Assisted conception and the bits inbetween Part Two!.......

[spook]

Hi everyone.
New thread starts here....

Londonlottie ttc#1 due to start downreg 22nd March
Dharma - ttc#2 started stimming on flare protocol 28th Feb
Gillydaffodil ? ttc#1 downregging from 1st March
Duplomania - ttc#2 2dp IUI

Hi guys,
Had my 3rd and final IUI on saturday. If this doesn't work out will move on to ivf in april. Feeling a bit more relaxed this month, maybe knowing I have the ivf scheduled soon is giving me hope. Although I know there's no guarantees of course but at least the success rates look much more promising with ivf than with IUI.

bumpless so sorry about your disappointment, please don't give up!! Is there a chance that you could try a different clinic?

OAP, really sorry to hear your story, but I'm glad you feeling positive. Changing your clinic might just be what you need. Campervan idea sounds great, your dd will love it, think she is pretty much the same age as mine.

londonlottie, would love to do a retreat like that I'm sure it's really relaxing. Just make sure you eat plenty of lentils they have loads of protein.

Issie do you mean the follicle scan? did they do it midcycle or at the beginning? had a follicle scan on day 3 with my baseline cycle and I had 9 follicles altogether which apparently is not great but still ok. But might be different scan from yours??

gilly your job sounds really interesting, I think it's good to have something to take your mind of things, it might actually be helpful. My job isn't really exciting enough to distract me most of the time. good luck with the exhibition.

Right, time for bed I think, good night everyone!

Hi Everyone,

I also read/heard about the milk but didnt know was meant to be drinking that much.

Should it be full fat or does that bit not matter.

Got my blood test Thursday to see if downregging worked

Londonlottie ttc#1 due to start downreg 22nd March
Pinkie08 ttc#2 downreg 17th Feb

Hope thats ok

XX

Pinkie08 - I asked about the fat bit but nurse said fat content doesn't matter - they are just interested in the protein - so semi skimmed is fine!

Hi all, sorry to have been so slack, but I have been lurking - however I am so far behind I can't begin to work out where every one is . . .

I had my meeting with my first Aussie consultant, or my first 'private' but also subsidised (no-one gets free treatment here but ALL treatments are paid for around 60%) by government. It was such a contrast to the NHS . . . I don't know where to begin, the hour long consultation, or the fact that I don't have to have any suppressant drugs (which seem to be messing me up) because they do egg collections every day of the week - including Sunday! By your own Doctor of choice! The whole process was taken so carefully, it really made me feel sorry for the NHS doctors and nurses, they are so rushed and have to work so hard . . . always taking notes, always dealing with pissed off patients who have had to wait hours for their ten minutes. I have never been a fan of private health care and always talked up the great NHS system when in Aust. but I am starting to think the 'mixed' system here might have some benefits. I might write an article about it after the event.

Anyway back to the IVF stuff. My chances per cycle have been put at less than 10%, but they are recommending three short natural cycles with mild stimulation and no suppressants. I can start whenever I want, so I am thinking I might as well start again next period - which is due in a day or so. It seems strange to be doing it so soon in a different place but I guess there is nothing wrong with hitting the ground running. . .

You'll enjoy India LL, and the only piece of advice I will give you is to take laxatives as well as the anti-runs pills. You just never know which way it will go. Also don't be afraid of the street food - if it's hot and with a good turnover you'll be allright. I got food poisoning twice and it was from posh resturants with huge menu's both times. It's an amazing place . . . and I imagine if DP is a banker you won't be slumming it . . . but try and take some train trips second class . . . it's an experience of humanity you'll never forget - good - people are so friendly.

Thats all for now folks, Sooty.

Sorry girls been manic so just catching up on last few days.

Well done injectees you sound like you are all coping brilliantly

sooty Interesting to hear how different the Aussie system is.

Lottie thought you would like book, as it talked a lot about short LP in the first few chapters and how traditional chinese medicine can be more effective with that as they view it as a hormonal imbalance and try and get the body working correctly again rather than just trying to flood the body with the missing hormones. I am starting to sound like a right hippie.

Also trip to SL sounds brilliant and I am so pleased for you that you have managed to juggle everything around to fit it in. It will be just what you need before DP goes to zurich (is he defo going?)

Londonlottie ttc#1 due to start downreg 22nd March
Dharma - ttc#2 started stimming on flare protocol 28th Feb
Gillydaffodil ? ttc#1 downregging from 1st March
Duplomania - ttc#2 2dp IUI
Pinkie08 ttc#2 downreg 17th Feb
NappyValley - taking a break and trying TCM before attempting last IVF cycle at end of summer.

Hi girls - just a quick question from me. Sorry, will catch up properly later. I'm trying to plan a week off work before tx and unfortunately someone already has the week I wanted, so am having to go for the one after. Trouble is I'm due to start d/r with buserelin (might not be correct name but sure you know what I mean) injections on the Friday of that week. Is that one of the meds that has to be kept in fridge? If so, does anyone know how long it can be out for? Is it like hcg where long-term has to be in fridge but can be out for 30 days? Just don't want to book the time off and then find out I can't go anywhere esp if AF arrives early.

Londonlottie ttc#1 due to start downreg 22nd March
Dharma - ttc#2 started stimming on flare protocol 28th Feb
Gillydaffodil ? ttc#1 downregging from 1st March
Duplomania - ttc#2 2dp IUI
Pinkie08 ttc#2 downreg 17th Feb
NappyValley - taking a break and trying TCM before attempting last IVF cycle at end of summer.
Issy - ttc#1 downreg approx 3 April

Hi Issy don't panic burserelin does not need to be kept in the fridge.

LL the suppressant drugs are not just downregging but the anti-ovulation drugs. My last cycle when terribly wrong when I started taking cetrotide - my right follicles stopped growing and eventually ovulated, and the left side sprung up but with no eggs. Basically the only drugs I will be taking are the growing drugs and they will time the egg collection before ovulation. If they miss it - it's free! Nothing to lose really.

Now Sri Lanka - love the place, much more chilled out than India. My in-laws are there at the moment, tracing the family history in the tea plantation area. You MUST go up to the hill country - KANDY. While you are there try and EAT at Sharons guest house. The food is homecooked and one of the best meals we had. You can stay there - we did and it's very nice - but you can just book and come for dinner. It's very low key and casual. If you want to have a laugh at colonial days gone by go and stay at the HIll CLUB, which is like a well kept museum. If you play snooker after dinner the waiters standby and applaud your good shots. A very strange experience. The best way to get around is with a driver, but there is a great train that goes up to Neralia Ella - if you get sets in the 'viewing carriage' it's spectacular. Advice about the digestion remains the same - enjoy.

Issy42 I think you are fine with Burselin, and actually I think a lot of these temperature margins are pretty loose. If you are worried you could always invest in a wine cooler to keep it more constant.

Hi all, especially LL and GD! My cycle buddies!!

Today is Day 5 of down-reg. My morning injection routine is this: Lay out the needles, bottle of buserelin and syringe on the dining room table, then go and make my first cup of tea and put GMTV on. Then i draw up the liquid etc and give the injection in my belly and then I've got a lovely cup of tea ready and waiting and there's no need to walk anywhere until I want to.

Today I feel nauseous and jittery. I guess some symptoms were due sometime. My boss is very kind and has checked on me twice so far to see if i'm feeling better than I did when i got to work this morning.

GD Sorry to hear you had a wobble earlier in the week. If it's easier for you to do the inj lying down then so be it. Do what's best for you babe!

Hi Issy42 Can I be added to the gang?

Hi Pinkie08. How did the blood test go? Did your down regging work well? I'm interested to hear how you've been coping with the emotions and effects of the drug, whichever one you've been taking.

I've not been told to check my temperature at all. I'm on day 5 of down regulating. is the temperature checking vital? Should I be using an ovulation testing kit? Am I missing out on a vital piece of the jigsaw?

I used ovulation testing sticks whilst i was having my three IUIs. But that was under my own volition. They used to cost about £20 for 7 days supply (i think).

I will be grateul for your advice.

Hey ladies
just checking in on you all to ensure you are remaining sane . Forgive me if I have forgotten all the personals in my catchup

Sooty - oz sounds ace and I hear you on India and Sri Lanka - I lived in both places for a year and loved, loved, loved it

LL - sounds like you will have a ball and good luck for DR

NV - go with the TCM, a chinese, friend of mine did this and she conceived after failed attempts at fertility treatment. She now has a son.

All fine here. had consultant appt today, all is fine with the baby and all is go for a homebirth. Am 15 wks already. Feels like time is flying. tried to have a sneaky peak at its bits, but it was in a standing breech position so no hope there!

To all the new ladies -- don't give up hope, it can and does work

hugs to you all, gotta go to a meeting

Hi Issy You should be fine with the buserelin out of the fridge. Take a coffee jar or the likes with you for the needles or your yellow bin so that used ones are safe.

KC11 blood test was ok. The nurse said expect to start stim Friday or Saturday but will call you and let you know. Then got phone call yesterday afternoon to say please start today. That routine sounds similar to mine, i was nice and calm with the buserelin and i am sure the routine helps so stick with it.

What a disaster i had yesterday though. DD came in bathroom while doing buserelin, that was fine got to be a dab hand at that.

Then she asking me about homework while i am trying to move the liquid from one bottle to another.Well it went everywhere, i dropped one bottle of the water liquid broke one open incorrectly and lost half the liquid cut my finger. It was a complete disaster. I did eventually get it done. When i spoke to the nurse today she said they would go through it again tomorrow when i go for blood test but got to do todays

LL the trip sounds amazing

Hi everyone else hope you all ok.XX

Morning all you downreggers.

I am loving reading all your different rituals!

Pinkie I hear you on those pesky bottles. I only had to do that for my trigger injections and managed to seriously slice my finger. I was trying to but the "breaking tool" on the coloured line instead of at the neck of the vial. I am glad your DD has gotten used to it.

KC and Gilly I am loving all the stories of things carefully laid out and cups of tea. Very . Mine were all fumbling around the bedside table in the early morning desperate to get it done and get 5 mins rest before DS came in and saw anything.

Speaking of which I am having a lovely day as DH and DS have gone with friends to nearby adventure park of dad and son/daughter time - should be 3 of them in all. Peace and quiet here!! Hooray!

oh KC the taking temp bit is a carry over I think from those of us that have always taken our temp for temp charts. You do not need to do it for IVF, I think it is a hard habit to break and also it is interesting to see how different your cycle is under controlled medication.

HI all,

Please a bit of advise, the stimulating med is proving to be a nightmare.

The nurse said to make sure i dont leave any behind in any of the fsh bottles when i am transferring from one to the other but each one seems to have a drop left in that however hard i try it just wont suck down the mixing needle.

I got the needle so near the edge of the suction yesterday that the needle came out and squirted the med out and i had to start again.

i am so stupid and have now got 6 mixers missing and am really worried that i am not doing it right.

Pinkie, I am no expert on assisted conception but I do work in pharmacy and am experienced in making chemotherapy which involves drawing up drugs from vials/ampoules/bags.

The advice I want to give you is that you will not be able to draw up every last drop from a vial or ampoule. It is nigh on impossible even for the most experienced of nurses/drs/technicians. BUT the manafacturers realise this and each vial or ampoule will contain overage- so that extra drop left behind is accounted for and added as extra. For example- 100ml bags of saline that we draw up at work always contain around 105/106ml of saline to make up for the bit that you cant draw up.

If you are drawing up from an ampoule, do not keep 'sucking' everything in from the ampoule trying to get that last drop of fluid- you are just drawing up air and this will create an aerosol effect and the needle will spray when you withdraw. All you need to do is draw up everything you can quickly as possible, drawing up as little air as possible then withdraw syringe quickly but slowly. sometimes doing it with the ampoule upside down is easier so you dont have to put the needle all the way in.

Drawing up from an ampoule is easier but just remember to snap the top AWAY from you with your thumb.

Hope this helps- have had to counsel stressed out IVFers on this quite a bit!!

Thank you so much that makes me feel alot calmer XX

Hiya, I posted this elsewhere, but someone kindly advised me to post it here, so here goes ...

My friend has had a fertilised egg implanted this week, so she is pregnant for now at least! I am just bursting with excitement for her, but not only am I sworn to secrecy, I can't express my excitement to her either as she understandably doesn't want to get her hopes up too much ...

So I thought I'd share it with yous instead

I have a young baby, and this is one of my very closest friends. She has wanted a child for so long, and she'd make such a great mum, it will be just brilliant if this works. Also if this pregnancy works (sorry is that the right term?) then our children will be just a year apart.

I know it might not work, and it won't help to her her hopes up, but I think I am allowed to be a bit excited anyway?!!

Is there anything I can do to help my friend (emotionally / support-wise obviously, not much I can do to help her with conception!)

Hi mummy2olivia - nice to hear from you again, how're you doing? Thanks for the informative post, I'll have to find it again next month when I'm jabbing.
Pinkie - Sorry you're having such a hard time with the injections. Just keep focused on that wedding in May, sounds lovely. I lived in Geneva for 3 months once.
KC11- You just copy the list and add yourself to the bottom of it. Hope the headaches have gone. Have a good birthday on Wednesday.
OAP - Glad you've found a new clinic so close. I like the sound of your campervan trip. You must live a little further north than me because I'm about 2 hrs from Scotch Corner.
Bumpless - Sorry you had to abandon your cycle. Hope you get sorted with a new clinic soon.
Londonlottie - You're a week ahead of me, I'll be starting downregging around 3rd April. Did you manage to get your extra LP support sorted? Any chance you're ov'ing earlier rather than having short LP. I'm a geeky want to know everything type too, although I'm sure you guessed that. Glad you had fun in Wales, where abouts did you go? I come from the south, but went to the north last spring and it was lovely. Am thinking of going back when I have my week off at the end of the month. Sri Lanka sounds lovely. I'm sure there will be plenty of protein in the food, beans and pulses and the like.
Gillydaffodil - how are the injections going? Good that you're not having side effects. Managing a museum sounds interesting.
Dharma - Are you having EC this week? I'm not on short protocol. Doing long protocal starting day 21 of next cycle. Lol at your water/milk spurting out. Getting used to it yet?
NV - Hope you enjoyed your peace and quiet today. What's TCM?
Dup - Yes AFC is antral follicle count, so same as ovarian reserve scan.
Sooty - Your clinic sounds great. Love the fact that it opens every day.
Flibberty - 15 weeks is such a milestone, you must be feeling so excited.
Thanks everyone for the answer about the buserelin. That's made me feel so much better.

Welcome lowrib - sorry missed your post. I haven't been through a cycle yet, so probably not the best person to answer your question. I know it sounds trite but the best thing you can do is just be a good listener for her as it is an emotional rollercoaster. Also practically she may appreciate some help when she has to take it easy around egg collection and egg transfer time. It's great that you're excited for her and interested though and that will be enough, I'm sure.

Thanks for your advice Issy42 I so want it to work for her, it's taken a lot to get to this stage, and a long time too.