FAO - ShouldknowbyFriday

[evansg01]

Hiya

Sorry I have not replied sooner ut work has been a bit hectic.

I'm doing the long superovualtion protocol. This cycle I start Norethesterone on day 19 for 7 days. On day 21 I start the puffer, buselin (spelling!) for 3 weeks. 3 days after stopping Noreth. I get my period and for approx 8-12 days from my period starting I'll be taking the FSH injections. I'm scanned on day 8 of the injections to see how the follicles are doing. You can't ovulate until they give you an injection of HCG. The puffer makes you stop producing your own LH surge.
I did a couple of microbiology degress but my career has been in Pharmaceutical companies working on various stages of clinical trials on new drugs.
Good to hear your SIL got pregnant at 43. We have no children and can't get hoping that it will happen naturally so have gone for a more aggressive approach. I can't quite believe your husband does not know what you are up to.

A couple of questions for you:

• has you clinic given you a limit on how many eggs you need to produce. Will they cancel if you produce more than 4. Are they happy for you to do timed intercourse
• in one of your earlier posting you mentioned a friend got pregnant through a dono egg, do you know which clinic they used? Thanks G

Thank you evans for the info, now I understand what you mean about 10 follicles, etc as you will either undergo IUI or IVF depending on result of injectibles. When you say you start the super ovulation on 12 Aug and injectibles on 30th, what does that mean? I was told the injectibles start between day 2-5 of cycle so maybe you are talking about the hormone treatment assoc with IVF? I did have my FSH levels checked in January and it was 7.2 which the dr was pleased with. My follicles were counted and there were 2 on each but I don't know if they were the resting follicles. 2 actually sounds dire! I did get preg on first clomid cycle but miscarried on day 42 while I did respond well to clomid the subsequent 3 cycles were unsuccessful. It is interesting that you say that your next cycle started 3 days after the last tablet as that is what the clinic has advised me. If that is the case with me, my fertile time will fall aroudn the time when DH is away so will wait until Oct. Did the clinic advise you that the injectibles can bring on an earlier ovulation I wonder. Re: doctors, I am not one of those that just takes their word on whatever they say, I have had a lot of experience with them also in a work situ and I know that alot of them are just 'practising' ie, still learning and gaining knowledge and that it is important to make your own decision on their diagnosis/prognosis. Can I ask you which field you research?
My sil got preg naturally after 4mths ttc at age 43 so it can be done. She didn't have any scans etc as I think she was actually dreading having another as her dd was 4yo and easier so I think she was secretly hoping that the over 40 theory would apply to her. Not the case so age 43 is not impossible.

The very best of luck and do keep posting with your progress! I think we are now moving over to the new thread.

SKBF - OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!

I was not expecting you to say that there would be three heartbeats. It is still very early days and anything could happen. I'm assuming that you'll be doing the diagnostic scans at week 10 to see that they are all OK. What a strange merry go round life is, one minute you are doing everything to get pregnant then now having to think about an embryo reduction. I'm pleased to hear DH now has a heads up about the pregnancy. Because he does not know the full picture he can not give you emotional support during this very trying time. I hope there are others around you that are helping.
I have details of an accupuncturist who helps lots of women at my local clinic. I really need to get back in shape for November and will start reading my books. I would like to do a treatment regimen like yours but it will depend on what my follicles look like.
I'm truly gobsmacked by your news!

Yes Evans, it is OH MY GOD! Managed to sleep for an hour after lunch today as I didn't go to the office today (am self-employed) and felt well rested.

The reflexologist I saw this time is very good. I used to see her for back massage as I had lower back problems which she helped sort out and I started acupucture with her when I was preg with No 1. I went back to her for a back massage and reflexology when I was trying for No 2. When she asked me what I wanted from the appt I told her that I wanted to get preg and taht my egg was due in 2 days. She really worked hard on my feet and I got preg with No 2 that cycle. This summer I invited her to a party we had at our house and introduced her to No 2 and th

will finish tomorrow, DH calling!

Right, I am back, so she came to a party at our house and met No 2 and I introduced her to him and teased her that she was partly responsible for him! In the same conversation, it dawned on me that I had nothing to lose by seeing her again for this try and I told her that I really should book some sessions with her. So I saw her maybe 2-3 times per month so once say on day 10 and then again on day 13 or 14. Now since going to this clinic I know that I have only been ovulating on my right side and on my cycles she picked up activity on my right side in June and said it was very strong. Then in July she said there was a balance and sure enough I went for my scan and I could see follicles on both sides. That was amazing as I saw her on day 10, then had my scan on day 11, she had no way of knowing other than what she was feeling that each ovary had produced follicles. Then the next month, August, she confirmed again a balance and really worked on my liver as I had given up caffeine and alcohol and of course my ovaries and stress levels. And bingo that cycle worked. I think there are lightweight acupuncturists and those who are serious, I know that the one I saw meditates and prays, and I would recommend her because there is nothing to lose. I shall probably see her during my preg for relaxation say once or twice a month and my last appt for reflexology is this Tuesday and then I shall stop. Maybe both treatments have helped me and I have been lucky enough to find two practitioners who are serious and good at what they do. Maybe it is something that you would consider? I also took eve prim oil 2-3 x 500mg to improve cervical mucous and you know about the caffeine and alcohol abstinence. The stress test that you mention, is that the day 3 test where they measure your fsh and estradiol and then measure your levels again on day 4?

SKBF - This month is a little hectic, but I do work from home and hopefully my diary will look better and I can start booking in some accupuncture visits.
The stress test that you mention, is that the day 3 test where they measure your fsh and estradiol and then measure your levels again on day 4? Yes - that is the test he mentioned. Because I'm busy this month it will have to wait until November when I can block off some time.
Do you know when your next scan is going to be?

Hi evans. My next scan is with my obstetrician which is this Thursday morning. Oh, I remembered this morning while I was lying in bed that the scanning dr after counting the three heartbeats said she was going to check all areas of the uterus in case there was a fourth. I lay there thinking 'this is all I need!' Good luck with your day 3 test. I am really keeping my fingers crossed for you.

SKBF - No news to report, just waiting for the weeks to fly by. I'll be thinking of you on Thursday and hope all goes well.

Thank you. Will post tomorrow afternoon when I get a chance. Today woke up at 7am, got kiddies off to nursery, at 9.30am felt so nauseous so went back to bed at 10am and dh woke me up at 12! Had such a productive day from that 2 hr sleep. Went to office, started talking about Christmas party and menus etc and had to put the menus down as i started to feel queasy! Strange day, a combination of fatigue, nausea and more nausea. Off to bed now, looking forward to crashing out. DH not talking about preg and calming down a little now. The mood has lifted.

Saw my obstetrician, still 3 heartbeats and he thinks the fetuses look strong. He said there are better chances if I only reduce one so to have twins as less invasive than reducing 2. He has advised me to see Prof Nicolides on 15 Nov for scan, poss cvs and reduction and said he will have all the stats and we can decide from there. He agrees that I am 8 weeks tomorrow. Has said with a twin preg 24-28wks are risky and its important to rest, not lift heavy things or children and to be sedentary. He said that he would aim for 37/38 weeks of gestation but babies born at the hosp at 32-34 wks still survive and do well. God. He said that the next 8 weeks are important as the reduction will have happened and then we will know the health of the pregnancy. He said that when there is a reduction the dead fetus can make the other two miscarry so I am keeping very open minded about the whole thing and won't be in a position to announce the preg until I am at least 4mths. Am seeing him in 3wks time and am just trying to forget about the whole thing so time moves quickly.

SKBF - Sorry for not replying sooner. Three strong heartbeats, I hope this does not sound bad but I keep thinking that nature will solve your problem before you having to make a really difficult decision. It sounds like you have the best advice going and I hope the next 4 weeks go by quickly. I'm off again for a long weekend in Scotland so I'll be online again on Tuesday.

Hi Evans. Hope you had very good weekend. Nothing to report here except very tired and nauseous. Just waiting for appt on 9th with obstetrician to see if any change and then appt for cvs/reduction on 15th. Feel overwhelmed about the whole thing but very busy at office and feel much better when I forget I am preg! Sounds ridiculous I know but keeping an open mind about the whole situation as I know this is a high risk pregnancy. When do you start your next cycle for treatment?

SKBF - I hope all is going well with you. I just have a few weeks to wait for my next AF, then off to the ACU to have my ovaries tested. I don't think I will have any treatment this month. Next month my best time will be around Christmas so i doubt I have treatment then.

I'm concentrating on getting my weight back down before any treatment starts. I've also rejoined my gym and will start doing some exercise. I will keep in mind Zita's advice that you should not do strenuous exercise. Now all I need to do is to book some accupunture sessions.

Hi Evans. Have been wondering how you are. Your weight that you mention, how much are we talking about because I think that is only relevant when a patient has PCOS. I think time is of the essence here and the sooner you start the better. Re: acupuncure, can you do reflexology as well? I know that my acupuncturist worked on my lining which I can't really judge as I don't know what the thickness was like before I went for the acupuncture but the dr before giving the hcg jab they like it to be min 8mm and I generally had a 10-11mm thickness. It could have been the acupuncure, I don't know. Really though I was very impressed by my reflexologist who knew when I ovulated on my right side and knew when there were follicles on both sides. Amazing. SHe worked on achieving a balance which she did achieve as the last month I had follicles on both sides. Just a thought. I wish you the best of luck.

I am now 9wks + 4 days and feel very nauseous most of the time. I know I shouldn't complain but it is difficult with 2 small children and trying to give them what they need. I am sleeping when I need to and I have that nauseous hungry feeling so with eating more than I am used to I am expanding in all directions. I am looking forward to feeling nornal again poss at 16 weeks if I get that far. I will see my ob next Thur (9th) and then have the nuchal/cvs the following Wednesday.

Congratulations ShouldknowbyFriday, Hope its okay to join this thread about to undergo embryo transfer in November have 1 DS 10mths. At this time taking daily burselin injections and having to take Progynova increasing to 6mgs daily. Don't entirely understand why I'm taking the HRT when firstly I've just had to undergo an ovarian cystectomy because I was producing too much oestrogen and secondly the directions state do not take if pregnant (clinic has implied I continue to take if I have positive outcome) if anyone knows the answer would be interested

Hi SKBF - Sorry for not being in touch sooner. Have been busy with work and home decorating. I'm trying to lose weigh because I've now put on a stone since my sedding in April. I'm att he heaviest I ever been. Partly due to comfort eating and my dh works away during the week so I'm not eating as well as I should.
I had my first session with my accupuncturist Jason. He seems good, most of the consultation was discussion and only ad a couple of needles. Will go for a full session next Monday. I ovulated at the weekend and if the bd did not work my AF will start on the 18th, so I've booked my appointments at the ACU for the 20th and 21st of November.
I hope your appointment goes well this week.

Welcome sleeplessinhants. I did post a mesg a while ago to say you are very welcome but lost it somehow. I don't understand the term embryo transfer so maybe you could explain.I also don't know the answer to your questions. Maybe start a thread to get some answers from other MumsNetters. Good luck anyway.

Hi Evans. I know you are busy and also when off of the drugs the momentum is lost. I really have faith in the ACU and am keeping my fingers crossed for you. WIll keep reading thread to see your news.

Am having scan on Thursday late afternoon so will post after! Read in my pregnancy book that the reason for morning sickness is the high level of progesterone which settles after 12-16wks. Well the cyclogest is 400mg of progesterone and if I take this until week 34 am I going to feel this lousy until then? Shall ask my ob.

SKBF - I'm be thinking of you tomorrow and will be anxious to read your post.

I think I'm losing my PMA - I was hoping that our bd'ing over the weekend would work but I know it hasn't. So we will face the prospect of spending thousands of pounds on treatment. DH may be coming with me to ACU on the 20th depending if he can get time off work.

GOOD LUCK

Thank you SKBF, Embryo transfer is basicly putting two previously frozen embryos (from previous icsi cycle) back in. Also know as GEEP cycle. There is a reduced sucess rate due to the incidence of frozen embryos not surviving the thawing process. We currently have 5 in storage. Just like an IVF/ICSI cycle there's a need to take the burselin injections but not menopur however its necessary to to take the HRT tablets and pessaries for up to 9 weeks following positive preg test. D day is next week so I'll let you know how I get on. Hope the sickness improves soon

Hi evans, had my scan and there they all were kicking away. They looked like tadpoles before with oversized heads but now at 11wks tomorrow they are more baby like. Seeing them makes me feel its more real. My Ob said the nausea is not from the cyclogest but the fact that there are 3 and that it should subside like before which for me was 16wks. Only 5 more weeks to go. In his waiting area there were lots of photos of babies and I just wanted to cry so didn't look at them. I will have blood tests next week and poss cvs but he said that it would be unwise to have 3 cvs and a reduction due to the invasiveness of 4 procdures. He checked the nuchal fluid on all and said they were all thin. Even if the Proffessor says that, there is only a 95% guarantee of a baby without any chromosomal abnormalities.

Enough about me, what does PMA mean? You said it will cost you thousands at the ACU but not necessarily so depending on how quickly you get preg. Try to be upbeat about it, I know it's difficult. Have you thought anymore about reflexology or accupuncture. The 20th isn't too far away. I think once you start treatment there you will feel in good hands. I do hope so.

Sleeplessinhants, thank you for explaining embryo transfer. I wish you the very best of luck and hope it is successful. Do keep posting.

SKBF - I have been working on my laptop and kept checking for your update. So the three are all still there! I think if I had triplets I would try and keep them all, but then there are so many risks involved. In 5 weeks they will be even more like babies, I don't know how I would cope.

PMA = Positive Mental Attitude. Today I've gone all bloated, if noticed it in quite a few of my cycles. I seem to balloon up, not sure if it is just a sign of PMS or that an egg has fertilised. I'm hoping accupunture could help with this strange symptom. I'm not sure how the treatment will pan out at ACU, but money will need to be spent. I always thought I would just need a bottle of wine and a good night of bd'ing to get pregnant.

Hi Sleepless - what stage at you at? It is good that you has some frozen embryos, fingers crossed for you

Thanks Evans need all the luck I can get, have got a blood test on monday and if all well transfer goes ahead on Tuesday if the defrosting goes okay and then its a case of waiting for a fortnight todo the test, will be the longest fortnight of my life!!!

SKBF.I've just read this thread properly (never seem to have time) TRIPLE congratulations my mum had twins at 42 au natrel. Keeping everything crossed for you x I found nibbling on ginger biscuits helped with the nausea and not going too long between meals. Take care

Evans, triplets is out of the question. I have 2 pre-schoolers and so 5 would just be so difficult in terms of care and logistics, I mean, what car would I buy??? Couldn't work out PMA so thanks for that. This whole journey is very difficult but you just have to keep going. Thats the deal. I also thought some wine and bd'ing was all it took esp after having 2 so easily and after 18mths I realised the contrary. It was last Nov that I told my ob and his wife that in the coming april it would be 2 years of trying and that is when he told me about the ACU. I had my cons in Dec and then blood tests in Jan and now look at me. It can work!!!!

Sleepless, good luck for Monday, I hope the bloods come back right for transfer on Tuesday. How exciting!

SNBF, thanks bloods okay just hope the defrosting goes as smoothly, will keep you updated. I suppose you could always buy a minibus

Sleepless, that's fabulous. I hope the drefrosting goes well too. Keep updating us.

Transfer went well. First 2 embryos used (4 cell and 3 cell, 1 cell fell off the 3 so here's hoping it wasn't needed!) 3 left in the freezer. Very relieved, DH rather nervous