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?

Trying to keep calm is the worst when you have high expectations. I like the phrase cautiously optimistic. It's hard to not think optimistically, especially whenever someone tells you that you have to think positive for all of this to work...

Anyway, womanly and beginnings, I'm really rooting for you, and I hope that you're able to find loads of things to distract you.

Welcome to fretfree. Anything goes on here, so don't hold back. I don't really know about anything other than AMH...mine was on the very low side of normal. DH and I needed IVF because he is paraplegic and we can't conceive naturally.

Keziah- I know how you feel about the heartbeat. I'm terrified each week I go in for a scan that there won't be one there. But then I reassure myself with the fact that the little bean is the right size, I'm still nauseous, and my boobs are still sore. I'll be getting a scan a week until I'm turned over to the NHS. I have appts. with them on the 20th and 30th of August.

scrummy- Yay for good results! Now you have something concrete to sent to ARGC.

lucy- I bet you just can't wait for AF to arrive!!

Hi rowing!

Italian- In case you check in from holiday, hope you're having a fabulous, restful, and relaxing time.

AFM, having a bit of a crisis. I have been a hard-core insomniac for about 11 years now, and after extensive tests in America, they concluded that it's non-specific. In a nutshell, they can't figure out why I can't sleep. I've been taking Zolpidem for 10 years, and it basically works for me. But now that I'm pregnant, there are obviously some concerns. I ran out over the weekend, and I slept a total of seven hours over the three days. I've googled to death the medicine, and how the benefits of taking it must outweigh the risks. I don't know...I'm exhausted, and the thought of many more nights like the last three are too much to bear. Guess I'll talk to one of the doctors at the clinic....

Argh.

Lissy - totally feel for you, as I also used to use zopiclone for insomnia and haven't had it now since before I had my bfp! Hope you get good advice about it. When will the clinic hand you over to NHS? I go to Care this week and expect to be handed over then, at 8wks - though hopefully with more private prescriptions for the meds I need until 12 weeks (steroids, intralipids - 2 more maybe? and utrogestran pessaries).

Hi ladies, sorry I've not been on for a while, it's been pretty busy in RL.
lissy glad the bean's doing well. I'm sorry to hear of your insomnia, but if the medical professionals are telling you it's safe to take the drug then take it and try not to beat yourself up about it. It's tiring growing a baby and you need all the energy you can get.
keziah hello, hope your scan goes very well. It must be agony waiting, but it is a really good indicator that you saw a hb at six weeks.
beginnings lots of luck for your ec tomorrow. Really hope this is your turn for a bfp and womanly so hope it works for you.
No news for me, had progesterone test yesterday so will let you know what they say scrummy and day 1 or 2 test next week to decide protocol. Given results so far suspect it will be short.
Hello to everyone else x

Hi Lissysilver

I sympathise about insomnia - I have problems sleeping for longer than about 5 hours at a time, but nothing like you. Occasionally I take a Zanax/Stilnox combination, but have not done so for a few months as I don't know if it affects conception. You must be going through a real dilemma. There are quite a few threads on the Internet about people worrying about taking sleeping pills / anti-anxiety pills whilst trying to conceive or pregnant etc and the only thing I have drawn from them is that (as you say) you really need to talk to your doctor, as every case is different. I really feel for you.

On holiday at the moment, so managing to relax. Husband is being very good about not drinking too much local wine - although I have to admit it is very tempting! I have been off alcohol since June now.

womanly - fingers crossed for you - when is the 2ww up? You are the first person I have come across who is on the same drugs that I will be using, so I am hoping it will be successful for both of us.

keziah- I get handed over at twelve weeks. Until then it's a scan a week, and I continue to take all the medications that they've given me. I'm curious about my immunes, though. Will have to ask about that on Friday. But I'm booked in for two appointments on the NHS, a midwife one on the 20th of August, and an obstetrician one on the 31st of August.

AFM, scan and bloods on Friday. Nausea starting to ease a little, but still very present every day. Super tired, and DH snoring last night did NOT help! I have all of next week off, so that's going to be some major couch potato time...

That is good Lissy, great you have those appointments sorted. I have found out today I get to see an obstetrician the same day as 12 week scan to look at my medication etc. Discharge expected tomorrow, 8 weeks - so a scary 4 weeks with no one to contact.

Had a scan at EPU today - measuring 19mm with a heartbeat, so very relieved.

Keziahopes well done. That's fab news.

Thanks for the good wishes Lucy we're all systems go for the morning.....am weirdly wanting pasta for dinner. Should I resist the urge??

beginnings good luck for tomorrow!

keziah great news about the scan. sending you loads of calming thoughts for next four weeks...

lissy glad to hear your nausea is easing off. That must be adding to your tiredness. I can only symphatise on the insomnia in that I'm a total cow if I haven't had enough sleep. I'm probably not going to be the nicest person to be around if we do fall pregnant and I have a baby at the end of it

Welcome fretfree and glad to hear you're getting support from DH. Mine cut down significantly as soon as we started ttc, can't see himmstopping completely - ever!

Lucy fingers crossed yours is strong too. Exciting about the protocol...

Hi all,

Keziah I have been checking in to see how your scan went and am very pleased for you. What lovely news, It's funny (in the ironic way) to go through all you have been through and then have a natural bfp. Totally deserved if you know what I mean.

Lissy wah about the sleep. You must be on all fours. I have nothing to suggest, but am a complete night owl and I find chamomile mixed with lemon balm helps me relax enough to drop off, and exercise, sometimes breathing exercises (kind of meditation) knock me out. I know it's probably not up to the standards of medication, but you sound as if you are out of medical options. How are you managing the nausea.
You probably don't want to know this, but I'm telling you anyway. The one thing I didn't do for the birth of my son which I regret is going to a yoga-type pre-natal class, I think it would have helped me relax a bit more.
Also breastfeeding, wish I had known more about that. Obviously, that's just me, but I wish to share my wisdom.

Womanly good luck!

Hi to beginnings, lucy, italian,fret, scrummy and tortie

Rowing - yes, the consultant at my clinic who signed us off today, agrees with you, he said "I am so happy you got pregnant naturally, even if the finance people here don't agree!" This was the Director too!! Though it would not have been without the immune tests. One more intralipid at 11 weeks (last one at 7) only, which is scaring me - they have a light touch approach at Care.... think with Dr Gorgy it would be every 2 weeks so hoping it is enough. Steroids and utrogestran stop at 12 weeks.

Had a scan at ivf clinic today... measuring 20.6mm at 8+5 so very happy with that. It waved at us, awww.... Still a long way to go though, so mixed emotions.

Keziah, that's lovely. Waving already, so advanced!

Hi guys, I am back from hols.

Keziah wonderful news.

Lizzy and co, hugs.

Rowing any news.

Scrummy, Beginings etc, hi.

Fretfree welcome.

Hi Italian how's it going?

Welcome back Italian. Did you have a lovely time?

Keziahopes that is wonderful news! Sounds like things are going really well. Fingers crossed it all keeps progressing so nicely.

Best of luck for today lissy. Hope everything goes well.

How are things going for you womanly?

So we had collection yesterday and they got 10! Couldn't believe it!! Although they did warn me that some of the follies were small so they mightn't be mature enough. We also had a bit of a moment as DH's sample was fine but the count was only 11 million so not brilliant. They said that he could try again but that it was entirely up to us as the first one had prepped up well and they weren't too concerned. We decided it was worth another go and the count went up to 33 million!! With 85% motility! Morphology wasn't fab but with the other two stats we weren't concerned. Got the call an hour ago and we have five embryos. Booked in provisionally for transfer on Sunday with the hope that we get a call saying they don't want us until Tuesday if we can get to blastocyst. Acupuncture booked for Saturday and Monday. Started on Aspirin this morning and will start Clexane tonight.

beginnings- Well done you! That is so terrific! Here's hoping they go to blast, but five is brilliant nonetheless. Good luck!

Keziah- Excellent news on your scan! Hope things continue to progress...

rowing- I have tried EVERYTHING when it comes to sleeping naturally. I've done yoga, deep breathing exercises, a glass of wine, an apple, sleep diets where I was only allowed to sleep six hours a night, hops pillows, etc. etc. You name it, I've done it.

Italian- Welcome back! Did you have a fabulous time?

womanly, scrummy, fretfree- How's everyone doing?

AFM, scan today, and little one measured 21.8 mm, and I even saw it moving around! So cool! Talked to doctor at clinic about sleep medication, and obviously it's something that they have to run by Mr T. I said I only need to get by until I see the obstetrician at the end of this month, so here's hoping.

Have a great weekend!

beginnings - 5 embryos is excellent... hope you get to go to blast (we had 4 and went to blast with one to transfer, so you never know).

Lissy - fabulous you saw it moving.... Hope you get sleep medication sorted.

Hi all,

Beginnings that's fantastic news! You seem quite calm, but I can imagine it was all a bit fraught with the sperm count and so on. It's so nerve-wracking waiting for the follicles count and then the number fertilised and you have done very, very well. Fingers crossed for them all to get to blast or at least a good couple to get to blast.

Lissy nightmare with the wait for the sleep meds, but hopefully you will be given the OK soon. Being a professional-level insomniac will work quite well with a small baby though.
How lovely that you have seen a real moving embryo. Any names in mind yet?

Keziah how are all your achey bits? Can you go swimming do you think? My friend swam up until a few days before giving birth and she had a great labour and snapped back into shape after the baby too.

Italian 'allo mate! So what's YOUR news, anything about a donor yet????

Not much to add, just sitting in the world messiest house surrounded by smells. Smells seem to have developed in the warmer weather - pooo!

Hi all,
Lissy and Keziah congratulations on both your scans! Sounds like things are progressing really well.
Beginnings yay on the eggs! Hope you can manage to relax a bit and fingers crossed that you get that call on Tuesday.
Welcome back Italian, hope you had a truly lovely time.
Hi fretfree, rowing, scrummy, womanly.
I got my immune results back today from ARGC and my head is spinning a bit. I know zero about immunology but guess I will be learning pretty quickly. Some of you will probably be able to help me interpret my results. My NK cells were 14 (should be under 12), so that can be dealt with through medication during stimming. But my cytokine ratio was 34 (ARGC like it under 30.6). This means 2 shots of Humira and at least a 6 week (possibly more) wait. Mr T wanted it stressed to me that the test was only borderline high and it's up to me whether we go with the longer/more expensive treatment, but tbh, if I don't have the Humira, go for IVF and get a BFN, I'll always wonder if it was because I didn't have the Humira. Also, given the cost and my age, I don't know how many shots we'll give IVF, so I'm feeling quite 'in for a penny, in for a pound'. The main thing I'm worried about though is that if I have the Humira, but my FSH levels don't cooperate and I end up not having treatment at ARGC after all, and then the Humira 'expires' (only stays in your body for 4/5 months), it will all have been for nothing. I guess it's just a risk I have to take. Beginnings, as the Lister is my next port of call if FSH is no good for ARGC, do they treat immune issues there? This is so new to me I don't know how 'normal' it is elsewhere. It's all so complicated.

Thanks ladies. I said to my favourite embryologist today (who called to tell me the number of embryos), you ladies got me pregnant the last time, you get me there again, and I'll do the rest!!

rowing I was actually quite calm yesterday, I think because they were. They weren't overexcited by the 1st sample, and we knew the count of the second before we left as I insisted that we asked on our way out so actually, it was maybe an hour from getting the initial call from the lab to knowing the result. As I was still a bit dopey, I didn't really have time to stress!

Lucy I'm no expert on immunes either but they do treat them at the Lister, I actually asked my consultant how their treatment differed to ARGC and she said that they also monitor people who need it really carefully and treat appropriately and successfully. They clearly use a different measurement tool as they like NK cells to be below 20%, mine were 23% so just over, but when treated with steroids, the sample went down to 11% so they and I are happy to just treat with steroids. My bigger thing is still the thrombophilia I think, hence the aspirin and clexane. That also tallies with some stuff in my family history where there was someone who had multiple miscarriages. I'd ask if and when you get to the Lister.

lissy you are doing so well!! Seriously, you and Keziahopes are our good luck charms!! Hope some of it rubs off on the rest of us!!

Hi to everyone else! Have a good weekend all.

Thanks ladies. I said to my favourite embryologist today (who called to tell me the number of embryos), you ladies got me pregnant the last time, you get me there again, and I'll do the rest!!

rowing I was actually quite calm yesterday, I think because they were. They weren't overexcited by the 1st sample, and we knew the count of the second before we left as I insisted that we asked on our way out so actually, it was maybe an hour from getting the initial call from the lab to knowing the result. As I was still a bit dopey, I didn't really have time to stress!

Lucy I'm no expert on immunes either but they do treat them at the Lister, I actually asked my consultant how their treatment differed to ARGC and she said that they also monitor people who need it really carefully and treat appropriately and successfully. They clearly use a different measurement tool as they like NK cells to be below 20%, mine were 23% so just over, but when treated with steroids, the sample went down to 11% so they and I are happy to just treat with steroids. My bigger thing is still the thrombophilia I think, hence the aspirin and clexane. That also tallies with some stuff in my family history where there was someone who had multiple miscarriages. I'd ask if and when you get to the Lister.

lissy you are doing so well!! Seriously, you and Keziahopes are our good luck charms!! Hope some of it rubs off on the rest of us!!

Hi to everyone else! Have a good weekend all.

Oops sorry for the double post

Hi everyone. Having a bit of a crap morning today. I started spotting yesterday, at 8DPO. so of course I started thinking that maybe this time it could be implantation as it's too early even for me. But this morning I'm having the usual brown spotting that leads to AF, so that was very short lived. then on top of that DH tells me he forgot to send the registration form to ARGC for a week. I know one week is not a big deal, but it wasn't what I wanted to hear this morning. Not sure how my registration aligns with the GP referral either, which should have gone last week. No big deals, just crap morning.

beginnings 5 embryos is great news! Well done you

lissy that is so lovely you having seen the little one move. It's amazing isn't it how quickly human life develops. I'm still mesmerised by it all.

Lucy could you wait for day 3 bloods again to see what your FSH does to determine if and when to start Humira? All these decisions, it can be quite daunting. I've said this before and will say again, if only medicine was an exact science

Italian Hoppas ni har det det roligt hope the break has done you good and you feel happy and relaxed. any news from the clinic?

Apparently we're all supposed to have our happiest time of the year today - at 6-7pm exactly. I hope you all do too.

Hi Scrummy, sorry to hear you're having a bad morning. I can imagine that after the disappointment of spotting starting, the news about the delay in posting the letter topped off your mood. I know it's hard when any delay is excruciating, but as you say, it's not the end of the world and one week really won't make too much difference. I had my bumpf through from ARGC about the immunes drugs and it says that 'indicators of NK cells in uterine lining' include luteal phase defects and premenstrual spotting. Interesting eh.

I haven't started spotting yet, which is making me stupidly hopeful that I could be pregnant. So much so that I peed on a stick at about 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon 9 dpo . BFN. If anyone wants to slap me with a wet fish I will gladly proffer my cheek.
Thanks too for your advice re waiting for next day 3 tests. I think you might be right. I can't believe I'm saying this given how long I waited for an appt, but I'm really wondering whether I should move from ARGC to Lister. Only because I do everything to reduce my FSH in terms of acupuncture and diet. There is nothing else I can do. So if it has crept over to the other side of 10, then maybe I should cut my losses and move to a clinic who can treat me, and fast (and also from the sounds of it look after the immunes side, thanks beginnings).

To add to my crap morning (yes, I'm having one too) DH told me that actually we can't afford IVF for a few months. I know it's really expensive and I don't take it lightly at all, but he knows how long we've waited for this appt and how time isn't on our side. We're going to talk about it later, but rather than waiting I will ask to borrow money from my parents. They're not very well off, but I think they will gladly help us. The main thing that upsets me is it just feels like DH and I aren't on the same page with this.
Sorry, didn't mean for this to be a me, me, me post. Really wanted to commiserate with you Scrummy.
Let's hope something changes by 6-7 this evening!

Lucy sorry to hear you're not quite where you want to be. It was so exciting about you finally getting to ARGC, maybe your underlying doubts are just starting to kick in? (I'm assuming we all have them?) Maybe that's why DH is getting cold feet too and the money thing is part of that overall worry about the whole thing? It's a big ride and I get days when I think, hmm maybe I should just give it some time, but then I realise time is NOT on my side....And panic...I know what you mean about not being on the same page with your DH. That's how I feel, which is why I think I got so upset about the letter, cos it felt like it wasn't important enough, so he was able to easily forget about it IYSWIM.
When is your next appt so you can discuss your concerns? Isn't that when they would be discussing the correct protocol?
Interesting about the NK cells and spotting....thanks for sharing that.
Sorry about the BFN....we all get our hopes up with the slightest of signs so no shame in it....

Anyway, I've been to the shop and spent a fortune on mags, DVD's, Prosecco (might as well, seen as I'm not pregnant), ice cream, cheese and crackers,so I'm all set for 6pm!

Scrummy I hope you had a happy hour!
Yes, that's what I feel about DH, that this isn't the priority in his life where as it's almost all I can think about. He and I need to meet in the middle a bit. I think I also need to get a bit more advice from some professionals, namely ARGC and possibly my doctor too. Lissy, I'm still working out how ARGC works a bit, do I just call reception and talk to one of the girls about my concerns about taking Humira with possible persistently high FSH? Is there anyone you would recommend as being particularly knowledgeable and empathetic?
Hi to everyone else, hope you've had a good day x