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!

hope all are doing ok.
teds which scan is it think I have lost the plot.

josie so glad you had a great weekend and time with your DH
lizzy Hope things have settled and that you have been allowed home how is the cervix and your sugars.
sunny hope you are getting plenty of you time and plenty of rest. remember no heavy lifting, no hard house work including hoovering only gentle exercise. hope you have got lots of distractions
and to all

bugsy hopefully I'm 12 weeks today (fingers and toes crossed) so it's 12 week scan on Friday.

Are you going back for a scan this week?

Morning for everyone else x.

Hi ladies. Sorry about the 'me' post...

Finally out of hospital, and boy am I exhausted! They really don't let you sleep while you're in there. Friday I got my two steroid shots, twelve hours apart. The first one made my blood sugar spike, so I was put on a sliding scale insulin drip. The second shot didn't really affect me, but I was kept on the drip until Saturday afternoon. I had to have my blood sugar levels tested every hour, so no sleeping for me! Saturday I was moved to a different ward, the insulin drip was taken out, and I was allowed to sleep, yay! I have a follow-up appointment on Thursday, and I'll have my cervix remeasured in the next week or so. If it's any shorter, they are going to put me back in hospital until I give birth. Hope that doesn't happen! Will keep everyone updated.

Unfortunately, got home to an unbelievable messy flat...what can we do, it was being redecorated! It looks terrific, though, and I spent most of yesterday trying to set it back to rights. Mostly done, thank goodness, just have some bits and pieces to put away, but there's no place for them!

Teds- Good luck for your scan on Friday!

sunny- Glad to hear the basting went well...

Keziah- You poor thing, having to be back in hospital! Hope you're recovered and feeling better...

Mojangles- Glad to hear you've got your embies on board. Here's hoping!

Josie- It's nice that you were able to catch up with a pregnant friend without feeling so miserable. Have no fear, chick, you will get your BFP!

How's everyone else doing?

Hi gals

Lissy and Keziah , so glad you're both out of hospital - hope you stay that way now! and Lissy put down the redecoration someone else can tidy up, heavens woman!

Sunny how's the 2WW working out for ya? Mad symptom-spotting or blythe unawareness?

Josie well done, it's nice to come back to yourself when the emotional storm subsides, isn't it.

My trip was good, the clinic were fantastic, although really under the cosh with the horrible financial situation in Greece, but that's a different story. They transferred two 8 cell and one 6 cell embies. The doc thinks it's 2 boys and a girl - apparently cell division at the start of life seems to be slightly faster in boys than girls! Who knew! All 3 unfragmented and great quality so fingers crossed I can look after them. They couldnt have done more - they had me rest in the op room for an hour, not even moving me back to the side ward, and gave me an extra anti-inflammatory injection to make ultra-sure of nobbling rejection issues. Then I went back to the hotel and basically flopped and listened to the Zita West post-transfer dvd for 24 hours before flying back, so they REALLY should have had an unrushed settling in period. So 2WW here I am. Again.

Lissy sorry to hear you may have to go in again, but at least you know they are monitoring very closely for you. Yes, sleep in hospitals is not the easiest thing to come by - though I had my own room which helped lots, courtesy of my bacterial infection being an infection disease control issue!!

MoJangles wow 3 lovely embies... with such a lovely rest to start with .

Pocket just back from work thing and popped on to say how very sorry I am that it did not work out this time. I am so sorry. Thinking of you.

Thinking of all of you.

Hugs to Keziah and Lissy and all of you lovely ladies.

Best of luck Mojangles and co.

Wow Teds you're 12 weeks, congratulations. I can understand how you might be feeling but I'm sure your two little beauties are growing big and strong. Hope it all goes well on Friday

Sunny and Mojangles how are you? Hope you're managing to relax and stay relatively calm

Lissy glad you're out of hospital and were seemingly well looked after (albeit kept awake!). As Kezia says, it looks like you're being very well monitored but lets hope you're next appt goes well and you don?t have to go back in

How are all our other lovely pregnant ladies? Hope you and your bumps are doing well.

No real news from me other than my body is 'dealing' with the after effects of coming off all the pills (aka i am bleeding). When the bleeding stops, i'll go back for a scan to get the all clear... then in theory i need to have one period, then i'll start again at the next period...

Hi to everyone xxx

Hello ladies

I have been on several of the TTC threads but yesterday had docs appointment which now show that assistance is required from this point onwards

The docs appointment yesterday showed my levels were the following:

FSH 74.7 with lab reference of 23 - 116

LH 33.8 with lab reference of 15.9 - 54

My only concern is that these bloods were drawn on CD13 and having read into this (desperately clutching at straws) bloods need to be done by CD3 for base reading.

I appear to be post menopausal at the grand age of 41 years and 8 months - devastated doesn't even adequately describe it. However after sobbing my heart out I rang the fertility clinic in Cambridge and I am booked in for AMH on Monday and have consultation on 16th March to see whether we are in with a chance of ever having baby #2.

This afternoon I am waiting for a call back from my GP as when I left I could barely think straight. I had bloods taken in May 2011 and all came back within normal range and no problems indicated - how on earth can I go from normal to post menopausal in just 6 months????

What can I expect on Monday re AMH - is it a blood test? and then how do I manage that 1st appointment in March to talk about my options - I am petrified that Consultant will just say sorry love, no hope be happy with the child you already have....

Hi Lexie - I hope your AMH can reassure you. Could it be that the day they took your blood tests is clouding the issue and giving false information. I have never heard of those blood tests on day 13 - mine were always (and I have had 4 sets in 2 years) day 3 and then the second set of results was 7 days post ovulation (so day 21 if you have a regular 28 day cycle). So could you go to your Gp and request these tests again and go for the tests on the appropriate days? My gp did them for me, as well as at the hospital. Has your dh/dp had a recent semen analysis? As that will be needed before you can go down assisted fertility, if that is the route you go? And those tests need to be redone every 3 months, so worth asking your Gp to refer you for one now, plus the hospital can then order another one to compare results in March (saving you a delay later on, we had a delay with SA waiting, grrr...)

I am sure the clinic will want the bloods done on day 1-3 for fsh and lh . Are much easier to interpret at that time but fsh does look high would also be good to get dr to do day 21 progesterone. If your cycle is 28 days it is done on day 21 if not subtract 7 from the length of your cycle if they are reg. this checks ovulation. Are you having reg periods? Do you have hot flushes sweats?

Hi All

Lexie I'm no expert on this but your fsh does sound strangely high. Definitely as the other ladies have said there are more investigations needed. The clinic will definitely do these tests again, on the right days!

Mo how are you going bench friend? very glad all went well in Greece. When is test day?

Lissy what a worry for you dear being in hospital but hope you are feeling better and all is okay.

Pocket how are you doing dear? You are very strong. Sounds like you have a plan, which is great. Am a big fan of having a plan (must be the control freak in me!).

So a week to go here on the bench. Been busy so not too bad but of course can't lie, mad symptom spotting. What's that twinge - oh i'm just hungry!!
Very interesting had meeting with consultant (nhs) yesterday. Bit premature I know, as they usually don't do it until you've had 2 cycles and have the results. But it was either now or wait another 3 months for an appointment. So when I mentioned thinking about egg-sharing her reaction was quite amazing. She was totally for it. So much so, it was like, (if this cycle isn't successful) then 'do not pass go, do not collect 200 pounds). When I asked if she thought we should do a final IUI cycle, it was a definite no. Just get your skates on and get to egg sharing.

So I feel great to know my plan is good. Of course fingers crossed we don't need it, but if we do.........

Hope everyone else okay. Hugs to all oxo

Hi everyone,

Welcome Lexie, I second what the others say. Try to get the tests done again on day 3. It seems extremely unlikely that you would have gone from 'normal' to post menopausal in 6 months. As Bugsy says, have you had any unusual symptoms, are your cycles any different? I was under the impression that the perimenopausal phase lasted a while, and isn't menopause itself diagnosed by the absence of a period for one year (my Mum and grandmother had menopause at 40, so I've done a bit of research). Something sounds amiss to me.

Keziah and Lissy, sorry to hear of your complications and hospital stays, but remember, you're on the home stretch now girls! You're nearly there!!

Lissy, I had my cervix measured for the first time at my NHS 12 week scan. I never had it with DS, so was very pleased they check it routinely. Given your experience though I'll make sure they keep checking it.

Teds, lots of luck with your 12 week scan tomorrow.

Bugsy, have you had another scan this week?

Pocket, how are you my dear? I hope you're coping OK with the physical side of things. Sounds like the next attempt will come around quite soon, so hopefully that's something positive to focus.

Mojangles, lots and lots of luck on your 2ww. It sounds like it went more smoothly and was more relaxed than last time, so have everything crossed that it all works out for you.

No news from me (gladly). My 12 week scan was at UCLH and I have to say they were brilliant. If anyone is in North London and UCLH is a consideration I absolutely recommend it. They were great when I had DS, but have now moved into a nice, new, clean and shiny building so it's altogether a nicer experience. I'm am still just about in my normal clothes, although I worked out yesterday that I think it's because my stuff is usually quite low and sits on my hips. What's happened over the last couple of weeks is that the waistbands have crept upwards to my ribcage, giving me a slightly insane tweedledum look, which is quite definitely not the look I'm going for! I'll have to rethink my wardrobe a bit, but I'm still determined to keep it all as quiet as possible until after the 16 week scan, and if things are OK I'll tell people then.

teds good luck for tomorrow is your scan am or pm. I am sure you are brimming with excitement and nerves hope you get beautiful fun views of both x
lucy lol at your description of yourself. Glad scan went well must have been lovely. How are the symptoms? How come you have got a 16 week scan?
sunnyg and mojangles hope the 2 ww is not too draining try not to symptom watch as you get them all inc af cramps with progesterone and pregnancy.
Pocket thinking of you.
My repeat scan is on Tuesday I must say I have found these last few weeks far worse than 2 ww wonder if and when I will relax.
Hope all have a relaxing evening

Lexie hugs to you, it sounds like you?ve had a horrible shock. I second the others about getting a view from the clinic about the date for your FSH test. Normally it?s done at the start of the cycle to get a view of how much work your body is having to put into jump starting your ovaries (if it?s high they?re not responding well). However, I think I?ve read that if it continues to be high into the second part of your cycle, ie, hasn?t been supressed by the normal balancing between different hormonal phases, that?s a sign of reduced fertility- but don?t take my word for it, ask the clinic. AMH is a simple blood test and should be a more accurate indicator of ovarian reserve. And even if it?s bad, don?t panic! They?re very unlikely to say bugger off and be happy with DC1. You still have options! Me and several ladies on here are going through donor egg cycles, for example, and I have a 1 y.o. donor egg DS, which having stood where you are now 2 years ago feels like a miracle every day. This might not be the path you go down but I?d be more than happy to talk to you about it.

Italian welcome back, Chickie.

Pocket you?re phenomenal. It?s always a bitch of a bleed after a failed cycle, so I imagine this one?s even worse.

Sunny fantastic that you?ve got such good support going forward. But won?t be necessary, given you?re less than a week away from your BFP

I?m going through my usual 2WW drug-crazed pessimism and crippling brain fog. Or I was, until yesterday. I don?t think large doses of progesterone are good for me, its like ultra mega PMS. Now I?ve got that tingly 3 cups of coffee jangledness, which might be a) another drug thing, b) a 2WW stress thing, c) my acupuncturist?s theory that my energy is saying hello to the embies energy as we get to know each other. I prefer c). Testing a week today eek.

Lucy two words: trouser bands. You can order them online and they allow you to wear your normal trews with an elastic panel in the fly, buying precious weeks of normalness

Teds good luck tomorrow!

Just a quickie from me to wish lovely Teds lots of love and luck for tomorrow. go twins go xxx

teds hope all goes well for you tomorrow.

Hello everyone I'm back in the game. Copious amount of drugs delivered today and I start short protocol in a few days once AF arrives. This is it and I am starting to poop it a little but also excited

Lexie those bloods need to be done day 1-5 so repeat repeat repeat. Re AMH friend has level of 0.53 and is 43 she is 10+2 natural conception so whatever your result do not give up. (her scan on tues was ok).
Hope you get some sleep teds
Night all

Actually yesterday and today I feel quite calm and composed - I think it was just a shock being told that basically my ship has sailed.

However I have got the receptionist digging through my notes searching for my previous levels over the past couple of years and the GP has agreed for me to have CD3 blood tests with the warning not to get my hopes up - next week I have nurses appointments booked in every day to get these blasted blood samples :) I honestly cannot believe that my body has given up the ghost in such a relatively short time

My info pack arrived from the Bourne Hall Clinic this morning so now I am all set for Monday. DP is still going ahead with his NHS SA - he has to do that Wednesday so as he has been at home today we have just lazed about in bed as child was out of the way :) :)

So..... in my new positive frame of mind I am eternally grateful for having one perfect healthy ratbag of a child (who incidentally is having his picture published in Peppa Pig magazine soon as he made a PP fire engine!!!!) and being open minded with what can be achieved or not achieved in the next few months. I am hitting the gym, following my Slimming World diet exactly as I need to lose about 3 stone in total but want to shift a stone by my appointment in March.

My history to date... I am 41 and will be 42 in May, had DS in 2007 with no assistance required however in hindsight we had not used protection in years and tbh honest as we have been together 12 almost 13 years bedroom activity was not what it was :) and he was not planned. 2010 started thinking another baby would be nice and nothing happened so had basic bloods done and all came back good - we were not DTD enough and when we scheduled things properly I fell pregnant naturally. Had 12 week scan in Sept 2010 to discover blighted ovum and had to have D&C. I was fine with this as I knew risk of miscarriage was 1 in 4 aged 40 and above and just told myself I was boosting the statistics that day - quite flippant aren't I? Then my periods never, ever got back to normal - I was having very short cycles - 19/20 days if I was lucky I went to 23 and occasionally a real spanner in the works and closer to 6 weeks. I had more bloods in May last year that were fine and my doc said see me in 6 months if still an issue which brings us to present time.

I am BBT temping (started properly in November cycle) which this month has shown I have not ovulated but last month it did - I just thought I was anovulatory..... and also using CBFM which again indicated ovulation last month and not so much as a high this month it has all been lows. I am hoping that by March I should have a good few charts showing what my body is doing.

I will read all the back posts at some point but thanks for being so welcoming on the thread

Lex x

Hi All,

Lovely good news day for me - both my LOs all present and correct and very low risk for Downs. Very happy though still very nervous about it all.

Lucy glad to hear your scan was all fine too. I'm doing okay in the trouser department but my bust is busting my coat open! The coat's from my wedding when I was substantially skinnier than I have been for a while anyway and the recent growth is the final straw!

Lexie I second (third?) was others have said about the tests needing to be day 3. On day 3 my FSH is about 9.5 but when it was tested on day 6 it was 17.

weller yay for starting again! Really hoping it all goes well.

Pocket thank you for your wishes. You sound like you are being incredibly strong. Am also very pleased that it sounds like a plan being formulated for next time x.

mojangles glad to hear the triplets are on board. Am sending you snuggly vibes.

sunny glad the consultant appointment was so positive but also hoping that you don't need it and the IUI magic has already been worked.

Keziah and Lissy glad you are both safely out of hospital and Lissy hope all went well at the check-up yesterday?

bugsy wishing you all the best for Tuesday - and agree on the 2ww comment. The worry and anxiety seems to continue with every step you take.

Waves to Italian and Josie and all the other ladies I haven't namechecked, hope all is well with you x.

Fab news Teds, what a good day for you!

Great scan result Teds

Gosh - just heard news about the pseudomonos infection in a hospital in Belfast - that is the infection that I was treated for in hospital ~(not Belfast), hearing mortality rate did not cheer me up!!

Teds fantastic news
Keziahopes hope the news story hasn't unsettled you too much

Teds or anyone else how long did you take the progesterone for ?

Yay Teds, glad to hear your scan went well!

Lexie- Definitely do day 3 bloods. That's all I was ever told.

lucy- Glad your scan went well, too. I confess, I'm still wearing my own clothes at 34 weeks (except for a pair of maternity jeans from Old Navy I got while I was in America), but then again, everything is worn BELOW the belly, and has elastic waistbands.

pocket- I really admire your strength and attitude, and I'm so happy that you'll be trying again.

Mojangles- Hope your 2 WW is very zen. I know, I know, rest and let others do for me, but this flat was such a tip that there was no way I could relax until everything was put in its proper place. Thankfully, we're 95% back to normal, and clean, which is quite a relief.

weller- Back on the horse! Woo-hoo! Keep us posted and hopefully everything will go very smoothly.

bugsy and keziah- How are you feeling?

sunny- Good that your appointment went well, and even better that your consultant is so supportive of your egg sharing. It's just one more person in your support network, isn't it?

scrummy, Italian, Josie- How are you? Sending you big hugs...

AFM, appointment was ok. Found out I have a bladder infection, which explains the cramping pains, pressure, and nausea that I've been feeling the last few days. On antibiotics for the next week. Because of the bladder infection, the docs needed to take a gander at my cervix, since I'm a high risk for preterm labor, so in the speculum went...not pleasant. Thankfully I'm not dilated at all. Insulin dose was raised again, and hopefully this will be the end of medication adjustment. Was put back on cyclogest pessaries, again because of the risk of preterm labor, and I'm having another cervical measurement done on Tuesday. That's an important measurement, as it will determine whether or not I will be admitted to the hospital until I give birth. I'm really proud of myself, as I haven't felt an ounce of panic about this whole situation. Mainly because I know if the baby was born now, it would be completely fine, and also because the consultants have reassured me how normal this whole situation is....the gestational diabetes is a very common thing, and having a short cervix raises the risk for preterm labor.

Have a lovely weekend everyone!