Assisted Conception (and the bits in between) Volume 5

[Bumpless]

Thought I'd set us up a new home! kettle's on and choc tin open.

This is a lucky start to our new thread: 2 BFPs and a fantastic fertilisation rate from Dueling!

Boobs and biscuits to everyone

Selfish post, just had to share! I've had the call back from the clinic to put my mind at rest - whether or not AF turns up before I go on hols, I can start my treatment next cycle! The day 2 bloods are not an issue as I have a bang up to date test from the m/c specialist, and they are happy to take those instead.

I think the word is PHEW. I didn't even have to resort to Penguin's sneaky little white lie (thank you for the idea though - was tempted!) So I can relax about things and just ring them on day 1, start taking the pill for 3 weeks and then ring again on my return to get an appointment organised.

I don't even know how to tell you how relieved I am but it is probably coming across!

Levi and Amber great news about your scans. So glad everything is OK, and fingers crossed for Amber that you find out the position with that other sac soon. Did they suggest when to get looked at again, or is that it now til 12 weeks?

Lissy sorry you are feeling so low. Being out of sorts with your OH can't be helping either, I don't want to pry but is it possibly the stress of all you've been through having an effect? Be kind to each other (was it Jerry Springer who said that?!), and I hope a bit of recuperation back home does you the world of good.

Machiavelli Penguin good luck for the scan tomorrow and I hope you are on target for FET. Let us know how it goes!

And Poppy good luck for tomorrow too - obviously a big day for dildocams on this thread!

I may not be back on again before I go off so have a good couple of weeks and I hope to come back to some really good news on here.

Oh poo, I was trying to be clever with the crossed out words but it wasn't having any of it!

Poppy---GOOD LUCK!! Yay Eggs! Everything is going to go brilliantly.

Penguin--Hope the scan goes very well. Looking forward to hearing good news.

Cerubina--So excited for you. It can't come soon enough, can it? Have a great time on holiday!

Levi--Great to hear things are going well.

Having a better day, thank goodness. Definitely going back to the States for a couple of weeks. There are definitely hormones wreaking havoc on my emotional stability, but DH and I are determined to put our best feet forward and work towards improving our life together. But back to Philadelphia I go, it'll be good to have a chance to miss one another.

Still waiting to hear from fertility clinic about protocol for second cycle. While it'll be a couple of months to heal after cone biopsy, still want to have a plan of action.

Hope everyone's tomorrow is exactly how you want it to be...

Levistubbstears See, I told you not to worry, it would only be one (a guess of course) but glad you can now relax.

Cerabina so glad you can start.

Feeling more normal. Hubby had a wobble and felt stressed about adoption but all OK now.

Penguin Frosty dreams and ice creams to you.

Sorry too tired for lots of posts. You all know who you are what you are up to and I wish you all 100% luck and sticky vibes and good eggs, and AF when you want it and NOT WHEN YOU DON'T.

Love to all.

Had my scan today and crap news - after 15 days of oestrogen my lining is only 5.7mm, so at least another week of tablets ahead . This means that, unless I get the go ahead for the transfer on the Mon, Tues or Wed of the week after next, we'll have to cancel the cycle because we're off on holiday on the Thurs .

Every single time I tell them I have problems with a thin lining and need a lot more support. Every single time they tell me to wait and see, and it always goes the same way .

So now I'm on increased tablets and patches and we'll just have to wait and see what happens over the next week.

Any tips for thickening up the lining? Brazil nuts and anything else?

Sorry for the me me me post but am fuming that no-one ever seems to credit me with knowing something about how my body works after 3 bloody years of TTC .

Hope everyone else is doing better

Ah Penguin that's crap. Sorry, and I know how frustrating it is when you're up against a deadline. I think I read you should avoid eating cold food and drinking cold drinks, and eat lots of green leafy veg - I think the theory is you want to warm your abdomen up and eat iron-rich foods.

Also can you manage an acupuncture session? It might help.

Good luck, I will be willing that lining to thicken up.

Idream pokes her head round the thread door wondering if it's okay to say hello after abruptly abandoning said thread a month ago.....

She's got biscuits....

Chocolate ones.

Come on in Idream yummy biscuits!!

Peguin They really don't think our bodies respond differently, I guess if you are trying to warm things up you could physically use warmth, hot water bottle (not sure if this recommended or not but is really comforting!). Fingers crossed it thickens sharpish so things can continue!

Levi so pleased it is in there, growing well and probably less stress with just one at a time . Try not to think about the future too much (siblings etc) as we know they have a way of working out how they want to. Good to know that these DH get more emotional when they see the scans as it sometimes feels like we are dragging them along every step of the way!

Italian glad he's on board again and wobble over

I had my EC yesterday, they managed to get 8 eggs so although slightly low number I'm relieved there were some there. Had a bit of a hiccup to begin with but all good now, stress I didn't need!!! Was really bloated and in pain yesterday but after a good sleep still sore this morning but much better. Just waiting to hear if there has been any fertilisation! Lots of positive thinking and everything crossed for it at the moment. Hopefully should hear soon

So sorry to hear that, Penguin - I am appalled at how dismissive they were of your evident knowledge and experience. All fingers crossed for a good response over the next week. But can imagine you must be fuming.

Yes, the scan worked wonders, poppy - he's a different person about the whole thing. About time, some might say! But am just grateful he's getting there at all. (No doubt there will be plenty more dragging in the future, though!)

Glad things are back on track, Italian - it's such a huge thing some wobbles are probably natural, but sounds like you've got such a good and solid basis for the whole thing.

I only had 6 eggs collected, poppy, and 5 fertilized (though I think it was four after a couple of days) so think positive! I only had two viable blastocysts in the end, but still not bad (and there were (just!) enough to take them to blastocyst so that was all good). I'm living proof that it only takes one and relatively low numbers are no bar to success (so far, touching wood, not counting my chickens etc. etc.!).

Oh, and I forgot to say, great news Cerubina !

Penguin how about we swap? I just had my first scan and after 2 weeks down-regging my lining is still too thick (despite my period beginning)! So instead of starting my stims today as hoped, it looks like I get to carry on down-regging for awhile yet. Argh! Since we're trying to fit things into a tight schedule too, I can sympathise with your frustration...

Foods for thickening a lining? Maybe Brazil nuts after all - they're in my breakfast cereal (I noticed with great humour the other day) so perhaps they're what's keeping me thick and you thin? Oh, if only it were that easy: go to Tesco, buy Brazil nuts, eat, get BFP....

Idream we've missed you! Come on in and bring your chocolate biscuits with you! How have you been doing?

Levi and AmberC great news and congratulations! Always good to see there can be a happy ending.

Poppy - 8 eggs is great. Keeping my fingers crossed that they all fertilise.

Lissy although I consider London home for the most part, I find that sometimes there is nothing better than escaping back to the States and letting your family pamper you for a bit. Hope it works for you.

Cerubina have a great holiday!

Hello just popping in to say 3 fertilised so we are booked for a day 3 transfer. Hope they make it to day 3, not too disappointed as only takes one!! But being a worrier (or ttc has actually turned me into one) I would have liked a bit more back up, but there you go, have to remember that I am nearer to being pg than I have been for nearly 4 years

I am sending some good growing thoughts to them and hoping by then the soreness from the EC will have settled

Great news Poppy! Congrats. And I love your attitude that you're closer to being pregnant now than ever before. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!

So, does that mean a Monday transfer? Don't worry about the ET - its a walk in the park compared to everything that comes before it. And to this day, I still enjoy reminding DH that when I became pregnant with DD, there were 3 men in the room - and he was the farthest from the business end of things!

Welcome back Idream. I missed you.

Poppy, great news.

Penguin that is terrible, what can they do, will they charge you? They sound a bit daft (the clinic) for not listening to you. I googled and got this not sure it is of any use, I just founf it.

Waves to al1

Poppy-- I am so excited for you!

Penguin--I'm so sorry to hear. How frustrating! Hope everything works out ok.

MM--Where are you from? I am quite convinced that going home will be just the thing I need to recharge my batteries.

Cerubina--Again, have a great holiday. I hope it's just the ticket!

After a really awful beginning of the week, hopefully DH and I are back on track. He took me on a date Thursday (a show and dinner) and we had a really lovely time. He expressed how much he wants to try to get PG again.

Talked to clinic, and they told me that whenever I was ready, to phone for a follow-up consultation for the second cycle.

Cone biopsy is Wednesday. Feeling nervous, as I was reading in a magazine about Jade Goody, who I thought had uterine cancer, but in fact, had cervical cancer. So I think I'm slightly more freaked out than I was before. Also afraid that the cone biopsy will mess up my innards, so that I won't be able to get PG again. Specialist has reassured me, but can't help worrying.

Lissy good to hear that you were wined and dined, sometimes this ttc does eventually bring you closer but it puts a massive strain on things at times! Hope that everything goes well with your biopsy.

mm yep after all this time I actually have 3 embryos which is quite freaky

My ET is tomorrow!!! So soon it will all be done and all I can do is wait! I've got next week off work so I intend to do virtually nothing and just potter around trying to incubate! I am surprisingly positive about this treatment, compared to the IUI don't know why but feel it is time now. If it doesn't work we have decided to leave it as I have spent nearly 4 years concentrating on this and facing constant disapointments. I've decided to splash out and buy an inappropriate car and also seen some gorgeous white disel jeans so I intend to do everything that I shouldn't if I were pg. I can't remember when I was completely drunk and not thinking about units!! So I intend to concentrate on all that

I think I will take a break from MN after the ET for a while to try and not think about it, but will let you all know the result when it comes!

Hello ladies,

Sorry to barge in and break up conversation! I was wondering if someone can enlighten me on this whole process. We have the first appointment at a FT 22nd July. This is due to hub's poor count (though there are apparently some decent ones still). I am, knock on wood, so far so good.

I am privatly hoping that, because he still has some swimmers, we can just go for IUI. But of course, I really do not know. I am 33, he is 43.

Does anyone know how long the process will take from the first appointment until they actually 'do' something? And are there any tips for the first appointment?

Thank you!

Hi all LissySilver Easy to say, but please do not worry, I am sure if the specialist has reassured you it will be fine. I was pleased to hear you and hubby were on track. I think maybe I had a similar experience this week! Just of being on track.

Poppy75 BEST of luck for tomorrow.

MountTheFairy I have no idea how long it will take but I would suggest you be prepared for a wait of up to six months BUT at the first suitable moment try and ask one of the professionals how long the wait will be. We had IUI over 6 years ago. It worked (second time) which was fab and our daughter is a major blessing. But not having IVF meant we had no embies in the freezer and when we tried to have IUI again when our daughter was 1 year old we found that my egg supply had dried up (or was on the way to drying up). I was 40 by then so not in the same boat as you. I am not wanting to put you off IUI. It did work for us and I was very grateful at the time not to have more invasive treatment but since then I have had lots of treatment (IUI and one IVF attempt with donor eggs). Anyway, get all the facts from docs, go in with hubby/partner and a lot of questions and a pen and paper. Just make sure you and DH/DP discuss before-hand and get some shared questions and that by the time you leave you have got the answers.

Weird week, hubby and I were talking about adoption but this week it all went a bit pear shaped! Due to lots of stress created by all the failed fertility treatment I was very unhappy and we had a bit of a row and I realised that he was unhappy too! Suddenly, I saw our relationship in a new light, it was not all about me feeling unhappy and him fine, we were both unhappy, and I realised I could improve things a bit for him. So we had a cuddle and I started being nicer to him (yes that meant some s*x too!) I realised if this process tore us apart it would be terrible. I realised I did not want to lose him and I loved him so much. Infertility can make so much stress and the women feel it so much more (I think).

And now for something completely different...

I know this sounds a bit insensitive but please take a look. Join the boycott www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZ2b99jxKW4&feature=related it is not really about 'us' breast feeding or not, as we have access to clean water if (please God) the baby ever becomes a reality for some of us, but for many parts of the world they have no access to clean water/money/knowledge about how to correctly make up the feeds. So do pass these on www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUe1R_eqREI&feature=related

Please

Happy weekend all

Hey Italian. Thank you so much! That was very useful. Pen and paper, very good tip. 6 months sounds long (been trying for 1.5 yrs) ... but we'll see. Did you go for IUI first time around because of his count? You say your second IUI worked, how many do they try?

I am so sorry to hear of unhappiness in your household. But talking through things is always cathartic (at least for me) and makes things better.

I am not sure if women feel it more. That would be my impression too, but maybe they are just more likely to 'put on a brave face'. AND they do not get as many annoying questions about when are you going to have children... And don't get me ranting on those...

Once again THANK YOU!

MountTheFairy where did you get your name??!!

MTF Thanks, for your kind comments. Six months was a guess based on our experiences. Not exactly, just seemed to be six months between each bit. Started trying (aged over 36) in August 2002, (on holiday, trying to find a quiet place to do it! when we thought was the right time) went to see GP in the following Feb (2003), referral from GP to hospital (Feb to August) hospital to treatment slightly less, I think, August to December. Due to Christmas we started early Jan, failed, had a cycle in between and back for second IUI attempt in Feb 2004 18 months after starting. This is my best recollection of it all.

We choose IUI because they recommended it. At the time the prob was not my eggs but possible blockage in one tube and possibly lower than average something to do with sp*rm. Not sure if it was moving about or amount of them or both. Anyway, we went with what they recommended. Reflecting back, as I say, we were happy not to have the more expensive (at the time about 6 times more expensive - but the gap in price has decreased as IUI more expensive) treatment. Let us know how you get on. I may help you to have an idea of the time line but they may be reluctant to tell you, epscially if you start cribbling it down iommediatly as they may not want to be held to it, so be subtly! Just my opinion!

Blessings to all.

TYPOS!!!!

I may help you to have an idea of the time line but they may be reluctant to tell you, epscially if you start cribbling it down iommediatly as they may not want to be held to it, so be subtly! Just my opinion!

should read.....

THEY may help you to have an idea of the time line but they may be reluctant to tell you, ESPECIALLY if you start SCRIBBLING it down IMMEDIATELY as they may not want to be held to it, so be SUBTLE! Just my opinion!

Hi Mount we tried IUI after 3 years ttc, both DH and me seemed to be fine. I had had 1 mc at the start of ttc. We paid and went private at our local hospital and so there wasn't any wait. I was advised to go straight for IVF but didn't want to go through that much treatment at the time. I think if you have a problem with the sperm it might be better to go with IVF. My IUI didn't work and by then we qualified for 1 free go at IVF so I have just had that cycle. Comparing the 2 treatments, apart from the egg collection there wasn't that much difference and the success rate of IVF is about 4x as much as I think we should have taken the doctors advice and tried that 1st (but may be that is because it didn't work for me . Make sure you check out different clinics if you are paying and do your research.

Italian yep this ttc does seem to knock men's confidence and I also think that it really changed me, I was much less easy going and chilled out so it really hit our relationship. It is good to try and imagine what they are going through as they seem to mourn the loss of the old relationship at times more than the lack of babies! Hope things settle down and return to some sort of normality hugs and s*x do help! [smile}

I had my ET today!! Yey I only had 3 embryos but two were 8 cell and one 7 cells. So they transfered the two 8's and will keep the 7 until day 5 if is a blastocyst will freeze it! Am trying to do virtually nothing today and have a week off work so will potter to give it the best chance of sticking right now going to have a break from mn's if I can and try not the think about what is going on or not going on inside!!

Hi Mount we tried IUI after 3 years ttc, both DH and me seemed to be fine. I had had 1 mc at the start of ttc. We paid and went private at our local hospital and so there wasn't any wait. I was advised to go straight for IVF but didn't want to go through that much treatment at the time. I think if you have a problem with the sperm it might be better to go with IVF. My IUI didn't work and by then we qualified for 1 free go at IVF so I have just had that cycle. Comparing the 2 treatments, apart from the egg collection there wasn't that much difference and the success rate of IVF is about 4x as much as I think we should have taken the doctors advice and tried that 1st (but may be that is because it didn't work for me . Make sure you check out different clinics if you are paying and do your research.

Italian yep this ttc does seem to knock men's confidence and I also think that it really changed me, I was much less easy going and chilled out so it really hit our relationship. It is good to try and imagine what they are going through as they seem to mourn the loss of the old relationship at times more than the lack of babies! Hope things settle down and return to some sort of normality hugs and s*x do help! [smile}

I had my ET today!! Yey I only had 3 embryos but two were 8 cell and one 7 cells. So they transfered the two 8's and will keep the 7 until day 5 if is a blastocyst will freeze it! Am trying to do virtually nothing today and have a week off work so will potter to give it the best chance of sticking right now going to have a break from mn's if I can and try not the think about what is going on or not going on inside!!

Good evening all!

Poppy hurrah for the 3 embryos! I'm keeping everything crossed for you. Completely understandable if you want to take a break from MN and keep your mind off the wait (which is excruciating) - just be sure to let us know how it goes.

Italian sorry to hear that you had a wobble with your husband, but good that you're dealing with it. I agree that TTC is harder on us though, I feel like I live and breathe IVF at the moment, whereas DH seems to be able to turn off all thoughts of it. If only I could...

Lissy I'm from Michigan (the state that most people in the UK have never heard of...) If you run into someone in London pointed out her home town on her hand, that will be me...

MountTheFairy welcome! We are doing IVF due to DH factors as well - he had cancer several years ago, so all our sperm stocks are now frozen. Because we have limited supplies, IUI was never an option and we went straight to ICSI.

If I remember correctly (it was several years ago now) the preliminary investigations went fairly swiftly but then we were put on a waiting list for IVF/ICSI for about 9 months. That said, I think it varies considerably based on where you live, etc.

I agree with Italian that you definitely should take a pen and paper as you will get a lot of info thrown at you. I always find it helpful to repeat things back to the consultant too, saying something like "just to make sure I understand, you think xyz". Helps make sure its straight in your mind and that you haven't misunderstood something they've said.

As for me, I've got another scan tomorrow and have my fingers crossed that I'm FINALLY ready to start my stims. Here's hoping...