Ok, I went in today for my post coital test and an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed that I have a follicle that is 19.3mm (meaning that I'm getting very close to ovulating). My post coital results were AWFUL. I have very little cervical mucus, and they were only able to see ONE sperm swimming around in there. This means that Mark's sperm would have a very difficult time making it up to where they need to be in order to fertilize an egg (in a natural cycle).
The nurse gave us the option of doing an IUI (intra-uterine insemination) this cycle. Normally, I would just say F it, we would try naturally and wait until the next month and do another IVF cycle. However, based on my abominable post coital results and the fact that my body is still HOT from the LIT, I decided to go for it. It's only $300 and you just never know.
So, tonight at 6ish, I will be triggering for my Saturday morning IUI. The funny thing is that with all my IF experience, I know very little about IUIs. Regardless, I'm still looking at doing an ivf cycle next month, and if that doesn't work, moving onto IVF at either SIRM or Cornell.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
WTF at my WTF!!
Ok, first things first, a WTF appointment is a what the F appointment with your doctor after a failed cycle. We had ours with Dr. Check last night. Oh, and before I get into it, I have to let you know that our appointment was at 3pm and I didn’t leave the office until after 7.
At the start of our appointment, we discussed the fact that no one really knows what to do with us. I find that ultimately frustrating. We discussed the enigma that is my ovarian reserve. My fsh level hovers around 7 now, which from what I understand, is still normal. My antral follicle count is usually around 12-16, which again, is normal. However, my day 2 estradiol levels have been around 70 the last few months. So, the doctor really isn’t sure if I have diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), as my antral follicle count should be lower if that was the case. So, first UNKNOWN. Because I’ve done a low dose stim cycle, and a frozen cycle, he’s not sure that the high meds in my system were a cause of not getting pregnant with the first 3 IVFs (which were with a different RE). So, where do we go from here?
I requested some additional testing. I suggested doing a sonohysterogram (where they infuse your uterus with saline solution, and take 3d pictures), karotyping, and having an immunological workup. Dr. Check said that he didn’t think I needed a SHG, but that they could do it that night. I had it done, and of course, my uterus looks fine. Should be good news, but it left me frustrated. As for karotyping, he didn’t think I was a candidate for that. He said that karotyping is usually done when you have repeated miscarriages. Since I haven’t even been pregnant, he didn’t think I should do the test. He said that if I really wanted to, he would do it, but felt it was a waste of money. He also doesn’t put too much stock into the NKa (natural killer cell) issue, so didn’t think I needed an immunological workup. He did say that with the LIT I underwent in August, it would “solve” any issue I had with NKa anyway. He did suggest that maybe I had mild endometriosis (although, he really doesn’t think I have that). He recommended that I get a CA 125 blood work up, and if my levels are positive, then I could consider doing a laparoscopy. So, I had mid cycle blood work and did a CA 125 work up. I’ll have to have the CA 125 bloods done again at the start of AF next cycle, and they will compare the 2 numbers. If I’m positive, I would schedule a laparoscopy. As I said before, we don’t expect the number to reflect endometriosis.
Along the lines of immunotherapy and LIT, Dr. Check mentioned a study that he did using intralipids. Intralipid is basically an iv that is given to me around 7-14 days before my ET and if I get a positive pregnancy test, I do another infusion. It’s supposed to help the embryo bind to the uterine lining, enabling it to implant. It’s cheap, and doesn’t do any harm. Anyway, in his study, he found that women 35 and under had higher pregnancy rates after receiving intralipids. However, for women over 40, it did NOTHING for them. So, since intralipids are relatively inexpensive, and I am still 35, we will be doing that with our next ivf cycle. In addition to the lack of implantation, Dr. Check also recommended some kind of endometrial irritation. Basically, they go in and remove some tissue from my uterine lining. This will cause the lining to become irritated, and apparently, that could also aid in implantation, so we will try that one too. It does kind of seem like this is another “throw everything at the wall, and see what sticks” kind of cycle, but I guess since we are a special case, no one really knows what to do or where to go from here.
Dr. Check also mentioned the idea of using donor eggs, or donor sperm or donor embryos or a surrogate. His thought process was that if we just want a baby in our arms already, we can use one of the above and then worry about having our “own” child after we already have one under our belt. I thought that was just ridiculous. I want a baby more than anything, but until someone tells me “you WILL NOT get pregnant with your own eggs and Mark’s sperm,” I’m going to keep going using our own stuff! One interesting aspect was that when the doctor suggested using Mark’s brother’s sperm for ivf…using Mark’s sperm and his brother’s sperm…and not knowing who’s sperm fertilized the egg, Mark seemed Ok with that idea. I told him that I’m just not there yet, but if we ever did decide to use donor sperm, I think his brother would be our BEST option, as we still get his family’s genetics. If Mark’s brother is reading this, we have some fun things to ask you and discuss over Thanksgiving ; - )
Ok, so getting back to doing another ivf cycle with Cooper…one extremely frustrating aspect of our WTF was when we mentioned that EVERY doctor has had trouble doing my egg transfer. Apparently, my cervix is anterior, or something like that, and it’s hard to get to with the usual flexible catheter. Well, this was all news to Dr. Check. Um, don’t the doctors in the practice talk to one another?? That really pissed Mark and I off and that is when we decided that this is our last IVF cycle with Cooper. If I don’t get pregnant, we are moving on. At our last transfer, the dr. said that we should use a rigid catheter for our next transfer. Dr. Check told us that when you use a rigid catheter, your pregnancy rates can be lower. Ok, why the F didn’t someone realize that after our first Cooper transfer. He said that when you do assisted hatching of the embryo, coupled with a rigid catheter, you are just asking for a negative pg test. So, with the next cycle, we won’t do assisted hatching, and we will have one of the more experienced doctors do my transfer. We also discussed the option of doing a 5 day transfer instead of a 3 day transfer. I have never done a 5 day transfer, and therefore, have never transferred blastocysts…we have only ever transferred 8 cell embryos. Of course, doing a 5 day transfer is kind of dependent on how many eggs we are able to get at retrieval.
I also insisted that in addition to all the above mentioned tweaks to our cycle, that I definitely wanted to use a different protocol. We didn’t want to do the long lupron protocol (which is what we used for our first 3 failed ivf cycles). So, basically, Dr. Check said that my last cycle I used too much LH (Menopur), and that could result in poor eggs. Another case of the nurse telling me something that wasn’t accurate (she said that it didn’t matter if I took more Menopur than Bravelle, as that’s what I already had on hand). So, that being said, we agreed to do a protocol of using 225 units of Follistim, and 75 units of Menopur…and then adding cetrotide in around the 4-6 day of stimming. The truth is that this isn’t that much different than my last cycle with Cooper, but I did respond well using Follistim for ivf 1-3. If this is confusing for you, imagine how I feel!!!
So, what does that mean for right now? Well, as of yesterday, I was on CD 13 and I had a 15.3mm follicle. That means, that I haven’t ovulated yet. So, Dr. Check wants me to do another monitored “natural” cycle this month, with progesterone support after ovulation. He also wants me to do another post coital exam. So basically, first thing tomorrow morning, Mark and I need to have sex. Then, I get to run to the doctor’s office where they will first do an ultrasound (checking to see the size of my follicle). After the u/s, a nurse will take a syringe and pull out some liquid from my cervix, and look at it under a microscope. She will be looking for 2 things…how much cervical mucus I have, and if Mark’s sperm can move through it. If my post coital results are good, then Mark and I just need to have timed intercourse and hope that I get pregnant naturally (as if!!). If the PC looks bad, then we can consider doing an IUI this cycle. However, I doubt that Mark and I will do an IUI as that’s just throwing $1k down the toilet. Dr. Check wants to do whatever we can while the LIT is still hot, so that gives me another 2-3 months.
If you have read this far, good for you!! You are a better person than I am.
So, if I don’t get pregnant with either our natural cycle, or with ivf #6, we are moving on. I have a consultation with CCRM on Monday, October 12. I think that Mark and I will likely pursue IVF with either SIRM (in Bedminster, NJ) or Cornell in NY. That will make monitoring appointments very stressful, as my commute for a 5 minute appointment will be somewhere between 3-4 hours! UGH!
Stay tuned…
At the start of our appointment, we discussed the fact that no one really knows what to do with us. I find that ultimately frustrating. We discussed the enigma that is my ovarian reserve. My fsh level hovers around 7 now, which from what I understand, is still normal. My antral follicle count is usually around 12-16, which again, is normal. However, my day 2 estradiol levels have been around 70 the last few months. So, the doctor really isn’t sure if I have diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), as my antral follicle count should be lower if that was the case. So, first UNKNOWN. Because I’ve done a low dose stim cycle, and a frozen cycle, he’s not sure that the high meds in my system were a cause of not getting pregnant with the first 3 IVFs (which were with a different RE). So, where do we go from here?
I requested some additional testing. I suggested doing a sonohysterogram (where they infuse your uterus with saline solution, and take 3d pictures), karotyping, and having an immunological workup. Dr. Check said that he didn’t think I needed a SHG, but that they could do it that night. I had it done, and of course, my uterus looks fine. Should be good news, but it left me frustrated. As for karotyping, he didn’t think I was a candidate for that. He said that karotyping is usually done when you have repeated miscarriages. Since I haven’t even been pregnant, he didn’t think I should do the test. He said that if I really wanted to, he would do it, but felt it was a waste of money. He also doesn’t put too much stock into the NKa (natural killer cell) issue, so didn’t think I needed an immunological workup. He did say that with the LIT I underwent in August, it would “solve” any issue I had with NKa anyway. He did suggest that maybe I had mild endometriosis (although, he really doesn’t think I have that). He recommended that I get a CA 125 blood work up, and if my levels are positive, then I could consider doing a laparoscopy. So, I had mid cycle blood work and did a CA 125 work up. I’ll have to have the CA 125 bloods done again at the start of AF next cycle, and they will compare the 2 numbers. If I’m positive, I would schedule a laparoscopy. As I said before, we don’t expect the number to reflect endometriosis.
Along the lines of immunotherapy and LIT, Dr. Check mentioned a study that he did using intralipids. Intralipid is basically an iv that is given to me around 7-14 days before my ET and if I get a positive pregnancy test, I do another infusion. It’s supposed to help the embryo bind to the uterine lining, enabling it to implant. It’s cheap, and doesn’t do any harm. Anyway, in his study, he found that women 35 and under had higher pregnancy rates after receiving intralipids. However, for women over 40, it did NOTHING for them. So, since intralipids are relatively inexpensive, and I am still 35, we will be doing that with our next ivf cycle. In addition to the lack of implantation, Dr. Check also recommended some kind of endometrial irritation. Basically, they go in and remove some tissue from my uterine lining. This will cause the lining to become irritated, and apparently, that could also aid in implantation, so we will try that one too. It does kind of seem like this is another “throw everything at the wall, and see what sticks” kind of cycle, but I guess since we are a special case, no one really knows what to do or where to go from here.
Dr. Check also mentioned the idea of using donor eggs, or donor sperm or donor embryos or a surrogate. His thought process was that if we just want a baby in our arms already, we can use one of the above and then worry about having our “own” child after we already have one under our belt. I thought that was just ridiculous. I want a baby more than anything, but until someone tells me “you WILL NOT get pregnant with your own eggs and Mark’s sperm,” I’m going to keep going using our own stuff! One interesting aspect was that when the doctor suggested using Mark’s brother’s sperm for ivf…using Mark’s sperm and his brother’s sperm…and not knowing who’s sperm fertilized the egg, Mark seemed Ok with that idea. I told him that I’m just not there yet, but if we ever did decide to use donor sperm, I think his brother would be our BEST option, as we still get his family’s genetics. If Mark’s brother is reading this, we have some fun things to ask you and discuss over Thanksgiving ; - )
Ok, so getting back to doing another ivf cycle with Cooper…one extremely frustrating aspect of our WTF was when we mentioned that EVERY doctor has had trouble doing my egg transfer. Apparently, my cervix is anterior, or something like that, and it’s hard to get to with the usual flexible catheter. Well, this was all news to Dr. Check. Um, don’t the doctors in the practice talk to one another?? That really pissed Mark and I off and that is when we decided that this is our last IVF cycle with Cooper. If I don’t get pregnant, we are moving on. At our last transfer, the dr. said that we should use a rigid catheter for our next transfer. Dr. Check told us that when you use a rigid catheter, your pregnancy rates can be lower. Ok, why the F didn’t someone realize that after our first Cooper transfer. He said that when you do assisted hatching of the embryo, coupled with a rigid catheter, you are just asking for a negative pg test. So, with the next cycle, we won’t do assisted hatching, and we will have one of the more experienced doctors do my transfer. We also discussed the option of doing a 5 day transfer instead of a 3 day transfer. I have never done a 5 day transfer, and therefore, have never transferred blastocysts…we have only ever transferred 8 cell embryos. Of course, doing a 5 day transfer is kind of dependent on how many eggs we are able to get at retrieval.
I also insisted that in addition to all the above mentioned tweaks to our cycle, that I definitely wanted to use a different protocol. We didn’t want to do the long lupron protocol (which is what we used for our first 3 failed ivf cycles). So, basically, Dr. Check said that my last cycle I used too much LH (Menopur), and that could result in poor eggs. Another case of the nurse telling me something that wasn’t accurate (she said that it didn’t matter if I took more Menopur than Bravelle, as that’s what I already had on hand). So, that being said, we agreed to do a protocol of using 225 units of Follistim, and 75 units of Menopur…and then adding cetrotide in around the 4-6 day of stimming. The truth is that this isn’t that much different than my last cycle with Cooper, but I did respond well using Follistim for ivf 1-3. If this is confusing for you, imagine how I feel!!!
So, what does that mean for right now? Well, as of yesterday, I was on CD 13 and I had a 15.3mm follicle. That means, that I haven’t ovulated yet. So, Dr. Check wants me to do another monitored “natural” cycle this month, with progesterone support after ovulation. He also wants me to do another post coital exam. So basically, first thing tomorrow morning, Mark and I need to have sex. Then, I get to run to the doctor’s office where they will first do an ultrasound (checking to see the size of my follicle). After the u/s, a nurse will take a syringe and pull out some liquid from my cervix, and look at it under a microscope. She will be looking for 2 things…how much cervical mucus I have, and if Mark’s sperm can move through it. If my post coital results are good, then Mark and I just need to have timed intercourse and hope that I get pregnant naturally (as if!!). If the PC looks bad, then we can consider doing an IUI this cycle. However, I doubt that Mark and I will do an IUI as that’s just throwing $1k down the toilet. Dr. Check wants to do whatever we can while the LIT is still hot, so that gives me another 2-3 months.
If you have read this far, good for you!! You are a better person than I am.
So, if I don’t get pregnant with either our natural cycle, or with ivf #6, we are moving on. I have a consultation with CCRM on Monday, October 12. I think that Mark and I will likely pursue IVF with either SIRM (in Bedminster, NJ) or Cornell in NY. That will make monitoring appointments very stressful, as my commute for a 5 minute appointment will be somewhere between 3-4 hours! UGH!
Stay tuned…
Monday, October 5, 2009
Tomorrow is the Big Day...Yikes!!
I thought October 6 would never get here. It's my WTF with Dr. Check. I can't even believe it, but I'm starting to get a little excited again. The truth is that I wish I wasn't…because that means that I'm getting hopeful again. Oh well, I guess a little hope is a good thing.
I imagine the appointment to be about 1.5 hours, and I'm very curious as to what the doctor will recommend this time. Should I tell him about my consultation with CCRM next week? Not sure.
I'll update my blog tomorrow night with Dr. Check's suggestions.
I imagine the appointment to be about 1.5 hours, and I'm very curious as to what the doctor will recommend this time. Should I tell him about my consultation with CCRM next week? Not sure.
I'll update my blog tomorrow night with Dr. Check's suggestions.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
3 Days and Counting...
Until we meet with Dr. Check for our WTF appointment. When I first found out that ivf #5 didn't work, I wished that we could meet with the doctor right away. Well, I went to the office yesterday to pick up my copy of my medical records, and started feeling anxious and kind of sick. I went home and looked over my file. I wound up with a headache and an impending sense of doom.
I was getting used to not thinking about cycling, or failure…just living my life, and bam…it's all coming back to me…all my fears and insecurities…and what ifs. What if he recommends donor eggs, donor sperm, surrogacy? In addition, since we me with him the first time last winter (when my fsh level was 4 or 5), my fsh has shot up to 7 or 8…not to mention that my estradiol levels at the start of each cycle hover around 70-80. that seems kind of high. See, I'm getting nervous that I'm going to be told that my eggs are old and crappy, and that I'll be lucky to get 2 eggs at my next retrieval. I'm also a little freaked out about my CCRM appointment in 9 days. I really hate IF. I'll keep going until someone tells me to stop, but the truth is that it's getting so hard to get into cycling with a positive attitude.
I was getting used to not thinking about cycling, or failure…just living my life, and bam…it's all coming back to me…all my fears and insecurities…and what ifs. What if he recommends donor eggs, donor sperm, surrogacy? In addition, since we me with him the first time last winter (when my fsh level was 4 or 5), my fsh has shot up to 7 or 8…not to mention that my estradiol levels at the start of each cycle hover around 70-80. that seems kind of high. See, I'm getting nervous that I'm going to be told that my eggs are old and crappy, and that I'll be lucky to get 2 eggs at my next retrieval. I'm also a little freaked out about my CCRM appointment in 9 days. I really hate IF. I'll keep going until someone tells me to stop, but the truth is that it's getting so hard to get into cycling with a positive attitude.
Monday, September 28, 2009
The Weighting Game
This is what I always refer to my break cycles as. Let's face it, I always gain some kind of weight while I'm cycling. Or, if I'm losing weight while cycling, I gain it all back the first few days after a negative. I'm still trying to get completely out of my funk. I have good days and bad days. Today happens to be a good day, but that's because I have fun things planned for the entire weekend. On my bad days, when I'm reminded that I'm still not pregnant, I'm also reminded of the fact that I have gained 10lbs since I got married. Now, on some people, 10 lbs is not a big deal. However, I am about 5'1-5'2…so 10 lbs means that none of my clothes even fit anymore. It's depressing, and add that to the fact that I'm dealing with IF failure, and it's hard to feel good about myself.
So, (and this time I mean it), I will lose at least 5lbs before I start cycling again. Once I get back from my fun filled weekend, I will be working out at least 3xs a week. That means either getting my butt to the gym or running at least 2 miles on the treadmill at home. I can't be on a downward spiral with my weight and my IF…it would just be too hard to pull myself out of that.
If anyone wants to be my workout buddy, leave a comment. I could use the support. I also made an appointment with a trainer at my gym (mainly to just have someone tell me what weight machines I should be using and how to use them). That appointment is on October 10, so I'll be on my own until then.
Good luck to everyone reading this that is trying to lose weight while going through IF. It's a bitch!
So, (and this time I mean it), I will lose at least 5lbs before I start cycling again. Once I get back from my fun filled weekend, I will be working out at least 3xs a week. That means either getting my butt to the gym or running at least 2 miles on the treadmill at home. I can't be on a downward spiral with my weight and my IF…it would just be too hard to pull myself out of that.
If anyone wants to be my workout buddy, leave a comment. I could use the support. I also made an appointment with a trainer at my gym (mainly to just have someone tell me what weight machines I should be using and how to use them). That appointment is on October 10, so I'll be on my own until then.
Good luck to everyone reading this that is trying to lose weight while going through IF. It's a bitch!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
What a Difference a Few Days Make!
Well, we got official notice on Saturday that our ivf cycle didn't work. I grieved pretty much the entire weekend, and was a little depressed yesterday (Monday). And, as I expected, I'm starting to feel better now.
Yes, being proactive is truly the only way I can survive in the world of infertility. Since my negative beta, I have already requested copies of my medical records. I have made a phone consultation with CCRM for October 12; requested ivf cycle information from Cornell; posted several questions on SIRM's website, and started doing some research on possible tests to run, protocols to try, etc. And, I feel 100% better. I have a game plan. I have a list of possibilities. And with those possibilities, come renewed hope. Yes, I found my optimism again. Now, I'm still jaded, but I'm starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. That's all I needed...just a little bit of hope.
After doing my research (mostly through SIRM's website), I have realized the Mark and I have barely scratched the surface with ivf possibilities. Very comforting. As long as we still have $$, and Mark assures me that we still have enough for another 5 cycles, then I will move forward.
Yes, being proactive is truly the only way I can survive in the world of infertility. Since my negative beta, I have already requested copies of my medical records. I have made a phone consultation with CCRM for October 12; requested ivf cycle information from Cornell; posted several questions on SIRM's website, and started doing some research on possible tests to run, protocols to try, etc. And, I feel 100% better. I have a game plan. I have a list of possibilities. And with those possibilities, come renewed hope. Yes, I found my optimism again. Now, I'm still jaded, but I'm starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. That's all I needed...just a little bit of hope.
After doing my research (mostly through SIRM's website), I have realized the Mark and I have barely scratched the surface with ivf possibilities. Very comforting. As long as we still have $$, and Mark assures me that we still have enough for another 5 cycles, then I will move forward.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Big Fat Failure!
Well, it's official, IVF #5 ended negatively. I had a little bit of spotting on Friday morning, and I tested on a hpt Friday night. The test was stark white. Mark and I decided that I would just go in for my beta test on Saturday morning. It was no surprise when the nurse called and said "I'm sorry."
Yesterday was hard. We had our families over for Rosh Hashannah dinner. I guess in some ways, being so focused on getting everything ready helped to not break down. My nieces and nephew were over last night and it just reminded me of how badly I too want a family.
I think this failure hit Mark harder than the others. This was the one that was supposed to work. We traveled to Mexico for LIT, I was drug free for the transfer, I did acupuncture, and yet, it still didn't work. We definitely need some answers.
I have to wait until October 8, to meet with our RE again. At this point, I have to insist on some additional testing. I mean, there is a definite problem here. We can't just be that unlucky 5 times. I'm also a bit disappointed with my last half fresh cycle. I only stimmed for 7 days, which might have contributed to the issue.
Regardless, this is going to be a very hard week for me. I seem to be fine by night time, but every morning that I get up, I'm reminded that I'm still not pregnant, and I can barely get out of bed. I guess the key is to just keep very busy. I can start exercising again, and we are hanging out with good friends next weekend. I'm also giving up acupuncture, as it clearly is not the answer for me.
If anyone reading this has dealt with IVF failures, please post on ways that you are coping. I'm always up for suggestions.
Yesterday was hard. We had our families over for Rosh Hashannah dinner. I guess in some ways, being so focused on getting everything ready helped to not break down. My nieces and nephew were over last night and it just reminded me of how badly I too want a family.
I think this failure hit Mark harder than the others. This was the one that was supposed to work. We traveled to Mexico for LIT, I was drug free for the transfer, I did acupuncture, and yet, it still didn't work. We definitely need some answers.
I have to wait until October 8, to meet with our RE again. At this point, I have to insist on some additional testing. I mean, there is a definite problem here. We can't just be that unlucky 5 times. I'm also a bit disappointed with my last half fresh cycle. I only stimmed for 7 days, which might have contributed to the issue.
Regardless, this is going to be a very hard week for me. I seem to be fine by night time, but every morning that I get up, I'm reminded that I'm still not pregnant, and I can barely get out of bed. I guess the key is to just keep very busy. I can start exercising again, and we are hanging out with good friends next weekend. I'm also giving up acupuncture, as it clearly is not the answer for me.
If anyone reading this has dealt with IVF failures, please post on ways that you are coping. I'm always up for suggestions.
Monday, September 14, 2009
This 2 Week Wait Sucks!!!
I'm having a rough week, and it's only Monday. I have no symptoms other than the likely side effects from the drugs that I'm on. I've convinced myself that this 5th ivf cycle, where we tried so many new things, just didn't work. Where do we go from here? Should we seriously consider adoption at this point? The thought of giving up though, makes me sick to my stomach. The thought of getting another negative beta result is making me sick to my stomach.
I'm losing weight. Normally, that's a good thing. However, I lost a couple of pounds during the 2ww of my last ivf cycle, and that turned out to be a big failure. I really don't know how much more of this my sanity can take. Seriously. Any words of advice or encouragement are greatly appreciated.
I'm losing weight. Normally, that's a good thing. However, I lost a couple of pounds during the 2ww of my last ivf cycle, and that turned out to be a big failure. I really don't know how much more of this my sanity can take. Seriously. Any words of advice or encouragement are greatly appreciated.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Pregnant, Until Proven Otherwise : - )
I had my FET on Tuesday morning. I woke up and Mark and I had "relations" per the doctor's orders. Nothing like sex on demand. Hee hee. I showered, and then started to drink my water. They recommend that you drink 32 ounces of water before your transfer. The rationale being that since it's an abdominal u/s, they get a better shot of your uterus. Well, since I think my bladder is the size of a pea, I drank about 8 ounces before acupuncture.
After that, we were off to my acupuncture appointment. There have been studies suggesting that acupuncture pre and post transfer will result in higher pregnancy rates. Well, we left the house in plenty of time, and we encountered way too many construction detours. We wound up driving around in a big circle just to get to the office. I got there about 20 minutes late. So, I had a very quick treatment.
From there, we drove literally around the corner to get to the dr's office by 10am for my 10:30 transfer. After sitting in the waiting area for 15 minutes (and having drank maybe another 8 ounces of water), I was dying. I went to the bathroom. About 20 minutes later, they took us back to the "closet" to change our clothes and get ready for the transfer. I drank probably another 4 ounces of water. So figure, I had a total of 20 ounces. Mark put on his yellow gown, shower cap, and booties. I had a way too big blue gown, shower cap, and booties. We both looked like we could work in a high school cafeteria. I also got my valium. I had one for last transfer, and I didn't notice any difference.
We were then taken back to the transfer room and told that the dr. would be there shortly, she was just finishing up with a retrieval. The nurse came in and asked if I had to go the bathroom. I said yes. Ok, that's 2 times already. Then, the nurse left and we were just sitting there in the transfer room. The embryologist came in to tell us that we would be transferring 3 embryos that morning, and gave us a picture. We had a 6, 7, and 8 celled embryo. Mark nicknamed them, you guessed it, 6, 7, and 8. Then the embryologist left. I had to go to the bathroom again. Afraid that the nurse would tell me I couldn't, I snuck out to use the bathroom for the 3rd time. Ten minutes later the nurse came in to say that the dr. would be in shortly (and this time she said she meant it) and asked if I needed to go again. So yes, I went for the 4th time. Finally, the ultrasound tech came in to make sure I had a full bladder for the transfer. I thought she would tell me that I had to drink more water. NOPE, I still had a full bladder. So, you guessed it, back to the bathroom for the 5th time!!!
The transfer itself went well. The valium had kicked in, and once it was determined that due to my tricky cervix, a rigid catheter needed to be used, we transferred 6,7,8.
After the transfer, I used the bedpan…so I guess that's a total of 6 times by now. Hee hee. I had to lay on the table for an additional 30 minutes. Mark then dropped me off at acupuncture again. I had a longer session this time, and even passed out on the table. Then, we proceeded home where I was couch bound for 2 whole days.
I go in for my beta pregnancy test on September 21, but I will be testing at home on the 20th. Please cross everything that the 5th shot is the lucky one!!
After that, we were off to my acupuncture appointment. There have been studies suggesting that acupuncture pre and post transfer will result in higher pregnancy rates. Well, we left the house in plenty of time, and we encountered way too many construction detours. We wound up driving around in a big circle just to get to the office. I got there about 20 minutes late. So, I had a very quick treatment.
From there, we drove literally around the corner to get to the dr's office by 10am for my 10:30 transfer. After sitting in the waiting area for 15 minutes (and having drank maybe another 8 ounces of water), I was dying. I went to the bathroom. About 20 minutes later, they took us back to the "closet" to change our clothes and get ready for the transfer. I drank probably another 4 ounces of water. So figure, I had a total of 20 ounces. Mark put on his yellow gown, shower cap, and booties. I had a way too big blue gown, shower cap, and booties. We both looked like we could work in a high school cafeteria. I also got my valium. I had one for last transfer, and I didn't notice any difference.
We were then taken back to the transfer room and told that the dr. would be there shortly, she was just finishing up with a retrieval. The nurse came in and asked if I had to go the bathroom. I said yes. Ok, that's 2 times already. Then, the nurse left and we were just sitting there in the transfer room. The embryologist came in to tell us that we would be transferring 3 embryos that morning, and gave us a picture. We had a 6, 7, and 8 celled embryo. Mark nicknamed them, you guessed it, 6, 7, and 8. Then the embryologist left. I had to go to the bathroom again. Afraid that the nurse would tell me I couldn't, I snuck out to use the bathroom for the 3rd time. Ten minutes later the nurse came in to say that the dr. would be in shortly (and this time she said she meant it) and asked if I needed to go again. So yes, I went for the 4th time. Finally, the ultrasound tech came in to make sure I had a full bladder for the transfer. I thought she would tell me that I had to drink more water. NOPE, I still had a full bladder. So, you guessed it, back to the bathroom for the 5th time!!!
The transfer itself went well. The valium had kicked in, and once it was determined that due to my tricky cervix, a rigid catheter needed to be used, we transferred 6,7,8.
After the transfer, I used the bedpan…so I guess that's a total of 6 times by now. Hee hee. I had to lay on the table for an additional 30 minutes. Mark then dropped me off at acupuncture again. I had a longer session this time, and even passed out on the table. Then, we proceeded home where I was couch bound for 2 whole days.
I go in for my beta pregnancy test on September 21, but I will be testing at home on the 20th. Please cross everything that the 5th shot is the lucky one!!
Monday, September 7, 2009
FET is On!!
Got the call from the embryologist this morning. Out of the 5 embies that were thawed, 4 survived. And, out of those 4, 3 look really good. We told the embryologist that if tomorrow morning, we still only have 3 good ones, we would go ahead and transfer all 3. I'm nervous, but very excited. I hope that the cocktail that we introduced this cycle of no meds, LIT and acupuncture do the trick.
I'm going to acupuncture at 9:20 and then straight to Cooper for a 10:30 am transfer, then it's back to acupuncture. After that, I'm camping out on the couch for the next 48 hours.
I'm going to acupuncture at 9:20 and then straight to Cooper for a 10:30 am transfer, then it's back to acupuncture. After that, I'm camping out on the couch for the next 48 hours.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Too Many Drugs!
Got the call on Friday that I am definitely a go for my Tuesday transfer. My lining was at a whopping 10mm. Woo hoo! I got the call to start a million drugs on saturday morning. I'm taking my estrace 3xs a day, progesterone suppositories 2xs a day, antibiotics 2xs a day, medrol daily, and a nice big 2cc intramuscular shot in my ass every night. Woo hoo!
We find out on Monday how the embies are doing, and what time our Tuesday transfer is.
So, to be continued....
We find out on Monday how the embies are doing, and what time our Tuesday transfer is.
So, to be continued....
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
UGH!!!!
Ugh. That's the theme of my infertility journal. I swear, nothing goes smoothly. We have hit a speed bump with every single cycle we have done. I'm getting very frustrated.
The latest speed bump: I went in for my cd16 blood work and ultrasound appointment. The key for this is to check your lining to see if it's ready for the transfer. Well, my lining pattern was IE, which according to the tech was fine. My lining was 8mm. The nurse called to tell me my test results from the morning…and my estrogen was over 2000. The doctor wants to see my lining thicken up…but, since my estrogen is so high, they can't up my estrace dosage. Great! So, I go back on Friday in the hopes that my lining thickens.
Here is what totally frustrates me. I know people who have had successful transfers with a lining of 8mm, and their doctors didn't think anything of it. And, I'm doing acupuncture, which is supposed to help with this stuff. I've had my moments of doubt with my current acupuncturist (as he hasn't done half of what my old acupuncturist did), and now I'm starting to think the whole acupuncture experience has been a complete waste of time and $$.
Who did I piss off in a past life…seriously?
The latest speed bump: I went in for my cd16 blood work and ultrasound appointment. The key for this is to check your lining to see if it's ready for the transfer. Well, my lining pattern was IE, which according to the tech was fine. My lining was 8mm. The nurse called to tell me my test results from the morning…and my estrogen was over 2000. The doctor wants to see my lining thicken up…but, since my estrogen is so high, they can't up my estrace dosage. Great! So, I go back on Friday in the hopes that my lining thickens.
Here is what totally frustrates me. I know people who have had successful transfers with a lining of 8mm, and their doctors didn't think anything of it. And, I'm doing acupuncture, which is supposed to help with this stuff. I've had my moments of doubt with my current acupuncturist (as he hasn't done half of what my old acupuncturist did), and now I'm starting to think the whole acupuncture experience has been a complete waste of time and $$.
Who did I piss off in a past life…seriously?
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Nervous Nelly
Ok, the nerves are really starting to creep in. I go in tomorrow morning for my blood work and ultrasound appointment. If my estradiol levels and lining look good, the embryologist will begin the thaw. We currently have 5 embies on ice. I'm really hoping that we have enough to do 2 FETs (if necessary). I'm just really nervous that either all/most of the embies will arrest before the transfer, or that something will be wrong with my results from tomorrow.
I always get very very nervous before an egg retrieval and an egg transfer. We are hoping that this is the lucky cycle. I'm med free, doing acupuncture, and had our lymphocyte immunotherapy treatment a couple of weeks ago. So, on it's face, this should be the lucky cycle. Still, I'm extremely nervous that something will go wrong : (
I always get very very nervous before an egg retrieval and an egg transfer. We are hoping that this is the lucky cycle. I'm med free, doing acupuncture, and had our lymphocyte immunotherapy treatment a couple of weeks ago. So, on it's face, this should be the lucky cycle. Still, I'm extremely nervous that something will go wrong : (
Monday, August 24, 2009
LIT in Mexico...um, That was Fun?
Ok, here is the update to my adventure in Nogales, AZ. Mark and I stayed in Tucson the night before...since the drive the next morning would only be 1.5 hours as opposed to 3.5. It was also going to be my only day to sit out at the pool and get a little sun. Wouldn't you know it that about 20 minutes after I got situated at the pool, it started to pour. It didn't stop until dinner time. : (
Woke up at 5:30 on Saturday morning to shower, and check out of the hotel. We arrived in Nogales, AZ a little before 8. We were to meet our "ride" at the McDonald's who would then drive us across the border to the doctor's office. We walked in, and everyone was Mexican except for one other couple. So, no brainer there, we weren't the only couple heading to MX that morning.
Anyway, the driver met us and 2 other couples and drove us over the border. Nogales is pretty gross. There is nothing there but junky souvenir shops, and lots of dentist offices. The doctor's office was very clean, but very very small. I think there was a mini lobby with reception, a tiny bathroom that didn't work that well, the doctor's little office, and a room with an ultrasound.
We were the fourth couple to get called into the doctor's office. He didn't speak English as well as I had hoped, so that was a little disconcerting. He asked a variety of questions...some we could answer and some we couldn't. After that, Mark and I went into the back room where a nurse took 10 vials of Mark's blood. The nurse told us to come back in 2 hours. Nogales is not a town that you really want to walk around for that long, so we hung around the office. We met another couple who was there for their 4th LIT procedure. They had been here 4 years before and wound up with a son, so it was great to hear their success story. We ate breakfast with them at a decent place up the street.
Two hours later, we were all back at the doctor's office awaiting our injections. The people who had done this before were all telling me about their physical reactions to the procedure. Some suffered from mild "welts" and some itching, and some had more severe reactions. I was nervous. Three couples went in before us, and then finally it was our turn. I saw 2 big needles there on the table, and it hadn't occurred to me to be nervous about the injections. I was just nervous about the reaction I would have POST injection. Anyway, the nurse injected the serum (which was a mixture of Mark's white blood cells, and some other stuff) in 4 different places on my forearm. The needle pinched going in all 4 times,and then the serum burned as it was injected into me. My eyes definitely watered. The hard part was knowing that after she finished my first arm, I still had another 4 injections left in my other arm.
After she finished, the injection sites still burned and were a little red, but my reaction wasn't as bad as I thought it would have been. About 30 minutes later, the doctor drove us back to the border. We waited in line for about an hour and then went through the border. We got stopped though for inspection. I guess it looked suspicious to have 3 unrelated American couples being driven over the border by a Mexican physician. So, they inspected our passports, asked us all a few questions, and then 20 minutes later, we were on our way back to Scottsdale.
It is now Monday, 2 days after my LIT treatment. I have 4 big welts on each arm, and they are starting to itch a little bit. I can't wash my arms, put lotion on them, have them exposed to the sun, take antihistamines to stop the itching, or exercise. The good news is that I can sit in the pool, drink alcohol, and pretty much do whatever else I want to.
If this works, and I get pregnant, I probably don't have to go back for another treatment. If I don't get pregnant, Mark and I have to decide if we want to make the trip back to Nogales.
Feel free to leave me any comments if you have any questions about my LIT treatment.
I'll blog again when I get back to New Jersey!
Woke up at 5:30 on Saturday morning to shower, and check out of the hotel. We arrived in Nogales, AZ a little before 8. We were to meet our "ride" at the McDonald's who would then drive us across the border to the doctor's office. We walked in, and everyone was Mexican except for one other couple. So, no brainer there, we weren't the only couple heading to MX that morning.
Anyway, the driver met us and 2 other couples and drove us over the border. Nogales is pretty gross. There is nothing there but junky souvenir shops, and lots of dentist offices. The doctor's office was very clean, but very very small. I think there was a mini lobby with reception, a tiny bathroom that didn't work that well, the doctor's little office, and a room with an ultrasound.
We were the fourth couple to get called into the doctor's office. He didn't speak English as well as I had hoped, so that was a little disconcerting. He asked a variety of questions...some we could answer and some we couldn't. After that, Mark and I went into the back room where a nurse took 10 vials of Mark's blood. The nurse told us to come back in 2 hours. Nogales is not a town that you really want to walk around for that long, so we hung around the office. We met another couple who was there for their 4th LIT procedure. They had been here 4 years before and wound up with a son, so it was great to hear their success story. We ate breakfast with them at a decent place up the street.
Two hours later, we were all back at the doctor's office awaiting our injections. The people who had done this before were all telling me about their physical reactions to the procedure. Some suffered from mild "welts" and some itching, and some had more severe reactions. I was nervous. Three couples went in before us, and then finally it was our turn. I saw 2 big needles there on the table, and it hadn't occurred to me to be nervous about the injections. I was just nervous about the reaction I would have POST injection. Anyway, the nurse injected the serum (which was a mixture of Mark's white blood cells, and some other stuff) in 4 different places on my forearm. The needle pinched going in all 4 times,and then the serum burned as it was injected into me. My eyes definitely watered. The hard part was knowing that after she finished my first arm, I still had another 4 injections left in my other arm.
After she finished, the injection sites still burned and were a little red, but my reaction wasn't as bad as I thought it would have been. About 30 minutes later, the doctor drove us back to the border. We waited in line for about an hour and then went through the border. We got stopped though for inspection. I guess it looked suspicious to have 3 unrelated American couples being driven over the border by a Mexican physician. So, they inspected our passports, asked us all a few questions, and then 20 minutes later, we were on our way back to Scottsdale.
It is now Monday, 2 days after my LIT treatment. I have 4 big welts on each arm, and they are starting to itch a little bit. I can't wash my arms, put lotion on them, have them exposed to the sun, take antihistamines to stop the itching, or exercise. The good news is that I can sit in the pool, drink alcohol, and pretty much do whatever else I want to.
If this works, and I get pregnant, I probably don't have to go back for another treatment. If I don't get pregnant, Mark and I have to decide if we want to make the trip back to Nogales.
Feel free to leave me any comments if you have any questions about my LIT treatment.
I'll blog again when I get back to New Jersey!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
First Ever FET is on it's Way
Today was cycle day 2, and I went in for b/w and my u/s. Everything looked good, and I start my estrace tonight. The oral estrace I can deal with, but what's this with inserting the teeny tiny pill vaginally??!!??? Are they friggin' nuts? Should be interesting.
Mark and I leave for Arizona tomorrow, and our LIT is on Saturday. That should be an adventure. I'll definitely blog about that.
FET will likely be on September 6. Seems so soon, and I'm still scared!
Wish me luck!
Mark and I leave for Arizona tomorrow, and our LIT is on Saturday. That should be an adventure. I'll definitely blog about that.
FET will likely be on September 6. Seems so soon, and I'm still scared!
Wish me luck!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
AF is MIA
Wow, I should be starting my first ever frozen embryo transfer (FET) sometime this week! I've been crampy since Tuesday, so I know that AF is on her way. I'm excited, but also extremely petrified. I have put so much faith into this procedure, that if it doesn't work, I really don't know what I'm going to do.
Here is what our doctor thinks our problem is….my body becomes a hostile environment for an embryo that is transferred while I still have the stimulation medication in my system. Ok, I can buy that. It would explain why every single IVF cycle failed. Now, the confusing part for me is, what does that have to do with us not being able to get pregnant on our own? Obviously, I'm not on any medication during my natural cycles. So, perhaps we also have an issue where Mark's sperm don't recognize my eggs…why my eggs don't like Mark's sperm is beyond me…but that's what we have right now.
As a matter of course, my doctor recommends getting lymphocyte immunotherapy for those couples with repeated ivf failures. I guess not knowing exactly what our issue is, what could it hurt, yes?
Mark and I had to get immunological testing done for our upcoming LIT procedure. One of the things they test for is DQ Alpha. The Dq alpha test gives you back 2 numbers each. In a normal pregnancy, the father's DNA in the embryo tells the mother's body to set up a protective reaction around the developing embryo. If the father's dna is too closely matched to the mother's, there is a good chance that the embryo created by them is unable to differentiate itself from the mother's body. The mother's body then rejects the embryo because it cannot identify the embryo as a baby. Mark Dq alpha revealed 0102, and 0103. My Dq alpha revealed 0103 and 0201. So, according to the above description, we have a match…and perhaps this has been our issue all along. I do believe that LIT will take care of that for us.
So, it would seem like after we do LIT, and then come back to U.S. to do our FET, I should get pregnant. That's what I've been thinking too. However, things don't always work out the way you want, hope, or expect them to. There is also the variable of how many embryos will actually make it through the thaw, and if they will continue to divide. We currently have 5 on ice. I think that Mark and I would like to transfer 3. Ideally, all 3 survive the thaw, and 2 stick, and we have twins…and then in 1 or 2 years, we transfer the remaining 2 frozen embies and have another baby.
All in all, I'm so excited to get the ball rolling on a new protocol, and I'm trying not to dwell on the what ifs. Wish me luck. I'll probably post again after I go in for my cycle day 2 blood work and ultrasound.
Here is what our doctor thinks our problem is….my body becomes a hostile environment for an embryo that is transferred while I still have the stimulation medication in my system. Ok, I can buy that. It would explain why every single IVF cycle failed. Now, the confusing part for me is, what does that have to do with us not being able to get pregnant on our own? Obviously, I'm not on any medication during my natural cycles. So, perhaps we also have an issue where Mark's sperm don't recognize my eggs…why my eggs don't like Mark's sperm is beyond me…but that's what we have right now.
As a matter of course, my doctor recommends getting lymphocyte immunotherapy for those couples with repeated ivf failures. I guess not knowing exactly what our issue is, what could it hurt, yes?
Mark and I had to get immunological testing done for our upcoming LIT procedure. One of the things they test for is DQ Alpha. The Dq alpha test gives you back 2 numbers each. In a normal pregnancy, the father's DNA in the embryo tells the mother's body to set up a protective reaction around the developing embryo. If the father's dna is too closely matched to the mother's, there is a good chance that the embryo created by them is unable to differentiate itself from the mother's body. The mother's body then rejects the embryo because it cannot identify the embryo as a baby. Mark Dq alpha revealed 0102, and 0103. My Dq alpha revealed 0103 and 0201. So, according to the above description, we have a match…and perhaps this has been our issue all along. I do believe that LIT will take care of that for us.
So, it would seem like after we do LIT, and then come back to U.S. to do our FET, I should get pregnant. That's what I've been thinking too. However, things don't always work out the way you want, hope, or expect them to. There is also the variable of how many embryos will actually make it through the thaw, and if they will continue to divide. We currently have 5 on ice. I think that Mark and I would like to transfer 3. Ideally, all 3 survive the thaw, and 2 stick, and we have twins…and then in 1 or 2 years, we transfer the remaining 2 frozen embies and have another baby.
All in all, I'm so excited to get the ball rolling on a new protocol, and I'm trying not to dwell on the what ifs. Wish me luck. I'll probably post again after I go in for my cycle day 2 blood work and ultrasound.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Still Killing Time
Wow, I feel bad…it’s been a long time since I have posted on my blog. I guess that’s because we are on a break cycle, so I don’t have a lot to say. Since last time, Mark and I went to Mystic, CT for a long weekend getaway. He had been very stressed at work, so I thought it would do him some good.
We originally had booked a bed and breakfast, but upon arriving, we decided that it wasn’t for us. Thankfully, the owners weren’t there, so we didn’t have to explain why we want to leave…it was like staying at your grandmother’s house…where she hadn’t dusted or updated the place since she first got married! Anyway, we wound up staying at the Hyatt in Mystic for the whole weekend. We had a lot of fun; ate at Mystic Pizza; visited some vineyards; ate lobster; relaxed.
I guess there have been a few developments in the IVF journey…but nothing major. I ordered my progesterone in ethyl oleate. Most people do the progesterone in oil, but my Dr. called in the script for PEO. When I asked about it, I was told that the shots are far less painful with the PEO. I guess time will tell. I will admit though, I’m terrified of these shots. I’ve been lucky that we have been doing IF treatments for over a year now, and I haven’t had to do one of those shots. Then again, I’m still not pregnant, so maybe the PEO are the lucky twist.
We are doing a few new things to shake things up…acupuncture, lymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT) and doing a frozen embryo transfer. I’m really hoping that all these things together will give us what we want so badly. It’s pretty crazy to think that our is really only a few weeks away. Our LIT therapy is in 18 days. Nuts!!
We originally had booked a bed and breakfast, but upon arriving, we decided that it wasn’t for us. Thankfully, the owners weren’t there, so we didn’t have to explain why we want to leave…it was like staying at your grandmother’s house…where she hadn’t dusted or updated the place since she first got married! Anyway, we wound up staying at the Hyatt in Mystic for the whole weekend. We had a lot of fun; ate at Mystic Pizza; visited some vineyards; ate lobster; relaxed.
I guess there have been a few developments in the IVF journey…but nothing major. I ordered my progesterone in ethyl oleate. Most people do the progesterone in oil, but my Dr. called in the script for PEO. When I asked about it, I was told that the shots are far less painful with the PEO. I guess time will tell. I will admit though, I’m terrified of these shots. I’ve been lucky that we have been doing IF treatments for over a year now, and I haven’t had to do one of those shots. Then again, I’m still not pregnant, so maybe the PEO are the lucky twist.
We are doing a few new things to shake things up…acupuncture, lymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT) and doing a frozen embryo transfer. I’m really hoping that all these things together will give us what we want so badly. It’s pretty crazy to think that our is really only a few weeks away. Our LIT therapy is in 18 days. Nuts!!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Going to Mystic!
I have always wanted to visit Mystic, CT...since I saw the movie. So, I'm taking Mark there next weekend. Some time away from work and stress, while enjoying each other's company, fun activities, good food (Mystic Pizza here I come), and good drink, is just what the doctor ordered.
I just booked a room at a cute bed and breakfast (The Mermaid Inn) and we ship out on Friday.
And, good news for the puppy, we don't have to board him...either my MIL or my SIL will be able to watch him. This way, he will have a great time, and I won't feel guilty about leaving him in a kennel.
If anyone reading this blog has ever been to Mystic, CT, I could use some recommendations (food, activities, vineyards, etc.).
I'll definitely post a trip report when we come back.
I just booked a room at a cute bed and breakfast (The Mermaid Inn) and we ship out on Friday.
And, good news for the puppy, we don't have to board him...either my MIL or my SIL will be able to watch him. This way, he will have a great time, and I won't feel guilty about leaving him in a kennel.
If anyone reading this blog has ever been to Mystic, CT, I could use some recommendations (food, activities, vineyards, etc.).
I'll definitely post a trip report when we come back.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Yup, I'm going to Mexico!
Ok, I started getting all of my lymphocyte immunotherapy information today, and it's completely overwhelming. I'm not sure if I need to get all the testing done, or if it's just Mark. Also, we seem to be having scheduling issues, which totally stresses me out. Initially, Dr. Check told us we should go out the last weekend of August, for a September 7ish FET. However, if I still have my 27 day cycles, we are a week off. Of course, I realized this after I told Mark to request the last weekend off from work. He works in the emergency room, so he needs to request his time off a couple months in advance. He's going to love me when he wakes up and I get to tell him…"oops, see if you can switch." And, as a result, he may have to work on my birthday. It figures.
Anyway, we would probably fly into Arizona on Thursday and stay with my parents for a couple of days, and then make the drive down to Nogales, Arizona very early on Saturday morning. Apparently, we can wait at the McD's on the US side, and a staff from the Nogales' doctor's office would pick us up and walk us across the border. Good times!
I’m telling you, the things I will put myself through in the hopes of getting pregnant. I'm sure I'll have some fun entries about our experience!
Anyway, we would probably fly into Arizona on Thursday and stay with my parents for a couple of days, and then make the drive down to Nogales, Arizona very early on Saturday morning. Apparently, we can wait at the McD's on the US side, and a staff from the Nogales' doctor's office would pick us up and walk us across the border. Good times!
I’m telling you, the things I will put myself through in the hopes of getting pregnant. I'm sure I'll have some fun entries about our experience!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
I Need a Hobby!
Alright, today's entry has nothing to do with IVF and making babies, at all. I need to come up with a good idea for a weekend getaway. Between the stress of starting a family, and Mark's work, I really think he needs a break. Since it's so last minute (next weekend), I am thinking of doing a drivable getaway…maybe Cape May, Lancaster County, DC area for the weekend. I think Mark would probably prefer to be at a beach, while I might be leaning more towards wine tastings. Are there even any wineries in Lancaster County? I have some research to do…if only I had internet at work : (
My second thought is that I need a hobby. Since we are on a forced break until our FET in September, I need something else to fixate on. I have gained about 10 lbs since we began our journey through the murky waters of infertility. So, one goal for the rest of the summer, is to get myself into some kind of shape…or at least better shape than what I am right now. I'm at the point where I walk around and think to myself, ok, she's thinner than I am, but I'm thinner than this other person is. It's not a fun game to play. However, I don't see working out as a hobby. I'm open to suggestions!
My second thought is that I need a hobby. Since we are on a forced break until our FET in September, I need something else to fixate on. I have gained about 10 lbs since we began our journey through the murky waters of infertility. So, one goal for the rest of the summer, is to get myself into some kind of shape…or at least better shape than what I am right now. I'm at the point where I walk around and think to myself, ok, she's thinner than I am, but I'm thinner than this other person is. It's not a fun game to play. However, I don't see working out as a hobby. I'm open to suggestions!
Monday, July 6, 2009
5 Frosties!! Woo Hoo@
I had my egg retrieval on July 4th. Before I went back for the procedure, I had to have another u/s. On this u/s, the tech counted 10 follicles. I was relieved. If we can get 10 eggs, and 9 are mature, and 8 fertilize, we will definitely have enough to do at least 2 FETs. I was in a much better mood.
They saw us right away. I think that the staff was anxious to get everything done so that they all could enjoy the holiday. I changed into the embarrassing blue gown, and they set me up with an IV. I thought for sure that I would be getting my visit from anesthesiology almost immediately. Um, I was wrong. I proceeded to sit there, freezing my ass off for 1 hour. Apparently, the ER before me was taking a long time. I could hear the dr. doing the procedure and calling out the number of eggs. This particular person got 26 eggs. Not something that I wanted to hear, know that best case scenario, they'd be getting 10 eggs.
Finally, they bring me into the other room, and the anesthesiologist gets me set up with my oxygen and consents. The dr., who I had NEVER met before, breezes in, barely introduces herself, and the next thing I know, I'm in recovery.
They tell me that they got 7 eggs. I'm sorry, what did you say?? 7 eggs. I must have asked the nurse to repeat that a few times. I was devastated. I couldn't even cry though, because my throat was so dry. Then, I overhear the dr, as I asked the nurse why only 7, and the dr. says that really only 5 of them were good. Nice! I was definitely not in a good mood.
So, we got the call yesterday from embryology. Out of the 7 retrieved, 6 were mature, and 5 fertilized and divided normally. Great! Considering what we were dealing with, 5 embies is not a bad outcome. I'm not sure if that will be enough to get us through two FETs, but if I'm lucky enough to get pg on the first, it doesn't really matter.
Mark and I did come to the decision that we are going to Nogales, Mexico for lymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT). This is a process where they take Mark's blood, separate the white blood cells, make some kind of serum with them, and then inject them under my skin. It's supposed to help with embryo implantation. If we go at the end of August, we should be good for 6 months. That will cover us if I get pregnant with my first FET, or if we have to do another fresh and frozen. So, I'm waiting to get information from the lab manager at Cooper, and then I will call Mexico and make our appointment.
I really hope this is the beginning of the story of how we got our baby. I feel like nothing in this entire process has come easily to Mark and I. I just hope that this is it.
They saw us right away. I think that the staff was anxious to get everything done so that they all could enjoy the holiday. I changed into the embarrassing blue gown, and they set me up with an IV. I thought for sure that I would be getting my visit from anesthesiology almost immediately. Um, I was wrong. I proceeded to sit there, freezing my ass off for 1 hour. Apparently, the ER before me was taking a long time. I could hear the dr. doing the procedure and calling out the number of eggs. This particular person got 26 eggs. Not something that I wanted to hear, know that best case scenario, they'd be getting 10 eggs.
Finally, they bring me into the other room, and the anesthesiologist gets me set up with my oxygen and consents. The dr., who I had NEVER met before, breezes in, barely introduces herself, and the next thing I know, I'm in recovery.
They tell me that they got 7 eggs. I'm sorry, what did you say?? 7 eggs. I must have asked the nurse to repeat that a few times. I was devastated. I couldn't even cry though, because my throat was so dry. Then, I overhear the dr, as I asked the nurse why only 7, and the dr. says that really only 5 of them were good. Nice! I was definitely not in a good mood.
So, we got the call yesterday from embryology. Out of the 7 retrieved, 6 were mature, and 5 fertilized and divided normally. Great! Considering what we were dealing with, 5 embies is not a bad outcome. I'm not sure if that will be enough to get us through two FETs, but if I'm lucky enough to get pg on the first, it doesn't really matter.
Mark and I did come to the decision that we are going to Nogales, Mexico for lymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT). This is a process where they take Mark's blood, separate the white blood cells, make some kind of serum with them, and then inject them under my skin. It's supposed to help with embryo implantation. If we go at the end of August, we should be good for 6 months. That will cover us if I get pregnant with my first FET, or if we have to do another fresh and frozen. So, I'm waiting to get information from the lab manager at Cooper, and then I will call Mexico and make our appointment.
I really hope this is the beginning of the story of how we got our baby. I feel like nothing in this entire process has come easily to Mark and I. I just hope that this is it.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Heading off to ER
Well, the day has finally come. Mark and I leave for our ER at 8:45. I'm feeling a bit better about my numbers. If we can get a good 10 eggs, and at least 7 strong embryos to freeze, I think I'm feeling good.
It is bizarre to do this on a holiday, but I guess you have to do what you have to do.
I plan on coming home, sleeping for a bit, watching some trashy tv, and then if I'm feeling good, leaving the house for some fireworks. I know that Mark is bummed about not being down the shore, but we have to remind ourselves that it's for the greater good.
The kind of cool thing is that after they get my eggs, I'm off restriction. I can have some caffeine, and alcohol. Seriously, it's the little things. So, I should be partaking in my favorite libation of Blue Moon by around 7pm.
I will check in again after ER to give an update on egg number. Wish me luck!
It is bizarre to do this on a holiday, but I guess you have to do what you have to do.
I plan on coming home, sleeping for a bit, watching some trashy tv, and then if I'm feeling good, leaving the house for some fireworks. I know that Mark is bummed about not being down the shore, but we have to remind ourselves that it's for the greater good.
The kind of cool thing is that after they get my eggs, I'm off restriction. I can have some caffeine, and alcohol. Seriously, it's the little things. So, I should be partaking in my favorite libation of Blue Moon by around 7pm.
I will check in again after ER to give an update on egg number. Wish me luck!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Triggered Last Night!
Well, as usual, this was another funky cycle. I went in on Wednesday for my b/w and u/s and found out that I still only had 7 measurable follicles. I was quite distraught...I had visions of getting at least 15. I mean, I was doing everything right; I even included acupuncture this time. Well, when the nurse called and said that they wanted me to come back on Thursday, I knew that I would be triggering.
Normally, I get excited when I trigger, but after only 7 days of stims, and only 7 folllies, I had one of many crying sessions.
But, there is some good news here. As of yesterday, I now have 10 follies, with the possibility of some to catch up. Our egg retrieval (ER) will be on July 4th. And, since we are freezing everything, I can even have a celebratory Blue Moon on Saturday night.
Oh, and Dr. Check let us know last night that we don't have to take 2 cycles off before our FET, just one. So, we will be heading to Arizona at the end of August for our LIT treatment, and then doing a transfer around September 7. I'll get more into LIT in another post.
Wish me luck for the 4th. If all goes well, we will get at least 10 eggs.
Happy 4th of July!
Normally, I get excited when I trigger, but after only 7 days of stims, and only 7 folllies, I had one of many crying sessions.
But, there is some good news here. As of yesterday, I now have 10 follies, with the possibility of some to catch up. Our egg retrieval (ER) will be on July 4th. And, since we are freezing everything, I can even have a celebratory Blue Moon on Saturday night.
Oh, and Dr. Check let us know last night that we don't have to take 2 cycles off before our FET, just one. So, we will be heading to Arizona at the end of August for our LIT treatment, and then doing a transfer around September 7. I'll get more into LIT in another post.
Wish me luck for the 4th. If all goes well, we will get at least 10 eggs.
Happy 4th of July!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Track Marks on the Belly
I went in today for cycle day 2 blood work and an ultrasound. At this point in the cycle, they are checking out the lining of your uterus, how many antral follicles you have, and if you have any cysts present. In addition, the blood work will tell them if any of your levels are elevated.
Well, much to my surprise, I have 2 sizable cysts, one on the left ovary, and one on the right. However, just got the call from the nurse, and it appears that I’m OK to start my meds tonight. I only had 9 measurable follicles this morning, so I hope they increase. The goal for this IVF cycle is to get as many eggs as I possibly can without the threat of OHSS (ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome).
I will be on a total of 300 units of stimulation drugs a day, and I’ll be doing acupuncture 2xs a week for the next 2 weeks (already started that this week). I just hope we can get some nice quality eggs.
I am also getting a little concerned. I’ll be 35 in August and when we started out with IVF over a year ago, my FSH level was 3. Today’s bloodworm reflected a FSH of 7. Now, that could just be a fluke, or a sign that I definitely getting older.
Well, much to my surprise, I have 2 sizable cysts, one on the left ovary, and one on the right. However, just got the call from the nurse, and it appears that I’m OK to start my meds tonight. I only had 9 measurable follicles this morning, so I hope they increase. The goal for this IVF cycle is to get as many eggs as I possibly can without the threat of OHSS (ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome).
I will be on a total of 300 units of stimulation drugs a day, and I’ll be doing acupuncture 2xs a week for the next 2 weeks (already started that this week). I just hope we can get some nice quality eggs.
I am also getting a little concerned. I’ll be 35 in August and when we started out with IVF over a year ago, my FSH level was 3. Today’s bloodworm reflected a FSH of 7. Now, that could just be a fluke, or a sign that I definitely getting older.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Killing time until IVF 5 Part A Begins!
I guess I haven’t been as good about posting on my blog as I thought I would. Oh well, better late than never.
So, I’m about to embark on ivf cycle 5 part A. Incase I haven’t explained what Mark and I are doing this time around. We will do a full stimulation ivf cycle. We will have our egg retrieval. Depending on the number of eggs that the doctor is able to get, we will use ICSI on almost of all them, save maybe 3-5 for conventional fertilization. Backup, and I’ll tell you why we are trying this. Back during our 2nd IVF cycle, we retrieved 18 eggs. The doctor thought that we should do ICSI on 9 and conventional fertilization on the other half. Well, NOTHING fertilized conventionally, so we have been doing ICSI on everything ever since. Our new doctor isn’t sure if we truly have an issue with sperm, or if IVF #2 was a fluke…so, assuming we retrieve enough eggs, we will try it again. If nothing fertilizes that way, we will definitely know that I can’t get pregnant the old fashioned way, and that IVF is our only hope.
So Part B of our 5th IVF cycle won’t be until September. After our egg retrieval, the embryologist will freeze any viable embryos on day 2 after our retrieval. Mark and I will then wait through 2 full natural cycles to make sure that all the drugs are out of my system. We are also debating about going down to Nogales, Mexico in September for a special procedure called lymphocyte immunotherapy. It helps with immunological issues, and my doctor has done studies where pregnancy rates increase after LIT in women who have had 3+ failed ivf cycles…and we clearly fit that criteria : ( If we do travel down to Mexico, I’ll definitely put the details in my blog.
I’ve been seeing an acupuncturist for the last couple of weeks. I think he’s great…and he’s only a 30 minute walk from work. Hmm, notice the sarcasm there? He’s much better than the guy I used in Haddonfield. He had the nerve to tell me that his daughter (who was 12) would never have to worry about infertility, as he was sure she’d have kids no problem. Would you really tell someone who is experiencing infertility a comment like that?? People are stupid.
One nice thing that I’ve realized over the course of my journey is that there are tons of MEs out there. Not just on the message boards that I frequent, but some of my close friends are going through the same things. It’s nice to be able to “suffer” with someone else, and when one of them has good news, it gives me hope.
So, I guess this entry is just me babbling, and once I start my extensive drugs in a few days, my blog will be more IVF intensive.
So, I’m about to embark on ivf cycle 5 part A. Incase I haven’t explained what Mark and I are doing this time around. We will do a full stimulation ivf cycle. We will have our egg retrieval. Depending on the number of eggs that the doctor is able to get, we will use ICSI on almost of all them, save maybe 3-5 for conventional fertilization. Backup, and I’ll tell you why we are trying this. Back during our 2nd IVF cycle, we retrieved 18 eggs. The doctor thought that we should do ICSI on 9 and conventional fertilization on the other half. Well, NOTHING fertilized conventionally, so we have been doing ICSI on everything ever since. Our new doctor isn’t sure if we truly have an issue with sperm, or if IVF #2 was a fluke…so, assuming we retrieve enough eggs, we will try it again. If nothing fertilizes that way, we will definitely know that I can’t get pregnant the old fashioned way, and that IVF is our only hope.
So Part B of our 5th IVF cycle won’t be until September. After our egg retrieval, the embryologist will freeze any viable embryos on day 2 after our retrieval. Mark and I will then wait through 2 full natural cycles to make sure that all the drugs are out of my system. We are also debating about going down to Nogales, Mexico in September for a special procedure called lymphocyte immunotherapy. It helps with immunological issues, and my doctor has done studies where pregnancy rates increase after LIT in women who have had 3+ failed ivf cycles…and we clearly fit that criteria : ( If we do travel down to Mexico, I’ll definitely put the details in my blog.
I’ve been seeing an acupuncturist for the last couple of weeks. I think he’s great…and he’s only a 30 minute walk from work. Hmm, notice the sarcasm there? He’s much better than the guy I used in Haddonfield. He had the nerve to tell me that his daughter (who was 12) would never have to worry about infertility, as he was sure she’d have kids no problem. Would you really tell someone who is experiencing infertility a comment like that?? People are stupid.
One nice thing that I’ve realized over the course of my journey is that there are tons of MEs out there. Not just on the message boards that I frequent, but some of my close friends are going through the same things. It’s nice to be able to “suffer” with someone else, and when one of them has good news, it gives me hope.
So, I guess this entry is just me babbling, and once I start my extensive drugs in a few days, my blog will be more IVF intensive.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
On a forced break
This is my first entry, but certainly not my first foray into in-vitro fertilization. We had started with our 5th ivf, and after 2.5 days of stimming, we were canceled. Now, it could just be a freak thing, but I'm convinced it was a mess up from our RE's office. I'm trying not to get upset about it. I've decided to do acupuncture this cycle with a new person in Old City, Philadelphia. I'm excited for my first appointment on Wednesday. It's good to be adding something new to the mix, and I hope to be able to add an entry in July, announcing my BFP.
One of these days, I'll post an entry with a quick rundown of my experiences thus far, but today is not that day!
One of these days, I'll post an entry with a quick rundown of my experiences thus far, but today is not that day!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
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