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Conception

When's the best time to get pregnant? Use our interactive ovulation calculator to work out when you're most fertile and most likely to conceive.

TTC 10+ months, Part 11

999 replies

buzzybee123 · 05/11/2012 19:55

A very friendly and supportive thread for those taking way longer than they had ever expected to make a baby.

OP posts:
akuabadoll · 16/11/2012 13:35

Sorry that message was for nelly I don't mean to bore with me egg details. I know what you mean about 'learning the wrong stuff'. I guess it's because every reaction is different. Thanks euro yes it was fine in a low expectations kind of way, will be back with promised EC report.

joycep · 16/11/2012 14:12

Nelly ? i haven?t got to your stage yet but others have great points. I know the literature i was given the other day by my clinic suggests that there is a huge difference in the rate people stim. So 5 days is still early days.

Doll ? well done on getting ec done. when do you hear how the beirut4 are doing/?

Sar ? thanks for the kind words. But i?m really sorry to see that your manager is being difficult. Lots of good advice on here. Does your new place want to start asap? Would you prefer to have your op before starting your new job or is that just not going to be possible? And how many dpo are you? sorry you have been so uncomfortable this month. do you drink plenty of water?

Art ? happy birthday and hope all goes well toay.

Gin ? big squeeze, hoping your grumblings are just gord and saph bedding in.

Pout ? have you heard anything more about your ivf referral? When do you think things will kick off for you?

Heart ? that?s wonderful news! really really thrilled for you.

Mrsmellow ? that?s great that all is looking positive so far. Hopefully the next few weeks will speed on by.

I normally get 2 days of brown gunk at the end of my period but strangely on antibiotics i have gone from red to dead for the first time ever. Intriguing.

Anyway thank f* it?s Friday.

CritterPants · 16/11/2012 14:56

nelly as euro says, it took absolutely ages for me to get my eight eggs on the cancelled injectibles cycle. I was stimming for 20 or 21 days as I recall. So 5 days is no time at all! Although I remember having a meltdown after about 14 days when there wasn't anything and the nurse looked worried. Please hang in there my lovely, honestly, some of us are just slow growers, but things can shoot up very fast. Incidentally, the doctor told me that this is a common pattern in some women (especially those who don't ovulate regularly, like me) - they 'flatline' for ages and then suddenly, perhaps with only a tiny tweak in drugs, their hormones skyrocket and they produce a bunch of eggs in one go very fast. Whereas with other women, it's more of a steady rise. Hang in there!

doll hooray for the Beirut 4! And as ever, you continue to have me in awe of your steady approach to all this. I hope you can get some relaxation in this weekend - and that Ken can take poupye off your hands for a little. Absolute champ.

mellow that is wonderful news about the scan - big hand squeeze in the meantime and fingers crossed for the next one!

rabbit it's nearly the weekend, hooray - sounds like you are exhausted so be sure to take it easy this weekend.

joy very interesting about the antibiotics and their effect on AF. Curious.

gin I hope you are ok and managing this stressful wait. Come on Gordon and Sapphire!

heart that's brilliant news, I am so pleased!

cosmos lovely to see you back here, hope all is well.

buzzy it sounds like you might be ivf-ing around the same time as joy, mrd, euro and yours truly, hurrah! Kayla sounds like she is being her usual naughty self. Smile

ArtemisTheHunter · 16/11/2012 15:16

Hurrah for the Beirut 4 Doll. How are you feeling after the op? Looking forward to comparing notes. I'm just trying to figure out how long I was stimming. I make it 10 days so somewhere in the middle of the scale. I had a growth spurt at the start but then the follies slowed down. The embies seem to have done the same thing! Nelly don't worry, everyone grows at different rates, they may need to adjust your drug doses as well. They may have been cautious with the initial dose to avoid OHSS which would be a good thing. I just seem to be lucky in that they hit on the right dose first go. As Euro said, Critter's experience shows how quickly things can change! Also, like Euro I had an uber-long period while i was stimming, lasted nearly a fortnight.

Mellow I'm really pleased the scan reassured you, looking forward to more good news from you at the next one!

Gin how are you doing? I am quite sanguine a few hours after ET but that might be because I was awake at 4am so too tired to worry much! It feels strange that all the activity is over and i have nothing to do now but wait.

Everything went fine this morning. They have put back two embies, both grade 2/3 so not brilliant but the embryologist said they can't use the state of an embryo one day to predict how it will be the next. Mr A was twitching a bit about the twins issue but since the most likely statistical outcome still remains a BFN we just went with their recommendation - twins are unlikely given my extreme age (they said, but not in so many words). We have opted for them to culture the remaining ones to Monday to see if we can get any blasts to freeze. They thought it would be borderline but because we have a few left we decided to give them the chance. i didn't like the idea of just binning them!

The procedure itself was weird. I was told it would be like a smear but it wasn't really. I was on a bed tilted back with my legs stirrups, and they use the same clamp thing to hold you open, but there the resemblance ends. It was painful-ish but more weird actually and nowhere near as bad as the HSG. Actually the most uncomfortable bit was the nurse pressing the ultrasound on my very full bladder! They get the catheter in first then the embryologist gets the embryos ready in a long tube so there is a bit of faffing about, first while they make sure they're in the tube then again afterwards while they make sure they're not in there any more. Mr A was in the room with me (firmly at the head end) and could watch on the ultrasound screen. The staff were brilliant and I was mostly left in awe at the wonder of science. We were shown our two embies on a screen and given a picture to take away! Rest assured that will not be appearing on facebook any time soon :)

Thanks for the birthday wishes everyone. It's been a strange one! also the first sober birthday I've had in over 20 years :). I'm at my desk now but it's an afternoon of gentle faffing rather than hard slog and I don't plan to do much this weekend definitely not visiting the bloody inlaws.

Oh one more thing - this might interest you Rabbit - before he did the transfer the embryologist asked if I've always been slim. I've been pretty much the same weight for the last 15 years. He advised Mr A to 'feed me up' a bit over xmas. Apparently pregnancy likes you to have a layer of body fat. My BMI is 20-21 and I'm hardly skinny, and I'm not thrilled at the idea of putting on weight because it will all land on my arse but that's what he said Hmm. I might wait to see if I'm actually pregnant before hitting the Reese's peanut butter cups. Actually I recall from the meet, and I think people have said on here, quite a few of us are at the lower end of the BMI scale aren't we?

So on that note - off to acquire some cake. There's enough for everyone Smile. Thanks for all your support over the last few weeks, you are all fabulous Thanks

rabbitonthemoon · 16/11/2012 15:31

Afternoon. I have worked like a trooper from the safety of my own home and i throw the towel in as of 3 o clock. Woo hoo, weekend! Apart from triaging the e-mail post school rush..

Anyway, how much better I feel for a 9 hour sleep!! I sleep like crap in the run up to my period, not sure why. It's nearly over now, onwards with another month of futility! I have read two threads today that have made me feel both amazed at how quickly people conceive and how fecking long it takes others.

nelly early early days. Poor bedside manner to ask about the amh, for gawds sake, look at the notes woman! I am sure that this is all alright and you will be surprised at how things develop (critter). My bladder fills as they look at me and I've had hours of dildocamming this year! I think it is the nerves, like when you need a wee a bit more when you're nervous, makes it fill more quickly. That's what they told me anyway. I usually have to keep getting dressed to go and wee again. So, don't add bladder to the frets! And you are NOT a failure. You are lovel, funny, hobbly, baking and kind nelly capable of wedding and ivf simultaneously - you are amazing!

art happy birthday. Or bumday as we have always called it in my family. I hope it all went smoothly and that you are able to do something suitably post ET birthday like? The fertility gods do like a laugh with their timings.

doll hope you are feeling OK, I think euro is spot on at you being our anti drama queen.

joycep do you feel OK on the antibiotics? I forget now, is that for the hidden c?

mellow and heart so pleased for you both, it must be a massive relief. May the next 8 months or so be as free from stress as possible.

pout I second going out for xmas! Any luck with the house hunting?

euro I have never ever thought I'd like to shoot. I have poor hand eye co-ordination at the best of times. BUT something that would feel like an achievement and also shooting something right now(sounds worse than I mean) really appeals! The only person I can think of who would like to shoot even less than me was Hare, but when I told him I wanted to he was well up for it! So rabbit and hare are going shooting, maybe not for birthday but it will be on my New Year list of 43 things (anyone else do this? I love it, have a google).

sarlat how you doing lovely? I so feel for you with the job stress. I feel like I can just about manage ttc doomy thoughts and keeping things normal and not sinking into a pit and usual work stress. But when the work stress tips too much it makes me feel a bit crazy. I hope you have some supportive colleagues too to offload onto and to offer advice.

gin keep going, I can only imagine how long these days feel. But womble grumbles really could be anything. I'm sure it might respond a little to having had a little tube in there, I even get grumbles after a smear, maybe they are just grumpy buggers. I know mine is. Hug.

critter wave. Do you do good thanksgiving things?

lemon sending out a love - i think maybe you are on hols.

buzzy my rabbit once at an entire bag of treats that he had pulled out of the cupboard. I think it gave him a treat hangover as he didn't eat another for ages and spent the whole day quiet in his cage. He also used to eat (dry) catfood when no one was looking. It made him quite fat and it took me a while to figure out why he'd got so very podgy. Bad carnivorous bunny. He also goes wild at the smell of cheese.

big love to anyone missed. and thanks for being such a great bunch. I have officially found the two year mark NASTY and you have really helped me not to feel alone.

EuroShagmore · 16/11/2012 15:33

Thanks for the ET story Art. I'm glad it seemed to go well.

I usually have a BMI around 21. It's at about 22 now, as I am still working on shedding the 12 pounds (!!) I put on from the steroids and IVF drugs. Two days ago the scales showed 6 lbs gone, so I am halfway there! And like you I've been a more or less stable weight for years.

akuabadoll · 16/11/2012 15:33

So the answer to the question, when you I heard how they are doing? joy is - not until I go back for the ET on Monday! Just spoke to my doctor who confirmed I have 4 'which look fine as far as I can see'. Now it's a case of rock up on Monday to put back whatever got cooked over the weekend. This is cut to the chase IVF. How are they doing? Ha, details, details....

Today was very no frills, the hospital has an excellent clinical rep but really needs more space (which they are building) and the nurses need some happy pills. I was stepping over other ladies in a tiny room, surgical booties and hairnets flying everywhere. My arabic does not extend to 'empty your bladder'. Young sexy friendly Mohammed tried four times to stick my hand before someone else took over over much chattering and phone ringing. My fanjo got chilly with a draft up it while hanging out in stirrups for a thousand years. I'm really selling this aren't I?

Ken was led to a small room with a toilet off it. He was told 'there's the toilet, leave it in there when you are done' He wanked in a toilet again (because he "wasn't sure the room was for him" poor lamb) it's becoming a habit, he thinks the next time he is in a hospital for whatever reason he'll likely just pop in the loo for a quick one for old times sake. Ken said he could hear I was awake as I was loudly joking with sexy Mohammed regarding the lack of entertainment Blush I was off out of there without so much as a glass of water, whatever they sedated me with was not a very happy one though, I had to get out of lift out the way out to throw up. Anyway 4 pieces of marmite on toast and a nap later and all is well. Sore belly, to be sure.

Gin at least I didn't get anything put up my arse without warning, I still can't believe that. What were they thinking? I'm sorry your post ET injections are so difficult, everyone says how horrid that particular drug is to inject. I have in the fanny pills and in the mouth pills. No back door or needles.

Happy birthday Artemis how was the ET?

CritterPants · 16/11/2012 15:39

Wow artemis happy birthday and best of luck to the artemis embies - the gemini? Romulus and Remus? Castor and Pollux? How amazing to read about the process - thank you for writing it all down, it's really helpful to hear about what actually happens. I hope you have lots of lovely birthday cake, and will be wishing your little ones - and the other embies - all the positivity in the world as they settle in.
Interesting about the weight thing. I too am usually at the lower end of the BMI scale, about the same as you, around 20, but put on a little weight this year. It's nice to know it's there for good reason rather than just too much American high fructose corn syrup laden treats

akuabadoll · 16/11/2012 15:42

Sorry that took me ages and I x-posted all over the place. Hi rabbit , glad it went ok Artemis

rabbitonthemoon · 16/11/2012 15:43

cross post art yay for your little embies in where they belong! Nice to have a photo I didn't know that happened. What an amazing thing to have, a photo of yourself as an embryo. Wow. It sounds like I could cope with that. But first the team would have to get a tube into my wacky racetrack cervix. The best of British luck to them I say. Well, make sure you are a total and utter couch potato this weekend and yay to no inlaws.

Mm about the weight. My bmi is currently nhs tells me 18 and that I'm (a tiny bit) underweight. I do find this tricky. Whilst I am 99.9% not eating disordery I can't eat to gain weight very well as it makes me a bit fretful. I might have to sit and have a careful think about this. To be honest, as I'm having periods I tend to think it's OK but maybe the body likes to be all cushioned to be ready. I know I don't really eat enough. I wish weight went onto boobs. If I could eat like a piggy and it all go on my boobs it would be ace. Maybe the clomid will fatten me up.

akuabadoll · 16/11/2012 15:44

Jesus and the first line doesn't even make sense Confused

rabbitonthemoon · 16/11/2012 15:47

doll poor Ken but that did make me Grin sorry about the drafty fanjo and vomming Sad but glad marmite did the job. Castor and Pollux is genius Critter. Though maybe remus and romulus have a nicer ring Smile

mrsmellow · 16/11/2012 15:53

Well done Artemis fingers crossed for the twins
and doll very brisk treatment - hope the Beirut 4 like their current temporary home, again, fingers tightly crossed.
The weight thing is interesting as I'm currently the heaviest I've been since I was 20 and at university - my BMI is normally just 20 and is now 22 - I'm still slim, but feel heavier - whether this has any role at all I don't know? I too would be thrilled if weight went onto boobs Hmm rather than tummy..

ArtemisTheHunter · 16/11/2012 16:07

Akuaba your account of the EC made me laugh... that's not what's supposed to happen is it... Beirut is clearly a long way from Manchester in more ways than one. Sorry about the chilly fanjo and the vomming. I'm surprised they let you out so soon... what am I saying, after your account I'm not surprised at all. Poor Ken really lucks out with these wanking incidents doesn't he? I too have fanjo bullets but no mouth pills, and an instruction not to have sex. Like I want to ever again. Poor Mr A. I foresee an aching in my jaw over the next few weeks Hmm

Critter Grin at the names. My thoughts were a bit more prosaic: Eric and Ernie? Mickey and Minnie. Tom and Jerry. Elvis and Frank (Sinatra) - but those two might not get on.

Rabbit and Mellow I third the wish that weight went on the boobs. When I was younger i went travelling and put on about a stone in 3 months through working in a diner in America and eating crap. Every single pound of it landed between my waist and knees while my top half refused to budge beyond a B. Not good.

Rabbit and Euro shooting is fun. Aeons back i went clay pigeon shooting on a date with a bloke who thought it would impress me. The bloke turned out to be an utter tosspot but the shooting was great. In retrospect I would have had a happier year if I'd just turned the gun on him Grin

MuddyWellyNelly · 16/11/2012 16:10

Oh I'm very skinny. Def about 18 BMI. Eat like a horse ( well not grass and hay so much) but don't put on weight. My acu and hypno are both keen for me to put on about half a stone. I'm hoping that if IVF doesn't work, honeymoon fat will. Mind you giving up wine has drastically dropped my calorie intake so maybe starting drinking properly again plus lazing about on a beach will do the job Hmm.

Thank you all again and Art and Doll thanks for the stories. Boss hovering. So annoying.

MuddyWellyNelly · 16/11/2012 16:29

Oestrogen came back. Very low only 55. They've suggested abandoning cycle.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. This is so unfair. AngryAngryAngry

buzzybee123 · 16/11/2012 16:49

oh nelly is there an alternative that they can offer you?? Big hugs sweetie

OP posts:
MuddyWellyNelly · 16/11/2012 16:50

Not really. Donor eggs SadSadSad

ArtemisTheHunter · 16/11/2012 16:52

Oh Nelly. That's awful. Huge hugs.

I am sorry for being ignorant but what does the oestrogen level actually mean? I haven't had a blood test the whole way through my cycle so tbh I have no clue what any of my hormone levels have been like at all.

Can you persist and see what happens? You're not far into stimming after all

buzzybee123 · 16/11/2012 16:55

art interesting about the twins, from what I have read and seen twins are more likely, I know a few older women who have twins, well good luck to your two :)

doll ha yes I can hardly wait for it to be my turn Grin

critter love the names, perhaps I should run by some of my suggestions and see what you think, I'll certainly be asking for your imput next time I get a pet Grin which won't be anytime soon as Kayla is way to spoilt Blush

gin your tummy has been through alot lately so no wonder it is grumbling, it doesn't mean that it hasn't worked

rabbit kayla wanted more treats but there aren't any until I go shopping, she is meowing at me now for some attention

OP posts:
MuddyWellyNelly · 16/11/2012 16:56

Not sure exactly but my body isn't producing much therefore I don't think it's just slow growing.

I've said I will keep going for now. Have another scan on Monday. Am sick of being told I'm failing though. Sad

akuabadoll · 16/11/2012 17:01

nelly I want to second what Artemis said and asked. I have had no blood tests at all, before or during. I know this establishment may not exactly be the gold standard, but there was never a suggestion of stopping, on only three follies and it seems you most likely have three as well. I'm sorry for this horrid news. Hugs.

rabbitonthemoon · 16/11/2012 17:03

Oh nelly massive hand squeeze. I didn't know they even tested estrogen? Look, keep going I'd say just to see what happens. And don't think about donor eggs yet, Dr Big sees ivf go one as a diagnostic to see how you respond to things, if it works fantastic and if not they have a much better idea of how to proceed. It must feel totally shitty but you are doing so very well and we are all sending you loads of loves.

akuabadoll · 16/11/2012 17:04

buzzy I think increased likelihood of twins in older women is in spontaneous pregnancies rather than IVF, no?

buzzybee123 · 16/11/2012 17:09

nelly you are not failing at all, I think its too early to be making decision and they need to give you an alternative option or give you something to support your oestrogen level

doll on some of the websites for IVF alot have had twins and I know of at least 3 ivf twins in older mums but who knows

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