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

[spook]

Hi everyone.
New thread starts here....

Hi girls.
I'm typing this with the tips of my fingers and my laptop at arms length because my mahoosive rack is infringing my keyboard access.
So I can only summise that Spooks Symptom of the Day will once again have to be....swollen and v v tender enormous BOSOMS!!
God-I'm soooo sick of this IVF lark now. I've been pumping my body full of bloody evil hormones and stabbing my belly (don't read this issy) for nearly 6 weeks now.
I would like,in this particular order...

1/ A large glass of ice cold Sauvignon Blanc
2/An open packet of Marlboro Lights
3/ A Grande Latte with an extra shot

Unfortunately, the kettle is on for a shitty lovely cup of chamomile tea.

Right. Rant over.
Lottie lovee. I think what we're going through has been (still is) the biggest test on mine and DH's relationship. And we have been through a hell of alot together. I have frequently looked at him and thought WTF am I doing even contemplating having a child with you??? So I promise you, you're not alone. I hate that "not clicking" Its just something doesn't sit just right isn't it?
One day when you're playing on the beach and laughing with all your LittleLondonLotties you'll look back on this time and realise it was all so worth it.
Your head is so full of short protocols and long protocols and shall we shan't we's at the moment there's no room for anything else. You need to step off the gas a bit and decide exactly what it is you want to do. Then you can start addressing everything else. I must admit, I would be tempted by the short protocol...

Hi OAP. Glad you're feeling better. 28th seems like AGES away!!! You're bound to have an inkling before then aren't you.
I survived the sleepover just fine thanks. Infact it was the most painless one I've ever done. All the boys were lovely (although one of them did tell DS1 today that I am "weird but class" )
I've got my last scan tomorrow then hopefully EC on Thurs. Please let those bloody follicles be whoppers tomorrow.

Mowmi-anything new?? Thinking about you. x

OAP I love my job actually. the classes are great fun to teach but I love seeing the toddlers develop and grow in their skills. I have bouncy boys that are all over the shop week 1 and by the end of term are sitting nicely waiting their turn and listening to a group story. Many of the the mums have become friends too. We had put off doing something like that as we wanted a second baby, but last year we decided that we could not put things on hold waiting for #2. Good job too as it takes my mind off things. However it is not good being self employed and having to cancel work for a week when going thru IVF.
Fingers crossed you were so busy being ill, that the eggie was happily bedding down without your noticing. Roll on 28th.

Pinkie Going back to the long and short protocol discussion. Basically the first stage in IVF is to shut down your hormones, so that your natural cycle does not interfere with what is going on. This can be done slowly or quickly. Basically the quick way (short protocol) is generally more expensive, but you are taking drugs for a shorter period of time. Our clinic reckon that statistically the difference is about 1 egg. People on short protocol tend to produce fewer eggs, so they tend to use long protocol on the first try. Hope that helps and welcome to the thread.

patience welcome to you too. I do sympathise as our DS is now 3 and we have been trying for #2 since he was 10months. It turns out that we both have a problem (I didn't before preg1 - my theory is that my body hated pregnancy so much that it decided to take matters into it's own hands to ensure it could not happen again. My consultant assures me that hormone glands are not sentient!) It is very frustrating.

I have another friend who were struggling to conceive #2 and they both quit smoking and drinking and 5 months later she was pregnant (her DH had bad results too motility I think). She is convinced it made a real difference. If you do do it, remember it takes 3 months for the new sperm to be made and released from the nursery, so you need to commit to it for 6 months at the least really before saying it makes no difference. Hang in there.

Evening all

AF just finished on saturday and i came on again yesterdal albeit lighter than usual, i phoned clinic and asked the nurse whether this was usual and she said Buserelin injections either delay the start of AF or prolongs it slightly which is what has happened in my case but said not to worry they will see what is going on on thursday morning am just hoping that everything is ok as then will then start me on Puregon has anyone else had the same problem

evening ladies
Welcome patience - i heartily agree with what other pp have said, men do find it really tough to face up to their issues, we women are much better at it! I hope that you manage to get your DH onside, there is a lot of research to prove that stopping smoking, drinking and eating a healthy diet really does improve sperm quality and quite quickly.

Spook - you poor love, I do sympathise about your rack. The end is nigh sweetie. only a few more days of this. I was in the same mood this morning as I was feeling around my bum trying to find a place to inject. And just thought only 8 more days!!!A nice cold glass of wine would be perfect right now!!

I am doing good, next scan should be in a couple of weeks. our PCT are now doing nuchal scans, which is one less to pay for (THANK GOD!). had my first Midwife appt today, which went well. Apart from being weighed, bloody 87kilos!! Where the sodding hell did that come from? I knew I was getting big, but woah! I am blaming it on the drugs, I haven't stacked up a rack, just 3 more stomach rolls.

OAP 28th isn't too far away. I also "knew" about a week/10days post transfer, on a blastocyst (FET) cycle. I had tingly nipples and the nausea started almost immediately, as it did the first time. I am keeping all my bits crossed for you

Mowmi - thinking of you for Thurs xxxxx

Right, need to tackle my EU Ironing mountain,

hugs xxxx

Thank you for your kind words of welcome. I have read through thread and I actually feel quite heartened by the successes. You do all sound a fair bit younger than me though - or am I just feeling paranoid?!

So - was told today that IUI not a great option for us and to go for IVF. My sis thinks I am mad as we already have dd. Is it really as awful as some people say? Can you talk me through the reality of it all?

Glad those of you with bugs are on the mend!

londonlottie - so with you on the dp thing.

Crossing everything for those on the 2ww. It seems to have so much more tension than for those who just bonk and concieve...

piav X

And how long does it take to get started once you have sorted a clinic?

And HOW do you decide where to go????

patience if you are going privately then check out the HFEA website as this lets you put your postcode, age and required treatment in and will then handily list the clinics closest to you and their success rates for IVF (or whatever) for your age range. Will go and find link now here

Don't forget the success rates could be a bit old, so best to call the clinics you are interested in and ask to speak to someone - you can then get the latest results and find out the waiting list (if any) for that clinic, both to see a consultant there (first step) and then to start treatment. Clinics normally have a website with info and costs on as well.

Once you have made your selection, call the clinic and they will make you an appointment with the consultant - if you can arrange for your records to be sent beforehand this will help. You may also need various tests for Hepatitis, HIV etc and maybe an updated FSH result - most clinics like these being under a year old. Your DH may well have to repeat a sperm test. If you are going privately you can either elect to have all of these tests done by the clinic or try and get some done on the NHS via your GP. Screening tests for HIV etc for fertility purposes are tricky to get sometimes on the NHS so you may have to pay for these.

I called around last summer when I thought I would need a new clinic after a move to the north, and found that I could usually get to see a consultant within a month and then start treatment within 3 (depending on clinic). Obviously successful clinics tend to be busier....

If you are going down the NHS route then you may be offered a choice of clinic, in which case the above will all apply, except the waiting lists will be longer. For example, the clinic I use is mobbed from April onwards as that is when the NHS funded cycles start each year.

As for the actual process of IVF, in a nutshell it isn't that bad, time goes really quickly once you start it, and I've known worse things.

Sure I've missed something - please ask if so!

Sorry, should read that if you are going the NHS route some of the above will apply - you won't have to make your own appointments at the clinic I hope!

Hey ladies,

Hope you are all well. Sorry I've gone to ground a bit - trying my hardest to stay away from the internet and the devil that is google!!!

It's very busy on here - welcome to all the newcomers...everyone is very lovely and between us we know nearly all there is to know about the joys of IVF!

OAP - I have everything crossed for you - really hope you get the result you deserve.
RB - I hate to admit I'm a bit confused about where you're at - where you up to?
LL - I did long protocol first which didn't work, then did 2 antagonist cycles (think they class it as a short protocol?) I found short so much less stressful - just doesn't take as long...
Spook - hope you are doing ok...not long now (given my attendance is pretty crap at the moment I'm sending you lots of luck for EC)
Fliberty - glad to hear all is going well with you.`
Nappy all the best with trial.

Sorry if I've missed anyone.

No change with me...can't believe I'm apparently 8 weeks tomorrow and I still don't know if it's viable! Thursday still seems a long way off. No signs of miscarriage yet so have my fingers firmly crossed but not feeling terribly lucky!

Will report back at lunchtime on Thursday!

Thanks for thinking off me

Lots of love x

Welcome Patience and Roseca.
Hi Mowmi! How are you feeling physically, keep away from that search engine!
My IVF thing has stalled a bit, since the discovery of a large ovarian cyst last week with bleeding etc... I now have to go to the docs and find out what course of action to take.
Ooo I forgot to say - sorry Spook the number of embyros is an age thing - the ERI came back and the top IVF dude will only do two embryos for the first attempt. So poos all round.
Sorry about the rack Spook, that is nooo fun at all, ouch!
Nappy your classes look great. I'm a bit far away, but that would be helpful for my DS.
Flibberty - what is ironing again, I can't recall?
My mum emailed me to say she had spent the morning digging the cat out of the snow (I think she may have exaggerated slightly) and then they both went to sleep. Aaaah! Sound as if they are getting on quite well. He's a lovely boy.

Good morning all..
I'm back from my scan The news is good I think. 9 very big follies. So much so that I am to stop stimming a day early. Yay!!
Trigger tonight and one last sniff. Thats that then. No more drugs. Phew.
Why oh why do I find it so stressful? DH wasn't there today and I was on the verge of tears yet again. What on earth am I going to be like at EC? (well asleep actually)

Lottie-I think working flat out would be a perfect way to spend the 2ww actually. As OAP said, time will probably fly and you won't have time to symptom spot. Was it also you OAP who wore black knickers or was that Flibberty? That idea really does appeal to me

I'm sorry your old friend threw a spanner in the works this weekend Lottie. Any problems that may be bubbling under between you and DP will be thrown to the surface massively during such stressful times and your friend hasn't really helped matters tbh. You made the decision to go through IVF together and you were a team then. You are now, you've just lost the way a bit.
Remember that day before Christmas when you and DP wandered down your High St just enjoying each others company with no pressures or decisions to make??? Try and keep that feeling!

RB-lol at the thought of your mum digging the cat out of the snow. Can just imagine the cat, smiling smugly, perfectly capable of making his own way out of the snow but enjoying immensely the sight of your mother with a spade in her hand!

Lovely to hear from you Mowmi..I too bow to your ability to step away from the Google. I've even resorted to asking DH to take my laptop to work in the past so I can't sit on my arse all day.I think the fact that you've had no miscarriage symptoms is very good. Just 2 more sleeps till some answers.
Hi patience. I suspect I am in the higher age bracket on here! 41 and hurtling towards 42...(though I'm going backwards now so I'm actually 40 next birthday)
I don't think you're mad atall. If you feel like your familys not complete yet then you go for it. Its not awful no. Its not the loveliest thing I've ever done but its not awful-though come back to me on Thursday afternoon

I'm feeling very jittery today. My MIL is coming round later to give DS1 his birthday present. I'm going to have to put her on standby for my trigger shot (she's a nurse) because I just can't see DH getting home from work in time. Am I right in thinking the trigger is a very umpleasant jab??
I would actually really like to go to bed with my book. (Cloud Atlas-fab)

Anyway-I'll stop bloody moaning now and do something constructive.......

Hi all,

I cant believe how brave you all are, the injections those awful drugs and still you keep going. You are definately the inspiration i need to feel like i can take this mountain on.

Spook can you at least share those marlboros wine and coffees. Even though only on clomid have not been drinking coffee, well only decaff and i hvent had the others in months.

I did have a scan last monday cd11 and they saw 1 dominant follicle but obviously cant tell how many if any viable eggs so have 'tried' all that week, just in case but not holding out much hope though

having a quick sneaky peek at MN during a quiet moment at work. Have just scoffed a caramel waffly thing and some hot choc to sustain me for the rest of the day.

Spook - I am the black knicker woman . I had an OCD knicker inspection habit first time around. And realised black knickers are the only way to avoid it!! . Great news on the folli's hope all goes well and great you can stop the luvverly drugs

Patience & Pinkie - use sites like these to gain recommendations on clinics. Everyone responds differently to all the treatment. You need to take one day at a time and don't look at this as a mountain, but a series of small journey's and with each milestone you reach the top of your mountain.

I think the way we stay sane is, thankfully, t'internet!, some of the funny things that happen along the way, such as non-performing men (I have a story), Farting during ET (I have a story)... all these things help get you through it. There are times when you will laugh, times when you will turn into Shirley Valentine and scream and cry at the wall (bathroom in my case!). But each part of the journey is achievable, success does happen.

Mowmi - I am really keeping everything crossed for you for thursday.sending you big hugs.

LL - sorry you and DH are going through a rough patch. I think IVF does cause you to question some of your most precious relationships. It is also very difficult when someone else questions your life. I hope you have managed to rebalance? for what it is worth, DH and I split up last year, 1 yr after our much wanted child was born. I think the stress of the IVF/Egg donation thing, having a baby and him not working really made visible all our problems all at once and I questioned whether I wanted to be with him or whether I should go it alone! We have got back on track. I am definitely far more the capitain of our ship and I hate nagging and reminding a grown up to be responsible for his child, his surroundings, his life. Bringing another life into this world does bring all that stuff rather sharply into focus. However we have moved forward and passed it. Nothing is perfect, but I now at least talk before I shout and scream through tiredness and he doesn't avoid the issue when I start to go purple and explode. He is much better as a dad, not so good at the house husband bit, but I now ignore the mess!!

OAP How are you feeling?

RB - hope you are ok too?

right gotta go, conference call gazillion coming up (what a waste of time!!)

and for what it is worth. I am 37 & 3/4 . Not a spring chicken

Yay Spook! That's great news, now have you thought of nine names for them. All of the seven dwarfs' names and pinky and perky?
Lottie, you sound a lot more positive. How calculating those exes can be. Concerned face, 'oo, I think you should dump old wotisname and pop round mine for some nice hot buttered crumpets.' Do you think he has a shrine in his cupboard with your photographs and old socks and things?
Pinkie well done on the coffee, I just can't give up my morning/lunchtime/post-lunch/threePM/nightcap coffees. I only really have one or two in the morning.
Off to see the GP tomorrow to see what she reckons to the cyst and find out when/if I can go on with IVF.
It is a bummer about the ERI, but we may just go with them anyway, to see how things are done. If that doesn't work then we will go to Hungary, in the Summer (that's more like it!) and then if there are any frosties use them up then get a dog.
Think I will phone the adoption people just to get the ball rolling, I think it takes aeons to get through that. DS will just be leaving home when we get a twelve year old from a list-d school to adopt.

Londonlottie me and you in the same boat ttc number 1. Buserelin is downreggin drug that can be either injected or inhaled depending on what the clinic gives you and also depending on your history, being quite brave really considering that i am petrified of needles DH is injecting for me so cant be all that bad. in relation to coffee which i am addicted to decided to go onto the decaf stuff so i am sort of still getting my fix every day lol. Also dont know if anyone else knows but was told the other day to take a low dose of Aspirin every day and it helps in ttc and also this apparently works in the case of mc's although you aint meant to take it all the way through. Hi to everyone else

Spook that sounds like a hopeful harvest. Crying v v norm. Blame it on the drugs they seriously affect your emotions. Deep clensing breaths, tissues and a big mug of decaf tea (or I prefer Redbush/roobois tea myself).

So is EC on Friday??

Lottie everyone has said what I would have said so I will send a hug instead to rebalance yourself. Not many unstable relationships would cope with IVF let alone IVF in Norway (or whichever Scandinavian country it was I always get it wrong!!) So be comforted by that.

Got to go and get DS out of bath.

p.s. I think I am one of the younger ones at 35 1/4!

but my body thinks it is about 45!

Onlyaphase

I am in the northwest, where abouts are you in the north?

Nappy valley i am 34 3/4 so am i the youngest not that it makes any difference as we are all aiming for the same goal darling babies

Pinkie Hi, I'm in the north east, near Richmond. Have friends in the Lakes and Lancaster though.

Just to add my bit, I'm 39 (just). It was really odd last month around my birthday - one day I was 38 and then the next minute it was January and I'm 40 this year. 40! Where did my 30s go?

Spook great news on your potential crop! Bet you're looking forward to the end of injections! Then the pessaries start....

My symptom of the day is aching ovaries. Really really sore, like EC is due tomorrow again. Bizarrely I don't want the next week to go by at all, as then I'll have to test and might not be pregnant. Am enjoying this little time of thinking I might be.

Lottie a weekend away sounds just the perfect thing for you both. Difficult this time of year in the UK but I can recommend Bath if this takes your fancy? DH and I spent a weekend at the Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath a few years ago at the end of Jan and had a lovely time despite the rain. They have a spa there too, and big glasses of chilled Chablis and open fires. Mmm. Or would you head abroad?

Ahh roseca I bow to your youthfulness

Shit shit shit. Just got back from the hospital. DH was rushed there tonight with severe abdominal pains. X-ray looks like some kind of blockage. He was in absolute agony and so pale. Never seen him like that. Poor love.
Great timing eh....luckily my MIL was here so she did the trigger shot and I followed the ambulance.
They're transferring him to another hospital tonight so I came home. Its DS1's birthday tomorrow and DH not here

I can't believe whats happened. This could potentially fuck up EC on Thursday couldn't it?? And they're giving him morphine. What effect will that have on his swimmers. Does anyone know?

And all I want is to go to bed but I've got to make blardy brownies for DS1 to take to school tomorrow.
Oh well, at least I can have one or four of them....