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

[spook]

Hi everyone.
New thread starts here....

Thanks OAP and LondonLottie. It's the iron I'm worried about. I don't store it so have to eat iron-rich foods regularly, but hopefully I'll feel well enough to nip to Sainsbury's and buy lots of spinach tomorrow and there's probably enough in the Pregnacare anyway.

Sorry I affronted you LL . Didn't mean to - just being squeamish. The NURTURE thread on FF is full of people struggling with injecting and getting their dp to do it. Lots of talk of big black bruises and nettle rash . I am used to injecting the hcg from the IUI, but that's only one per month. I guess I'm most anxious about the EC/ET because of the sedation, because I live alone and because you can't plan exactly when they will happen, so difficult to ask friends to take time off work to be there. At least I'm lucky enough to live and work close enough to the hospital that one of my work friends could easily collect me, take me home and be back in work in an hour if it came to that and they've already offered. I know it will work out but it's the lack of advance planning that worries me as my body tends to misbehave. I have joined the single women thread and it is very supportive. Waiting for treatment to start before going on properly though because, as you say, lots of people on there, it's difficult to keep up and trying my best not to think about it every minute of the day .

Issy - for EC you should have at least 2 days notice of the exact timing on the day, if this helps?

And this probably won't help, but my clinic (and others?) do ask that you aren't left alone for 24 hours after EC, in case the sedatives turn odd on you. To be honest, I've always been fine and happy not to have anyone around after EC, but I thought you might want to check the clinic requirements now, so you can decide what to do and what to tell them. Is there someone who could stay overnight? Or you go and stay with? Or check in with hourly calls in the evening?

ET takes 15 minutes, no sedation, like having a smear, and you will be physically fine afterwards. And you should have at least a full day's notice of the time of ET as well. Really, it is only EC that takes a bit of working around.

And also, the HCG is the worse injection there is to do - all the other needles are finer and shorter. If you can do the HCG the others really won't be a problem to you!

hello all, for those of you wondering what we are up to, we have just started our trial cycle for a natural frozen replacement cycle. this is where I use Ovulation Sticks to find my LH surge and then they do a scan and a if all OK they will do a frozen (well defrosted at that point) embryo transfer. In my case I will need progesterone as I don't make enough of it to maintain a pregnancy. So it is like IVF but without loads of drugs and feeling like you have been kicked in the stomach by an elephant!!!!

I am so impressed by my consultant. they often do several trial cycles to check your hormone levels etc, but because of all the temping she never second guesses me on my cycle. If I think I OV late she excepts that. So this trial cycle may turn into an actual cycle, if we are lucky.

Did I tell you guys that there is apparently an alternative to cyclogest progesterone pessaries? I think I did so sorry to repeat, but we are hoping to use a progesterone injection, as 4 pessaries a day (8 if I wanted to use them rectally) is too much for me!!!

Thanks for asking girls.

Hi Issy, yes everyone is great on here. I have only just got the ball rolling at my local clinic, but the people on here have really helped prepare me. Plus they are so supportive over totally unrelated to IVF things like giving away a cat (thank you all for your kind words).
Have you met anyone on the single women's forum? Just thinking of that as another option for support, I guess a few of the other posters might need help with the logistics of the whole thing.
Lottie, I know, poo about the two embryos. The Hungarian dude just asked me to get back in touch when the cyst thing is resolved. Ho hum!
Have you been for any more runs, you super woman you?
Do you not think you would be ready physically in three weeks or psychologically?
Nappy that sounds great. I posted a while back that I had read a few success stories for FET and the main pro seemed to be the more relaxed, less invasive aspect. I look forward to hearing how you get on.
OAP - I have been phoning my mum to see what the cat is doing and we are going to visit tomorrow. I think my mum is slightly miffed at the cat being showered with attention.

Morning all!
Hello Issy and welcome to the gang. I can totally understand your concerns-its a huge step you're taking and it's all so unknown. You are very brave embarking on this without a partner (very wise too I think some of us might say at certain points during the process ) But the very fact you have made this decision means you're strong enough to deal with it, and everything it throws at you. I agree with everyone else that you should really take a work colleague up on the offer of lifts, and some company esp after EC would really be good I think, if at all possible. And also, I know it seems like they just randomly throw dates at you- " YOU! Egg Collection tomorrow...." but in reality I have been given a weeks notice for my EC and its rarely less than 2 days.

Rb-I too am sorry about the cat! At least you can visit her I guess. I can understand poor old DH. I've got two dogs and my border terrier is tres hairy at the moment. Looks darned cute but makes me sniffle like mad. He's well overdue some personal grooming.
That is a pisser about Jon only transferring 2. Why are you so set on 3? Is it your age ...... We were offered 3 funnily enough but they were very relieved when we said we only wanted 2. The thought of triplets made me go a bit wobbly!
Any more bleeding? Are you still waiting for a gynae appt?The sooner you can get all that resolved the better eh?
Hi Lottie.....you are in a dilema aren't you! I am totally with you when you describe DH's glazed look...mine is much better now, but its taken a few mind bending rows to get him to open up more and try and understand what I'm going through. Is there any difference in the success rates between a long and short protocol? If not then short everytime I would have thought. This long thing is certainly taking its toll on me. God-I'd bloody LOVE a glass of wine and a normal sized tummy.
Are the hospital prepared to start you in 3 weeks? If so, I must admit I would be sorely tempted.
And Nappy-that sounds like a dream protocol to me...wee on a stick and pop an embie in!! I have everything crossed that this trial cycle is the real thing!

Its DS1's birthday next week so we have a house full of prepubescent boys today. Go-karting and sleepover. Find me some strength from somewhere. I've never done a sleepover without wine before

Oh - and Spooks symptom of the day. ENORMOUS bosoms. Incredibly tender. Any idea why this should just suddenly occur on day 10 of stimms?? They really are sore!
I thankyou.

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome and reassurance. Good to know that hcg is the worst injection as I found that one fine - no bruises, though I did learn to stop injecting it right where I rest my laptop.

OAP - thought I might have to have someone with me overnight - not too worried as have a few possibles for that - just hope they're not all busy at the same time. When I had my mc it started on Good Friday and both friends I had lined up for emergencies were away for Easter and my third back up couldn't come round until the Sunday. Ended up calling someone I didn't know massively well (friend from clubbing that I danced with a lot but hardly ever spoken with due to loud music) and now we're good friends, so it works out in the end.

LL - hope you manage to fit things in around work. The short protocol sounds good - or did you wanted to wait a bit longer between cycles?

NappyValley - that sounds exciting, really hope the trial becomes an actual cycle for you.

Rowingboat - I can see the benefits of doing it alone too - no glazed looks, lol. I have an ex who's still a good friend and occassionally he seems like he's going to volunteer to be a sperm donor for me, but I haven't pushed it because I think he'd back out at the last minute. (Also he's a 38-year-old smoker so his swimmers may not be up to it.) Sorry you had to give away the cat. I used to be allergic to my ex's cat but after a few months I got used to her, I guess your dh has already tried that. Lol at your mum, mine gets really offended because my nan always asks how their dog is before she asks how they are.

Spook - hope your boobs stop feeling sore soon and you managed to cope with the prepubescent boys.

Thanks again everyone for the welcome.

Spook enormous bosoms may be a reaction to the high hormone levels you will have around now? Your follicles will be pushing out lots of hormones in preparation for ovulation so you can expect lots of exciting symptoms developing. I used to have (TMI warning) lots of...ahem....discharge leading up to EC, due to high hormone levels.

Issy - sounds like you have things well under control and are planning ahead. Sorry to hear about your mc though

Didn't someone on this board have the progesterone injections rather than the pessaries? Can't remember, but think she didn't get on with them too well and ended up with the nurse doing them every day?

Totally understand re the glazed looks from DHs and DPs - this time around I was actually arguing with DH as he was convinced he needed to be there to do his bit on ET day. Not EC day. And this is the 4th time we have been through this. Mind you he always gets confused between exchange and completion in buying a house in exactly the same way, and is equally convinced he is right then too.

I've had a horrible 24 hours as I think I've picked up the sicky bug DD had on Wednesday. Spent most of last night in the bathroom, bit a shock to my system as I am never actually physically sick. I can't help worrying that about now would be implantation time for the embryos, and wondering what harm I could have done. I've gone from feeling reasonably hopeful about this cycle to feeling rather down and glum about things.

LL thanks for new nickname of napster. Made me chuckle!! I know you are racing to get on with it, but also I think you are wise to avoid your hectic work schedule. IVF is hard at the best of times, you need DP to be with you on this, so it might be best to wait. Don't talk about it at home take DP out to pub give him a pint, talk about football and then go into the IVF timing.

yes FET is going to be even more laid back than our IVF was - can't remember who was freaked out by our horror stories, but my experience was not nearly as horrific as others - although I do recall a very wobbly few days emotionally at the end!!

Right off to watch movie in bed (Ocean's Twelve).

Oh btw in case anyone wonders what on earth I look like and what I do, you can check out www.talkingtots.info/southampton - (I haven't auto linked it on purpose)

Hey Napster - love your site. Shame the nearest classes to me aren't near enough to get to, as the classes look fab. Do you enjoy taking these classes?

Hey Napster - love your site. Shame the nearest classes to me aren't near enough to get to, as the classes look fab. Do you enjoy taking these classes?

OAP-so sorry you're feeling rotten. My initial thought (jump for joy) was morning sickness but if you've been stuck in the bathroom all night then probably not. Try not too worry..I'm pretty sure it'll have no impact whatsoever on implantation.
Its so natural to feel down-our emotions are all over the place and its really not possible to remain upbeat and positive all the time. We are only super human after all. Keep your chin up sweetie. Not long now.
I'm feeling abit glum tonight too. A combination of incredibly sore boobs and houseful of boys. What with my hormones and all theirs, DH is quite fearful.

HI all,

I have been to fertility clinic this week and had scan, bloods DHs bloods and a sample. Results week on monday. The scan showed possible PCOS but one dominant follicle so have been trying this week. Not holding out much hope though.

I find all your info informative but dont feel can really join in til we know what we doing and when.

Can someone please explain the difference between the long and short protocol.

Hi ladie! Just back from 4 days visiting folks in Switzerland, where they very usefully live. Lovely snow, lovely mountains, lovely clear air - and probably lovely fertility clinics too. Am tempted to look into having my second cycle done there (assuming we don't hit bull's eye first time), if there's a good one, and staying with the folks. Only thing, haven't told them what we're up to as I'm not sure I'm up to the supportive pressure, so this might have to wait a while. Have you girls told your folks?

Loads has been happening!

Rowing, so sorry about your cat! It's ridiculous but like losing a member of your family, isn't it? I have two, they're spectacularly inconvenient and highly strung, get very put out when one beats the other to my lap, and I wouldn't be without them. Big hug, and well done for chosing DH over the cat...

Hi Issy and gud on ya girl for going for it without hanging around for a fella! very best of luck.

OAP hope you're feeling better now. Probably best to get rid of anything your system doesn't like (even if it means an all-night chundering sesh) than having it hanging around in your body getting in the way of your lovely embryos implanting ... is one way to look at it...

Expecting AF in next 2-3 days (almost certainly not pg this month as didn't have EWCM), and then it's FSH test and I find out if I can even do IVF - eek! Maybe I'd better eat some more health-boosting seaweed - but maybe not [bleah]

Hi Ladies
just checking in on you all to ensure you are behaving

Welcome Issy and Pinkie. Issy, don't worry about the injections. My DH is useless and the only involvement he had with our IVF was really to donate. He didn't deal with the emotional side, paid for nothing and didn't come near me with a needle. However he is a great dad, but I guess he can't deal with the emotional bit!

So at the end of that ramble... I did all my injections myself for both cycles. I got my GP nurse to circle the place on my bum cheeks for the progesterone injections and just copy it when it looks like it is about to wear off. For this round, I have been on the progesterone injections since 4 dec, only another week to go and I reclaim my bum.

I am also on a twice weekly HcG injection in my tummy. Again I do this myself.

There is a technique to injecting, ask the nurses at the clinic to show you how to do it. Ice is always useful if you are worried about anything.

OAP - Keeping fingers crossed for you. I was rushed to hospital 5 days post transfer with kidney stones, stuck on a morphine drip and in absolute agonising pain (worse than childbirth). And still one of my little embies managed to stick from my latest IVF. If they are meant to stick around, they will do, they are pretty hardy little suckers.

RB - sorry to hear about your cat, I have two and I can only imagine how sad it is to give them away. How are you feeling?

NappyV - I am on the progesterone injections. I have had them with both of my treatments. They are fine. Some tricks to manage them. If you are giving them in your bum, get your nurse to mark the circle on both your cheeks and go over it each day so you don't forget where it is. Warm up the progesterone ampoule for a few mins in your bra before you give it, this makes it runnier and easier to inject.

If DH is doing the injecting fine, if not, I do mine standing in front of the mirror, its a bit of a contortionist exercise, but fine. Throw in the needle like a dart, pull back to ensure no blood, then depress slowly. When you take the needle out, rub briskly for a few mins so that the fluid doesn;t create a lump.

the injection sites can become hot the first few times, as your body adjusts, but ice will help reduce the inflammation. Also make sure you use some alcohol swabs to clean the skin. Good luck with the cycle

LL - sounds like you might have to make some big decisions about your treatment, but you will know what is right for you in your heart

Spook good luck with the sleep over, hope you are feeling better?

Bumpless - glad you enjoyed switzerland

right I am off to bed. Absolutely shattered at the moment and think we may also have a sickness bug heading our way, had a head cold for the past few days. DH how has it and it is, of course, man flu. Been sick twice today and that is a bit odd, as I have only had really bad nausea so far. so will see if sickness turns into bug or not.

hugs and cuddles all, stay positive xxxxx

Can I join you, ladies? I am feeling rather desperate at the moment and hope you will have some words of wisdom or at least a cool flannel for my forehead!

I had dd 3 years ago after 4 months of trying. We have been ttc for a year now for #2 and no luck. DH has had some tests which have shown 7% morphology and hence it has been suggested to us that we try IUI or IVF. I am 40, have a regular 27/28 day cycle and every af feels like a wasted chance. CD 1 to day and very, very tearful. DH is a drinker and a smoker but seems to think that even though he is planning to top at some stage... it won't mke 'that much of a difference' .

Is IUI a waste of time? When is it most successful (bearing in mind my side of things is fine, just old )?

DOn't know what to do and would love some advice from those of you who've been there. I have very mixed emotions and a lot of resentment floating around which is not healthy I know.

Wishing you all the best in your attempts for gorgeous dcs.

Aaah. I did a long message this morning and lost it. Gggrr.
Anyway...morning all!
Welcome Pinkie and patienceisavirtue (that name will stand you in good stead here!)
Good luck with your results today pinkie. It really helps you to move forward when you get some answers and know what you're up against.
Patience-I can't help with IUI I'm afraid but we're in the middle of ICSI due to DH's morphology. I can completely understand your feelings of resentment. You will become a team on this but only if (when) DH starts acknowledging whats going on and cutting down on his drinking and smoking. I warn you, it might take some time. It is incredibly hard for a man to come to terms with the fact that he needs help to father a child. Its something DH and I have never really tackled head on but he was totally devastated when we found out. Its actually easier for me to take responsibility really (I lost a tube due to an ectopic and I'm 41)
You have every chance of conceiving with ICSI though-your track record is good as are your regular cycles

Flibberty-lovely to see you. Hope that horrible bug is staying away. Thats the last thing you need. When's your next scan booked for?

Lottie-you ok sweetie? You didn't seem yourself in that last post. Good to see you're going for the natural route this cycle. Hope DH is bracing himself....

OAP and RB-how are you both feeling?
Hope the sickness has buggared off OAP. When are you due for testing? Homeward run now. How exciting!

Bumpless-please don't talk about holidays I am DESPERATE. Sounds like Switzerland was beautiful. I've certainly heard worse ideas than looking into treatment there. Perfect if your folks are there so no accommodation costs. And you can get a few black runs in between treatments!!
My boobs are now so bloody sore I'm wearing a sports bra in bed. Vv uncomfortable. DS2 elbowed me by accident yesterday and it brought tears to my eyes. My friend's eyes nearly popped out yesterday at the size of my rack!
If you're lucky I will update Spooks Symptom of the Day later. There's plenty!

Hi everyone, and welcome to all the new ladies, it's really nice on here, very informative and supportive.
Thank you all for your very kind words about the cat. I does seem a bit silly to be upset about a cat we have only had for a couple of months, but you feel responsible for it. I still miss the little thing just next to my legs, but he seems to love his new home with my mum, and he was pleased to see us (I think) when we visited on Saturday. I think there was someone else there - oh yes, my mum.
It's been a bit frantic this weekend so haven't had time to post/read, but hope everyone is OK.
Lottie - It's sleeting here, so not sure if the run is going to happen today, might just get on the exercise bike for a good old pedal.
If it were me I would go ahead DP or no, because there is no way I would be without my DS. We have to do what we have to do IYKWIM. Hugs to you, are you any closer to a decision about the short protocol?
Please don't feel to time-pressure, you do have time and a few months is unlikely to change much. I must admit the thought of being in the early stages of pregnancy and having a heavy workload would not be a lot of fun, you will be absolutely cream crackered.
OAP - are you over the sickness now, that sounds horrible?
Better dash, got to go and get DS from nursery.

Hi all, and welcome to the new ladies.

I'm feeling physically much better now, back to normal etc thank goodness. Never had a sick bug before, never want to again! Thanks for your kind words re implantation not being affected - it really did help. Funny how you can know something logically, but emotionally think something else entirely. Flibberty's story did cheer me up actually - not that I'm happy you had kidney stones, but it does bring it home that if it is meant to happen it will happen regardless. I'm not supposed to test until 28th, but I suspect I will know the result before then anyway.

Lottie sounds like you have a lot of decisons to make soon. Don't worry about looking at your DH and asking yourself what on earth you are doing - my DH and I had our worst ever row just before the first IVF for exactly the same sort of reasons. Still together and fine now. And for your work project, can you make work fit around you. My first (and successful) IVF was over the busiest period of work for me in living memory - the time flew, I couldn't brood on stuff and was too busy to symptom-spot. Did you have any side effects last time that would have made work difficult?

Patience I'm afraid I have a very jaundiced view of IUI and really can't see the point of it as surely you may as well have sex at the right time instead. Can't offer advice on the rest of it as my DH is fine, it is just me with rubbish tubes due to an infection when younger that means I have all this lovely treatment now.

Spook looking forward to hearing the symptom of the day. Did you manage OK with the boy-filled sleepover?

Mowmi how are you? Three days to your scan I think?