stimulation day 5 of 1st IVF

[natailia3]

Great news, Carlaliz! So glad to hear your sucess so far.
We both had 10 eggs and both had 8 fertilize! We will both transfer 3.
So similar so far! now lets hope for 2 positive betas!
I wanted to ask you...did you do a HPT before blood test before?
If so, when did you start testing with a HPT?? I was trying to find out today when the trigger shot will leave my system and how early I can do a HPT. I have the early type that detects 25 units of HCG like the blood test.
I am excited but I can image how hard my heart will be beating when I take that test. Yikes!
Rest, relax stay calm, order in food and let me know if you are going in Thrusday AM.

[Carlaliz]

I know, it's ironic all the similarities! How cool if we both end on the same positive note and our babies are born at about the same time!

I don't do HPT - I just wait until I go to the clinic. I can take one and it's positive, but that doesn't mean that it's not just a chemical pregnancy, so why risk the excitment? My second IVF attempt was a chemical pregnancy so I know that's always a chance. Plus, I've had too many that were negative from IUIs and it's given me a complex. I just wait and pray that there's not bleeding or cramping between doctors visits. So sorry that I can't answer that question for ya! If you do an HPT, please let me know what you find out!

[natailia3]

I totally understand. My pregancy of 2009 I told the world immediately. I thought a positive test was all I needed. I never even imagined I would miscarry. It was hard because I told my daughter and for weeks she kept talking about the baby. It was very hard on me but then I thought, this does happen. I had a missed miscarriage at 10 weeks. I didn't have a D&C.
The cycle after next I was pregnant again. That time I thought, This is it! This one will work. But sadly about 6 weeks I miscarried. The very next month I got a positive on an eary pregnancy test and 4 days later started to bleed.

SO i know even a postivie from the IVF doesn't mean I will have a baby.
ITs just a start. I would get a beta too just to comfirm and have records of the levels. I am super anxious and hope for the best this time. All we can do is try!
I rememeber hearing about the worlds first "test tube baby" and never imagined I would one day be trying to have my own test tube baby.
We are lucky women in that regard. Women of our mother's generation didn't have much help but we are lucky to have such great science on our side!
Take it easy! I will be thinking of you Thrusday.

[Carlaliz]

Wow - you've been through some sad things! I'm sorry to hear that. It only makes me hope that this works for you even more. Just try to relax and only think calm, positive thoughts. Please let me know what your HPT shows. Oh, and please let me know how many embryos you have to freeze. I hope it's 5!

As for how lucky we are today, Amen sister! My aunt was in a similar boat also due to severe male factor. She never got this kind of opportunity and I feel very blessed that I do. Here's to us both having a happy ending.....

[Carlaliz]

Recent update

Ok, so we were told that they'd call us about the transfer around 8:30 yesterday morning. We both took off work, just in case, and were sleeping in some while we waited for the call. Of course, I was up and anxiously listening for the phone by 7:30. I was starting to worry when nothing had happened by 8:45. At 9:00 the call came that we were gonna do it and we were sooooo happy! Then, the nurse told us how the embryos rated. Ideally, they want to transfer something that's a 5 or better. See, our clinic rates them from 0 (the worst) to 8 (the best), but are very conservative in giving anything an 8 because it means they're about perfect. The nurse always warns us that an 8 is really rare and a 6 or 7 is super good. Before, we've mostly transferred 6's, a 5, and a 7. Yesterday, they told us that they were going to transfer two 6's and one 8. Yes, we got a "perfect" one!!!!! We were totally on cloud 9 and couldn't believe the news. We're still super excited about it and hope that it's a good sign.

We had the transfer at about 1:00. The valium kept me relaxed and things went smoothly. The nurse told us 2 or 3 times how very well the transfer went. She seemed really happy about that. So, that has us on feeling great too! She ordered me to at least 48 hours of bedrest and I'm trying my best to do as little as possible. She also told me that over the next 2 weeks, there's no exercise (even a brisk walk), no sex, no motorcycle riding, no hair highlighting, no cleaning, and no picking up anything heavy. I'm gonna follow those orders exactly because I'm not taking any chances. Mom and dad came over last night all excited and brought us dinner. I won't be doing much cooking for the next two weeks either - shucks! The nurse said to come home from work and kick up my feet. I can do that! So, now we wait until Wed. after next for the blood test. Of course, we both know that it doesn't necessarily mean anything. Still, it will be nice if we hear that it looks good. We'll see how it goes....

As soon as I got the call from the nurse, I made a quick appointment to get acupuncture before the transfer. I hink I might get my hubby to take me again today - I'll lay down in the car for the 6 min. drive. I really think that the acupuncture played a role in the good quality of our embryos. When I called yesterday to see if I could make a sudden appt., they told me Thurs. was her day off and the other one doesn't specialize in fertility. Next thing I know, they've called her and she's offered to come in for me. It was sooooo sweet and awesome! So I grabbed her a quick "thank you" gift and headed in. When I told her of the embryo quality she started jumping up and down. It was cute. I think she appreciates knowing how well she's doing her job. I know I appreciate it! I'm all about acupuncture now!

So, how are you doing? When will you go in for your blood test? Are you gonna do an HPT first? I really hope that you're feeling good. I know that I'm trying to enjoy every second of our good news while I can. I know how quickly it can change, but I'm not gonna allow myself to go there. So, keep me posted on things on your end, ok?

[leslieJ]

baby aspirin

How many baby aspirin are you taking? I am taking that and have been on pre natal vitamins for 16 months now as my OBGYN recommended that and I have just stayed on them until I get matched no need to stop now....lol

Leslie

[natailia3]

SOOOOO glad to hear your good news! I didn't get a email that you had posted adn was just checking in on you today to see if you transfered yesterday or Saturday. I am so happy for you! I think it helps knowing from the start that you got some good ones in there growing. Now the wait....but it will go fast! Sound like you are going to have some help.
I think the acupunture totaly calmed me down as well. I only had it 2x since I cannot get it in my very small rual town. I was a nervous wreck while doing all the stimulation drugs and monitoring but I had my acupunture just before egg retreival (along with a spinal adjustment) and since then I have been really calm and relaxed. And I believe it can help egg quality. I wish I could have done it from the start.
That super nice of the lady to come in and treat you after the transfer. Good for her!
I hope you got some good moives picked out for the weekend. Relax, enjoy, breathe.
I am one week past collection today and cannot believe how fast its gone.
I have all ready used a HPT just to test if my trigger hcg was out of my system. I am trying to find a lab who will run my blood work if I send it in the mail. I don't want to drive 3 hours, epecailly for a negative.
My doctor said I could take a test on the 24 but my husbands birthday is on the 23. Thinking of holding out until then.
Oh, I found out today I had 3 of the 5 remaining embryos froze!
I am happy about that.
I wanna hear how you are feeling!

[Carlaliz]

Leslie,
I started prenatal vitamins and baby asprin as soon as we finished our fundraising, in June, so that I knew I'd be ready whenever we were matched. I take one baby asprin a day. I hope that it helps. I really feel like the acupuncture has and that's something you might want to check into. If nothing else, it helps me relax.

Natalia,
I'm feeling good. A little tight (for lack of a better word) in my abdomen, but I felt like that both other times too. I'm feeling really upbeat this time and I like that. I think getting such good news about the embryo quality did a lot to help with that. We're still psyched about that!

Please let me know what your test shows and if you're able to find a place closer to home to do your blood work. I'm gonna take my nurse's suggestion and not do an HPT. Like I said, I have a phobia about them anyway, but I want to hear what yours says. I'll live vicariously!

How exciting that you had multiple ones to freeze! That's got to help to know that you have that "safety net." I really hope that we can have that happen too. That really is exciting. Congrats!!!!

So, how are you feeling?

[Carlaliz]

I'm taking one baby asprin a day. I've been taking them and my prenatal vitamin since we finished our fundraising in June. I wanted to be sure I was ready for whenever we got matched. I have a distant cousin who had 2 failed IVF attempts. The third time the only thing she changed was taking baby asprin and it worked! Hope we get the same results!

[Carlaliz]

Just wondering how you're feeling now. Wanna see if maybe we're having some of the same "side effects." I've been doing all I can to relax all weekend. Hope you have been too!

[natailia3]

I am trying to hold off on the HPT but think I will make it to tomorrow then take one. I actually took one Sunday (6dp3dt) because I had a dream I took one and it was postiive BUT the one I ACTUALLY took was Neg. I know its really too early.
I wanted to ask you about "side effects". I am on 600mg of pregerstrone. This is what the clinic prescribes, its 2 suppositories 3 times a day.
Thats alot! What's your dose?
I have used a progesterone cream since low progesterone can cause early miscarriage, I used this cream for several months while TTC naturally.
I would use it after ovulation until my peroid began. I would get VERY sore breasts and slight pinching in the uterus. But I never got pregnant while using it.
With these suppositories, I immediately felt the uterus pinching and just started today having tender breasts. Maybe the difference is the location of application....hummmm. Its hard not to think too much about these things.....
I will take my beta this Friday if I can find a place to draw it because its a holiday here. Then I will overnight it and get the results the next day.
Its either that or drive 3 hours (each way).
I figure the HPT will let me know what is going on before that BETA.
I have been very thursty, tired, and craving sweets.
Its hard for me not to carry things and I want so bad to go for a run or bicycle ride just to get rid of the stress of waiting for these tests.
But, overall I think its gone fast, one week ago today I had the tranfer.
How are you and how was your weekend? Will you go back to work this week?

[Carlaliz]

I'm taking a 1 ml. shot of progesterone each morning. My hubby does it because I hate needles. I have to have them in my upper butt and it aches the rest of the day. By the time I wake up, I'm fine but then it's time for another shot. I did the suppositories the past two times, and despite the aches and my fear of needles, I think I prefer the shots. It's much less messy and I only have to do it once. However, once school is out for the summer, I might switch back to the suppositories. My butt might have had all the sticking it can take by then! Before I only did one suppositories in the morning and another when I went to bed. Two, three times a day, does sound like a lot, but at least you'll know you're covered!

My main symptoms are that I'm bloated and more hungry. I'm also very tired! I can also say that I'm more thirsty and that makes me pee more often. I had a few moments of queasiness yesterday and this morning, but nothing major. I had a little cramping in my abdomen and lower back on Sat. night, but not really since. It's soooooo hard not to obsess over every little thing and wonder what it might mean!

I'm back at work today. Trying not to sit too much but also not be on my feet too much. We found out that an 8th grade student of ours died on Sat., so things are very quiet here. Everyone's just sad and in shock. We've called in counselors from other schools and even local universities to help talk to our kids. The teachers and kids have been working on a wall of rememberance for him. It's very, very sad. He was well-liked and way too young to die. Anyways, it has slowed the pace of things here, but I really wish that it didn't involve something so tragic.

Please let me know what your HPT says tomorrow. I can't believe that your beta is so close! I wish that mine were too! I hope that you're able to do it locally and avoid that huge drive. Please continue to keep me posted on your symptoms and everything else. Take care.....

[Carlaliz]

Talked to the lab late this afternoon and our paths have now diverged.... None of our other embryos made it to be frozen. Very sad news. In 3 IVF cycles, we've only ever had 1 to freeze. The lab guy said it probably points to poor sperm quality. I can't bring myself to tell my husband that. The lab tech tried to remind me of the good quality of the ones they transferred and told me that proves even more they picked the right ones. Still, I worry that the sperm quality will negatively impact them too and this cycle won't work. We won't even have a "safety net" of having frozen ones, so this really is our last shot. I know that I need to focus all my positive energies on the ones we transferred, but it's hard tonight. I can't help but to worry. Oh well, gotta find a way to come to terms with it and move on. The ones I have with me now are all that really matter, right? I've gotta stay positive and do all I can to make this work. I just thought I'd give you the update. Today was not a good day. Sure hope tomorrow is better!

[natailia3]

Oh Carlaliz, I am sorry you didn't have any to freeze. That just stinks.
Yes, you have to be positive about the ones you had for the ET. Not only where they good quality, you had them help hatching, right?
So and 3 this time instead of 2, right? So things are different and in a good way for you! Did you have ICSI? My clinic uses this for everyone.

I think we are feeling alike is spirits of yesterday because yesterday I just hit a emotional wall of gloom. I was feeling TOTALLY pregnant for the day. I started feeling like AF coming on. Thats how all my pregnancies started. The first 2 I didn't test for days after my missed period because I was so sure it was coming. The last 2, I just knew. So yesterday on impulse I took a HPT at 2pm, and it was totally negative. But I thought, well, its not the concentrated AM test. I tested this morning (8dp3dt) and again, negative.
I know there is still a small chance of a positive over the next few days but of course the double line would have been nice.
I was upset mostly because I realized that I don't have a PLAN B for this IVF failing. The IVF was my PLAN B. yes, I have the frozen, but for some reason that doesn't make me feel better. I know fresh cycles are most likely to work and the best ones were chosen for the 3dt.
I would move on to adoption. It was always something my husband and I had discussed years ago. Have one and adopt one. But now he has doubts about adoption and I was angry at first and wanted to change his mind but I don't want him to have doubts.
So if this cycle fails, there is nothing to do. I don't think I could afford to do the IVF again soon and waiting just will make it less likely to work "due to age".
The other thing that upset me starting yesterday is just the overall feeling of being angry at your body for not cooperating!! Ya know. The feeling like your body has let you down. Like I cannot trust it anymore. So all these "feelings" aren't my body but all the hormones pumped into my system.
I find its been the most painful part of infertility. Loosing hope in your own body.
My daughter's pregnancy and birth were perfect and I was lucky.
I had a totally natural birth with a midwife in a birthing pool. I trusted my body and it did what it needed to do. And it was the most amazing experince of my life. And now that little girls askes every day to be a big sisiter. And its so hard to tell her "I am trying" over and over. She deserves to be a sister. Sometimes I don't know if my heartache is for myself or for her.
Well we are suppsed to be lifting each other up here so I will stop with my sad thoughts.
I am at work now but will leave early and go for a nice long mind clearning walk this afternoon. I just need to get this energy out.
Hang in there too. We are almost through this and will make it out come what may.....let me know how you are doing today.

[Carlaliz]

Yes, we did ICSI (had to even if we didn't want to) and assisted hatching. I'm hoping that the baby asprin, assisted hatching, and acupuncture - all new this cycle - will come together and make this one a total success! I'm feeling a little better today and more determined, in case you can't tell. Maybe I was getting to be too greedy. Just one baby would be enough to make us as happy as can be. I just can't let that go. We want it too much! Your recent experiences with the HPT are making me even more certain that I can't handle going there. It would just be too upsetting and I'm fine with putting off any more bad news until next Wed. Someone can call me wimpy, I'll own it.

It sounds like such a wonderful experience that you had with your daughter and I can understand why you'd want another one. Don't give up hope just yet! I'd give anything to experience something like that myself. My hubby and I are not at the place where we're ready to talk adoption just yet. We only live once and really want the experience of having our own pregnancy and our own child first. Plus, I've heard that adoption is super expensive and we don't have that kind of money now. Honestly, we've invested so much in all this fertility stuff over the past 5 years, that it will be awhile before we do. If we did, I'd probably use it for IVF again - to be honest. I guess I'm a glutton for punishment. But my clock is ticking and time is quickly running out. I'm trying not to think about that too much right now. Trying to stay focused, positive, eyes on the prize, and all that other good stuff......

I hope that your walk helped and that you're feeling better today. I've decided that even if I feel like a total idiot later on, I'm going to act like I'm already pregnant. I'm gonna eat whenever I'm hungry (all healthy stuff), sleep whenever I feel tired, not clean or exercise, wear loose clothes and let my bloated tummy hang out, and just live like I expect nothing less then total success. I do believe that your mind can be a powerful thing and you get what you expect, so I'm only expecting the best of things from here on out. How's that for a total turn around and an example of positive thinking? We had excellent embryos transferred - one even awarded the highest possible score, and we were told that the transfer went perfectly. All those can spell a great success and I'm gonna hold onto that tightly. I can't wait to hear what your beta is and hope, no expect, that it's the wonderful news you deserve to hear! So, have I managed to be "up" enough for both of us? Are you feeling any better now?