Assisted Conception (and all the bits in between) volume 8

[lucylookout]

Looks like we need a new thread for Italian, Scrummy, Beginnings, womanly, lissy, rowing, fretfree, Teds77, keziah, frustrated and anyone else who wants to chat about assisted conception!

Sorry to hear your news "mojangles" and "level".

*Beginnings" - remember the time between private ivf clinic and nhs well. I paid for 2 private scans - 6 and 8 weeks, but managed to hold off after that until nhs one at 12 weeks, which I am glad I did as it is a long time between 12 and 20 week nhs scans and private scanning would have got addictive I decided! Have learnt NHS scan you when you need it, so trusting them now. At least after 12 week scan, you get mw appt at 16 weeks and 24 weeks when hear the hearbeat which is reassuring

Well had 3 days on gynae ward due to infection, so glad to be home now.

PS - thanks for good wishes. Until 20 weeks can't go to maternity type wards, so on gynae ward (people miscarrying, having ovarian cysts removed, hysterectomies etc) so not baby focussed!! At least the dr did find a doppler to check heartbeat. Only out as they short on beds, thankfully - have to go back if blood tests on Friday aren't lower (except I know where I have to go for them it will take 7 days to get results so will not go back) or if temp rises (mine never does!!).

level even if private ivf they recommend 3 cycles between treatments, which is 4 months... so it sounds fairly normal. Ovaries need time to recover between treatments for ivf etc.

Level you are a baby yourself, how wonderful to be so young!

Keziah< Rowing, Pocket and co, hugs to you all.

((( Level ))) I am so so sorry. I was really hoping your little emby would make it. How are you doing?

Italian come on it's up to you now! We need to get a BFP out of this batch of cycles!

Marmite if you check the HFEA website, I think you can get the success stats for all the different clinics. If you're choosing, it would be worth checking which clinics have the best results for people in your situation, as they seem to have different specialisms and areas of strength.

Keziah i'm glad you're home - people miscarrying next to you in hospital sounds like exactly the wrong environment to be thinking healthy growing thoughts!

I'm moving through the post IVF failure checklist with professionalism and efficiency. So far, I've: drunk too much at my sister's BBQ; attacked jobs that were banned under 2WW with reckless zeal (climbing on roof to cut back climber etc); spent a stupid amount on 3 months supply of manuka honey cos that will OBviously be the answer and now I'll conceive naturally anyway; burst into tears in Mothercare; engaged in rage-led retail therapy (a suede jacket and 3 slinky tops which won't fit if I even sniff an embryo). I just need to have an affair and I'm done.

As for if we'll try again, well, probably. But the thought exhausts me. We've done this 5 times, I've had 11 embryos put into me and one (miracle, perfect) baby has come out. Part of me thinks I should just count my blessings, and I know how lucky I am to have DS. But part of me just doesn't know how to quit. We did say this would be the last time, but now it comes down to it, I can't bear the thought of not holding a newborn baby in my arms again. It's all still a bit raw so probably not the best time to make decisions.

Quick post from me this evening, just to say Italian hang on in there. i'm sure your embies have worked out what a great mum you'll be for them and are therefore planning on hanging around. Good luck with the boobs :)

hi to everyone else
xxx

I second mojangles and now have my hopes pinned on Italian!

I'm a bit sad but otherwise fine. It's a strange process as I don't think most people have the opportunity to experience this sort of stressful process. My friends and family think I'm unusually matter of fact. I've only cried very briefly once when i first googled the implications of only having 1 follicle following an early scan.

At the moment I think everything will work out in the end. Maybe I'll feel differently after a few more cycles!

Mojangles absolutely not the time to make a decision. Try and get the drinking, creeper cutting, affair stage out of the way first. I think you are very brave. Have you looked into immunology issues at all? Just curious, don't reply if you don't want to. I am not sure how helpful it is for big analysis of things. It is so raw afterward.

Level hugs to you, you are being very brave too. It is so tough and yes most people have no idea at all. I even had one friend who was surprised that another friend (who had had a number of miscarriages) cried when she finally got pregnant!

Pocket I so hope you are right. I keep falling asleep in my Zita West relaxation tapes!

Yes, ladies would love to be the one to give the thread a B*P but I am terrified of even trying it!

I feel like my eating is going mad! I am eating so much. Today I had beans on toast for breakfast, eggs on toast for lunch, chilli for dinner plus I've eaten sweets, 2 bags of Wotsits, 2 bags of crisps, a biscuit and a chocolate bar. Think I am eating to distract myself from the treatment!

Keziah big hugs to you my darling.

Mojangles and Level- I'm so sorry to hear about your BFN. Don't give up hope! I second Italian's suggestion about immune issues...perhaps worth it to investigate?

Italian- I'm so excited for you and your two embies on board, as well as your frosties! I'm glad that there's a back-up plan for you in place. I hope you continue your 2WW in a positive and zen-like state...

rowing- November is so close! It'll be here before you know it...

scrummy- Appointment is just around the corner, isn't it? Can't wait to hear what your impressions are...

lucy- Argh, I'm so sorry about your cytokines! I know you keep hearing this from me, but have faith in ARGC. They really know what they're doing. A few more weeks, while it totally sucks, will be worth it in the long run.

keziah- Hope you're feeling better. I was also in the hospital gynae ward, after spending a night in A and E observation because there were no beds available. Not so great for your state of mind, is it? But glad you're home, get lots of rest and drink lots of fluids...

beginnings- How are you feeling? Am I the only one who had awful morning sickness??

Pocket- Excellent news about your mock cycle. As I said to rowing, November will be here before you know it!

weller- It seems that nothing gets done in this country without some good old-fashioned stalking, so go for it! You would think that these clinics would understand and have some sensitivity regarding the anxiety of Assisted conception, but apparently not!

AFM, I'm fully recovered from my ordeal, thank goodness. It's been a mad couple of weeks, and I've been running around at work like a crazy person, because it was Rosh Hashana last week and Yom Kippur this weekend. Have my 20 week scan next Thursday...YAY! Off to Philly on the 17th for two weeks. Can't believe it, it came so quickly! Think I felt the baby move this week. Passed it off as gas the first time, but then it happened again yesterday, and I'm convinced now that it was baby moving. Felt like little fluttery bubbles. The only other issue for me is the flu shot....should I get one? I've never really been a flu shot person, and I've not gotten it in a long time. But if I'm going to get one, it's going to be two days before I travel....what to do? What to do?

keziah!!! I meant to wish you well in m y last post but now realise I didn't. That'll teach me not to make notes..... I'm glad you're out of hospital and hope you're on the mend. I know you're right about the scans. Trouble is, then I have days like yesterday when I had a sore throat (often happens before my period) and sore boobs in the nipple region (again, often happens before my period) and therefore worry that something' wrong. Keep reminding myself that all a scan would do is confirm or deny that and right now, there's still nothing they could do anyway.

mojangles I think you need to add a good dose of karaoke to your list. Then you'll be done. I agree with those who say not the time for decisions.

level I'm 34 and married 2.5 years. My first pregnancy was due in may 2010 and it occurred to me last week that if that had worked, I'd probably either be working on or already pregnant with number 2 by now. Life just isn't fair, is it? I've only really cried once too. It was at the start of this cycle which was my fourth. Other than that, you just barrel on through, don't you?

lissy no real sickness here I'm afraid! Part of me thinks I'd like it as it would make me feel that something is really going on! Bit headachy and a bit nauseous but haven't been sick. The only strange thing that's happened so far is that last week I hit the back of my hand on the corner of my desk really hard and it was so sore that I fainted! I felt DREADFUL afterwards. Went to the GP who was very reassuring and sent me home to rest for the weekend which I did!

Italian everything crossed for you!!

lissy sorry no advice on flu jab. But a massive hug to you and a Happy Rosh Hashana land may your Yom Kippur be very atoneful, or whatever is appropriate,

Hugs to all.

Hi all,
just a quickie to send a hug to Keziah and positive vibes to Italian.

Lucy I hope this next humira jab - is it a jab? - does the trick. You are still on track, still on track

I am back on my exercise bike, but not very energetic, like a Sunday pedal with the local vicar in Holland.
Have head in sand about treatment, but really not much to other than book flights, which I won't do too early in case it snows - possible.

Just a quick note to say i'm thinking of you all - especially Italian keziah level mojangles and Lucy

Will post proper later....

lissy one week to appointment....

Rowing you okay? donor stuff on your mind - happy if you wanna share as i'm in a similar boat... Excercise is good, i've started to swim twice a week (only managed once this week tho). but its all helpful so keep up the good work!

ouch beginnings that sounds painful. hope you're okay now.

Lissy wow, 20 weeks, what a milestone. lovel to hear about your bubby butterfly tummy :) Not sure about flu jab, am wondering if i should have one too before my treatment. might ask my consultant next week what she things, and will let you know what she says...

keep positive level

i read something on a birthday card today - stressed is just desserts backwards :)

hugs to all the other lovely ladies on the thread xxx

Hi all,

Hi Scrummy!

Pocket I am pretending it isn't happening at the moment, that's how I deal with stress, ignore it! Not very helpful when trying to book a flight a day before leaving.
I'm still pedalling and really want to drop a few pounds before the transfer. How about you?
How are you coping?
I'm liking the desserts thing!

Pocket

Quote "i read something on a birthday card today - stressed is just desserts backwards"

LOVE IT!

Lissy - think flu jab recommended for all pregnant women and know my IVF immune consultant recommends it, as does Dr Gorgy. I have it every year anyway, so will have it as checked it out with my Gp... perhaps ask for a telephone consult with your gp first?

Hello all hope u are all well. My stalking paid off and I have been instructed to call on day 1 of AF to arrange scans so IUI could potentially be in a couple of weeks. Am now thinking OMG but although I want to be positive not going to get too excited. When DP results finally came back he was so pleased and is definitely feeling very manly! . From what I have read IUI doesn't appear to have great success rates but they want me to try it once before IVF. Have many of you attempted this already? Good weekend all

Phew! Glad that week is over. Finally some time to breath...

Italian you seem to be doing marvellously. I'm not surprised you may find yourself eating more, distraction or not. This process is very energy consuming and you will need all the energy you can get. Did the clinic give you any advice on what to eat/not to eat over and above the usual pregnancy guidelines? What does Zita say you should envisage happening now?

Lucy any sign of AF yet? How are you coping darling? We're thinking of you.

rowing have you booked your flights yet?

weller Well done for getting your results. Sounds like it was all clear for the SA. There are a few here with success with IUI.

lissy it all sounds so positive. 20 week scan coming up, you feeling that baby move, your health back in order and your holiday just around the corner. I love it when life gets like that at times.

mojangles and level my thoughts are with you.

Had my Day 3 bloods this week and nurse says they've come back as normal again- didn't ask for all the details, as will pop in next week to collect them, with the requested HIV and hep tests for DH and me.
Hope you all have a great weekend

Rowing have you booked your flight yet? im guessing that you're off tomorrow - how exciting. i'll be thinking of you this weekend and hope it all goes splendidly. looking forward to the update next week...

i'm good thanks - its a bit too far off for me yet.

happy weekend to everyone x

Italian you're about half way there now on your 2WW arent you? x

Hi all,
I'm still here, I'm still here! I have been told to start oestrogen when next AF arrives, so not going anywhere yet.
I haven't booked the flights yet partially because I'm not sure of the dates and mainly because I have had to cancel so many flights when things went a bit awry and I prefer to pay more closer to the time than lose the money altogether. It's quite tricky all this 'abroad' stuff, logistical nightmare sometimes. Really not into the whole idea either right now, it's just the stress and worry surrounding the whole procedure [shudder].

Pocket where are you in the process? Still investigating?

Weller well done on the stalking, but I wouldn't make it a hobby - too much sitting in the cold with only a pair of binoculars for company.

Sorry Rowing i'm easily confused . I know what you mean about 'the prodecure' keep focussed on the end game. it will be worth it.

ive completed my mock cycle - had three rounds of meds to get the right combo (think i had enough for an elephant in the end as the first two 'lighter' doses didn't work). i'm now being synced with my donor and expect the transfer in mid November. i'm terrified too if that helps :)

Hello everyone xxx

Hello ladies,

I'm new on here. We start our first IVF cycle hopefully this month. I'm feeling quite upbeat about it.

Hope you are all doing well and having good luck.

xx

Hi Emma and welcome. Good luck with your IVF too. How are you getting on with the drugs or have you nt started yet?

pocket how exciting. You really could be pregnant well before Xmas!

rowing I too am really apprehensive, but like pocket said, we just need to focus on the end result.

Italian how are you and paschal and cielo doing?