Beginning the IVF rollercoaster
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Category: Planning Pregnancy (trying for baby)
Forum Name: Planning Pregnancy (trying for baby)
Forum Description: Trying to get pregnant? Going through fertility treatment? Just planning your first or second child? There are many people out there in the same boat to help and listen and share with
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Topic: Beginning the IVF rollercoaster
Posted By: Bert
Subject: Beginning the IVF rollercoaster
Date Posted: 14 October 2008 at 1:45pm
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After alot of thought, discussions with my DH and many sleepless nights, I have made the decision to make that possibly life changing phone call to Fert+. I have left a message for the nurses to call me back so I can find out where we start. (we have already had our orientation and one follow up visit) PLEASE....if there is anyone out there going thru their first IVF cycle or beginning IVF soon, please respond. I don't have any family in NZ, as I moved here from the USA (DH is a Kiwi). I desperately need somebody to share this experience with who will understand what I am going thru. Don't get me wrong, I do have some very good support in the form of in-laws and friends, but nobody I know has any first hand experience with IVF.
A bit of history about me and my situation: I am 38 years old and have been married for 11 years. (yes I am one of those women who decided to wait until the 'time was right' to have children) I was diagnosed with Fibroids about 5 years ago, for which I had a myomectomy. I had several other problems arrise following the operation but eventually my cycles seemed to return to 'normal'. I have just been diagnosed with PCOS and little or no endometrium/lining. My uterus is also enlarged and mis-shaped due to the myomectomy and the fibroids have returned but are not too big yet. My doc suggested that we try IVF, as none of these issues are a 'show stopper', but could possibly make implantation more difficult. I will keep updating this site as things unfold for myself. I look forward to hearing from a fellow IVFer. |
Replies:
Posted By: Mum_mum
Date Posted: 14 October 2008 at 4:27pm
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Hey - Not an IVFer but wanted to wish you luck.
There is another forum on here in the infertility bit that might help and will find lots of girls there going throguh the same thing. A few hang here too tho :) Wishing you lots of luck in your journey! ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
 Angel baby - May 2008
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Posted By: mylilmosaic
Date Posted: 14 October 2008 at 5:48pm
Not an IVFer either but just wanted to wish you luck as well 
There are definately some girls on here who have been through IVF with positive outcomes and Im sure they will share their journeys with you. In the infertility section you will find some ivf stories 
Goodluck again ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: tiptoes
Date Posted: 14 October 2008 at 6:21pm
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There's also a thread in the pregnancy section of girls that have conceived through IVF they'd be great to chat with I'm sure. ------------- http://alterna-tickers.com">  
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Posted By: Bert
Date Posted: 14 October 2008 at 7:03pm
| Thank you all for your well wishes and suggestions. |
Posted By: Bert
Date Posted: 15 October 2008 at 3:53pm
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OMG....just got the call back from Fert+. Even tho we had our orientation back in April, we have to wait until March 09 to begin treatment. (we are on the publicly funded program). Its going to be a LONG 4-5 months. Guess its a good time to focus on losing some weight. I will continue to check back from time to time, but guess I won't be having any updates for awhile.
Thank you ladies so much for your notes of support and your suggestions. And best of luck to you all in your journeys. |
Posted By: Courntey01
Date Posted: 15 October 2008 at 8:27pm
Gosh that will fly by Bert, All the very best and keep us updated, Take Care
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Posted By: sweetpea
Date Posted: 16 October 2008 at 2:17pm
| no experience but just wanted to wish you luck hope evrything goes to plan. Also a wee question for you don't answer it if you odn't want to will getting pregnant have an effect on your fibroids the reason why i ask is my mum gyno had these while she was preggers with her bub and they grew while she was preg i believe they feed on the hormones. Don't mean to scare you or anything just though i would ask if you have asked about this thats all. |
Posted By: Bert
Date Posted: 17 October 2008 at 1:56pm
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Hi Sweetpea,
Thanks for the wishes. Yes, I have discussed the problems that could arrise during pregnancy with the fibroids. My specialist said that they will grow but in most cases they do not interferre. They would just keep a closer eye on things in general, given my history. |
Posted By: mumto3+1more?
Date Posted: 17 October 2008 at 4:54pm
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Hi Bert ,
I have not done the IVF thing , but wanted to say Hi as another yankee in NZ( have been here 10 yrs and also DH is a kiwi)I have struggled with infertility and gone through the begininning stages of investigation through the public funded route previous. Hope all goes well and keep posting. I know how much it helps to have people to talk about it that understand...
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Posted By: Sarahlou
Date Posted: 23 October 2008 at 4:40pm
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Hi Bert,
Im 27 years old and have been trying to conceive for 4 years I too have Polycystic Ovaries and also Endometriosis. My husband and I did our first round of IVF early this year and were lucky enough to fall pregnant straight away, but sadly we lost our baby only last week I was 24 weeks pregnant it was picked up at our 20 week scan that our baby boy had a very bad heart problem, so we had to make the hardest decision of our lives to terminate the pregnancy!!!  Its still very fresh as u could imagine so bare with me. By the way this had nothing to do with the IVF, it is just one of those horrible blows that life throws out sometimes...
So yeah, Ive been through IVF so any questions you want answered fire them at me, I need a bit of distraction at the moment. Its a tough thing to do... but its soooo worth it when you see that little bubba at your first scan. Its unreal how much you can love something that is so small. ------------- http://counters.families.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Sarahlou
Date Posted: 23 October 2008 at 4:47pm
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Fogot to say, my sister inlaw has done IVF too and they have a beautifully healthy little 10 week old baby girl! ------------- http://counters.families.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: tulips
Date Posted: 01 January 2009 at 6:53pm
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Hi Bert
I am in a similar situation – also waited until 'time was right'. I am 33 years old and have been TTC for 4 years. Diagosed with fibroids so had myomectomy to remove 3 of them. Went for 6 month check-up. Got told that I still have dozens and it would be easier to adopt as DH has low count. We have been on waiting list for IVF and will start early 2009. March will be here before you know it. Sarahlou – so sorry but keep smiling. Let’s hope 2009 is a lucky year! |
Posted By: mtjt
Date Posted: 05 January 2009 at 9:12pm
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Hi Bert
I am very new to this site and also even any forums!! so hope you and others can read this..as i too need some support desperately!!!!! LET ME TELL MY STORY... ii am going on 38 years old this year and left it till now for kids etc- scary!!) and my husband and i have been trying to concieve for a while now.. and up till now i have been on clomid and also had an hsg test (as to check my falopians but all is good here) we were then referred to the hamilton Fert associates and to my utmost suprise my husbands sperm has antibodies in it (due to a vascatamy reversal) as we were both in shock! i just lost it and broke down when we recieved the news... we were sent away with ivf info etc and with the pill and bloodtest scripts... that was before Xmas... we are now about to visit them again and start my injections (scary!!) I have not told anyone (except my parents who under my strict instructions not told anyone either) but i am really needing some support from someone who knows what im going thru and can help me overcome my fears every step of the way... Its soooo much to take in. I am totally scared with lots of aspects of this path we are taking... I will be starting my injections very soon then the egg collection after that sometime SOME QUESTIONS IF ANYONE CAN ANSWER THESE... 1. does egg collection hurt?? im terrified!! do they sedate you enough in hamilton clinic? 2. How many eggs should they be able to get (im reasonably healthy) 3. Frozen eggs - has anyone had sucessful pregancy from theirs? 4. How many embryos to put in? 1 or 2?? 5. Has anyone else had the same infert problem? sperm antibodies? as i seem to be ok? will this mean better chance as my ovaries etc are good? 6. Injections - how many weeks/days total before egg collection can happen? curious as to approx time frame... Anyway sorry for rambling on but i have so many questions... I would like to offer my advise and also my experiences if and when i experience them to help anyone else too... looking forward to anyones response/advise.. mtjt |
Posted By: Sarahlou
Date Posted: 06 January 2009 at 9:38am
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Hi mtji,
I can answer some of your questions.... It really depends on what kind of cycle you will be doing to how long it will take from wo to go.... I did a manufactured cycle because I dont cycle on my own because I have polycystic ovaries and endometriosis. My cycle took about 5 weeks from the time I started injections to the day of my egg collection plus about 3 weeks once I started meds to make me cyle to the time Injection started so 8 weeks in total..... unfortunatly (but good as well) I produced 21 eggs and out of those 21 16 were good enough quality to be frozen (we were very lucky, some ladies only get 1 or 2 eggs). If you produce more than 15 I think it is you will have to wait 2months and then have a Thawed embryo replacement (which I had). The waiting time is to let your body recover and also because there is a risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation syndrome... they will give you something to read up on about the too (if they havent already). Egg collection......well Im pretty sure this too may depand on how many eggs you produce the more there are obvisously the more swollen your ovaries are.... they sedate you as much as they can... but dont be afraid to ask for more pain relief.... man! I really dont want to scar you off doing this but I want to tell you the truth.... I found it very painful  but it honsetly its over in about 10-15minuets!!! I was a bit sore for the next couple of days but its all so worth in the end. The really good thing is the embroy transfer doesnt hurt at all! We only put in 1 embryo, but we were advised that by VP Singh (the Dr there) because Im only 27 and all my embryos were very good quality. Its a good idea to talk to the embryologists about this. You may be wonderin g how it all went.... all was going perfectly until our 20 week scan, when they picked up that our preicous little man had a very bad heart problem... after countless nights thinking, MORE specialist appointments in Hamiton and Auckland we had to make the hardest decsion of you lives.... our little boy Ryan was still born (by medical termination) in the 15th of October 2008... the sadest and most heart breaking day of our lives . He would of had to have countless operations and probably wouldnt of survived them... We dont blame the IVF... we have had a meeting back at Fert Ass and at Waikato and they have told us it is just one of those horrible blows in life.... Im sorry to bring this to such a sad ending but to answer your questions I had to tell you my story.
We too are due to start treatment again on thursday... so good luck with everything and maybe we will pass in the hallway at Fertility Associates in Hamtilon one day and not even know it..... Take care and all my fingers and toes are crossed for you... and stay positive!!
Sarahlou P.S. sorry for rambling! ------------- http://counters.families.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: tulips
Date Posted: 06 January 2009 at 5:00pm
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Sarahlou
I think you are so brave. Us IVF newbies have lots of questions. I was interested to hear of your IVF experience. My first appt is in Feb for drug ed, scans, etc. Do you have any advice? Did you work while doing IVF? Is there anything you would/wouldn't do second time? tulips |
Posted By: ScaredyCat
Date Posted: 06 January 2009 at 6:09pm
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Oh my goodness Sarahlou, that is so heart breaking! And wishing you all the very best for your new round of treatment starting soon.
We may pass in the Hamilton FA hallway one day too, we have just started this month! Good luck and take care! ------------- TTC # 1 - 7.5 years 2 x IVF - 4 x Trf 3 x BFP's 3 x M/c Feb 09June 10Sept 11
2 Blasties on Ice
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Posted By: Bert
Date Posted: 06 January 2009 at 10:02pm
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Hi mtjt,
Firstly, let me welcome you to this forum. I am sure you will find it helpful, if for nothing else other than to vent. It is amazing how many other women are going thru the same sorts of things, and this is a great place to share some of your fears, and of course, ask heaps of questions. Unfortunatley, I am not sure I personally will be much help to you, as I have not yet begun my treatment. But like you, I am very scared about what lies ahead. I also am not sharing this 'journey' with anyone other than my immediate family. But being from overseas, this decision has left me feeling very alone. So I have come to this site hoping to find somebody going the the process at the same time, to talk to about things with. Any day now I am to ring the clinic so I can start on the pill and I am due to start treatment in March. Please feel free to come back and share your experience, as I am sure I am not the only one here that would love to hear the details. (no matter how frightening) Sending you lots of good mojo for a positive journey. |
Posted By: Bert
Date Posted: 06 January 2009 at 10:07pm
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Hi Sarahlou,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I can't even begin to imagine what it is like to lose something you have wanted for so long and worked so hard for. You are very brave to have another go at it. I hope there are no complications this time around. All the best! |
Posted By: Bert
Date Posted: 06 January 2009 at 10:11pm
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Hi Tulips & ScaredyCat,
All the best for both of you during your journeys. It certainly sounds like Hamilton is going be a very busy place 
Please keep us posted on your experiences and the outcomes. All the best! 
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Posted By: Sarahlou
Date Posted: 07 January 2009 at 9:36am
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Hi Tulips,
Yes I was working when we first began our treatment. But we decided after we had the embryo collection that I would leave work to focus on what was most important to us... I left just before Xmas 07 so it was a very starnge year for me... first the thawed embryo transfer then getting pregnant then loosing our sweet little man Ryan... to be honest with you I just want to forget from October onwards of last year all together!!! The one thing that we are not doing this time round is telling people when we are starting treatment...obviously we have told our parents and I have told my best friend (because I need someone to talk to whern Mike gets sick of baby talk ... but no one else, its hard enough having to deal with all the stress of treatment let alone every second person asking you..."how are you feeling", "when is your next scan", etc and then having to tell everyone what happend to Ryan just about killed me!
My biggest advice to everyone about to start any fertility treatment is " Talk to your husbands or partners!" tell them how you are feeling, dont bottle it up inside....and also take advantage of the counsellers and staff at the clinics... they REALLY do care!!! Good luck to everyone, hopefully we will all have babies in our arms or growing strongly in our bellies by this time next year ------------- http://counters.families.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Sarahlou
Date Posted: 07 January 2009 at 9:44am
The other thing I ment to say guys is dont be scared of the injections..... the needls are so small you can barely feel it! its also a good idea to get your men involved... if they dont mind needles (mine hates them so he wouldnt do it) get them to inject them for you... it gets them involved, because sometimes they feel a bit left out in the whole process... My husband helped out by cooking tea for about 8 weeks while I was VERY crook with morning sickness... and Its amazing, they can actually do it if they have to ...he he he
GOOD LUCK! ------------- http://counters.families.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: tulips
Date Posted: 11 January 2009 at 10:47am
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Sarahlou, you are the most experienced IVF'er on this forum! I am looking forward to it as it could give us the baby we want so much. But I'm also worried if I have a few attempts and it doesn't work. Will I cope??
I can understand your point about not telling everybody. I'm not even sure my family fully understands. INJECTIONS - it seems horrible but I have a diabetic sister who injects herself 4 times a day. So she is telling me it's easy!! |
Posted By: tulips
Date Posted: 11 January 2009 at 11:00am
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Bert
Are you glad you had the myomectomy? If you don't mind me asking, do you bleed heavily? That was another reason why I had the op but it hasn't got any better. Is the IVF specialist concerned about your smaller fibroids? My specialist in Timaru had been so optimistic until my last checkup. He didn't really want to do the myo but the IVF clinic in Chch wouldn't do anything until I had them removed. I've been told that I would definitely need a c-section. I hadn't even heard of fibroids until they discovered I had them. I've been researching and some foods can cause them such as red meat. Apparently acupuncture can help. |
Posted By: Limochick
Date Posted: 11 January 2009 at 11:04am
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Hi everyone I just thought that I would say Hi as I am another Hamilton girl . We have our first appointment on the 18th Feb and I am very excited but nervous as well and I have no idea what to expect.
Tulip, I had a ultra sound done about 2 months ago now and they think that I either have a fibroid or a tumour. I have a hospital appointment on the 24th Feb to find out exactly what it is. Do you mind me asking where yours is and how did you find out what it was? |
Posted By: tulips
Date Posted: 12 January 2009 at 10:46am
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Hi Limochick
My gyno felt them straight away. I had a hysteroscopy and laparoscopy at end of 2007 to get photos. He removed 3 about golf ball size last year. But he still thinks I still have dozens of smaller ones and they just keep growing. Mmmm. Hopefully yours is something simple. A lady at work had one removed then got preg with twins (no IVF). I have my first appt on Feb 12th. |
Posted By: Limochick
Date Posted: 12 January 2009 at 11:36am
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Good luck for your appointment Tulips . The specialist that I saw recommended an MRI to see what it is that I have but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. My appointment has been changed to the 29th Jan so at least I don't have too much longer to wait
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Posted By: Shopa
Date Posted: 26 January 2009 at 11:55am
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Hi all
We are just starting IVF too, I am waiting for the first day of my period (will be any day) to start the pill and injections start 2-4 weeks after that I think. I am 38 yrs newly married and just learnt this is our only chance of having a baby. It is scarey and taking some time for us to process. It would be great to have people to share support with and learn from others experiences. My heart goes out to you SarahLou. |
Posted By: Shopa
Date Posted: 26 January 2009 at 11:58am
| p.s my husband too has antibodies after a vascetomy reversal and we will be going through ICSI |
Posted By: Bert
Date Posted: 26 January 2009 at 12:04pm
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Hi Shopa,
I am also waiting for the first day of my period to start on the Pill. I am due to start my cycle within the next week (if it is a 'normal' month for me). However, I won't be starting my injections until the March cycle (I think). Please keep in touch and let me know how you are doing, and I will do the same. GOOD LUCK!
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Posted By: Shopa
Date Posted: 27 January 2009 at 9:27pm
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Hi Bert
I called the Nurse today, she said if my period does't arrive by next monday they will arrange for a blood test. I said the Dr said there was little chance we would conceive naturally but she said they can also use it to tell us when it might arrive. I am usally regular but last year had 2 quite long cycles 30++ days.She said it was likely I would be on the pill for 3 weeks b4 injections. They have already done a plan for me. Will let you know how it all goes! and best of luck to you! Sarahlou I take your point about why it can be difficult telling people. |
Posted By: sierra34
Date Posted: 28 January 2009 at 10:14am
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Hey there guys, I did IVF (ICSI) last year , I was 34 yrs and was doing it cos partner had a vasectomy years ago but no other known of fert problems for me. I got preg 2nd time (I'm due April) using frozen embryo. I didn't tell people other than those closest to you who won't annoy you with questions etc all the time.
I also found that after the first one didn't work, I had to get myself into the mindset of realising it may take 6 goes before it does work, it's a bit of a tricky business. I expected too much from the first go I think. I didn't think the injections were too bad and only for a few weeks from memory, make sure to pinch the skin properly and lift it up a bit though cos I found it hurt more when I was being lazy and not pinching/lifting it. When it just went into the flesh I think it hurts a little more and I think they're designed to go under the skin!! You may get headaches though from the drugs. I found the blood tests probably the worst cos there are so many of them. Yes the egg collection is a bit of a challenge but as someone else said it is over pretty quickly and all worth it in the end, I think the pain relief does help a bit, they gave me two lots in the end and I had 14 eggs collected. I think I was only semi conscious of the discomfort. Good luck everyone, it's all worth it, just tell yourself you can do it. |
Posted By: sierra34
Date Posted: 28 January 2009 at 10:33am
| oh, and also I found all the info etc quite hard to keep up with, and didn't really understand what was happening most of the time, so don't worry if you feel the same way. At least the clinic seem to know what they're doing, and they are really good at ringing you back, so just ask the lovely nurses your questions!! It's all quite complicated, and cos there are different procedures/cycles for people it's hard to know which part of the booklet to read!! |
Posted By: tulips
Date Posted: 29 January 2009 at 9:44pm
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Limochick - how did the MRI go?
Sierra34 - it's always great to hear a success story? There is a lot of info to get your head around. Our first cycle starts in March but I am jotting down questions as I think of them. Good luck everybody doing IVF at the moment! |
Posted By: Limochick
Date Posted: 29 January 2009 at 9:49pm
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I didn't end up getting anything other than a lovely internal examination and then the doctor told me that I will need an MRI to determin what I have wrong with me, lets just say it was a very frustrating day
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Posted By: Bert
Date Posted: 02 February 2009 at 10:31am
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Hi Shopa,
Just wanted to find out how things are going for you. Aunt Flo arrived for me yesterday, so I have begun taking The Pill. I got a bit emotional yesterday because it feels like this is the 'real' start of the treatment and I am still pretty apprehensive about it all. Hope all is well for you. Bert |
Posted By: Shopa
Date Posted: 02 February 2009 at 8:36pm
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Hi bert I finally got a/f last night (7 days late) so today is day 1. I start the pill tomorrow. We are pretty close in starting!
Relieved to finally get going. Feeling ok at the moment, but has been a difficult last week or so. First few days I found it difficult to sleep deeply with all sorts of fears about needles and proceedures floating through my head. Also had few emotional ups and downs and teary. My hubby though, very kind and patient. No doubt I will have more emotional ups and downs, all part of the process I guess. Good to have people who are going through this at the same time
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Posted By: tulips
Date Posted: 02 February 2009 at 8:48pm
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Bert and Shopa
Be brave, it's all for a good cause. Thinking of you! |
Posted By: first time ivf
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 5:50pm
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Hi Tulips - I have just completed my first IVF at Repromed Christchurch - and am in the dreaded 2WW. We also had a good response to the buserelin and Gonal F and they retrieved 24 eggs, which 18 fertilised then 17 made it through to Day 5 - Blastocyst. We transferred one hatching embryo and froze 16. How is everything going? Good luck for your first appnt.
I too had a hysteroscopy prior to starting IVF to remove polyps, I am sure it all helps. |
Posted By: first time ivf
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 5:54pm
| Oh and also I have just had 2 weeks off work as well, which I am soooo glad I did as I was in alot of pain before the egg retrieval and for about 5 days afterwards. Also I had acupuncture as well for a few weeks before the retreival then on the day of the transfer directly before and directly after. I had read some really interesting statistics with IVF and acupuncture so thought why not give that a go too. |
Posted By: tulips
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 8:21pm
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First Time IVF
I'm crossing my fingers for you. That was a great response - wonder if that was due to the acupuncture. How did you find the injections? |
Posted By: first time ivf
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 10:10pm
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Thanks Tulips, it could have been the acupuncture, mind you I created lots of eggs on Clomid as well and I wasnt doing acupuncture then. But I have read it does help with egg production.
I didnt mind the injections at all really, was a bit nervous at first and my husband did each and every one of them which really helped. I am doing the pessaries at the moment and would much rather do the injections - the pessaries are messy. Once you do a couple I am sure it wont be bad as you think. I personally hate the blood tests more than the IVF drugs. I did get pain from Gonal F towards the end near my retrieval - found it hard to walk even round work. Everyone is so different I thought I would know how I was going to feel based on lots and lots and lots of reading blogs, research etc etc, but I really didnt know until it happened. Feel free to ask anything more, theres so much to learn you will be an expert by the end of it! |
Posted By: first time ivf
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 10:25pm
| Tulips - another thing - have you heard of Menevit? My husband had bad motility and after taking Menevit pills for 4 months prior to IVF it amazingly improved his motility - so much in fact that we didnt need to do ICSI (previously we were told we were probably going to need it) we just did normal IVF and had great fertilisation. Its very new to New Zealand they have done studies on IVF patients in Aussie with great results. The only place you can get it is Repromed Christchurch and I think Auckland. Its $90 for 3 months - and best thing its all herbal supplements, zinc, selenium etc but in the correct doses. |
Posted By: Bert
Date Posted: 10 February 2009 at 4:03pm
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Hi Shopa,
I have just had another read of my 'IVF Handbook' and looks like I won't be actually starting the injections until mid March. I was given 2 months worth of BCPs and told to ring Fert+ when I begin my March cycle. Now that I have read the handbook (for the 12th time), it all seems to make sense. When do you start your injections? I hope you don't mind, but I have added you as a 'buddy' 
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Posted By: tulips
Date Posted: 10 February 2009 at 8:10pm
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Bert
How are you feeling? I'm pretty busy at work so no time to dwell on things. I have a day full of appts at the Fert Centre this Thurs. I assume I'll get shown how to do the injections. My IVF cycle starts in March as well. It's like venturing into the unknown!!! |
Posted By: Shopa
Date Posted: 10 February 2009 at 9:02pm
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Hi Bert
Thats cool have added you as a buddy too. Sounds like you will have a bit of time to get mentally prepared for the treatment. I am still waiting for my plan from fa but think I start injections in a couple of weeks?? All seems a bit unreal. Still trying to get my head around it. Hoping the drugs don't make me into a looney...poor hubby. First time ivfer you are a font of knowledge! I am reading everything I can get my hands on at the moment but sometimes it all gets a bit much but still out there searching. Any recommendation of sites ect all appreciated. All the best to you 
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Posted By: Bert
Date Posted: 17 February 2009 at 1:36pm
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Hi Tulips,
Sorry I am so slack at responding. Work has been keeping me very busy, so like you, I don't have much time to dwell on things. And over all I am feeling pretty positive about everything at the moment. Of course I still have the odd day where I get all freaked out. So, how did your appt go? What did they go over? I was looking back thru this thread and seen that you had asked me a question about my myo and bleeding which I never responded to.....again - a thousand apologies! Yes, I am glad I had the myo. My fibroids were causing me trouble that I wasn't aware of. I had been having peculiar pains which all magically disappeared once the fibroids were gone! I was also have very heavy periods which improved for a short time after the myo, but they have gradually got worse over the years and now I know it is because the fibroids are busy growning back. Hope you don't mind, I have added you as a buddy. |
Posted By: tulips
Date Posted: 17 February 2009 at 8:30pm
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Hi Bert
Your cycle will be very close to mine. We had a day of appts last week. DH got better SA results than usual. I still have fibroids and my uterus is much larger than it should be. But my ovaries look good! Nurse went through drug ed. I got her to inject me first then I did it. I have a bruise from her attempt. It was better than I thought. They will courier the drugs to me next month. Not long to go.
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Posted By: Bert
Date Posted: 17 February 2009 at 9:10pm
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Hi Tulips,
WOW, you are well on your way! I am glad to hear your ovaries and the SA are looking good. I am pleased to know you will be close in cycle to me. I am sure I will be sending you notes everyday with every little twinge I get
My doc told me my fibroids should not interfere with the IVF treatment, so hopefully you have got the same info. My uterus is also enlarged and the lining is not great, but again, they don't seem to be too concerned about it, so I am trying not to worry about it either. I am SO glad to hear the injections are not too bad I guess I will hear from you in a couple of weeks. GOOD LUCK! 
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Posted By: Shopa
Date Posted: 20 February 2009 at 6:28pm
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Hi
I started the injections on Wednesday, the nurse showed me how to do it and I had a try it myself on a little cushion thing at the Hamilton office. The needle is very small, I was quite nervous but took heart from the nike slogan 'just do it', I injected myself and was actually surprised that I hardly felt a thing! Inot sure I even felt a prick. ts really more the thought of it. Last night again, it was so easy. I hope that helps! |
Posted By: Bert
Date Posted: 23 February 2009 at 1:42pm
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Hi Shopa,
You are a step ahead of Tulips and me! All the best for the next few weeks! I hope yours is the first of three successful cycles (yours, mine & Tulips). Keep us posted on your progress please. And if you need to 'vent' we are here for you
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Posted By: Shopa
Date Posted: 23 February 2009 at 8:54pm
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Thanks Bert will keep you and tulips up to date.
Wondering how you are going first time ivf. I hope is good news. |
Posted By: tulips
Date Posted: 24 February 2009 at 6:40pm
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Bert
Is the countdown going quickly for you? I should get my AF at the beginning of March. I'm hoping the EPU, etc land in the school holidays, so I don't need to take much time off work. It takes us just over 2 hours to get to the Fert Clinic. I haven't told my boss yet. |
Posted By: Bert
Date Posted: 24 February 2009 at 7:41pm
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Hi Tulips,
Yes, the countdown IS going quickly now! I expect my AF to arrive on the 1st (according to my BCPs). And I have worked out that my Buserelin would start about 21/03 and Gonal F about 04/04 with an estimated EPU around 15/04. I have told my boss (fortunately a female), and she is very understanding. I am also lucky that I am able to work from home when necessary. What a bummer you have to travel so far to the clinic. Are you going to be able to do your scans and blood tests near home? I am actually starting to look forward to getting started (in between the apprehension). Once I worked out the whole treatment on a calendar, it seems like such a long time from beginning to end
How are you feeling about everything? |
Posted By: Bert
Date Posted: 25 February 2009 at 12:35pm
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OH CRAP! I started spotting last night, which is only day 24 of BCPs (Monofeme). I don't know what this will mean to my treatment cycle (if anything). I have a call into to the nurses, so will wait to see what they say. Has anyone else had this?
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Posted By: oscarboo
Date Posted: 25 February 2009 at 1:53pm
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To all of you about to go through the IVF treatment, I say just hang in there. I gave birth to our daughter 5 1/2 weeks ago and she was concieved through IVF. We didn't go through Hamilton so don't know what it is like there but Fertility Associates in Wellington where brillant and very supportive. It is a very scary time. My husband and I had decided not to tell people what we were going through and kept it to ourselves until the week we were due to have the harvest. We only told them then because I was left to "coast" due to high hormone levels and we were running out of excuses for having to go to Wellington (we live in Feilding). I will admit I found the harvest painful, especially the last egg they wanted to get out, but I do have endo and was getting pains anyway (they have not come back yet after the pregnancy). The wait for the blood test was the longest two weeks of my life and I didn't want to get the call, I made them ring my husband. We were lucky and had 16 eggs harvested and 11 fertilised through ICIS (we couldn't have traditional IVF). At the three day stage when we went for our implantation there were still 8 good ones so 1 was implanted and the other 7 are now on ice. We only had the opinion of having 1 implanted. Lucky for us it worked the first time on the first cycle. It did make it a worrying pregnancy and I felt bad for not enjoying it as it was all I had ever wanted. Thinking about it now it was probably because of all we went through that it wasn't the most enjoyable.
Sorry for the novel but I am happy to share our experience with anyone now if it will help them out. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  
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Posted By: Bert
Date Posted: 25 February 2009 at 2:39pm
CONGRATULATIONS oscarboo! 
It is SO nice to hear a success storey, especially after only one go. Thanks for sharing your storey with us....the timing could not have been better! All the best for you and your new family. |
Posted By: tulips
Date Posted: 25 February 2009 at 7:27pm
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oscarboo
I got teary eyed just thinking of that amazing phonecall. I wonder if oneday you will tell your daughter her story. And who knows, you might have some siblings on ice! |
Posted By: oscarboo
Date Posted: 25 February 2009 at 7:40pm
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tulips
She will know her story one day. The very first photo in her album is of her as a three day embryo. Not the sort of photo many children would have in their album! ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: Bert
Date Posted: 26 February 2009 at 12:47pm
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Udpate! Update!
I finally spoke to the nurse at Fert + and I am scheduled to start on the Buserilin on 10/03. I also go in that day for the injection teach. Talk about freakin out! |
Posted By: oscarboo
Date Posted: 26 February 2009 at 12:58pm
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Great news for you. Don't freak out. They don't hurt very much, but in saying that I could never give myself the injections (that was Kerry's job). All the best for your cycle!! ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: Cruzzy
Date Posted: 27 February 2009 at 9:10pm
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HI every one,
me and my husband are currently going through IVF i have just done five days of Gonal if and had a scan today , i was told they couldnt trigger as my measurement were too small and i have to coast on bruseralin as my levels in my blood test were too high, so now i am having blood test daily till my level comes down,my egg collection might be mon :) , Im terrified as i havent been handling the injections well and the thought of the BIG injection used in collection freaks me right out, is it really as painful as i am imagine |
Posted By: oscarboo
Date Posted: 28 February 2009 at 9:33am
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Hi Cruzzy
That is what I had to do as well as my hormone levels were too high. It ended up being the end of the week by the time I could have my egg collection. Try to stay as calm as possible during this time even though it is hard. The injection you give yourself before the egg collection doesn't hurt that much, but the egg collection can hurt for some people. It all depends. Best of luck for the week ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: nykiwi
Date Posted: 28 February 2009 at 7:42pm
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Hey im new to this forum and fertility treatment. Im 38 and unfortunatel left it late as my ex partner wasnt ready for children in my early 30s so hence here i am!
My news is that even though i had good follicles on scan and ok FSH i had the anti mullarian hormone test which says that i have below average ovaian reserve for my age. Which was awful to here....... I have been trying a year. had a m/c with my ex 2.5 yrs ago The fertility specialist told me not too waste time and i am having the laproscpic surgery in a couple of weeks and had been on a mnth of clomid cycle .. she said she recommends i go straight to IVF. I have been doing a lot of research about decreased ovariance reserve and alternative therapy. anyone else been old this problem.... i feel my chnace of getting pregnant have drastically fallen. |
Posted By: tulips
Date Posted: 28 February 2009 at 10:02pm
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Cruzzy - all the best for this cycle. Picture a wonderful outcome at the end and keep smiling!
Bert - so injections start on the 10th. That's earlier than you originally thought. You'll be a couple of weeks ahead of me. I'm crossing my fingers for you! |
Posted By: Bert
Date Posted: 28 February 2009 at 10:07pm
| Thanks Tulips....yes, this old body always keeps me guessing, that is for sure! I will keep you informed of my progress. The emotional side is a bit up and down at the moment which I expect will continue (only more extreme) for the next month! ;-) Let me know when you end up starting. |
Posted By: first time ivf
Date Posted: 01 March 2009 at 4:42pm
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Hi Shopa, sorry for my late reply have been going through a rough time due to Ovarian Hyper Stimulation, ended up in hospital for 8 nights (must have been all those eggs i created). But have had good news at the end of it all, a miracle really, I am six weeks pregnant, so hoping everything holds on nicely. As for the research, sites etc, I dont have any favouries, just did a lot of googling to find answers to my questions I had at the time - I wish I had found this site earlier though!
How are you going? Oh and beware anyone that creates alot of eggs - more than 15 I would suggest waiting a month to transfer the embryo. If I had I would not have got the OHSS! Believe me you do not want to get it. Feel free to ask any questions if anyone has any concerns. It really is quite common - but not the severity as to what I got it. |
Posted By: Bert
Date Posted: 01 March 2009 at 4:47pm
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Congratulations first time ivf! It so good hear the success stories coming out of our little group! Makes me feel a bit more positive about my situation and the obstacles my body is creating. All the best for a smooth pregnancy! Heaven knows we have all been thru enough difficulties just getting to this place without having difficult pregnancies added in.
All the best! |
Posted By: tulips
Date Posted: 01 March 2009 at 6:53pm
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First time ivf - congratulations!
Sorry to hear that you got OHSS - my booklet states that the severe form happens to less than 1% of IVF cases. Hopefully the rest of the pregnancy is much better. Look after yourself. |
Posted By: Shopa
Date Posted: 01 March 2009 at 7:40pm
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Congratulations first time ivf that is great news!!! Love to hear success stories. Sorry about the OHSS though!
My first blood is the coming Tues to check I'v down regualated, then on to the gonal f. I'v read some women seem to think they can help their egg qualitity by diet ect (although like men's sperm the biggest changes seem to be 3 months ahead). I have cut down on the wine in the last few months (and missing a nice glass in evenings) but have a pretty healthy diet anyway). I thought egg quality was due to age and there was not much we could do about it. Does anyone know anymore than this? Hi nykiwi, I'm 38 too. Newly married and husband has vas reversal with antibodies so icsi is the only option. I have not had the test you are talking about, I haev heard they do this in Auckland. My fsh and e2 appeared ok. Will just have to see how it goes, how many eggs they get and quality of eggs and embryo's. Have you looked into accupunture? I have heard there is some research on the positive effects of accupunture on fertility, if you are living in a main centre you are likely to find an accupunturist who works with fertility issues. Hi Bert and tulips, the buserelin is fine It just seems to be making me quite tiered, especially in afternoons and Im ready to hit the sack pretty early. |
Posted By: Cruzzy
Date Posted: 01 March 2009 at 7:44pm
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Congrats first time IVF, Sorry you had to go through OHSS.
i had another blood test today, i was told that my level has risen again and still no trigger , i say it will be at least the end of the week (if they continue) before i have the egg collection, Im a little overwhelmed by the whole thing and find myself crying about little things , But my husband has been very supportive, i have currently started a new job so they are unaware of what we are doing which has added to the stress of it all, sorry for the rambling but theres not alot of people who know what we are doing ( our choice) but it makes it hard at times not having people other than my husband to talk to. |
Posted By: oscarboo
Date Posted: 01 March 2009 at 8:32pm
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Cruzzy - hang in there. My hormones levels continued to rise after stopping the injections. it was about 3 days later before they had dropped enough. I worried they would pull the plug but all turned out for the best. If you want to talk to someome who has been though the same thing I am happy to talk to you via e-mail or on the phone. Just let me know. All the best ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: Cruzzy
Date Posted: 01 March 2009 at 8:45pm
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Thanks Oscarboo,
its nice to hear from other people going through the same stuff, this site has been a great help, It helps heaps to just get this stuff out , Congrats for your sucess with Gracie
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Posted By: nykiwi
Date Posted: 02 March 2009 at 4:05pm
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Hi Shopa thanks for your comments. I wish i hadnt had the test but it was a routine one the doctor ordered. my FSH was 7.5 and E2 was ok so.......wil see.
I have had one cycle of clomid and booked to have a laproscopic investigation next thurs. I started seeing a acupuncturist 2 weeks ago. they seem to think it takes about 3-4 months to change the eggs quality. apparently age has a lot to do with it but increasing blood flow to your ovaries helps nourish the foillicles and eggs too influencing them. Can someone tell me what to expect with the surgery next week. what is the down time. |
Posted By: Bert
Date Posted: 02 March 2009 at 4:14pm
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Hi nykiwi,
Welcome to the forum. I am not sure if you have had any other types of surgery or not. (I have had a myomectomy and laprascopy) I found that the laprascopy wasn't too bad at all, as they only make 3 little cuts to fit the probes in. I had a week off work which was plenty of time, for me. Naturally, everyone deals with the anesthetic differently, but I don't recall being majorly sore in the days after wards. I was mainly tired, but I seemed to bounce back to normal pretty quickly. If I had to do another lapro, I wouldn't be scared (if that is any indication). Good luck next week! Hope you get good news at the end of it. |
Posted By: tulips
Date Posted: 04 March 2009 at 6:45pm
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Cruzzy - any news on whether the trigger & egg collection will happen this week? Stay positive.
Shopa - do you notice any difference when you start taking the gonal f? Hope you are keeping well. |
Posted By: Cruzzy
Date Posted: 04 March 2009 at 7:11pm
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thanks for the encourging words tulip.
I had a BT yesterday and was told that my level was stil 19800 so a long way off and considering i was on the 5th day of coasting i only had two days left, me and the husband were pretty gutted last night as we thought for sure it would be cancelled, He even gave my overies a stern talking asking them to come down LOL. Well i had another BT today and it has come down to 11800 so we are extastic i will have one more BT test tomorrow , so hopfulully it will be within the safe level and i can have EC on sat. Worried alittle about the possiblity of OHSS, has anyone coasted for the full 7 days ??? and if so what was the reaction to the trigger injection and the days after it? |
Posted By: oscarboo
Date Posted: 04 March 2009 at 7:30pm
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Glad to hear your levels are coming down. Keep up whatever you are doing and don't stress too much as stress effects the levels.
I was told coasting helped to lower the risk of OHSS as the hormone levels are then lower. I coasted for 3 days for my levels to come down and didn't end up with OHSS ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: Cruzzy
Date Posted: 05 March 2009 at 8:06pm
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Hey everyone,
I had a BT test today(last day to coast) and my level is5300 (fantastic) so i am going to trigger tonight and EC sat, I have decided to get anesistist so i will be completly out for the EC , we are so excited and scared at the same time |
Posted By: oscarboo
Date Posted: 05 March 2009 at 8:11pm
Best of luck for Saturday. We will be thinking of you! ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: tulips
Date Posted: 05 March 2009 at 9:26pm
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Good luck Cruzzy!
My first IVF cycle starts today. Injections begin 23rd. It is exciting but you also have to mentally prepare yourself for either outcome. |
Posted By: first time ivf
Date Posted: 06 March 2009 at 6:57pm
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Hi everyone, thanks for your warm wishes on my BFP. Just to let you know we had our 6.5-7 week ultrasound this week and yay everything is progessing nicely - we saw a little 7.1mm embryo with 141 beats per minute hearbeat which is all absolutely perfect for this stage. So once we have seen this it takes the miscarriage rate down to only 3% - so that makes me so much more positive - especially as they said we had a high chance because of OHSS! So the little blighter has really held on through all of this - so proud! Us IVF'ers get the 7 week scan (normal pregnancies only get the 12 week one) so its something for you all to look forward to hopefully!
Tulips - about the OHSS - yes you're correct the severe kind only happens to 1-2% of women, which is what my fertility doctor told me when I was in hospital- couldnt beleive I was part of that 1 or 2% - crazy- I never thought that would happen to me - but that proves it does happen and not as rare as you think. I think the doctors were pretty blown away too, as they were doing case studies on me! Anway hope everyone is progessing nicely with IVF and just remember in a few weeks time, you wont even remember the injections and all the emotional stuff - it just leaves you, it really does. One day at a time! |
Posted By: oscarboo
Date Posted: 07 March 2009 at 9:56am
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Good luck with the IVF cycle tulips
Congrat first time IVF. That first scan is so cool to see. Really reassuring. All the best for the rest of your pregnancy ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: tulips
Date Posted: 08 March 2009 at 10:10am
| Bert - are you feeling confident about starting your injections this week? I'm keen to follow your progress as mine will start in 3 weeks. Thinking of you. |
Posted By: Bert
Date Posted: 08 March 2009 at 11:48am
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Hi Tulips,
Some days I feel pretty confident about it all and other days I feel pretty nervous. My emotions are all over the place. I am both excited and scared (mostly about what the outcome will be at the end of it all). The actual treatment itself doesn't seem to be worrying me so much now. Maybe I have finally accepted it. (I wasn't keen on doing IVF at all, but if I didn't give it a go, I would always wonder). I will keep you informed of how things are going. I am having another scan before the injection teach on Tue, so hopefully that will still be relatively 'clear'. (I don't think I can handle another set back). Talk soon! |
Posted By: Cruzzy
Date Posted: 08 March 2009 at 1:10pm
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hey everyone,
update i had EC yesterday they got 7 eggs, called the clinic this moring and 5 have been fertilized ,go back on tues to replant one , then its the dreaded TWW we are thinking positive but not letting ourselves get to too excited we still have a little way to go yet. Good luck and my thoughts are with all of you starting IVF, it is definently a rollercoaster but if all goes well the outcome will be worth every hurled i jumped through. |
Posted By: Bert
Date Posted: 08 March 2009 at 9:38pm
| Well done, Cruzzy! All the best for the next couple of weeks! We will anxiously await your good news. |
Posted By: tulips
Date Posted: 09 March 2009 at 6:22pm
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Cruzzy
Hope tomorrow goes well and they transfer a really good embryo! |
Posted By: Cruzzy
Date Posted: 09 March 2009 at 8:31pm
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Thanks Tulips,
i will let u know how it goes, i have butterflys LOL |
Posted By: Bert
Date Posted: 10 March 2009 at 5:22pm
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Hi everyone,
Had my scan and injection teach today. I freaked out when they brought out all the meds & syringes so I didn't end up having my first shot at the clinic....that will have to be done tonight. But I am feeling a bit better now (I think). I will touch base again tomorrow and let you know how it went.
GULP! |
Posted By: Cruzzy
Date Posted: 10 March 2009 at 6:12pm
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Hi Everyone
Transfer today , had 3 , 8cell embies so two frozen and one implated, Wasnt the outcome everyone expected considering i coasted for the full seven days so they were quite surprised, well its the dreaded TWW now. Bert- Good luck with the injections, on our first one i was crying saying i couldnt do it ,as i have a high phobia of needles and MH for a little while didnt think he could do it either ,to his surprise as he was all sweet when doing the pratice, we pushed through and he did it, and we seriously burst out lauging as we had imagined something way worse then it was. |
Posted By: Bert
Date Posted: 10 March 2009 at 6:30pm
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Hi Cruzzy,
Thanks for sharing your experience....glad to hear the injections are not as bad as the imagination leads a person to believe. I am also very needle phobic, hence the freaking out earlier today. I had a good cry at the clinic today so hopefully I will handle it better tonight. I am going to attempt to do it myself but DH will be near by in case I choke. I will be keeping my fingers crossed for you over the next couple of weeks. Bring on a BFP! |
Posted By: tulips
Date Posted: 10 March 2009 at 6:44pm
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Oh Bert.
If only there was an easier way. But we've tried that. What's a few injections to get a baby of your own. You can do it! |
Posted By: tulips
Date Posted: 10 March 2009 at 6:56pm
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Cruzzy
Another step closer. Take it easy. |
Posted By: Bert
Date Posted: 11 March 2009 at 10:12am
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Hi ladies,
Just a quick update for you. I did my FIRST injection last night, and it was TOTALLY a piece of cake! I hardly felt a thing! (this from a major needle phobe) I just hope it wasn't a fluke and that they are all that easy! A big 'PHEW" from me! The next few weeks won't be as bad as I thought
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Posted By: oscarboo
Date Posted: 11 March 2009 at 10:51am
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Well done Bert! Good luck for the next few weeks. I have decided now that the IVF cycle was a piece of cake compared to having a newborn! (Sorry not trying to put you off). It is all worth it in the end and you have this little bundle that is all yours ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: tulips
Date Posted: 11 March 2009 at 5:51pm
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Congratulations Bert, you'll be an expert by the end of the week!
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Posted By: tulips
Date Posted: 14 March 2009 at 8:30pm
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Bert
Hope you have mastered the injections. Any side effects? My drugs arrive next week. |
Posted By: Bert
Date Posted: 15 March 2009 at 8:51am
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Hi tulips,
I would not say I have mastered the injections yet But they are going well, over all. I have found that the first spot I injected at seems to be the least painful (what a flook that was). The other spots I have injected have 'pinched' a wee bit, but nothing major. I think there may also be a trick in the way you squeeze the surrounding skin, but I will test that theory tonight.
So far I haven't noticed any side effects at all, which is great. They told me I could have hot flushes or some bleeding, but after 5 days, I have had nothing, so knock on wood, it continues this way. How are you holding up? |
Posted By: Bert
Date Posted: 15 March 2009 at 11:52am
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Hi Cruzzy,
How are things going for you after your first 5 days of waiting? Nearly half way there! |