Assisted Conception (and all the bits in between) volume 7

[Italiangreyhound]

Hi ladies Pumplinjoy, Shirley, Lissy, Keziah, Womanly,Val, Late, monkeybumsmum, tametortie and Rowing* - hugs to you all.

woowa of course you can join us.

Choco and Horton and londonlottie do you still look in on us?

Can you all find us?

keziah sorry you had a bad and stressful day. I second rowing and hope all goes well despite problems. And good luck with the hcg results.
rowing welcome back from your hols. I hope you feel refreshed and revived after your windblown days on the beach. Hope your hcg is zero next time and you can start planning your next cycle.

And I am on 2ww but am spotting already so know af is on her way.
law thanks for your reply. Fingers crossed they can work their magic with me too'
Hi to everyone else

Hi all,

Italian glad to hear the thyroid is under control, do you feel better?

LAW it was worth it wasn't it! Can't believe you are having twins, I can pop round to give one a cuddle when you are busy with the other one.

Lucy yes windswept indeed! We were in Yorkshire on the moors so it was quite Bronte-esque [grim]
Spotting early can indicate lower progesterone I think, did you say that? Sory bit vague today.

Off t'shops (Yorkshire) to get some cleanser from Lush. Angels on bare faces, does anyone use? I've been using argan oil since seeing it on here, seems very good - big pink face.

Rowing - glad good hol and hcg down so low, not long to go now.My clinic is pushing SET's and I think if I could freeze spare embryo's that is the way I would go. If you want immune tests I got my gp to do 2/3's or so of level 1's. Might be worth an ask?

Well had HcG result today, 12,000ish so they said no need to have repeat one on Friday and they are booking my intralipid for me. They will see me for an 8 wk scan and I will see the Dr then (he will just see me around what he is doing, so not need an appointment) to discuss my medication from then on. So, that is next milestone to reach. Need thyroxine and clexane throughout the pregnancy. Pessaries and steroids until week 12. 2 intralipids by week 8. Don't know beyond that.

Tried to get gp appointment as hospital told me I needed them to check my thyroid level in 2 weeks, then monthly. Went to gp's (can't use phones, am deaf) they said "no appointments available for 4 weeks, unless it is an emergency and you can see him today." No, not an emergency but need to see in next 2 weeks. So they tell me, "Gp can phone you today, to see why you need to see him, then he can release an appointment in next two weeks for you." I got a little frustrated and said "I will either waste an emergency appointment today or you tell me how a profoundly deaf adult can talk to a Gp on the phone to book an appointment and how you meet DDA regulations to do that." Amazingly the senior secretary came out and released an appointment for me, but only when I told her why I needed to see Gp. Her initial response was "oh if you just need a blood test, the Gp can phone you and sort it out on the phone." The fact I kept calm I am impressed with. I said, you have disabled access (new ramp, automatic door all put in this year), can you please tell me how you meet DDA regulations for people with sensory impairments?" - then I got the appointment. I NEVER use my deafness, but how can I talk on the phone? Am awaiting cochlea as it is.

Sigh, I got appointment at last . Lets hope I don't need any more appointments without a 4 week wait!!

keziah- Well done you for keeping so calm. I don't know where you live, but it sounds like rampant stupidity and complacency on NHS are par for the course. I admire you so much for persevering, and you're right to point DDS compliance. I don't think you were using your deafness at all! Having a DH in a wheelchair, I notice more and more that the more I push, the more I get...but we deserve to get it! It's our right! As far as the spotting, there are loads of women who spot in the beginning and have a healthy pregnancy. You're certainly on the right medications now...I take clexane, progesterone pessaries, progesterone shot, prednisolone, AND aspirin. I've also had two intralipid infusions. Try and stay calm, and know that we're all rooting for you.

rowing- Welcome back from holidays! Hope it was lovely and restful. Once again, your descriptions always make me laugh out loud, especially the grim Bronte-esque one. Hopefully HCG will be 0 and you can get on. You've been so brave throughout the whole process, and well done for getting back on the horse.

late- Glad to hear you're doing well. I have a quick question. When did you start going to an antenatal unit? I think ARGC keep you until 12 weeks, right?

lucy- Not long now! I agree with Late that the treatment is tiring, but I found myself comforted by the intensity, like they were really keeping an eye on me. Hope AF is faking you out and a BFP is right around the corner...

Hi Italian! Hope you're keeping your spirits up...

Carebear and Scrummy, what's happening?

AFM, another scan today revealed a heartbeat! Such a relief! Only one, as the second sac is really small and nothing is happening with it. But you never know. It's a wait and see situation. I actually have a whole week off from the clinic, so don't have to go back until next Thursday. Tomorrow is my birthday, so seeing the heartbeat was a lovely present...

So many good news here. I will catch up proper over the weekend again. Having another mad week and running out of steam...DH and I agreed we need to book our holiday this weekend- huh!

Had couple of days of promising morning and late evening nausea. Haven't taken temp but feel really hot, so was kind of allowing myself to start thinking that maybe....but had (very) light spotting today which for me - just like Lucy is the sure sign of things to come. We'll see. Will be testing on Saturday unless it gets heavier.

Power to the people - I say! I hate it when they keep talking about us patients being able to be in control of our care in the NhS strategy when reality is so far from it. I finally posted my letter this week, so waiting to see if I get my little victory against the machine.

Hi all,

Keziah what a nightmare with your docs! However, lovely news that you have a nice high hcg and things are progressing nicely. I know you must be so apprehensive, but it does look good. Keep taking the medicine!

Lissy that is great news that you have seen a heartbeat, there's actually a baby in there.

Scrummy ooo, that sounds quite positive news, I hope this is your month! It could be implantation spotting couldn't it, it's around the right time for it?!?!?

I'm back on me bike, doing the exercise bike, that's night 2 of cycling and now going for gigantic walk. I'm hoping to get these bingo wings off before the next cycle.
Anyone else up for a bit of keep-fit (apparently nobody says that anymore, according to my DP)?

Happy birthday Lissy

Happy birthday from me too lissy what a fab present the heartbeat was

I'm on a get fit regime too rowing! had light bleed this morning and brown spotting for rest of the day so I fear it wasn't to be. First month when I didn't cry when I told DH so I'm making progress

Happy Birthday Lissy! And what a great present to see the heartbeat. You must be thrilled to bits!

Keziah you have had too many experiences recently of the system working against instead of for you. Well done for keeping your cool and what good news that your HCG levels are so good.

Rowing and Scrummy I'm up for a bit of 'keep-fit' (I'll be sporting the turquoise cat suit and a sweat band for our aerobics sessions). I've been going to pilates once a week (surely that's got to help my tummy a bit) and cycling a few miles a day. Once in a while I get my Davina McCall DVD out and prance round the living room like an eejit too.

Scrummy spotting is such a bummer isn't it. I think I probably do have low progesterone and hope that ARGC get to the bottom of it, although after my IUI, 400mg of cyclogest pessaries daily still didn't stop it, it's quite infuriating. Have you always had it? Mine only started a year ago, after mc. My cycles have never been the same.

Lissy happy birthday. Wonderful to see the heart beat, like a tiny flashing light, so cool.

Keziah well done on getting the appointment. How frustrating is it!

Today I waited all day for my GP to phone back on my mobile (as requested) and he called on the home phone when I was walking the dog! So I missed it! I was also phoning about a TSH blood test (result) and getting the OK to up my dose. My TSH is still not under 2 so I am thinking it will need to go down. Still no sign of a donor. Eating going OK, rather a piggy morning of cheese and things but not so bad overall.

I was at a friend?s today with quite a few people when one friend told me another friend (who was there) was expecting another baby (they both have three kids). I felt a bit pissed off that she told me, I would rather the mum-to-be-told me privately, not in a crowded room! To me that said that the mum-to-be had told others but not bothered to tell me (privately) I mean she is not my best friend or anything but we see each other on a regular basis and are on facebook and email so a quick email or message or even a text would have given me a heads up. A mutual friend announcing it in an almost smug way did just vaguely piss me off. To me was just a tiny bit hurtful! Was I being over sensitive?

What was good was that for the first time I did not feel too sad or upset. A few years ago I might have gone off and cried!

Maybe I am just a bit oversensitive, but it does say to me that these two friends today, who do not know we are awaiting further fertility treatment (but do know we have had fertility issues) have kind of forgotten that I may still want another baby. Maybe they think I should be over it by now! What was even weirder was that I was also holding a baby (another friend?s baby ? it was a big group) and I was totally OK holding the baby! Life is strange, but despite feeling pissed off (vaguely) I did not feel really sad. Maybe I am coming to terms with it all!

Italian sorry that your friend was insensitive towards you but I'm pleased that it didn't upset you too much. Some people just don't think.

Scrummy did you test today? AF is arriving imminently round here. Really hoped I could hold out until at least Monday (day 24) but I think she'll be here in full force by tomorrow, an all time record for the shortest cycle for me, 23 days. Bit depressing as they just seem to be getting shorter month by month at the moment.

Rowing been doing well with my 'keep fit this week' but then this afternoon DS and I went to the shops to buy some smarties to (ahem ) decorate some gingerbread men we made. While he was busy doing something else I surreptitiously opened the packet and poured most of them into my mouth, leaving just enough for his biscuit. Woops. Must try harder.

Keziah, Lissy how's things. I hope you're both feeling rotten in a truly pregnant way!

Hope everyone managed to stay dry on such a wet, wet day!

Lucy - no real symptoms, but a tiny little embryo seen today, 2.8mm, and a little heartbeat at about 6 weeks (sonographer said I couldn't be 6 weeks as measuring too small).

Italian - sorry for lack of sensitivity. It can be hard - I seem to have spent years around friends, holding babies, listening to "baby talk". Hope you have good news soon with DE.

Lucy did test yesterday, but as I guessed it was BFN and AF turned up in full force last night - was out partying.....I'm going to be really interested to hear what ARGC say about this spotting thing. My progesterone levels have come back 'normal' although I havent seen the exact value, so not sure if mine would be at a lower end of the scale. Maybe our bodies just realise quickly that nothing implanted? I honestly can't remember if I had this amount of spotting before I went on the pill, but it seems to be getting worse now after 11 cycles off the pill.

keziah how exciting. That must have put your mind at rest.

Italian that was awful and you are not being over-sensitive. I would tell them how that made you feel and it could be that they hadn't realised just how insensitive they were. We all do and say silly things at times and then think afterwards how wrong we were. I'm glad to hear you were ok holding the baby though. We had a couple of babies at the party we went to and DH was holding one and came to me and said - 'I hope we can make one of these' Just a couple of months ago that would have sent me home in floods of tears, but yesterday it just made me feel all warm and loving

lissy hope you're enjoying time off from the clinic visits

rowing Have you exhausted yourself with the exercise?

Keziah that's wonderful that you saw a heart beat. Hopefully you can start to relax a little now that you know there's a little bean in there and you're taking all the right drugs to keep it there.

Scrummy sorry AF got you too and what a heartbreakingly sweet thing of your DH to say. Mine arrived this morning. My progesterone came back as 'normal' too (42 I think but that was baout 6 months ago and it's got worse since then) and in one of my fertility assessment scans I was told my corpus luteum after ovulation was 'perfect' [teacher's pet emoticon] but still month after month I spot. I'll let you know ARGC's opinion on it. Appt is on Wednesday. Having day 3 blood tests on Tuesday with my Dr. I so hope I can go straight into my monitored cycle at ARGC. I'm bouncing off the walls with all this waiting. Especially when I can see my cycles getting shorter, periods getting lighter, I feel like my natural chances are slipping away . Where are you with your tests and appointments now?

Hi to everyone else x

Hi ladies. Would you mind me joining you? I am just starting off down this whole road and feeling somewhat apprehensive. Can anyone give me some advice on what to expect? I am 26, hubs 40. No children for either of us. I have pcos and pretty much no periods, and hubs has between 5 and 10 % motility. Do we stand a chance of getting pregnant with help? Beginning to loose hope now as been trying for so long! Booking at an appointment at ARGC on mon - anyone used them here? Thanks so much- and good luck to you all on your journeys

Hi Questiontime, and welcome to the thread. Two ladies on this thread got pregnant with ARGC's help recently and I'm sure that at least one of them will be along soon if there are questions you want to ask. My first appt is with them on Wednesday, so I can let you know after that a little more of what you can expect from them. Re your situation, I'm no expert at all, but they can do amazing things nowadays. Even with PCOS you have age very firmly on your side, so I'm sure there are plenty of good eggs in there waiting for a bit of help, and as for your DH, again all they need is one good sperm, and they have the people there trained to seek that one good one out, so I think you've got good reason to be very hopeful.

Hi ladies! Thanks for all the birthday wishes...

scrummy and lucy- Sorry to hear about the arrival of AF. Don't give up! Lucy, you should be able to jump right into your monitoring cycle at ARGC. At least AF's timing was right!

Italian- I think you handled your insensitive friend really well. I agree that you should point out to your friend that she should have handled things differently.

keziah- Yay heartbeat! I think you can't see a heartbeat before six weeks, so if you saw one, you must be at least that far along. I had a scan at 6w1d and my little lentil was 3mm, so you're not that far behind.

Question- I am currently almost seven weeks pregnant from ARGC. Ask me anything...

rowing- Well done for exercising! What else is kickin', chicken?

AFM, a bit of a scare yesterday. I've been suffering from a bladder infection for a few days now, and got antibiotics from GP on Wednesday. Terrible pain in my lower abdomen, and had some light spotting yesterday, so I immediately called the clinic and they brought me in for a reassurance scan. Little lentil is doing just fine, heart beating away, and doubled in size since Wednesday. Phew! There was some blood and bits (ick, sorry!) on the ultrasound wand, but the doctor said that it was absolutely nothing to worry about. Clinic took a urine sample, and no bacterial infection showed up (I've been taking amoxicillin, so no wonder), so it's assumed that I have cystitis. It's terribly uncomfortable, and on top of the morning sickness I've been feeling super lousy. But all worth it!

Sorry for BFN Scrummy but pleased you and dh being positive.

Lissy - so glad you had the reassurance scan and all is ok. Are you still on the amoxycillin? I am on it every day for my lack of IgA, 1500mg a day. Sorry you having morning sickness as well - apart from a touch of nausea last week I have remained ok, but bizarrely longing for such symptoms (yes am mad!!) . Thanks for info on when see heartbeat, that is encouraging. Long wait now till 8weeks 3 days till see our little lentil again!

Thanks for the welcome. I was just wondering how long it all takes? Decided to go private as have been told will take two years on the nhs and the success rates are much better. So if I book my appointment on mon, am I being unrealistic to hope that I will have had treatment by Christmas? Sounds like there are some success stories around with ARGC- those that have used them would you recommend them in hindsight? Thanks so much!

Scrummy so sorry to hear about the BFN.

Keziah good luck for Wednesday.

Lissy really glad all was OK. Thanks for your concern but really it is fine; there is no point in me pointing out about my friend, around me everyone is breeding like rabbits, I just need to get used to it. The good thing is I did not get all tearful. It is a new stage for me! Hope all is well with you.

Questiontime welcome, there is always hope. Not sure how long the wait is for things on the NHS as we don?t qualify for that and we are having donor eggs anyway.

Rowing how is it going, honey?

Hugs and baby dust to all you lovely ladies, you so deserve for it all to work out.

I'm very tired of the wait. Last time we were told 14 months and it would have been 14 months from start to finish but a blip happened which is rare (donor did not have enough eggs) and so it took longer. Normally, the wait time they give you is until embryo transfer and this time they said one year so we are almost into overtime (as of next week) and still no sigh of a donor. I can't complain, it's life. I just want it all over with now!

Lucy. Did you see the final!!!!!!! What did you think!

I'm sorry I've been a bit distant; I can't keep thinking about fertility all the time and I feel a bit left out of it all. I seem to be getting the emotions without the actual af!

Hugs to all

Questiontime treatment by Christmas is probably realistic. The waiting time for my appt at ARGC was 12 weeks, but I think I must have made it at a busy time for them. Lissy only waited 6 weeks. Then you need to factor in a monitored cycle and hopefully you can be treated very soon after that.

Italian I did! The two right people were in the final two. I do feel sorry for Helen because in every other respect she should have won it, and I do think you could leave it to her and she'd work like a maniac and make a success of anything. Tom is very sweet and creative, and I'm quite happy he won, although I can imagine he'll need a fair bit more managing than Helen. What did you make of it all.

Hope everyone else is alright. I'm steadily tying myself up in knots with anxiety about everything (mainly the change in my cycles suggesting that I am moving towards an early menopause, like my Mum and Grandmother, who both had menopause in their early 40s). Barely slept a wink last night, wondering what ARGC would tell me, thinking about donor eggs being my next option, wondering how DH might take to that idea blah, blah blah. Just wish I could turn my head off sometimes.

Questiontime - from what I have heard about ARGC I would go there if distance not an issue. I went to a Care clinic and waited 8-12 weeks privately to see a consultant, same as NHS. The difference going privately is that once you see a consultant they act, start doing things - in NHS is felt like one test at a time and go back in 12 weeks etc. However am thankful for NHS tests as they did save us a lot of money etc.

questiontime- Lucy is right, I did only wait six weeks. Depending on your test results and where you are in your cycle, you should be able to dive right in. Monitoring cycles consist of Day 1-3 bloods as well as Hepatitis B and HIV screening, and an ultrasound at mid-cycle. Depending on your history, they'll want you to do a full immunes panel during your monitoring cycle as well, which you can refuse, of course. I suggest having your day 1-3 bloods, Hep B and HIV done by your GP. ARGC will happily accept the copy of the results, and it'll save you a couple hundred pounds. In my honest opinion, ARGC has great results for a reason, so I just decided to go with the flow and do whatever they wanted me to do.

Hi all,

welcome Questiontime, sorry I can't help about ARGC, but good luck whatever you choose. YOu will get lots of great advice on here!

Italian time is dragging for you. Have you been given any other information about when things might start moving along? Would you still consider Spain as an option, there are some great clinics over there? I don't know what the donor situation is in Greece, but Serum, in Athens is very good and great for immunes and so on.

Scrummy sorry to hear about the bfn!

Lucy and to hear about AF turning up for you. Do you think one of the smarties hit the embryo on the head?

Keziah great to hear that you have seen the little fellow/ette. Must be so lovely for you.

Beginnings and Care Bear how are you getting on?

My news is I am now below 5, which is a negative result - finally! Sad though, that it was probably positive up until a week ago. Oh well! So I can now start taking supplements and folic acid and all the witch-doctory that I have been buying from Zipvit. Hops on exercise bike...