Supporting the ARTs Buddy Group ~ February 2012

lbm436 Posted: 01-31-2012 6:07 PM | Locked

Welcome!

This is a revolving buddy group for women going the A.R.T. route to compare notes on protocol and symptoms during the course of their fertility treatment. Every so often, a moderator will start a new thread for you.  If you feel a new thread is needed, please use the Report Abuse feature to let the moderators know.  Good Luck! Baby Dust!

Last Page of Last Month's Thread

Maygirl17 replied on 01-31-2012 9:57 PM | Locked

I guess I'll inaugurate this thread with the good news - congratulations, Mopie!!!  I am so so so excited for you.  You've been my buddy on these boards for a long time and I just couldn't be happier for you.  I know it's been a long and very trying road, as it is for many people here, and through it all you've been the warmest, most supportive person for all of us, and I am glad it's your time.  Will be keeping my fingers crossed for you and your sticky baby!  (And yes, from what I hear, a lot of times FET betas are lower than others.)

I am sorry I don't have time for personals right now, but I've been following all of you and am sending you all my best wishes. Will try to catch up soon.

AFM, so far so good.  Doctor's appointment on Thursday, and Friday an early anatomy scan.  Hoping that (a) everything is fine, since this is the longest we've gone without some sort of check up since the beginning, and (b) that we could perhaps get a gender guess.  I'll keep you all posted, and thank you for your sweet mentions. :)

cmf replied on 02-01-2012 3:05 AM | Locked

Hello ladies - I’m back and super excited to be back at this again! I feel like the wait from last IVF cycle has been dragging. I started stimming with Gonal F on Jan 24th after being on BCP for almost a month and then started Decaptyl (to prevent ovulating on my own before stopping the BCP). After last IVF round, we are doing a couple of things differently, so I hope and pray that this is the time that will work!!!!! Unfortunately we had no frosties left over from the first cycle:( So, we start fresh:)

Currently I have 5 follies that are a good size on the right and only 3 on the left that probably will not get big enough for the ER:( I go again for BW and ultrasound tomorrow morning and praying that those little ones on the left have grown! Each day of this IVF stuff is like concurring one hurdle at a time.

I want you all to know that even though I have not posted much, I have still been reading this forum and keeping up with how you all are doing.

Maygirl - I still love seeing your posts as they give me hope! Good to hear all is well with you and I hope you get to find out the genders on Friday if that’s what you are hoping for. All the “I just want 2 healthy babies aside” any secret wishes on the genders?

Mopie - I started typing this note days ago and had written encouraging words of how I thought the FET was your ticket to success but now I can actually say CONGRATULATIONS! I’m sure you can not wait for Friday to get here soon enough for that next beta level. I will cont to keep sticky thoughts in my head for you!

JG2007- I know you’ve been totally conflicted on what to do with giving France some more time or getting help in the states. Have you come to a decision yet? You’re probably the one I think most about because I can understand your frustration with living in Europe and navigating through IF. Not that I think things are bad over here but definitely different if you are used to the way things happen in the US. Again, I started typing this days ago before you found out that you qualify for the Oregon refund program - so YEAH!!!!!! Does that mean that you are going to do IVF with them or are you going to try one round in France first - just curious:)

Athena- this IVF stuff is truly one milestone at a time. Try to think of the positives here - you had a great ER! I believe Maygirl and DespSeeking had success with FET. I hope it works for you too!

RuthMarie - Congrats on the great numbers from your ER. When was ET? and Good luck!

JetGirl - How did the ET go? Are you doing ok in the TWW? Good luck!!!!!!

Courtney - best of luck with your IUI cycle!

GinaMarie - your post made me LOL about not posting while taking BCP because that’s exactly how I felt.  The waits are just forever sometimes it feels like - I totally understand. But have that glass of wine every now and then while you can!

NatPink- Good luck on your IUI!!!!! I live in Belgium currently and over here they do make you wait a full cycle in between IUI’s. Not sure if that’s another way in which things differ over here vs the States but I found it frustrating. But I can also understand the reasoning behind it too I guess to clear out your system of the drugs before stating again.

Anyone heard from DespSeeking - I hope she doing ok?!

Dmstvr12 - I hope the wait to start stiming treats you well and goes by quickly! 

Tsmith9004-Just wanted to say that I’m so sorry about your m/c. I love your positive attitude though towards moving on to the next step - any pointers on how to do that:) I’m trying so hard this time around to just think positive thoughts but my brain wants to keep it logical so I can brace my heart I guess.

Twin - moving onto IVF - how exciting!!!!! I hope one and your done:) Good luck! 

Rebeccas - I’m so sorry to hear your latest news. I hope you find some much needed answers and comfort at this time. I hope ICSI is all you need to help you! 

I really hope that I managed to get personal in to everyone - it’s hard when you wait forever to post. 

Here’s to 2012 bringing us all our BFPs!!!!

Carrie

Dmstvr12 replied on 02-01-2012 7:10 AM | Locked

Carrie - good luck at your appointment

Mopie - OMG, CONGRATULATIONS!!! 97.5 is an excellent # for where you are! I'm so happy for you.

twinroth replied on 02-01-2012 8:27 AM | Locked

Congrats Mopie! YEAH!!! I'm so glad we are kicking off a new month with your positive Beta.

No time for personals today. I'm supposed to be working

Mopie replied on 02-01-2012 10:22 AM | Locked

Thanks everyone.  Not going to lie...I broke down and went to my dark place yesterday, even after a positive beta.  Wished my RE had a policy not to tell people their beta on the first draw - would be way better for our santity.  Cried and didn't understand my beta number compared to betabase.  DH was awesome and just took care of me and I was attached to his hip all night long because I didn't want to be alone.  He even rationalized that my tiny faint line on FRER was Saturday so my HCG was probably at the bare minimum threshold of 25.  And if you take a double time every 48 hours then my beta results were spot on. 

I still have the light tanish discharge/spotting at various times throughout the day when wiping but nothing on the underware and hasn't gotten worse or anything. 

Why did my RE make me hold out until Friday for a repeat?  When I left his office I had one set up for Thursday.  This is torture and the only thing that makes me feel better is minor off/on cramping which is my only symptom.  We decided no more POASing and DH hid the rest of the sticks...that only made me feel worse when the line didn't look any darker when comparing Monday/Tuesdays sticks.

Thanks for all your support.  I feel like such a baby about this because I know we all are trying so hard and would die to just get a positive result.  I promise to not come here and just do a bunch of panic posts and this will be my only one.

twinroth replied on 02-01-2012 1:00 PM | Locked

Mopie... you have all the right in the world to be happy, anxious, sad, frustrated and anything else! You have replied to plenty of posts offering support for one or another of us struggling and panicking. Please don't hesitate to share your feelings. If we can't share our true feelings here then where?!?

If you don't want to post ever panic post here please feel free to private message me and vent if you think it will help. I'd be more than happy to reply and try to help (and I bet alot of other ladies here would tell you the same).

natpink replied on 02-01-2012 1:30 PM | Locked

Mopie: Congrats, wonderful news! I will be praying for your next beta to go way up. I couldn’t imagine having to wait for another beta, it must be tortuous not to POAS either! Good luck, I will be thinking about you! And I don’t mind the venting at all :)

CourtneyD: Thanks for the well wishes! Good luck to you on your second IUI! Hopefully this is the month for both of us :)

Maygirl: Hope that your appointments go well! :)

Carrie: Good luck on your IVF cycle! Thanks for the encouraging words too! I live in Canada, so maybe it is more like Belgium with their policies on IUI. Who knows, but I am really hoping that I won’t have to do more than one. (Trying out this thing called 'positive thinking' haha)

AFM: CD9 and had BW and US today.  Follies are growing, 1-15mm, 1-13mm, 1-12 and 1-11.  RE said to give one more shot of Puregon tonight and back tomorrow for a repeat. She said that I will probably trigger on Friday and IUI on Saturday! EEEK so soon! I am very excited, and nervous. She made a point to say that I am one of those ‘tricky iui cases’ and that I must be special. Ughhh ya, I am thanks ;) 

JG2007 replied on 02-01-2012 1:57 PM | Locked

Normal 0 21

Ladies,

First of all, Congrats Mopie !!!! 97.5 is wonderful. Yes you are 11dp5dt, but as long as it doubles, that is all that counts. I have seen countless times betas that start low and go on to be healthy pregnancies. I’m sure that your second beta will confirm that you are really pregnant!!!

Gina Marie- I am kind of in the same position as you. Nothing going on really. But I like to check in from time to time to see how everyone is doing.

Courtney- I am glad that you are feeling okay on the Metformin….and yes CD13 is definitely OPK time!

Maygirl- it is good to see you and it sounds like you are doing wonderfully. I am sure you are anxious about the possible gender check….please pop in and tell us your news!

CMF- It is great to hear your news. I am SOOO hoping that this cycle will work for you too. It sounds like you are responding well this time, and who knows, those other 3 may catch up. In any case, it is about quality not quantity.

I know, I think about you too knowing that you understand the ins and outs of IVF overseas and how it can be difficult. So, I am back in the US and am pretty much planning to go to Oregon being that I more or less qualify for their refund program (I still need to fill out the application). If I start with them (which I am 99% sure I will), it will be BCPs for 3 weeks starting with my next period…so things may be happening sooner than later! I guess I just feel more comfortable here in the US and feel like my chances would be better as well. I guess we’ll see.

Dmstvr- how are you doing? I see that you are on BCPs so I guess there are not many updates for the moment…but I wish you the best of luck for your next cycle.

Twin- have a great day at work!

Natpink- I hope you have some good news for us at the end of this IUI. And good luck on Saturday….

AFM- no news really. Just checking in….

TSmith9044 replied on 02-01-2012 6:08 PM | Locked

CFM – Welcome back! What a legitimate comeback with the personals *LMAO*! Good luck on this cycle! So far, things sound like they are progressing well and the break does give your body a chance to come back strong.  I hope you have a good many follicles come IVF time.

Maygirl – Thanks for all the continued positivity that you send us. J The glue and well wishes are still coming your way.

Mopie – Congratulations!!! Oh, I am so excited for you and you deserve it! You are one of the most comforting people on the board and I am sure that that transcends to offline as well.  I truly wish you much glue and best wishes!

JG2007- When you get more info...we’re here J

Athena, JetGirl and Ruthmarie – Hopefully, you still have hair while you play the waiting game.  My fingers are crossed for you all. The more BFPs in the New Year, the better!

GinaMarie – You have to chuckle at being on BCPs at this stage of the game.  As you are ready to go...I hope that your wait to start is not too much longer.

NatPink and Courtney – I had two IUIs and got pregnant the first time so it works.  So my fingers are crossed! I wish you the best for this cycle!

Dmstvr12 – I know, we have to be patient but hopefully you are having a drink or two in the interim. I had my first drink in a month or so last week and it was delightfulJ!

Twin – Good luck on starting the process... and it is a process J.  As you know, there are a lot of IVF vets on this site (not me in particular) so you are in good company.

AFM – I am thinking I would like to do a few things that I can’t do while in the thick of preparing for IVF/IUIs, like exercise, libations, and not caring if I feel a strange twinge, if I should take the stairs, and if I should be sitting a certain way in the car on the drive to work!?!? I am convincing myself to mentally and physically relax and enjoy this short break!

A very happy, health, fertile and fun (we gotta get it where we can take it) New Year to you all!!!

Tara-

wee_pee replied on 02-01-2012 9:24 PM | Locked

Hello ladies I am very excited to be popping back in for the first time this year. I have been overseas since Christmas and just got back to Oz last week. While I was away I tried hard not to obsess so haven't been very active on the boards since my m/c last October.

It is so lovely to see all the good news and hear about what is happening with you all....I know none of us want to actually be here, but I think the support we give each other is absolutely the best thing about having to do ART! I'm trying madly to catch up with everyone and will come back with personals soon. Before then though I just have to shout out - YAY MOPIE AND MAYGIRL!!! It is so great to see how you both are doing ~ congratulations! I cannot wait to hear how your scan goes Maygirl.  I know the panicky feeling you have Mopie, it is truly only natural and totally justified, but I think what I've learned on my journey is that there is literally nothing you can do about anything. Look after yourself and be kind to yourself. I think you have waited so long and been such a brilliant supporter of all of us that it really is your time, like a PP said. (I have to be honest- I'm thinking of The Goonies right now! That bit - "It's our time...down here, it's our time!" when they're starting the treasure hunt?! I love that kids' movie!) We are all thinking that for you Mopie. You are in my thoughts every day.

AFM ~ DH and I have really learned so much in the last three months. I think it's safe to say we have been to our own personal hell and back, and we are really in a better place now. I went overseas to see my family back in the UK for a whole month at Christmas (teachers' summer holidays here) and the time apart helped, in that we didn't have to think about BD'ing, or shots, or doctor's appointments, or tests, tests and more tests....the freedom was amazing and it helped us find some kind of closure to our experience. I got back last Thursday and had an appointment scheduled for Friday which was Day 4. Everything looked good (my cyst has gone!) so he started me again on Gonal-F that night, for another IUI! I'm on Day 10 today and I have three good looking follies! We didn't expect this at all, I thought we'd have to wait until next cycle, so weirdly it has made this second IUI feel like a much less stressful cycle. I haven't even asked what my blood results or follie measurements are. In fact, we're (privately) calling it our 'bonus' month! I hope I don't sound flippant but I think the fact that we didn't expect to be doing another IUI this cycle means that our hopes aren't up...and if it doesn't work, then we won't be too disappointed (fingers crossed).

Sorry for the detailed post! Wishing everyone lots of luck and baby dust ~ hoping the year of the dragon will give us lots to celebrate.

earlyspring replied on 02-03-2012 8:38 AM | Locked

Hi everyone!!! I was planning on just continuing to lurk for a little while because I'm still waiting for AF to come so I can start BCPs for my first IVF cycle. But, I couldn't not congratulate Mopie!!! I have been following your story for awhile and I think that's just wonderful news! I'm so glad to hear it. 

And, when I came on to congratulate mopie I saw that weepee was back!!! It's good to see you here.

Sorry if this seems like it's coming out of left field, I had been posting alot under my previous user name but I started to get nervous because it had my maiden name in it, so I had it changed. 

Anyway, good luck everyone! I'll be back when I start my cycle

Mopie replied on 02-03-2012 11:00 AM | Locked

Maygirl - How did you appointments go.  Ohhh, the big gender...that will be fun to know.

cmf - Any ideas on your retrieval day at this point?  It's always good and feels good when the RE changes up your protocol.  I honestly think the first IVF round is kind of an expensive test round.  They never know what they're going to get and how you'll respond until after unfortunately a failed round.  I like that your RE is continuing to fine tune your stims in hopes to get that BFP this go around.  I'll be following up on you.  And I totally know what it is like to get behind on personals...it's tough to keep up!  I'm not sure any of us have heard from Deperately Seeking, or at least she hasn't been here to post.  I was thinking of PMing her just to say that I was thinking of her.  I imagine she just needs some space and time away.  We're all hoping for the best for her but I know she left abruptly after her scare while on vacation.

Dmstvr12 - Another day down with the BCP...one step closer!  Did you ever decide to tell your families about your upcoming IVF cycle?  I'm still hoping for you that this cycle is relatively stress free and you aren't freaking out about getting to work late...when I cannot control stuff like the traffic I usually keep repeating 'It is what it is.'  Thanks for reassuring me about my beta number.  I asked the RN this morning about it and why my RE was so happy about it.  As expected she said that I probably had a late implanter which is my number reflected that of two days behind what I was in terms of DPO.  We'll see what today repeat is...that is the most important one.

twinroth - Thanks for letting me be the scary crazy woman that I have become.  I'm not like this all the time but I have gone to my dark place a time or two.  I'm doing so much better and the spotting stopped all together yesterday so we're hopeful (actually my DH never lost it).  I hope work hasn't been crazy and you've found some balance.  There's days I know you go without even having time to take a proper lunch...I hope this doesn't happen to you while stimming.

natpink - Exciting day for you...trigger day and tomorrow is the big IUI day.  Congratulations on making it this far on your first ART cycle.  The first cycle is always the more unsure and scary one because you don't have that routine of familiarity.  I hope you just take time to relax this weekend and let those little spermies and eggies meet up and redevous! ;)  Did you ever get information on your E2 levels?  Some REs just tell you it when they call each day to confirm what levels of injections you should take.  Mine usually told me without asking as a part of their routine when he called me.  But I learned later to let go and not ask for them and when they told me I wouldn't even bother writing it down.

JG2007 - Thanks for stopping by for the congratulations on my beta.  I know nothing is really going on with you but I appreciate you stopping by!  I hope you're doing well and the weather in Europe isn't too cruel.  I guess it is cold and snowing in the Netherlands where my DH family is from and living.  So glad your SIS hurt less than your HSG and even better that things were good with the results - I assume that it was clear or you would have been told right away right?  I found out I had Unicornuate Uterus by the doctor doing my HSG right afterwards and it was nothing I was prepared for.

TSmith9044 - ENJOY that time in between things!  You'll enjoy having your santity during the time in between treatments and have a great time without the worry!  BTW, I have to laugh because you really thought about how you should sit in the car?  Is there more than one way to sit in a car while driving? :)

wee_pee - You are hilarious...LOVED the Goonies reference.  On a side note, since my husband is Dutch and only been in the states for about 12 years I decided awhile ago that he needed to be introduced to the classic childhood movies.  Goonies was the first one we watched.  It was definitely one of the best ones on that list.  Thanks for letting me be me during this process...it really feels great to have the support of you and everyone here.  I love your thought process of a 'bonus cycle'.  You are absolutely one of the most positive thinking people here and I love it...a favorite quality of mine and you remind me a lot of my husband who is a super positive person too.  You must be triggering soon if you're more than 10 days into stimming.  Any ideas at the moment when that date might be?

earlyspring - I'll be the first one to jump in and say that I'm embarrased.  I rely on the username for me to remember everyone.  I'm so sorry. :(  BUT, this is going to be so exciting with you having your first IVF cycle!

CourtneyD - I'm impressed you started out right away with taking two 500mg of Metformin.  At least that shaves a week off the process of integrating this all in.  Oh, I'm probably too late but if you have the internet cheapie OPK then I'd just start using them around CD10.  What I liked to do was use the cheapie sticks and then when I got what seemed like a close +OPK I would whip out the CBE digitial to confirm - either circle or happy face results.  The CBE digitals are so expensive but accurate so I didn't like to waste them when I didn't need to.

AFM - Went in for my repeat beta day and we're hoping for good news.  I'm in my good place now and thank you everyone for your kind and compassionate posts during my 'dark moments' of waiting.  I celebrated each day that I survived the wait and now we're just waiting for good news and thinking positive.  My tan spotting abruptly stopped and I had none of it yesterday and nothing today.  :)  We're so hopeful and I'm more at peace with realizing that I cannot control this outcome.  Haven't POAS since my first beta for santity sake...what a GREAT choice that was.  I will POAS if we get good news just to see what it looks like now.  Should hear from the RE in a couple of hours on my results.

Mopie replied on 02-03-2012 1:32 PM | Locked

RE just called...still preggers.

Beta #1 1/31 - 97.5

Beta #2 2/3 - 356.6 (doubling time of 38 hours).

Next beta is on Monday.

cmf replied on 02-03-2012 1:36 PM | Locked

Doing a happy dance for you right now!!!!!!! Such good news to hear today! 

CourtneyD replied on 02-03-2012 1:41 PM | Locked

Whohoo what wonderful news!! So excited for you!

JG2007 replied on 02-03-2012 2:12 PM | Locked

YES!!!!!

GinaMarie replied on 02-03-2012 3:16 PM | Locked

Woot woot!!  That's amazing Mopie!  You must be so relieved and ecstatic and scared and hopeful and bursting with pride because all of the hard work and patience finally paid off.  (i.e. all of the feelings you, and all of us on here, have been waiting to feel for a long time).  So happy for you!

Gina

Maygirl17 replied on 02-04-2012 8:10 AM | Locked

Yay, Mopie!!! So, so excited for you.  Major hugs and congratulations.  Hang in there!

Ladies, I would love to do personals but I can barely stay sitting up for long periods of time right now, so it'll just have to wait.  I've had an eventful two days to say the least.  First, the good news: had doctor's visit and early anatomy scan and babies look good, didn't seem to have any Down's markers and if the bloodwork comes back ok next week, this hopefully means we avoid an amnio.  Also: it's a Boy! and a Girl!  I really didn't care one way or the other what they are, but it's nice to know and very exciting. :)  I am just glad they look good and healthy so far.  The reactions we've gotten from people are very nice and funny: I swear my mom squealed like a little girl.  So that's the good news and very good news it is. 

On the downside, I am now recovering from what appears to be some kind of 24-hour stomach bug.  (The recovery is good, the bug was bad.)  First, on Thursday I ended up going home after the doctor instead of going back to work because I had such bad constipation I could barely function.  (This is common pregnancy problem, but the worst I had had it was actually after my first failed IVF, so I always kind of live in dread of it.)  Good thing I got to go home, because at one point I literally had a hysterical crying fit about it.  The issue thankfully resolved itself by the evening, but I felt so wiped out I couldn't eat anything and went straight to bed.  Then yesterday morning we were getting ready to go to the hospital for the ultrasound and I had no energy, but made sure to eat breakfast to get myself regularized.  As we are heading out the door, my husband asks if I have a sick bag or something for the car, and I say "No, I don't feel well, but haven't thrown up in ages, should be fine."  Sure enough, get downstairs and first thing I do is deposit my breakfast on the side of the street in rather glorious fashion.  Ok, weird, we both think, but that sort of thing does happen to pregnant women, so we head to the hospital.  Hubby still thinks something's up, but I brush it off.  Scan goes well, I go back to work, still feel yucky, but figure I can make it to 5.  At 1:30 or so, I realize there's no way I am making it to 5, beg off work and start walking home.  Don't quite make it home - another unpleasant incident in the middle of a very crowded city street.  Sorry to all my fellow citizens!  By this point, I think this is very odd.  When I get home, take my temperature and sure enough, I have a fever.  Call the doc and she says it's probably a virus, so sleep, drink fluids, etc.  Feel like complete crap all through the night but doing much better now, though still have zero energy - probably since I have almost nothing in my system.  Glad I have the weekend to at least recover.

Sorry for the novel, but just had to share.  It was such a weird surreal day.  Need to go lie down again, but will be checking in with all of you soon.  Please know I am always thinking of you.

cmf replied on 02-04-2012 8:12 AM | Locked

I'm expecting the call any minute now that I'm supposed to do the trigger shot tonight and then ER on Monday. Kind of nervous that I have not received the call yet actually (it's 3pm right now in Belgium). My ultrasound yesterday revealed now I only 5 eggs on the right all 18-23mm (but I don't understand how one could just disappear when just Thursday I had 6 on the right all measuring 13-18mm - how accurate are these anyway when with the slightest movement the follicle could look huge or tiny). Anyways, the one potential follicle on the left is still promising at 18mm but the other 2 on the left were still only like 10mm:(

I wanted to post how things are going but I also wanted to vent if I may. I feel like I'm getting bombarded lately with friends announcing surprise pregnancies. I received an email from one of my best friends back in the States last night. She was just married on Dec 30th, she is 34.5 yrs old and DH is I think 35 or 36. She wanted me to know that she is pregnant (happened on the honeymoon) and did not want me finding out over Facebook or through the grapevine. She also thought email was best as I wouldn't have to fake excitement for her over the phone if she were to tell me that way. I appreciated that and the way she wrote the email was very sensitive.

About 3 weeks ago, our good friends over here in Belgium with us told us their expecting too  - I believe she just stopped BCP like 1 or 2 months ago.

My sister is expecting her 2nd in April after literally getting to be with her husband over the summer break for about 7 weeks total - otherwise they live apart  for reasons I don't want to get into right now.  I keep trying to tell myself that what happens to others has nothing to do with us but the jealousy is so strong right now! I just have to keep telling myself certain mantras to keep me staying positive. 

Anyways, vent over. 

Now come on fertility clinic and call me!

Carrie