Assisted Conception (and all the bits that go with it) volume 9

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A new snug for us AC ladies

Keziah Hang on in there. I am hopeful the milk supply will start to come more the more baby sucks. Is he latching on OK? JUST an idea ... have you contacted NCT www.nct.org.uk they have a breast feeding line, also www.lalecheleague.org/ It's all about getting the latch on right, I am sure they have told you all about it at the hospital but it is essential to find a comfy position, to aim the baby right and make sure they take a big mouthful of boob not just the nipple. PLEASE ask for help at your local baby bar, or midwves place or hospital. It is worth it once it starts to go right.

Weller hugs and chocolate boobs back at you.

Josie Hugs and baby dust and to all.

I've started on the hormone to stimulate womb lining.

Keziah, I second Italian, maybe try to get more help if things aten't working. I saw a breast feeding consultant who completely sorted me and ds out. Even though I was doing everything right on paper, all it needed was a few tweaks from her and we were off. I subsequently also found a brilliant breast feeding support club who helped. I never got on with la leche, but that's just because my local lady is a lunatic! I don't know where you are, but if you happen to be in or near London And are interested in the bf consultant I saw, just let me know and I can send you get details.

Josie, Italian, I hope you both are doing ok

And a big wave to everyone else.

AFM, I had the 20 week scan at my hospital on Thursday and everything seems fine still. We're not finding out gender (after all we've been through to get here, as long as it's healthy I don't care!) but dh and ds think it's a girl and I think it's boy. Isn't it silly, but only now am I feeling slightly hopeful that it might all actually happen

Typos, tsk. On phone, sorry!

Lucy so excited for you. My lurking and not posting isn't working! I keep wanting to comment!

Bugsy sorry to hear about your day of torment.

I am feeling tired and emotional, very worried about EVERYTHING but have the tiniest glimmer of hope.

Josie, yes a lot of people turn to God in times of trouble. I do believe he is there all the time but at times when it is tough it is almost easier to see him! You kind of see the really important issues and just want help. But when life is going well maybe people just keep on with life as usual. I don't want to say anything to offend you if you are not spiritual or whatever but I also just want to share some of the peace with you. So for the moment just take what is helpful and hopefully I can send to you my very best wishes for you to have peace and courage at this time, the prayer reminds me "Let me accept the reality of this situation and have the wisdom and courage to take action where I can." Love Helen

Hugs to all you lovely ladies.

Really great news Lucy. xxx

lucy that is fab news!

italian and josie hang in there. You both seem to have had a really rough ride with it. italian are you still listening to your Zita CDs? No help? Did you get your car back? Insurance fights I not what you need just now. I hope it's all sorted now.

Thinking of you both and sending you loads of positive calming thoughts.

bugsy did you remember? How's the curtains?

Hi weller looks like we may be cycle buddies! April is a good month!

pocket sometimes the time is just not right - allow your body and mind guide you. The time will come

mojangles loved your postal story. I totally understand you not wanting to chAnge clinics. Not sure how you would get your immunes tested elsewhere and if they bring up anything, how to get treatment. Have a look on this ff thread for any tips www.fertilityfriends.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=242395.0

keziah sorry to hear you are still challenged with the breast feed. Please don't give yourself too hard time because of it. I can't give you any practical tips, but I hope you enjoy these early days with david despite it.

Hi andie and welcome. And thanks for sharing your story. Your decision will of course need to be yours (with DH) but I wondered whether you should put a list of pros and cons together and maybe a timeline for trying Naturally and a savings plan during that time that may at least kick start an IVF fund. That way the FET does not feel so dramatically as last chance?

zedebee welcome. I have taken two weeks leave from work, to cover the second week of stims and transfer week. I didn't want the added stress of trying to fit work around it. I don't have a DC to consider as we are trying for our first. I hope you come up with a solution.

My news - the delay has been one of the best decisions I have made. I am now over the infection and feel physically strong again. Being able to return to my fitness routine has helped with my moods too. Add to that the relief of things sorting themselves out at work and I feel like a new woman. Very, very positive and now looking positively forward to the treatments. My acupuncturist said I respond really strongly to the treatment and we have a plan to support my cycle. Now we just hope it all adds up to lower FSH and we're all good to go. CD 6 so a few days to go still

Just a quick update from me - got my scan tomorrow to make sure the buserelin has worked enough for me to start stage 2 - stims! Hopefully it has, once I start stims it;s pretty much all go from there!

Will catch up properly tomorrow - work is really busy

Hi everyone

Firstly apologies for my absence. Just back from a wonderful week in Cornwall. DH and I decided to steal a mini-break as he had heaps of leave to use up and we both felt it might be a good time, as hopefully starting egg-sharing soon.

Wow so much to catch up on. Of course a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to you Keziah on the arrival of your beautiful bub David. What fantastic news. I hope the breastfeeding improves soon and that you are otherwise enjoying this special time.

Scrummy you sound fantastic! Really positive and fighting fit, both physical and mentally. You've really motivated me to get off my backside (especially after the past week of cornish cream teas etc!) and get back to the gym and get ready for starting egg-sharing. April is just around the corner, so not long to go for you to start now.

Lucy fab news about your 20 week scan. I can stand you being cautious but sounds like all is very much on track. Do you have you boy and girl names picked out?

Italian and Josie , sorry to hear things have both been pretty full-on for both of you. The accident was the last thing you needed Italian but glad to hear you weren't hurt or worse.

No news really from me. Still waiting for green light for egg-sharing. Apparently clinic now waiting on just 1 more test. Got back from Cornwall and found that previous clinic still had not completed medical records. Can you believe it! By law they have to do it under 40 days and I was promised 'we usually do it quicker'. Well 45 days and counting. And they NEVER answer their phones. No wonder. Finally got hold of someone today who promised me that it'd be done in the next few days. Did explain that can't proceed with treatment until I have these for new clinic. Really not happy about it, but complaints procedure will probably take like another 40 days.

A big welcome to Andie and Zedebee and I wish you all the best on your journey. You'll find great support here.

And hugs to everyone else oxox

Hi all

Congrats lucy that 20 week scan makes it all feel so real :)

josie hope things pick up, waves at italian if you are lurking pocket hope you are ok but you will know when to make that next call. mojangled any more odd packages to post?

AFM had DS birthday party this weekend and I am knackered - a load of 5 year olds are exhausting and he was like a Duracell battery - on and on and on :)

So ....... Friday is consultation day - it seems to have come round quick and I have so many forms to fill in. I really have no idea what to expect, what they will do etc. I think it is because I am not sure whether IVF is the way to go or whether there is a middle ground first e.g. Something like clomid. Do the clinics assume that IVF is all you want to know about - so confused

x

Try not to worry Lexie see what they say. I suggest you go armed with a lot of questions and write down their answers because you may not remember later what was said or you may feel you wished you had asked something vital.

Sunng but of a slog for you and you are trying to do a great thing. Hugs.

Josie huge hugs for you and hope it goes really well, really hope you get to the next stage OK.

I had massive breakthrough bleeding like a big period, sorry tmi, and I have been feeling very emotional! And knackered, but the end is in sight and it will be this month. Just hoping now that at least one of the frosty snowflakes has made it through.

Scrummy fab you feel so well,

Hugs to all. And chocolate boobs

Dear Scrummy wow you sound amazing. I'm so pleased you're so upbeat about everything - in fact it gave me butterflies thinking about myself starting up again. I'm going to call clinic this week, try and get an appointment for next week to get things moving again. Thank you for the kick up the bottom i was needing!

Sunny aaaaarrrrrrrrrgggggghhhhh - I can't believe you've waited so long for all your documents. Are you too far away from the clinic to just rock up, demand to see someone and effectively demand for your paperwork? Btw I was in Cornwall week before last - we absolutely love it down there!

Josie will be thinking of you tomorrow. Really hope it all goes well, you've done so well with everything you so deserve it to be all okay.

Big wave to everyone else

Italian you poor love, can you get any reassurance from the clinic? I'm guessing that your FET is sometime this/next week. God bless it will all be okay - sending you lots of positive vibes.

Lexie Italian's idea of the book for your questions is a great one. i always take mine to appoinments as its so hard to keep track and remember everything. Try not to worry, you're in the right place to ask about all of your options... best of luck

I think that is the problem - I have no idea what sort of questions I should be asking

Am I so airy fairy because I already have a child, had a miscarriage at 40 so know the odds are not great on actually getting and taking home a baby and then chucking into the mix all the angst that goes into assisted conception......

Gives a big sigh .....

X

Lexie - perhaps you could tell them your history, if you don't know what to ask - such as have x number of children/pregnancies/miscarriages and when and the fact you have tried to conceive naturally/by any other assisted means for xyz lenght of time and it hasn't worked so you are seeking assistance. And if you have test results to share, perhaps give them copies etc... then see what they suggest for people in your situation (could be clomid/IUI/IVF/ICSI or further tests before suggesting a protocol). Also you could ask whether your age or eggs left (ie is it high or low supply) would dictate treatment (it may well), as well as financial reasons (some people know they have x amount of money so that can limit their options also).

Agree writing down everything helpful - we had a folder of all test results, notes from appointments etc.

Lexie I've found that it's easier to just come out with what you want to say - i.e. is it worth trying something else before IVF, if that's what you're worried about. After my initial consultation I found I had loads of questions and I wrote them down too, it's so easy to forget on the day, but you can always ring and ask another time. I found the doctors and nurses are so used to giving the shpiel they just reel it off, completely unaware that you're not following, so I have learned to stop them mid-speech and ask about anything you're not sure of.

Italian hang in there my love. Are you having ET soon or have you had it already? Sorry, my brain is a bit foggy at the moment.

My scan went ok (apart from a sore cervix as she couldn't find my left ovary at first ) so we're onto 'stage 2 - stims' tomorrow! Eeeek! Slightly excited that something is actually going to be happening (hopefully) soon. Got my next scan next Wed, so I'll be mighty nervous for that one, it could be all over!

Sorry not to name check, work is still really busy, will try again tomorrow!

Lexie I'm sorry I can't remember your journey to date, but thinking back to my 'early days' I didn't know what to ask either. I knew my status (ttc x months with DP, no kids, no mc, no visible problems other than my age etc) and where I want to be (i want a baby). And then I relied on the experts to join the two and tell me how to get there. I didn't have a clue about my options and I wholly needed expert advice. Are you happy to do that?

Josie Huge hugs to you. We can do it.

Jodie glad scan went well good luck with the stims
Pocket get yee onto the phone you do not need to have an early appointment. It is hard isnt it making that step again.
Italian good to see you 'lurking' thinking of you wishing you peace and lots of baby dust.

So curtains were a disappointment the man who pleated and hung them did not check they looked like 2 different curtains. Took photo to lady who made them she was not happy with him is coming tomorrow apparently easy to fix phew. I hate complaining. GP will do some of the tests forgot to ask about hep b silly woman. Bp up has been for yrs but previous GP thought it ok it was not at least now taking it seriously. And worms oh the joys. Other GP in practice has still not done referral to miscarriage clinic 4 weeks with a reminder 2 weeks ago not happy only want it as they authorise bit d and high dose folic acid. Enough about me.

Oops vitamin d

Sunnyg so glad that you had a fab week away just perfect for getting into the right frame of mind. Grrrr re your forms erc hope they come soon
Scrummy so glad it is all working out the best and you are in a really poitive place that's fabulous you sound so strong. Have just started at the gym has given me a real boost.

What does everyone do re exercise when doing ivf?
Happy Wednesday's to all

I've done it! I've booked to see consultant next week - am ready to get on the ttc bus again. Bugsy you're so right, it's hard getting back into it. I've also booked my first acupuncture appointment - she sounds nice and very into fertility. Am also going to check out immunes. Will leave no stone unturned!!

Bugsy I'm sorry things aren't going well with your gp. It will all come together. Keep on a them. And don't worry about complaining about your curtains, far less if a bother than having to look at expensive and wonky curtains. Hope pu get gem sorted.

Love to everyone. Hope ttc things are going alright.

That's great Pocket Hope the acupuncture goes well

Bugsy I can't horse ride anymore so my exercise is out of the window. I have every intention of taking some walks but I know how long that'll last Hope you get your curtains sorted

We certainly can Italian Although I'm going to have to find some motivation in the form of treats for after my 2 daily injections. Currently my treat is a kiss and a squeeze off DH

I'm absolutely exhausted today. Even people at work have said I look a bit peaky. I had to drag myself to bed last night I was so tired, but I woke up just as tired, and I'm struggling to keep my eyes open at work. And now I'm starting stims I'll probably be even more tired and run down, the joys! Although I worked out that if everything goes to plan in 2 weeks time I'll be awaiting ET!!!!!

Ah bless you Josie it all sounds exhausting. But hang on in there. ET in two weeks how exciting. It WILL be worth it.

Oh arse just lost long post with lots of personals! Here's the jist!

Keziah honey, have you had David checked for tongue tie? I had a terrible time BFing DS till he was finally diagnosed and treated at 3 weeks, when it was resolved overnight. He needs to be checked by someone reliable, eg a lactation consultant at a BF clinic (your HV can recommend), as DS's was missed by 2 doctors and 3 midwives.

Pocket whoo whoo, well done on getting back on the horse!

Lexie how about thinking of your appointment as a conversation in which you naturally ask the things that occur to you, rather than as a session in which a doctor tells you what they're going to do and you listen - the questions will come! Agree with the advice to write things down.

Italian just what you needed - not! Have the clinic been reassuring? Glad you're doing fairly 'active' lurking - we miss you when you're not posting xx

Bugsy the recommended exercise for IVF is walking, swimming and yoga. There's a school of thought that strenuous exercise pulls blood to your muscles and lungs and away from other places - like ovaries and uterus - where you want it at the moment, and anything impactive like running or trampolining is a bad idea post ET. I never felt like doing any anyway once I started the drugs, but I was always on short protocols - would have gonbe stir-crazy if I'd been on the long protocols.

Sunny your old clinic sound like they need a good kick up the whatsit! How dare they not answer the phone for you to tell them how crap they are!

Scrummy I'm in awe. Must get off arse and go for a run this week. And thanks for thinking to post the FF link for me too. It was actually there that I spotted that my clinic does arrange immune testing, after they failed to do it for my last cycle, and sparked off the storm in January. I'm still hoping to get it done via them with a bit of wheedling, but if not I gather I can get it done via Dr Gorgy in W London, as he sends donor patients to my clinic anyway. Great that you and Pocket have acu support too - I've found it invaluable. Now, down FSH, down!

AFM, I'm still waiting to hear the results of my gruesome post office surprise sample - it's been a week, I think I'm allowed to prompt the clinic now. Tomorrow's my appraisal with my boss, and I had been hoping to be able to tell him I was nearly 3 months pregnant, sigh, these non-milestones do keep happening.

Just a quick one again from me, sorry not to name check, promise I will start again next week; we're short staffed at qork so it's manic!

Started stims last night, was a bit sore and uncomfortable (and slightly confusing as I'm used to just one injection a night) and I'm a bit stiff and tender today but it doesn't feel any worse than the buserelin injections so that's great, I was so scared last night! So I'm officially halfway through the injections, phew!