I have learned so much about my body that sometimes I feel I have gotten a medical degree. I wouldn't start another IVF cycle without doing blood work to check for immune issues, clotting disorders, etc. It can make all the difference in the world. If you have had multiple tries without real success, look further......maybe sperm fragmentation, maybe chromosomal issues, maybe you need a lap done to make sure there are no obstacles in the uterus, etc. If your RE isn't thinking ahead, be reading and move on.
8) Pay attention to other women's stories. I am on another site with DE moms and I cannot tell you how much I have learned from their experiences. I don't think I would be pregnant today without that knowledge.
9) Make sure to nurture your marriage and keep it strong. As hard as IVF is on we girls, it takes a different type of toll on our husbands. They wear out faster than we do because they see the ups & downs we go through and how they affect us.
10) Keep your faith strong. Even after losing the boys, I had to dig deep and hold on. Without faith, nothing else matters.
I know there are so many other things, but that's a start. I cannot stress enough though to BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE! Research, read, etc. Don't just rely on your RE....challenge them!
Again, Happy New Year to you all and best wishes for a happy, healthy, fulfilling 2012.
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12/30/2011 5:55 PM
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lcgl- Thanks for your success story it is encouraging to hear what you have been through and that it did work for you. 2 times!! That is so miraculous! I needed to hear this you to had your unsuccessful times but you are proof that it can happen. I'm holding on to that hope.
Glad your little one is responding well to treatment. You and your family are in my prayers!
Everyone have a safe and Happy New Year!!
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12/30/2011 9:15 AM
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Hi. Some of you may remember me from a long time ago. I check in now and then hoping to see happy endings for all of you. I've read some of your recent set backs after long fights and I just wanted to share my story again to help you find some hope. In a nutshell: we did 11 ovarian stimulation cycles with IUI (first with clomid then with follistim) without a single pregnancy, then we progressed to IVF....
IVF #1, one low grade embryo, BFN;
IVF#2, six high grade embryos, one is now in kindergarten, the rest frozen;
FET#1, BFN;
FET#2, BFN and all totsicles gone;
IVF#3, 4 good embryos, bfn;
IVF#4, 3 good embryos transferred, 3 gestational sacs (yikes) but only 2 developed heartbeats and they are now 2 years old.
The only thing I did differently on the last cycle was accupuncture. Looking back, I don't know how I did it. Crazy perseverance may not be the right course for everyone, but it was right for me.
I'll keep you all in my prayers. Keep us in yours, too, because one of our twins has a super rare autoimmune disorder that has caused some neurologic problems. He's responding very well treatment, but it's still scary.
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12/29/2011 6:36 PM
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Well, I had my Baseline U/S today and things look good. Hoping things keep looking up. They are trying a fairly new protocol with me. The nurse told me today they have been using since about July and have had good success with it. So I thought that was encouraging but I'm still guarded as far as my hope but I have to have hope and believe that this will happen!!
I'm wishing everyone the best no matter what stage you are in the process. We have to have hope and believe that having our own baby to hold can happen to us!!
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12/29/2011 10:20 AM
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NWELLS, just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you!! I too started my period Tuesday morning and that night I cried for you and me! It is so hard to believe that it wont just happen for us. We are going to give IVF#4 a try sometime in 2012 and I really have hope it will work. It is crazy how much hope someone can have! I hope you get some answers into yoiur egg and sperm issue. I guess it doesnt matter what age we are, I am only 29, it doesnt get any easier. I hope you find happiness in whatever route you guys do!!
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12/28/2011 8:09 AM
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NWells: I'm so, so sorry for what you're going through. I'm sure you're devastated, it's obvious through your words. Please know that we're all here for you. Really, there are no words I can say that can take away your pain. Only time can make things less raw. i think about you often.
Lavonda: Yes, the FET is like night and day compared to a fresh cycle. Sure, there are SOME hormonal moments, but nothing compared to a fresh cycle. Best of luck to you, wishing you a successful thaw and implantation. Keeping our fingers crossed.
Hopefilled: I can totally understand the nervous thoughts that cross your mind constantly. I know there is nothing really that we can do for you except listen and give feedback and send good vibes through the keyboard to you. Wishing you success as well.
My DH and I had the dreaded post-cycle consultation yesterday with our RE. He seemed optimistic, however, and mentioned changes in protocol that included the micro-dose Lupron, heparin, etc. He stated that we hadn't reached the ceiling of trying and tweaking things. Does make me wonder from time to time why we didn't just start on the "ceiling" so-to-speak, due to my age. He did say that my ovaries are not done and they respond well and we had some beautiful embryos last cycle. The main issue at this point is that my husband is a tad on the reluctant side to dish out more money and emotional energy/stress. This would be our 3rd IVF and at our ages (me, 5 months away from 40 and he is 51), we're no spring chickens in the world of reproduction. AND, we have absolutely no insurance coverage with regards to infertility, man, Indiana sucks!!! I do think he'll come around, but I still worry. After all, isn't that what we do best, here on the board is WORRY!?! How can you not?
Hang in there, all. What else can we do?
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12/27/2011 10:57 PM
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Well..... I put on my first estrogen patch today. Reduced to 5 units of lupron instead of 10, and a baby asprin daily. This FET cycle is way different than a fresh cycle. I go in for u/s and bloodwork on jan. 9. Im not sure how to feel about it all.
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12/27/2011 8:32 PM
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Hi Everyone! I hope you all had a Blessed Merry Christmas and wishing you a Happy New Year!
Nwells I'm so sorry to ready your post! It is just so hard to comprehend why things are they way they are. You are such an great person to talk to on here and I wish you nothing but the best ahead in 2012!!!
I am needing support with thoughts and prayers in the next few weeks as we are going forward with another IVF cycle. I took my last BC so the journey begins again. I am trying not to get discouraged and I do have faith and hope that miracles do happen just hard understand why it doesn't happen to me. But I'm hoping I will have a little miracle soon!! I need to be more positive and not get so stressed out but it is easier said than done.
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