Week of 10/15

[icedcoffee]

Egg retrieval is tomorrow.  I'm looking forward to laying in bed all afternoon.

Work is slow because I was supposed to be in Vegas this week for a conference, but obviously I'm not.

[icedcoffee]

And of course it can't just go smoothly. My nurse just called that apparently because my Progesterone levels are starting to climb they want to do a freeze all cycle and transfer next cycle with a FET.

I'm feeling sad.

[G22]

Good luck with retrieval icedcoffee! I hope you get lots of good quality eggs!

I'm trying to get my mind wrapped around doing fertility treatments again. It's been 4 years since I did them, so it's been just long enough I feel a bit newbie-ish.

I'm not a fan of my new RE. At my first appt his bedside manner was awful and he basically spent half the appt telling me how awful it is for women to do hard exercise (like running) even when not TTC and that I should give it up completely. He also said at the very least he would prefer me to give up running for 12 weeks prior to even starting treatment. I just feel really turned off by his first impression. I've done IVF before, and my previous REs were ok with it up until a treatment cycle. Hes seem very old school, but I'm giving him one more shot today because he comes highly recommended and does seem to want the best for his patients. If I still dont feel better about it after today, I plan to change to his partner who everyone says is amazing.

[G22]

Oct 15, 2018 9:26:57 GMT -5 icedcoffee said:

And of course it can't just go smoothly. Mu nurse just called that apparently because my Progesterone levels are starting to climb they want to do a freeze all cycle and transfer next cycle with a FET.

I'm feeling sad.

Dang I missed your update while I was posting. I'm sorry

[megstoo]

I'm sorry icedcoffee,

I'm back at spotting today which means CD1 will most likely be tomorrow and already feel like absolute crap. For some reason my brain always tries to block out just how bad periods are after being on progesterone.

Oh and we're supposed to leave for vacation Wednesday. I had asked last week about stopping progesterone early to force a period (after I tested at home before my negative beta). I ended up stopping progesterone on Monday since I knew beta would be negative and talking with nurse/testing earlier in hopes to be done with period before vacation. Nope the $#U(*&%(*&@#)% decided to hold off with light spotting yesterday meaning tomorrow will most likely be CD1.

This trip was supposed to be an escape from the infertility hell and give DH and I a chance to unwind before starting again the beginning of the year. I can never unwind when period is here.

[scm1011]

Oct 15, 2018 9:32:15 GMT -5 G22 said:

Good luck with retrieval icedcoffee ! I hope you get lots of good quality eggs!

I'm trying to get my mind wrapped around doing fertility treatments again. It's been 4 years since I did them, so it's been just long enough I feel a bit newbie-ish.

I'm not a fan of my new RE. At my first appt his bedside manner was awful and he basically spent half the appt telling me how awful it is for women to do hard exercise (like running) even when not TTC and that I should give it up completely. He also said at the very least he would prefer me to give up running for 12 weeks prior to even starting treatment. I just feel really turned off by his first impression. I've done IVF before, and my previous REs were ok with it up until a treatment cycle. Hes seem very old school, but I'm giving him one more shot today because he comes highly recommended and does seem to want the best for his patients. If I still dont feel better about it after today, I plan to change to his partner who everyone says is amazing.

My RE is exactly the same. I was turned off my her immediately, and still find her cold, but she's gotten me results so I KOKO. I was told to limit my weekly mileage to 7 (7!) for the 3 months prior to treatment. It was tough, and seemed completely over the top, but I complied. 

[G22]

Oct 15, 2018 10:26:22 GMT -5 scm1011 said:

Oct 15, 2018 9:32:15 GMT -5 G22 said:

Good luck with retrieval icedcoffee ! I hope you get lots of good quality eggs!

I'm trying to get my mind wrapped around doing fertility treatments again. It's been 4 years since I did them, so it's been just long enough I feel a bit newbie-ish.

I'm not a fan of my new RE. At my first appt his bedside manner was awful and he basically spent half the appt telling me how awful it is for women to do hard exercise (like running) even when not TTC and that I should give it up completely. He also said at the very least he would prefer me to give up running for 12 weeks prior to even starting treatment. I just feel really turned off by his first impression. I've done IVF before, and my previous REs were ok with it up until a treatment cycle. Hes seem very old school, but I'm giving him one more shot today because he comes highly recommended and does seem to want the best for his patients. If I still dont feel better about it after today, I plan to change to his partner who everyone says is amazing.

My RE is exactly the same. I was turned off my her immediately, and still find her cold, but she's gotten me results so I KOKO. I was told to limit my weekly mileage to 7 (7!) for the 3 months prior to treatment. It was tough, and seemed completely over the top, but I complied. 

Thank you for sharing. This RE just has such different view points on exercise than my one last time, I was shocked at how strict he is on it. Along with his bedside manner, I just came away with a bad taste in my mouth and feeling defeated about having to give up so much again. But I'm willing to give him another shot, so we'll see how it goes.

[shoeless]

icedcoffee I'm sorry I hope your retrieval goes well tomorrow.

G22 I actually left an RE practice for saying the exact same thing to me before we had even done any testing (I was only running 9 miles a week). That said I do scale back my running during treatment cycles since those Drs words have never left me.

[icedcoffee]

I'm sorry megstoo. I hope it's a light period so you can still enjoy your trip!

Am I going to have to use a pad instead of tampons for this period since I'll be getting it a few days after retrieval? Because that might be the worst part of this shit. LOL

G22, I can't comment on the running, but getting back into fertility treatments really is like riding a bike. It will all come back to you! Haha

At least I can have wine this week I guess.....

[G22]

Oct 15, 2018 10:34:08 GMT -5 shoeless said:

icedcoffee I'm sorry I hope your retrieval goes well tomorrow.

G22 I actually left an RE practice for saying the exact same thing to me before we had even done any testing (I was only running 9 miles a week). That said I do scale back my running during treatment cycles since those Drs words have never left me.

Previously I completely stopped running during treatment cycles. So I was prepared for something similar. But whatever, I'm going into today with and open mind and well see how it goes.

[msmerymac]

icedcoffee I'm sorry. I know how frustrating delays can be. But some REs really recommend freeze all cycles (I've always fone into my retrievals with the intention of doing freeze-all) because they see better results, potentially since it gives your body a little rest to clear out all the stim meds!

[msmerymac]

I had a hysteroscopy today. Everything looks clear, but there's a small polyp towards the entrance, so my RE will take a look at that.

I feel kind of bad, though. I love my RE - GREAT bedside manner, really smart, really nice. But I've been with him for almost 3 years. When I did my last stim cycle and got the best results I ever really have (30 eggs and 4 embryos to blast stage with 1 normal, 2 non-concurrent, and 1 abnormal) it's because I pushed him to try human growth hormone based on my friend's very successful cycle that she did with another RE.

Well, I had a consult with my friend's RE on Friday and he's fabulous. Right away, even without all my files, he said, "Both your parents have diabetes and you are overweight. Have you ever been on metformin?" I have not. Honestly, it's something I had thought about, but my RE told me I didn't need it because my hormone/sugar levels are fine and I don't have PCOS. This new RE said that sometimes it can help, even if my levels look objectively fine, and that he'll have me on it for at least a month before a retrieval. So I'm starting that and getting a full IVF blood panel done. And I'm having my records transferred.

But still. I feel bad. Also, I was always able to go to my current practice between 7 and 7:30 and still easily make it to work by 8:15/8:30, but this new practice is so inconvenient. It's the opposite direction from my house, and then will take at least an hour to get to my office. And you guys know how many monitoring appts there are. :/ That's the only downside.

[icedcoffee]

Oct 15, 2018 12:06:53 GMT -5 msmerymac said:

icedcoffee I'm sorry. I know how frustrating delays can be. But some REs really recommend freeze all cycles (I've always fone into my retrievals with the intention of doing freeze-all) because they see better results, potentially since it gives your body a little rest to clear out all the stim meds!

Yeah---they said that they don't like to do fresh transfers if progesterone is greater than 3.5 after trigger because it's a good sign my body is not going to be receptive to the transfer.  I googled it and they seem to be right, but delays still suck!  It sounds like they are doing fewer fresh transfers as a practice from this new research.

I wouldn't feel bad about moving to a new RE.  Sometimes you just need a fresh pair of eyes.  I hope you have a lot of success with them!  It does stink it's so inconvenient, but hopefully just 1 cycle and you won't need to go back.

[G22]

Everything went ok with the hysterscopy and biopsy. I built it up to be way worse in my head than it actually was, so that was nice. Everything looked clear in my uterus as well.

And my REs bedside manner improved some and after talking over my history I feel a bit better about him, so for now I'll stick with him.

[seeyalater52]

icedcoffee good luck tomorrow! I’m sorry about the delay of your transfer but hopefully once you get over the initial shock you’ll feel a little better about it. It makes sense to give every embryo the best chance but I know how hard it is to feel like every step in the process is a longer and longer wait.

@g22 I’m sorry about the exercise restrictions at your practice. It does sound overly cautious to me! I’m glad you feel a bit better after talking with them today and the hysteroscopy went well.

msmerymac I’m so glad you found an RE who is going to be more proactive about addressing some factors that haven’t been considered yet. I’m sure it’s awkward to change practices but it sounds like you’re doing the right thing. Also glad the hysteroscopy went well.

megstoo have so much fun on your vacation! I hope it’s still great and relaxing even though your body isn’t cooperating.

[woowoo]

Oct 15, 2018 12:32:56 GMT -5 icedcoffee said:

Oct 15, 2018 12:06:53 GMT -5 msmerymac said:

icedcoffee I'm sorry. I know how frustrating delays can be. But some REs really recommend freeze all cycles (I've always fone into my retrievals with the intention of doing freeze-all) because they see better results, potentially since it gives your body a little rest to clear out all the stim meds!

  It sounds like they are doing fewer fresh transfers as a practice from this new research.



icedcoffee, my clinic doesn't do lot of fresh transfers in general anymore and this is one of the reasons.  

[seeyalater52]

I have to call and order my meds today. And also call the clinic because they never cashed the embryo storage check I sent. Ugh, just take my money!

I’m also back on the exercise train, did yoga this weekend and have barre tonight and monthly unlimited passes for both so more of that in my future.

[rikiteacup]

H finally got an appointment to see a urologist specializing in male fertility. It will be in January.
He started the Fertilaid pills and let's hope it helps some. He also stopped drinking coffee. He used to drink 12 cups of coffee/day
We're still going to TTC like normal and maybe by some miracle I'll be pregnant by January. He is also going to do a couple more SA in the meantime.
I feel like at this point, a lot of doors are open. So we're still hopeful. But time isn't really on our side.

[icedcoffee]

Retrieval is done. 18 eggs which is less than the 33 we got last time, but that was the goal. In bed where I will stay all day.

[seeyalater52]

Oct 16, 2018 9:57:43 GMT -5 icedcoffee said:

Retrieval is done. 18 eggs which is less than the 33 we got last time, but that was the goal. In bed where I will stay all day.

I hope you get so much time to relax today! I will be thinking of those 18 eggs and sending good wishes for quality and high fertilization and development. 

rikiteacup I'm glad you found a fertility urologist for your H and it sounds like he's made some very positive changes so hopefully that will help. The waiting is a special kind of hell, I hope it goes by quickly for you both, or that you have a surprise success in the meantime. 

[seeyalater52]

I ordered my FET meds! I should start my cycle next week, period is projected on Wednesday.

[fairfax]

I’m just waiting on my LH surge to start the Estrace priming protocol, for retrieval next cycle. I’m a little nervous about the timing, we are going away for DH’s birthday the weekend of the 17th (but could still drive back for monitoring) and then with Thanksgiving... we should be traveling to the in-laws... hopefully it will all work out!

I had a little freak out at DH a couple weeks ago - he was pretty checked out last cycle. He’s been super busy at work (truly) but I wasn’t getting the support I needed. So, I told him that for this cycle he was going to be the primary point of contact for the dr. Obviously I will make and attend the appointments, but he can be the point person for everything else. He pushed back somewhat, but ultimately agreed.

Last week we had a telephone consult with the Dr to talk about next steps. At the end he tells her to make him the primary point of contact moving forward, to take some of this off my shoulders. She started gushing about it, “oh, that’s SO THOUGHTFUL! Oh how nice and supportive!” On and on. I was like 🤔😡 no! He does not get credit! Lol.

[fairfax]

Oct 16, 2018 9:57:43 GMT -5 icedcoffee said:

Retrieval is done. 18 eggs which is less than the 33 we got last time, but that was the goal. In bed where I will stay all day.

That’s great! Enjoy your time in bed!!!

[shoeless]

icedcoffee Yay, fingers crossed for some high quality embryos!

[G22]

Oct 16, 2018 9:57:43 GMT -5 icedcoffee said:

Retrieval is done. 18 eggs which is less than the 33 we got last time, but that was the goal. In bed where I will stay all day.

That's great! Fx for some great quality ones there. Rest up!

[seeyalater52]

fairfax Im so glad your H is stepping up to take on more of the logistics. It seems fair considering how much you have to go through physically and emotionally in this process! I would have been tempted to shin kick the doctor for making such a big thing out of it. Ugh.

[icedcoffee]

Out of 18 eggs retrieved, 15 were mature and 7 fertilized.

For people who like data: As a comparison, almost 3 years ago we got 33 retrieved, 22 were mature, 10 fertilized normally, 1 fertilized abnormally, 1 made it to a 5 day blastocyst and 1 to a cavitating morula. We transferred both and 1 stuck.

It only takes 1...It only takes 1....

Feeling so much better on the day after retrieval than I did the last time so that is nice. I can actually stand up straight. LOL

Now I just need to get my period. Hopefully it comes soon and seeyalater52 and I can be transfer buddies.

I'm feeling better about doing a freeze all than I did now that the shock has worn off.

Sorry guys, I should get a diary.

[icedcoffee]

fairfax, my H is so clueless about everything IVF related. It has gotten me so mad. I almost smacked him when he complained about giving a sperm sample yesterday. Thankfully he really stepped up yesterday as I was recovering so I'll let him live. I'm glad our H is stepping up!

[seeyalater52]

icedcoffee I wanna be transfer buddies!! I’m full of hope for you that your 7 fertilized are strong, quality eggs that will mature nicely into blastocysts. It must be crazymaking to have another cycle to compare it to that went so differently! Can’t wait to hear more updates. Also very happy you’re feeling better today!

[seeyalater52]

Oh and I tried a barre class last night and I definirely cannot stand up straight. 😂 Gotta get that blood flowing in the uterus lol.