Long Time Gone

Wow. Time Flies when you're... completely immersed in a Montessori training program while doing your first IVF cycle!!! I'm going to cheat on this update by copying and pasting my post from Dr. Sher's online forum. Before you dive into all of that here's the quick recap...

I was in in St. Louis, MO SIRM July 8, 2013 cycle. I produced 34 follicles, 23 mature eggs were retrieved on July 12, 17 made it to day 3, and 7 made it to day 5. 2 "textbook" blasts were put in on July 17th and my first Beta, on the 25th, came back positive at 88.5. Below are details of my protocol, how I felt, steps in the process, ect... enjoy!!! I'll be better at updating in the future!!!

* Note some of my posts are responses to others, to read through the whole forum visit: http://forums.haveababy.com/index.php?/topic/49825-july-8th-cycle/
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Posted 29 April 2013 - 12:26 PM
I'm early I know, but I'm nervous and excited and wanted to see if anyone else is in the July 8, 2013! We'll be doing our first and hopefully only IVF cycle. I've been driving Dr. Sher and the staff crazy with all my questions and nerves I'm sure, but I'm ready!!! We had a failed IUI in February and that has been our only attempt. We've been married for 2 years and hope that this time next year we'll be parents too!!!

Posted 01 May 2013 - 03:54 AM
Yea! 3 first timers! We're getting our deposit in today and will make our protocol appointment. I thought I'd be in the June group but didn't realize how much more goes into IVF than IUI and I got confused and nervous. Now I'm just focused on telling myself “this time next year I'll be holding my baby!" Carla said we'd probably have the egg retrieval on the 11th our 12th of July. Glad to know meds will probably start the 19th of June. When are you starting birth control pills?

Posted 01 May 2013 - 06:12 AM
I had my blood work done on Thursday for NK cells and waiting on the results. Are you doing anything special to prepare your body for IVF? I've started my prenatal vitamins, smoothies in the morning and really getting in water (I’m not a big water drinker). I'm thinking about upping the yoga and looking into acupuncture.

Posted 03 May 2013 - 05:49 PM
Welcome to the first 5! Prayers up that the third time is the charm! It sounds like the groups have been growing in size, but the success rates are growing too. I'll try to keep a running tally on everyone so we can keep track. July seems so far away, especially with this winter like weather.

Posted 08 May 2013 - 07:16 AM
Ok, I've got my chart review scheduled for May 22nd at 9am. and Cycle day 1 should be a few days later- to start BCP... woohoo! Here we go!

Posted 08 May 2013 - 06:16 PM
Wow. I wish I had started bcp with my last cycle that started April 27th; I thought being on it so long might over suppress my ovaries. I'll just be on them for a month before we start meds. Anyone know when we stop taking them?
Posted 09 May 2013 - 04:09 AM
With my iui, I took Clomid, follistim, and the ovidrel trigger. Although my doses were low, I responded well and had no symptoms whatsoever. The worst was the antibiotic that made me nauseous and the progesterone that gave me false hope- I had many pregnancy symptoms. I was so worried the meds would make me emotional or crazy, but I felt completely normal. Prayers up that remains true with IVF meds! I've never taken BCP before and I'll be in an intense Montessori training program all summer so I hope I don't lose it :-)

Posted 17 May 2013 - 03:52 PM
So, my file review appointment is on Wednesday, but I just listened to a voice mail from Elizabeth saying Dr. Sher needs to talk to me about the results of my NK cell test and she's trying to squeeze me in on Monday. They're closed now of course so I'm going to be freaked out all weekend. Anyone know the worst case scenario here?

Posted 21 May 2013 - 04:16 PM
Welcome!

Well I was supposed to talk to Dr. Sher on Monday, but the phone system was down and it just didn't work out. Then I went camping with my students and just got back so... hopefully when I met Mary Kay in the morning she can fill me in. Trying to keep my mind off anything negative.

I should start AF on Friday and will start BCP, not looking forward to that- what kind are all of you taking?

Sending a prayer up for all of us tonight!

Posted 22 May 2013 - 01:56 PM
My appointment with Merry Kay was GREAT!! I do have activated Natural Killer Cells- it was 10.5 and Dr. Sher does treatment for anyone with 10.0 or higher. I feel ok about that though. She was so kind and so patient and organized, I am thrilled; all of my previous anxieties are now put to rest. I got my calendar and partial protocol- may change based on a conversation with Dr. Sher on June 11th. I did all my lab work and HSG and HCG before my IUI at the other Dr. so I'm pretty much good to go. Doing a light (L3) protocol for now. Dr. Sher may want to test us for Dq Alpha match thing (SP?) and if we are matches things may change a bit??? I start BCP on CD 4 which "should" be Monday.

On June 19th I start Lupron (10 units) and Dex (.75mg). Taking both through July 8th, but Lupron reduces to 5 units after June 23rd.
It looks like I take the last BCP on June 23 to expect AF on the 26th.
Baseline U/S and E2 on June 27th
I do the intra Lipids for NK+ on July 2nd and start Folic Acid and Follistim (225 units).
On July 4th I reduce Follistim to 150 units and add Menopur (.5 vial) through July 7th
July 8th I have another ultrasound and E2, and add 500mg of Cipro (twice) to the Lupron (5) and Dex (.75)
HCG trigger shot will be July 10th or 11th
Egg retrieval will be July 12th or 13th
Transfer will be July 15th or 16th

Wow!!! It's so much, but hopefully it will make time go by quickly!!!! This appointment wasn't technically my calendar review- my homework is to watch a few videos with my husband and call Merry Kay on CD 1.

Posted 23 May 2013 - 01:53 PM
slmcdrew, on 23 May 2013 - 01:39 PM, said:
Someone just posted that she scheduled hers the same day that she got her calendar. I'm supposed to have mine on July 3...I guess I'll call tomorrow. I also need to call the office and schedule my fluid ultrasound...I'm nervous about that one and have no idea why.

I just scheduled mine for July 2nd at 9am, they said it will take 2 hours so I'll bring a book and a snack! I'm at Mercy - David C. Pratt Cancer center.

I had my fluid u/s and HSG done before my IUI so I don't have to do it again, but I was REALLY nervous before it too and it was nothing. (I'm not a wimp, but I don't have a high pain tolerance either). I just got myself so worked up, then had to laugh when it was over. It wasn't any worse than an annual checkup, just more awkward since it took a little longer. I don't think I'll ever get used to so many random people "hanging out" down there with lights and tools!! Haha... maybe by the time I give birth I'll have lost all modesty!!

Posted 24 May 2013 - 07:10 AM
I've decided to lose a few pounds before starting meds, I'm happy to gain pregnancy weight, but don't want to start early with weight gain from meds. I'm pretty thin, not fit, but thin lol, so my goal is just to lose about 6 vanity pounds in a month. Anyone care to join me? I'm starting this weekend by doing the following 3 day cleanse. I bought the stuff this morning! Combined with yoga and extra walking and simple reading like lean protein and fresh fruit/ veggies ... nothing too drastic, just a kick start to healthy pregnancy eating.
««<»link removed by system<»«

Posted 24 May 2013 - 04:24 PM
Hopeful and Darling... Yes, it's the Dr. Oz 3 day cleanse. My link didn't post above, but I'm sure it's easily googled. I just printed the shopping list- tea, smoothies, vitamins, and baths! I'm worried about the lack of chew satisfaction, but I think I can do anything for 3 days.

Posted 27 May 2013 - 06:07 PM
Slmcdrew, I’m in after a failed iui at another clinic so I have some optimism since it’s a new type of treatment, but the fear of failing is still very much there. I think my biggest fear is that we will have spent all we can afford to spend on one procedure so since we have absolutely no insurance help for IVF or meds this feels like such a huge gamble and leap of faith. I'm scared that the financial and emotional aspect of failing will be my undoing, but I'm trying really hard to trust God's plan and relax. Prayers up for all of us, and for our sanity!

Posted 27 May 2013 - 06:14 PM
Well, my cleanse went well. I was starving the first day, but lost 2 pounds of "water weight" over night! I only lost another pound the next day, but feel pretty great. 3 pounds is pretty good I think! I'm going to continue with healthy eating, yoga, and lots of water through this process to hopefully help me feel better on meds. I don't start BCP till Wednesday because AF was late, but yesterday was CD1. My hubby and I watched the calendar review video tonight and feel pretty good about the process.

Posted 28 May 2013 - 05:07 PM
I have my official calendar review over the phone with MK at 2 tomorrow. We pretty much went over it, but I'm excited to be touching base again. I feel like we're just right around the corner! My poor husband has to see an urologist to use vibration therapy to get his sample in to be frozen.

Posted 29 May 2013 - 07:41 PM
Darling your review sounds identical to mine! It was great talking with her, DQ is up in the air for me too, may not need to do it, but waiting for Dr. Sher to tell me on the 11th. We talked about vitamins and I told her I take a prenatal, probiotic, and omega 3s all from Whole Foods. She said that was fine. My probiotic is called Pearl- I like that it's tiny, but can't say how good it it's or isn't- I’ve only been taking it for a few days.

Posted 31 May 2013 - 01:36 PM
I have a confession... today was our last day of school and a half day, but I start a full time Montessori training program on Monday that will occupy my whole summer... so I decided to be psychotically optimistic and use my half day to paint the would be baby room. My husband is going to think I've lost it.

Posted 01 June 2013 - 10:00 AM
So nice to hear from so many of you... how funny to have so many teachers. The training schedule for Montessori is pretty intense and literally the only weekdays I have off until school starts are the week of July 4th. They don't like people missing class either but are willing to work with me. My hope is that it's a nice distraction and doesn't give me the opportunity to obsess, but I hope I'm not stressed out through all this... never a dull moment! Guess we're all planning April babies for the maternity leave and summer bonus... here's hoping this time next year we'll not only have our dream nurseries, but a baby or two to put in them!

So far BCP hasn't been too bad, I take it at 5 am when I let my dogs out ( they get up at 2 and 5 to go potty no matter what, I guess baby will fit right in) then I go back to sleep for an hour and that seems to be fine. I've noticed a consistent nauseous feeling that is pretty mild and nothing I can't tolerate.

Babies’ room has Biltmore buff (soft yellow on the beige/Brown end of the spectrum) walls, black door and closet, white trim and molding, and a very light blue ceiling- almost white sky blue. I used a constellation projector and clear glow in the dark paint to make an accurate April starry night sky. You can't see it during the day, but when the lights are off the stars glow for about 30 minutes. When we know baby is coming we'll paint some trees and add a bird mobile and white paper lanterns for clouds. It will be a very natural space with floor bed and Montessori inspired furniture and toys. Montessori babies are a lot less expensive- no cribs, changing table, disposable diapers, or electronic anything... just peaceful and natural. What are your nursery ideas/ plans?

Posted 03 June 2013 - 07:12 PM
So much for no bcp symptoms for me, I seem to be having a never ending AF... what's up with that?

Posted 05 June 2013 - 03:05 AM
Yikes, prayers up that none of us get cysts or knocked out of the cycle for any reason. I've been keeping up with the 2 cycles before us and I'm half nervous and half crazy excited. One group is getting their follicle count and scheduling eh retrieval and the other is having their first pregnancy u/s and there are already a few sets of twins. My husband is convinced we're going to have twins- and I'm starting to think I'd love that (as long as they went to term).

Posted 07 June 2013 - 02:42 PM
Oscar from Avella called me today too; he helped me with my meds for iui at my other Dr. Meds were much less than I expected, I’ve been so worried about financing this that a pleasant surprise was such a relief. I will have them delivered next week. I love how personal that pharmacy experience seems.

Posted 08 June 2013 - 07:31 PM
The coordinator for the Kirkwood, MO Resolve group just emailed me. (It's a social group for individuals/couples with fertility struggles). Anyway, they're hosting a happy hour on the 18th at Amigo's in Kirkwood at 6:30. If I get out of class on time I plan to attend. She mentioned having some donated meds to distribute- I emailed her my protocol, but I worry about how well they were cared for (refrigeration, ect). Any thoughts?

Posted 10 June 2013 - 02:58 PM
Well my husband paid for our order and had it delivered today so I'm not taking her up on the donated meds, forgot to tell him! Anyone need them?


Posted 10 June 2013 - 03:02 PM
Also, I have a phone consult with Dr. Sher tomorrow evening and can't remember some of my questions... here's my list so far...
1. Do we need dq alpha testing?
2. Can POI shots be replaced with suppositories?
3. Does the office still offer to schedule in office acupuncture? (Saw they do on the website)

My DH is doing his part on the 18 and drugs are waiting for me on the porch so I'm feeling ready!


Posted 12 June 2013 - 03:48 AM
I spoke with Dr. Sher last night. Elizabeth called to say he was backed up and may need to call me today, but this training program is so strict and I'm using every hour of make-up time allowed for my ivf appointments so I couldn't find a time to fit in the call. Our lunches are short and random so that wouldn't even work. So he stayed late just to call me last night which I thought was incredible. Anyway he said that I didn't actually test positive for NK+ but my test showed potential to become activated so the intra lipids are just precautionary and the dq alpha is not necessary.

Hopeful, I also asked about acupuncture. He said there is nothing proven, but statistics say it can help and it definitely can't hurt, but he said to only do it one time in a cycle and that one time should either be the day before, the day of, or the day after your embryo transfer. Preferably the day of. So I'm scheduled for a consult at the place mentioned above tomorrow evening and will try to get an appointment when I know my transfer date.

Finally I told Dr. Sher that we've got all our eggs in one basket, this is our one shot, is he sure about our protocol. He kinda laughed and said he's going to treat me like he would his own daughter and there's no reason it shouldn't work.

I'm feeling much more ready, and I'm so glad the giant needles in my box don't come into play until my next calendar when they'll be no turning back lol.

There is a former nurse in my training class who has offered to help with anything I need. It's funny because we've only told a few people we're doing this... my parents, but not in detail, and two close friends each. But my training program is so strict about attendance and they didn't want people thinking they could just take a day or two off so they asked that I tell them the truth and not something like "family thing" or "dentist" so they all know and I'm kinda loving having a group of people to talk to openly. Most of them are parents and a few had a close friend or family member succeed using ivf.

Posted 13 June 2013 - 05:05 PM
Almost a week till I start meds, but I'm so ready. Thanks for the info on the lupron, I’m so glad to have all of you. Just for laughs, who plans to poas, why/why not/ when?

Posted 18 June 2013 - 03:26 AM
Welcome Elle! How funny! If my husband and I get pregnant with twins I'll be staying home for two- three years until they can come to school with me. I'll be starting a Montessori inspired daycare in my home and opening it up to teachers' children. This is our last free morning (for most of us) without injections. I'll be getting up extra early to take the meds. Tonight I'm going to watch the injection videos. With my iui I just had follistim and the trigger to inject. I freaked out and my husband had to do the first few, which is so not like me. Then I realized the little needles were really no big deal- I think it was the psychological impact of self inflicted injury that messed with me and then I had to laugh about what a baby I was. Hope I remain brave tomorrow lol. Here we go!


Posted 18 June 2013 - 04:02 PM
Oh, I haven't updated my blog in ages, I need to do that! He goes to another urologist for normal issues of paraplegia but saw Dr. Naughton (directly across Ballas from SIRM) for fertility stuff. He actually went today to get his sample which is now frozen at Dr. Sher's office.

I had breakthrough bleeding for the first time today. I know that it's normal, but combined with light cramps and tender bbs makes me nervous. I got an email today from Jamie with detail of the next few weeks which made me giddy and nervous all at once!


Posted 18 June 2013 - 04:09 PM
Also. I got an email from RESOLVE about this...

9am tomorrow there is an IVF special on Katie Couric
http://www.katiecour...ainst-all-odds/


Posted 19 June 2013 - 02:08 PM
Darling, Agreed! Lupron burned a little for a few minutes, but no big deal! So far nothing from the Dex yet either!

Posted 20 June 2013 - 07:25 PM
My routine stays the same through Sunday when I take my last BCP (yea) and lower my lupron dose to 5 units on Monday. Today I spoke to Jamie (so sweet) and she said we have 98 million swimmers with 18% motility frozen which is better than we had with our IUI! Yeah! My u/s and E2 are next Thursday morning. How is everyone feeling?

Posted 21 June 2013 - 03:17 AM
I take the dex at 6-7 am and haven't had trouble sleeping, but do feel like I'm more alert in the evening than usual, which is actually working to my benefit in this training program.

Posted 21 June 2013 - 09:27 AM
Ugh, had my first emotional outburst, but I feel like it was justified and I am still really stressed and frustrated. I returned a voicemail from yesterday regarding my appointment on July 8th. We scheduled my appointments in the mornings to make my IVF schedule fit my Montessori training as best as we could. I thought all my appointments would be in the morning, so I would just be late to class. The trainers have rescheduled several things so that anything I miss will be easy to make up. BUT today I was told that they shouldn't have told me that or scheduled me at 8am because Dr. Sher only does afternoon appointments and he's my doctor. I said that everyone was aware of my training and my trainers have already accommodated so much. She said I can change from 8am to 2:30pm which will make me miss 3 hours of class instead of 1 and I'll have to drive 40 extra miles... not the plan! She asked if I want to continue the cycle (cue tears). She finally sensed my frustration and agreed to let Dr. Dayal do my appointment on the 8th, but the rest will have to be in the afternoon. Now I am going to have to make up hours at night, on Saturdays and next summer. I can't believe this is happening and I'm so embarrassed to have to tell my trainers they changed everyone's schedule for no reason. I think the worst part is how calm I was feeling about balancing both after being reassured that it would work out. Why wouldn't someone have said something sooner, how was I supposed to know Dr. Sher's hours or that the scheduler messed up? Merry Kay, Jamie and Elizabeth all knew about my situation and schedule. Very very stressed now, I bet my husband will say we need to pull out of this cycle. He can't do afternoons either. That would mean all this waiting, timing, BCP, and first injections would have been for nothing and we'll have to wait a whole year to start over. I am freaking out! Please send a prayer up that this all just miraculously works itself out.

Posted 21 June 2013 - 06:17 PM
Darling and Geordie, what a mess. I haven't told my husband yet, which makes me feel terrible, but I want to see what Merry Kay says on Monday, but I am so down, so worried. I feel like this perfect plan is now a nightmare and I'm going to have to choose between having a job and waiting another whole year to try for a baby, I just don't understand how this could happen to 3 of us. I haven't read anything like this in prior cycle forums. ... Breathe.... breathe.. Prayers up!
Posted 24 June 2013 - 03:21 AM
Thanks everyone! I'll try to call Merry Kay this afternoon. I'm so glad to wake up this morning without a birth control pill waiting for me! Just 5 units of Lupron and the dex pill all week.

Posted 24 June 2013 - 09:49 AM (From Dr. Sher)
A few of you have recently commented on this discussion board that you find it to be inconvenient to be scheduled for ultrasound in-cycle monitoring, later (rather than earlier) in the morning.

I know that you are all aware of the fact that we at SIRM-SL batch groups of IVF patients over a 2 week period. This allows us to better quality control, give our staff a much needed and well deserved break between IVF cycles, and optimize care given to patients. However, the system inevitably requires that we perform a significant number of ultrasounds every cycle day. Presently Dr Dayal starts ultrasound monitoring early on and when she is done, I follow on with my cases. While we could switch times around every other day (or so), it is both inevitable and unavoidable that some people will be scheduled early and others, later. I apologize if this has caused inconvenience for some of you, but there is no way to fix this problem without mixing patients and having Dr Dayal monitor mine and me hers…and this won’t work to our patients’ benefit.

Consider the fact that commensurate with the "changing of the guard" in January 2013, SIRM-SL’s IVF results have sky rocketed to the point where, in my opinion they are now unsurpassed. This did not just happen by chance. It occurred because from the get-go we established a "one patient, one doctor relationship" from the get-go, one which required that all prescribed treatments and recommendations, .all clinical monitoring (both hands-on and ultrasounds), all procedures (egg retrievals/embryo transfers etc) and all follow-up management and advice be executed by the individual patients designated ultrasound technician performing ultrasounds while the doctor reads reports. I am absolutely convinced that such an approach is sub-optimal. The person doing the ultrasound examination needs to understand all circumstances surrounding each case in order to make the best decisions and that person needs to be the patient’s designated treating physician.

Infertile patients choose a specific physician who they believe will best help them have a baby. Indeed, Of course their choice is also based on who they feel they can best build a trusting relationship with. Central to the attainment of this goal is continuity of care at every level, including wherever/whenever possible having the same doctor consulting, performing all monitoring and treating, throughout..

Our wonderful team of devoted, nurses, administrative staff and laboratory personnel at SIRM-SL are totally and obsessively committed and dedicated to making your journey from “infertility to family” as comfortable and successful as is possible in this day and age.

Please bear with us as we try to address the significant in-cycle challenges we confront in trying to satisfy meeting individual scheduling needs......... even if/when at times it becomes a little inconvenient. In return, we will be ever sensitive and (whenever possible) try to be responsive to your needs...I PROMISE!!!

Geoff Sher

POSTED ELSEWHERE AS WELL!!


Posted 24 June 2013 - 05:25 PM
Thank you for posting this Dr. Sher. Merry Kay talked me off the cliff this afternoon and we're working out a plan. I know you promised to take care of me and I need to let go of the reins a little and just trust you. This whole IVF journey/process has invoked an anxiety in me I've never experienced before. I wish I could blame it on the drugs!! I think I just feel like I'm gambling our life savings away and that any hint of change or worry is throwing me off the deep end... breathe... I know that we're in good hands, in my heart, I really do, but I am so scared that our one shot won't work for us.

It's definitely not your schedule that's the problem, and I completely understand it, I just wish the person who scheduled me would have said something so I could have avoided some of the schedule changes and commitments I made in preparation. (Not your fault at all). I'm glad that you care enough about each of your patients to handle them personally- It means a lot not to be just a patient, but a person.

Anyway, thanks again! I'm looking forward to meeting Dr. Dayal on Thursday, but thrilled that you'll be taking care of me personally for the rest of this journey. I'll try to relax!! I am a little bit in awe today that you took the time to read these forums and post on here, and that you have time to care for so many of us individually! Thank you again!

Posted 25 June 2013 - 08:05 AM
Ok, well way to wear a white skirt today, with no warning I just started spotting, so I guess today is cycle day one. I'm weirdly excited though; hope this is my last visit from AF till next spring

Posted 27 June 2013 - 04:29 AM
Well my morning is off to an interesting start, my lupron injection was bizarre, I stuck myself as usual and pushed the medicine in, then when I took the needle out, several drops (real drops) of blood came out quickly and I have a little blue lump at the injection site now. I wonder if the medicine came out too? That has never happened before.

Mobap was excellent though, so much better than quest, I was in and out in minutes and now heading to SIRM for baseline... so nervous and excited! I'll ask Dr. D if I need to repeat this morning's lupron shot. Hope all of you have a great morning!

Posted 27 June 2013 - 05:10 AM
Baseline went well, and fast! No cysts, just waiting for blood work results, but should be good to go. Prayers up for each of you!

Posted 02 July 2013 - 04:12 AM
Happy July! I have my intra lipids today and add follistim tonight... we're getting closer!

Posted 02 July 2013 - 11:39 AM
I got nervous today when I saw all the cancer patients, but they really took great care of me, lunch was provided, warm blanket and a TV. When I left they said they hoped to see me again, pregnant, and even put a baby blue bandage on for baby dust. Sara, my nurse said she'd be praying for me. I was there for 3 hours total, but left feeling normal. Another step down... c'mon baby!
Posted 03 July 2013 - 12:32 PM
Follistim was fine, for my iui the dose was only 25 units and now I'm on 225 so my husband made me double and triple check the calendar, so funny. We watched the menopur video this morning so we're ready for the half vial dose in the morning, my poor belly! How are you doing? It's been quiet on here lately.

Posted 04 July 2013 - 07:08 AM
I used 225 units of follistim for 2 days, and saved both vials, with 75 units left, tonight's dose is 150- so I think I'll subject myself to 2 shots of it tonight, 3 with the menopur, unless there's a way to combine them?

Posted 04 July 2013 - 10:04 AM
In the video she says to take all the water out and put it in the vial with the tablet, then withdraw 1 mil (half) of the mixture.

My husband had a moment over the menopur- the video and instructions in the box say 1 mil, but the bottle contains 2 mil and she empties the bottle in the video. We ended up taking just 1 mil out and throwing away the rest of the water. Then injected half a mil of medicine.

Posted 05 July 2013 - 03:03 PM
I didn't ask about follicles at my baseline either, hoping for good news on Monday! I did 3 shots last night to use up the 2 vials of follistim and do the menopur. I can't say I feel anything either, kinda tired, but have had no symptoms or side effects. I'm relieved, but hoping things are actually working.

Posted 07 July 2013 - 07:33 PM
July 8th is finally here! Prayers up for all of us tomorrow. Nothing much to report today, feeling the same. (TMI alert)... I did panic for a moment yesterday as I was having a lot of EWCM and thought I might be ovulating, but after googling it seems to be common due to increased hormones. I took an ovulation test to ease my mind (not even sure if that would be accurate) and it was totally negative. I just had one left over and thought, "Well, if this goes well I won't ever need it anyway." Tomorrow morning is the last entry on my calendar and I'm heading to Mobap around 7am for blood work. I was looking at the Cipro that I start in the morning and take twice a day, the bottle said not to take 2 hours before our 6 hours after my vitamin... this will be some creative scheduling since I have to eat with both.

Posted 08 July 2013 - 10:58 AM
Ok, we talked about over stimming today and are playing it by ear, trusting Dr. Sher completely. My lining was 10 and we have 34 follies. Probably having ER on Friday, but going back tomorrow. Right side has 19 (2@16; 4@15; 4@14; 3@13; 1@12; 2@11; 3@10) Left side has 15 (1@17; 2@16; 5@15; 3@14; 2@13; 1@12; 1@10) Merry Kay said they should grow about 2mm per day and we want the majority to be 18-21mm. My husband left the office with tears in his eyes at the realization that we might really be parents soon.

Saw a few of the same faces from Mobap at SIRM. I invited one couple to the forum; I hope she'll join us. If you saw me, I was with the guy in the wheelchair so easy to spot.

No more follistim or menopur for me right now, will continue lupron, dex, vitamin, and cipro.

Posted 09 July 2013 - 12:04 PM
Good, how are you? I had an u/s today and another tomorrow. I will probably trigger tomorrow and have retrieval on Friday. I am definitely aware of my ovaries today, but doing fine. So quiet on here lately, I hope everyone's doing well.

Posted 09 July 2013 - 05:47 PM
Thanks for the warning Geordie, my husband keeps joking about me laying 3 dozen eggs on Friday. My E2 yesterday was 3926 and today it was 4228, Jamie said it looks good, but I'm not totally sure what the numbers mean.

Posted 10 July 2013 - 03:41 AM
Thanks Elle. I keep reading about drinking massive amounts of Gatorade and salty food to help after ER so I think I'll stock up to prepare. Dr. Sher seems confident that everything is going fine so I'm actually pretty calm for the first time. Last night my husband let his guard down too and started talking baby names which he's never done, so I think he's feeling really optimistic too. Prayers up for all of us. I about jumped out of my skin when I saw Dr. Sher posted our " blow by blow" thread.... it's finally our turn!

Posted 10 July 2013 - 02:28 PM
Ok, I trigger tonight at 8:30 and have my egg retrieval at 8am on Friday. No more lupron, but start 3 days of clindamycin suppositories tonight. My trigger is 10,000 units of pregnyl in the arm.

Posted 10 July 2013 - 07:28 PM
Darling, I guess I'll see you in passing maybe. I'm so excited, but nervous about being in pain or OHSS, or that we don't have any our good quality eggs in my 3 dozen follicles. Prayers and positive thoughts.

Posted 11 July 2013 - 03:43 AM
Good morning Elle. On Monday we knew right away that Dr. S was going to be cautious with me and he talked to us about why and what plan B will be if I over stim (freeze and put in later) so if they didn't say anything to you, you're probably ok. He wanted to make sure my E2 levels didn't get any higher so he stopped my injections and coasted me for a few days. The follicles are supposed to grow 2mm per day though so if you have 20, that’s 40mm a day- you should definitely feel uncomfortable. I will continue to keep you posted on here though since I'm just a day ahead. Let us know how your u/s goes.

After mine, Merry Kay talked to me about how to do the trigger, what meds to take and how the process works, then she said to keep my phone on me because she would be calling with my trigger time and ER time (35.5 hours later). She called me around 4 pm and told me.

Posted 11 July 2013 - 04:37 AM
Darling, how’s your arm? Mine is pretty sore this morning.

Posted 12 July 2013 - 09:14 AM
Ok, I was only at SIRM for like an hour today, but came home and took a nap. I feel a little nauseous and sore, but not too bad at all. Relaxing the rest of today. I think they retrieved 23 eggs out of my 34 follicles. Will know more tomorrow.

Posted 13 July 2013 - 06:42 AM
Thinking of you today Mandy and Geordie. Darling, Elle, how are you doing?

I had my first pio shot last night and worked myself up over it... poor husband. It wasn't as bad as I anticipated, but is a little sore today. We didn't do any of the heat pad or ice pack tricks, but he gave me the shot while I was in bed.

Today, I feel ok, just really fat. I have to go to a seminar to make up for missing class yesterday. Merry Kay just called and said 18 of 23 eggs fertilized and she'll call on Monday with a day 3 report. (Geordie, your words kept me from panicking about going from 34 follies, to 23 eggs, to 18 fertilized... thank you). She said that tomorrow I may feel really bloated and to keep an eye on my symptoms. Lots of Gatorade, no water.

I'm so glad this part is over, but now really nervous about what's happening outside my body... I kinda want to see my embies lol.

Posted 13 July 2013 - 08:35 PM
Yea Elle. Monday will be day 3 for me so hopefully I won't be in till Wednesday. I'm pretty uncomfortable today, left class a little early, but hoping tomorrow is better. Prayers up for Monday, it was quick and the staff was amazing!

Posted 15 July 2013 - 03:24 AM
The PIO is kicking my butt, I can barely sit or walk, they aren't bad going in, but the next morning I'm REALLY sore, anyone else having this issue?

Posted 15 July 2013 - 11:21 AM
Ok, we have 17 embryos left. 3 grade one (4, 6, and 8 cell). 11 grade 2 (2@4 cell, 4@5 cell, 4@ 6 cell, and 1@8 cell). And 3 grade 3 (1@ 5 cell and 2@ 6 cell). The grade 3 probably won't make it to freeze. Eggs go back in on Wednesday at 11am.

Posted 16 July 2013 - 02:23 PM
Elle, prayers up that you have just been blessed with quality over quantity and you'll still be in good shape. I think you're right, they have their own system, 1 is least fragmentation, but 1 and 2 have the same pregnancy rates.

Posted 16 July 2013 - 05:01 PM
I just finished my acupuncture at community acupuncture and I love them! They are so knowledgeable about ivf and all the fertility doctors around. Today is the first day I've felt "normal" in a while. I am getting used to the poi, had a few really sore days, but found the more I move the better and any trace of OHSS has subsided. I have 3 new pounds through this, but lost them before I started so I'm even lol. I didn't check on my embryos today, just prayed hard. I can't believe the transfer is tomorrow!

Posted 16 July 2013 - 05:55 PM
I did go for a consult a few weeks ago assuming I'd need to establish care ahead of time, but they talked with me then did a treatment right after so I could have waited and done my initial consult and treatment today. Dr. Sher says it can't hurt and has been proven to help so I figured what's $35 and an hour of my life at this point. I must admit that I'll also be eating pineapple core tomorrow too... I think it just makes me feel like I'm doing everything I can which helps my mental state even if my odds don't change. My biggest fears are getting there tomorrow and my eggs are all fading, or a chemical pregnancy or miscarriage and the feeling of "nothing I could have done differently" is hoping to be my saving grace. Positive thoughts though... we're counting on happy, healthy, beautiful, intelligent, boy/girl twins born full term in April!

Posted 17 July 2013 - 06:43 AM (Posted by Hopeful13)
Wow Noah, It looks like your egg retrieval went really well. Sorry to hear that Georgie and Mandy. Never give up hope. Elle- it sounds like yours went really well too. Hopefully, the end result for all of us is BABY. I know I haven't been part of the conversation lately. Been busy and just trying to keep my mind off things. Well, I went in for my blastocysts transfer yesterday. We had 2 frozen blastocysts that we thawed and transfered. One of them was recovering quicker and better than the other but they said to go ahead and transfer the other one. So we did. Since yesterday, I have been taking it easy and I am really anxious. I want to know if I am pregnant or not. I have also found this online. Hope this helps.
5-DAY TRANSFER:

-1dpt ..embryo is growing and developing
0dpt... Embryo is now a blastocyst
1dpt....Blastocyst hatches out of shell on this day
2dpt.. Blastocyst attaches to a site on the uterine lining
3dpt.. Implantation begins, as the blastocyst begins to bury in the lining
4dpt.. Implantation process continues and morula buries deeper in the lining
5dpt.. Morula is completely implanted in the lining and has placenta cells &
fetal cells
6dpt...Placenta cells begin to secret HCG in the blood
7dpt...More HCG is produced as fetus develops
8dpt...More HCG is produced as fetus develops
9dpt...HCG levels are now high enough to be immediately detected on
HPT

3-DAY TRANSFER:

1dpt ..Embryo is growing and developing
2dpt... Embryo is now a blastocyst
3dpt....Blastocyst hatches out of shell on this day
4dpt.. Blastocyst attaches to a site on the uterine lining
5dpt.. Implantation begins, as the blastocyst begins to bury in the lining
6dpt.. Implantation process continues and morula buries deeper in the lining
7dpt.. Morula is completely implanted in the lining and has placenta cells &
fetal cells
8dpt...Placenta cells begin to secret HCG in the blood
9dpt...More HCG is produced as fetus develops
10dpt...More HCG is produced as fetus develops
11dpt...HCG levels are now high enough to be immediately detected on
HPT

Posted 17 July 2013 - 09:35 AM
Ok, our 2 "perfect" blasts are in, I'm officially pregnant till proven otherwise. Only 2 to freeze today, maybe more tomorrow. I tested and the trigger is out of my system already- must be the Gatorade cleanse lol. Transfer was ok, a little discomfort especially having to pee, but nothing bad. Prayers prayers prayers for us all! My beta is Thurs 25th and Monday 29th... then if positive, our ultrasound will be 3 weeks later which is considered 7 weeks pregnant. Heading home for modified bed rest the rest of the day. They did say they call after the first beta. Soooo nervous and excited.

Posted 17 July 2013 - 09:38 AM
Thanks geordie!

Hope- cool info. I have a feeling I'm going to be a poas junkie, but I just bought $1 ones so when they are negative I can still be optimistic.

Posted 18 July 2013 - 10:31 AM
It's a weird day, I feel completely myself, only have to take dex, vitamin, poi and suppositories and I'm just kinda waiting.... this is going to be a long week! I felt so productive before doing shots blood work, and ultrasounds. My classmates asked if this means I'm pregnant and I was like " kinda" lol. I did just find out we have 5 frosties. 4 grade 2 blasts and 1 grade 1 early blast. It's crazy how quickly numbers dwindle, but I'm very pleased. Thinking about each of you!

Posted 20 July 2013 - 09:58 AM
My husband is helping a lot, almost to the point of annoyance, but its super sweet. I think he'd feel better if I was wrapped in bubble wrap. I wish I was feeling something, anything... not a sign symptom or side effect here.

Posted 21 July 2013 - 04:59 PM
Seems we've lost several of our original posters, you're all still constantly in my prayers and I hope you're doing well. I still have stark white hpts, but not giving them much thought since its super early. Hopeful, how are you doing?

Posted 22 July 2013 - 01:18 AM
Hope, what brand did/are you using? I got up just now to pee and since its 5dp5dt (minus 8ish hours) I decided to use my now routine $ test and a FRER (I caved and bought some). The dollar test was still negative, but the FRER had a 2nd line. It's light, but I didn't have to squint or hold it up to the light to see it and it showed within 2-3 minutes. I thought I'd be so relieved, but now I'm even more nervous! Please stick, please be real, betas, please double and lines get darker... I'm a mess! Not going to tell hubby just yet, will test again tomorrow to confirm. May not have any luck getting back to sleep. Prayers up again for all of us! His will be done.

Posted 22 July 2013 - 09:57 AM
Woohoo! Let’s keep praying hard! Ah, I can't wait to test again in the morning.

Posted 23 July 2013 - 12:44 AM
Well clear blue digital (a friend gave me 2 yesterday) was negative this morning, but the FRER is a touch darker. So I'm guessing right now my hcg is between 25-45ish right now. Will try the other digital tomorrow... this must be what addiction feels like, how embarrassing :-)

Posted 24 July 2013 - 02:23 AM
Digital says pregnant today! I brought it to my husband and he said "I knew this was going to work, all I want to know is if they're twins" haha, ok then! I was crampy last night and this morning though, first time since this all started... prayers up! Ahh!

Posted 24 July 2013 - 02:00 PM
I think I am 3 weeks 6 days if egg retrieval is ovulation day so April 4th due date maybe?

Posted 25 July 2013 - 08:18 AM
Ok, 88.5! I'm official! And 4 weeks tomorrow! Still very crampy so I was a little nervous. Next beta isn't till Monday.

Posted 25 July 2013 - 05:48 PM
Hi, I feel weird too, I get cramps at night song enough to wake me up, maybe the progesterone and/or suppositories? During the day I feel totally normal, but in the evening my belly is distended and feels really full like it did after my egg retrieval. Not sure what to think, some moments I think AF is going to show up. Wish beta two wasn't so far off. Prayers up for us both!

Posted Yesterday, 07:38 PM
Thanks runner, good to know. I think I'm set on mobap, but don't have a doctor picked out. I want to do the rest of pregnancy and birth as naturally as possible, especially given the very unnatural beginning.

I finally got a bfp on one of the dollar store tests, never buy those lol, my beta was over 88 yesterday and fmu still showed negative on the dollar one, but very clear positive on FRER days earlier and that one digital. Oh well, at least they were only a dollar and are continuing to help me pass the days.

Posted Today, 06:40 AM
Ugh, woke up again in the night with cramps, but they were so painful I was in a cold sweat and had to curl up on the floor for a while. Everything I read online says this is common, and I've had no blood, never even got implantation bleeding. Hope it's just my uterus making room for a baby or two, but sheesh, I'm not looking forward to that experience on a nightly basis. They only lasted like 10 minutes I think, but much worse than AF cramps. Please stick babies!


______________


My current forum signature line:

In grace, faith & love,
If Not For Noah

Me: Nothing serious. Late 20's/F
DH: Paraplegic. Early 40's/M
BLOG: ifnotfornoah.blogspot.com

IUI Before SIRM:
- 10/19: U/S & saline inflation found 3 cysts on each ovary & a small polyp in my uterus.
- 10/24: Hysteroscopy: Polyp & cysts are ignorable for now.
- 11/10: My CD 3 Blood test results: AMH: 3.8, TSH 1.100, LH 6.6, FSH 8.9, Prolactin 13.8, Estradiol 36.9
- 11/21 HSG- all clear... now!
- IUI Protocol (100 mg Clomid, 25 IU Follistem, Ovidrel, and Crinone) Had 5 follies @ 22, 18, 16, 15, 15. E2:1692, P4: 1.1.
-2/15: IUI 11:15am, only 2.5 mil good swimmers
-3/1: Beta Negative

SIRM St Louis:
- 4/24: Activated Natrual Killer Cell test and 3rd phone consultation with Dr. Sher. We're going into July IVF cycle!!!
- 6/19 Start Lupron (10 units) and Dex (.75mg). Taking both through July 8th, but Lupron reduces to 5 units after June 23rd.
- We have 98 mil swimmers frozen with 18% motility
- Baseline U/S and E2 on June 27th, Intra Lipids for NK+ July 2nd and start Follistim (225 units).
- July 4th reduce Follistim to 150 units and add Menopur (.5 vial) through July 7th
- July 8th ultrasound and E2, and add 500mg of Cipro (twice) to the Lupron (5) and Dex (.75)
- HCG trigger shot: July 10th, Egg retrieval: July 12th, Transfer: July 15th

- POAS HPT (Took daily from trigger) 1st +++ was 5dp5dt on FRER, then 7dp5dt on Clear Blue digital, nothing on $$ store tests till day after beta.

- Beta #1 8dp5dt : 88.5 (July 25th)

- Beta #2 12dp5dt: 565 (July 29th)

Back on the wagon...

Ok, well after taking a few months "off" we've decided to move forward with IVF... gulp!!! I've interviewed and researched the best Reproductive Endocrinologists in St. Louis and we've been debating over Dr. Sher at SIRM and staying with Dr. Jacob who has helped us thus far. I'll post my Dr reviews after we've made a final decision. It seems that no matter where you go in St. Louis you have to be prepared to spend $12,000-$14,000 by the time it's over, but the odd are in your favor since most of the well known practices do ICSI and assisted hatching for everyone. My husband and I have spend the last two months processing diferently... fighting a little... and questioning everything. He's less concerned about the cost of IVF and more concerned about the cost of raising a baby or two these days and I'm stuck on feeling like I'm going to the casino and putting $14k on red- if I "win" I hit the baby jackpot and if I lose- I've got nothing to show for it. We're doing better now, and have convinced ourselves that we're going through the same "stuff" every other couple goes through.


Yesterday I had a blood test done for "Activated Natural Killer Cells," but it will take a week to get the results back. My doctor does it for anyone who had a failed iui or ivf cycle or anyone with endometriosis. I guess it helps combat miscarriage when you know your test is positive they can give you medicine... crazy!

Here's my first forum post since the failed IUI:

Hello again! We had a failed IUI in February and took some time off to gather our thoughts, finances, and emotions. We've decided to move on to IVF in a June cycle and I got for my protocol appointment on Monday. I've interviewed the best REs in St. Louis and decided to stick with Dr. Jacob who did our IUI for several reasons... adding to my blog soon if anyone's in my area and curious. I have to start BCPs when AF arrives in the next couple of days. I responded really well to low doses of meds for the IUI so I'm praying that I'll have the same success with IVF. I had no side effects or issues and I'm scared to take the IVF leap, but so ready for our family. In a previous post I wrote my "ideal" situation to pass the time. I've changed mine a bit and posted it below. I hope you'll share yours too!!

In a perfect world, considering the cards we've already been dealt... My hysteroscopy goes perfectly well- like a pap or something simple (That was the case, thank God!!). My DH's SA comes back perfect and we can start treatment right away (Well, not quite, but we'll work with what we've got... low motility and volume). Of course, our insurance covers 90% without a bunch of red tape (Ha, I knew that wasn't an option, but it's my perfect scenario right?). We do one cycle of IUI and get pregnant with twins (Well, we didn't get pregnant at all, so I'm changing that to one IVF cycle). I have an easy pregnancy, look beautiful and glowy every day and have a romantic, easy, natural delivery. It's a boy, who we name William David Vincent and call "Wills" or "Liam" for short, and a girl we name Hana Junerose Arlette, and call her "JR" or "Sissy." They grow up to be smart, charming, and compassionate people. The four of us, and our dogs and chickens, live happily every after and leave thoughts of infertility and TTC forums a distant memory except for the constant prayer that goes up for the other couples walking in the shoes of our past. The end! (I'm still hopeful for all of these things!)

Not our time... I guess

I'm officially out! I had my Beta blood test this morning and just got the call- I regret taking it at school, I thought I'd already wrapped my mind around a failed cycle, but getting the call feels much worse than watching for a line that never shows up. They said my progesterone is really good, but HCG level was below 2. I am dreading the AF that is inevitable... We're not going on to do a March cycle, not sure if we'll do another IUI or not. 3 highly acclaimed doctors have said that doing IUI with any male factor issue is pretty pointless and that doing more than 3 IUI's is also, but then I see some people get BFP on their 5th... so many decisions.

I had hoped to do a really cute Easter announcement to my family- ugh, this is much harder than I'd anticipated.

1 Week past IUI, 1 Week till test

Ok, sorry it's been so long since my last post!! I took the trigger shot, and despite scary warnings from my doctor about it stinging a lot- I had no problem with it. So far I've still had no emotional symptoms and very few physical symptoms from any of the medication. The day of the IUI we went in at 40 hours past the trigger and completed the IUI with no pain- just the normal speculum discomfort, and it was over in minutes. No U/S or blood work so hopefully I ovulated? We only had 2.5 million "good" swimmers which is far from ideal, but we've probably sent at least one prayer up for each one!! That night I started crinone, progesterone suppositories and I've been on Vivelle Dot estradiol patch for about 10 days. The progesterone is making me very tired, I've been sleeping A LOT, and is making my boobs REALLY hurt, but no other symptoms. I decided to take a HPT every few days starting on the day of IUI to test out the trigger- I wanted to know when the hcg from the shot had worn off so I'd know if I got a positive pregnancy test later that it wasn't just the shot. Then I bought an undisclosed amount of dollar store HPTs so I could test everyday... I'm officially obsessing!!!

Today is my one week mark, halfway through the two week wait. I've decided that this daily testing idea was a mistake since I have several different brands of tests. Yesterday the $ store one was stark white negative and the day before the clearblue was barely positive, but this morning on a FRER I got a very very faint positive. I'm 7dpiui and 8.5dp trigger. I took 1 250 shot of Ovidrel and think it should be out of my system, but also know it's too early for BFP and now I'm going crazy! Note to self, be patient!! If I have to do this again (and God willing I won't) I will only test once- the day before Beta!! So, am I going to stop daily testing now? No, I can't, I'm addicted... what is wrong with me?? Haha, anyway, today is CD22, not much longer!!!!

IUI on Friday... my oh my!

Ok, I had the last appointment before IUI today! I have 5 final follies... ahhh!!! 22, 18, 16, and 2 at 15. I'm waiting for blood test results, but lining is 9.5... we're triggering today at 7:15pm and doing the IUI 40 hours later at 11:15am on Friday. They want me to start the estraiol patches tonight and the crinone progesterone suppositories tomorrow- day before iui and take them till BFN or 8 weeks after BFP.


_______


My results just came in, e2 is 1692 and p4 is 1.1 I confirmed about the progesterone and they say I need to take it tomorrow, I can take it in AM or PM, but need to do the same each day. I guess I'm trusting them, well trusting God, and hoping for the best!

CD11 U/S and B/W

Ok, I had my CD11 U/S and bloodwork this morning- they'll call later with the results. I've been using 25 iu Follistim twice a day and was told to continue using it till Wednesday- I go back to see if we should trigger. IUI is scheduled for Friday- CD15. I have 4 follies- 15, 14, and 2 are 13. Three on the right and one on the left.

I have a tattoo, get blood drawn all the time, and I've had surgery so I did not think giving myself injections would be a big deal, but I flipped out! My husband had to do the first few and now I'm fine with it, but there's something so unnatural about self inflicted pain! Haha, I felt like such a wimp!

Thankfully, I've had no side effects from the follistim either. Thanking God this whole process has been pretty smooth so far. I actually feel really great. My husband is going this afternoon to add to his "collection" and I had some tears when he hugged me this morning, but no mood problems with either drug or physical issues. Having said that, I don't know how people do this month after month! I will need at least a month off if we're not successful- it's so consuming I feel like I'm dropping the balls in other areas- this whole process is exhausting!!! Prayers up!


Bloodwork came back...

P4 is still less than .5, and E2 is 787. Oh, and my lining was 7.5 so I'm hoping that increases. I don't start progesterone suppositories or estrogen patches till Wednesday.

Honest.com

So, Jessica Alba has the cutest company with earth and baby friendly products and I'm entertaining the idea of doing an eco-friendly baby review to occupy my 2ww including comparing cloth diapers to disposible but earth-friendly diapers. I am also delving into Montessori and making a product collection with magazine clippings. Just wanted to give a few shoutouts to the companies/people I'm following and plan to be using soon, God willing!!!


IF Links:

www.haveababy.com
http://forums.fertilitycommunity.com


Natural Baby Products:

www.honest.com
www.cottonbabies.com

Montessori Stuff:

Ikea.com
ladofnod.com

Other Great Stuff:

www.zulily.com

Follow me on twitter for more:
https://twitter.com/IfNotForNoah