[3rdtimesthecharm]

Originally Posted by lucy4

Ladies, I read a few of your siggies, and saw supplements such as royal jelly etc. I just read up on this today, and realize its probably too late for me to start. Is there anything else I can add into my routine that it wouldnt be too late to start?

I would check with your doc before starting any supplements. I started RJ before my last cycle without asking the RE...this cycle I was told to stay away from it. I've heard lots of ladies that have great things to say about it, but that it really takes a little while for it to be effective. From my perspective, I 100% believe that the RJ kept me from having any form of OHSS last cycle because my E2 was only 2200 at retrieval whereas preiviously it was 5800. On the other side, I had half the eggs (with the same number of follicles) and my egg quality was no different. I think that the reason I didn't see any difference in egg quality is because I only started the RJ 2 weeks before my cycle.

What I do recommend is the warming of your feet. I was never able to get my lining in the double digits until I started warming my feet with the heating pad daily during stims.

[MrsJB]

Originally Posted by 3rdtimesthecharm

We've used Walter Reed for all of our IVFs. It's not too far from where I am stationed, so that makes it really nice. I really like the people that run the program...now if they can just get us pregnant!

I did all my IUIs at Wilford Hall. Due to the fact that DH has SCO, we have to use DS and Wilford Hall has a policy of no donor gametes for IVF, so we couldn't do IVF there and had to wait until we were closer to Walter Reed to pursue IVF. It's been almost 5 years and I'm still a little bitter since that cost me that time and probably some egg quality...I would probably be less bitter if they didn't have a wonderful article about the surrogacy that they did...they were never able to explain to me how it was ok to do a surrogacy and not DS.

I'm interested in the differences that each of the clinics does with their protocol. From what I've seen, I think that Walter Reed does mostly Microdose Lupron, and it seems like you are on the Long Lupron protocol...is that pretty much standard with you? We don't do a lot of extras with the program...for example we only take antibiotics and steroids between ER and ET, whereas some programs have the ladies taking those for weeks. There are also some programs that do a progesterone check in the middle of an IVF cycle...WR doesn't do that, even though I break out in a rash from the progesterone (no matter what form).

We are in San Diego so we are at NTC here. We partner either with Reproductive Partners or San Diego Fertility Clinic. We choose Reproductive Partners. Their stats are really good. And I like that the work with a Univesity- so I feel like they are on the cutting edge I guess.

This is my first IVF so I am not sure if what I am doing is standard. But they do have both of us on antibiotics now and I will take them again. They also want me on the baby asprin. I know that I have patches to wear after the transfer. They insist on the shots of progesterone at first. I have another sonogram on Thursday before I get going on the stims.

We were on the wait list FOREVER! As you can see we started trying in 2005, went to the doc in 2006. They had to refer me to OBGYN who did the tube test then put me on clomid. Then I was referred to NTC. I really didn't count but I must have done 7 cycles of injections. Some with IUI, some with timed intercourse. The IVF list had stopped so I had to keep waiting. We decided to stop with treatment until IVF came up. It was just too stressful with no results. So we had about a year off of it.

I do like my doctor and the nurses are wonderful. Keeping my fingers crossed that we did the right thing by waiting and not going out on our own to do it!

[MrsJB]

Originally Posted by 3rdtimesthecharm

I would check with your doc before starting any supplements. I started RJ before my last cycle without asking the RE...this cycle I was told to stay away from it. I've heard lots of ladies that have great things to say about it, but that it really takes a little while for it to be effective. From my perspective, I 100% believe that the RJ kept me from having any form of OHSS last cycle because my E2 was only 2200 at retrieval whereas preiviously it was 5800. On the other side, I had half the eggs (with the same number of follicles) and my egg quality was no different. I think that the reason I didn't see any difference in egg quality is because I only started the RJ 2 weeks before my cycle.

What I do recommend is the warming of your feet. I was never able to get my lining in the double digits until I started warming my feet with the heating pad daily during stims.

Did the doctor tell you to stay away from the RJ?

Feet warming, hey? What is that supposed to do?

[Alyson_Sunshine]

I am sooo excited to be finally starting the Follistim tonight.

NLP, glad to have you join us.

I was thinking of my journey and how I came to be doing IVF and it had started over two years ago going to the obgyn. I think the Lupron has been making me weepy or maybe it is the glimmer of hope that DH and I may have a baby. I am just feeling nostalgic these past couple days. I have been looking back at my journey and seeing the end (finally) in sight.

DH and I started taking antibiotics today for 10 days.

Oh those Scary Big Needles: I have a friend who is a nurse and she said that it won't be too bad. According to her the best way is to be laying on the bed and loosen your muscles and have someone else do the injection if at all possible. If you don't have a plump booty then she said you don't need to go all the way in with the needle as long as it is in the muscle. This is one part of this process that I am not looking forward to...

[PG_Florida]

MrsJB - antibiotics wipe out all the bacteria in your intestines, including the good ones. Yogurt will replenish the good ones. I will also ask the doctor if I can take acidophilus (as I always do when I'm on antibiotics) which also have the bacteria cultures in them. I'm pretty sure that's why people so often get diarrhea while on antibiotics, as ALL the bacteria is gone. Yogurt will help keep your system more 'normal' during the time you take antibiotics.

2LinesIn09 - you are brave with letting the nurses take blood like that. I also hate having blood taken (I never look), but thankfully I have not had any issue yet. <knock on wood>

WeWantaBaby - my doctor has you on progesterone SHOTS for 10 weeks if you get BFP. That would be 2 weeks during the 2ww, then another 10 weeks. That's the entire first trimester! I guess better to be safe than sorry. As much as I don't look forward to the progesterone shot, I pray like crazy that I get to that point. It would be SOOOO worth it.

MPisready - I think exercising has to do with each personal situation. Have you asked your doctor? I know a girl that refused to stop running - not just running, but sprinting! - after her IUIs & ETs and she just NEVER got pregnant. We just couldn't understand why she didn't take it easy for a few weeks, as she was instructed. It seems her "need" to exercise was more powerful than her need for a baby & I think her issues go deeper than IF...

youngtucker - it will be OK! Nearly all of us are going to handle these massive needles, so we'll talk our way through them. Take it one shot at a time... and don't worry about those biggies until you have to. We'll get to the point where we don't even flinch. Did you never have to do a trigger shot before (with an IUI)? I did them to myself in the thigh... the worst part was the 2 seconds before you "dart" it into your leg.

NLP!!! I'll add you to our list next time I post it. Probably tomorrow....

[Jacqueline]

Hello Ladies!

I'm hoping to join your group for some much needed support this time around for my second IVF/ICSI cycle and to offer my support as well.

Wishing everyone and !!

Thanks! Jacqueline

[TabbyM]

Hi Ladies,
I have been a bit MIA..Just got back from the Riviera Maya! DH and I really needed to regroup and refresh! I think it worked. I hope everyone is doing well. I will have all of you in my prayers.

[1dayatatime]

Originally Posted by 2LinesIn09

There are some days that I can't help but feel like a human voodoo doll. Between the acupuncture, the stim shots and the blood draws, my body is just one ginormous bruise. Today was yet another frustrating day at the RE's office. Thirteen needles sticks, a whole lot of black and blues, and two frustrated phlebotomists later and we finally managed to obtain the holy grail of blood. Uggghhhhh. If only I could have a vein transplant! You see, I inherited the world's worst veins from my mom, one of the only qualities about her that I would never want to have. They are tiny, and the roll. On Monday, after 12 needle sticks, the two nurses gave up on trying to do an e2 level and did an ultrasound instead. Then on Wednesday, Nurse D got my blood on the second try. Score! But today, it was not so easy. My bladder was about to explode I drank so much water and still they kept poking me.

The good news is that on the ultrasound we saw 13 follies, much better than the 6 of the previous two appointments, so that gives me hope. I have been so upset all week with my poor response to the meds. I don't know if it is because my doctors were being way to cautious with the medication given my recent rocky medical history, or if I really have a problem in there they have yet to discover. Thirteen is good though. Maybe 13 is my lucky number after all. 13 follies, beta on the 13th. Screw superstition; it's totally overrated. It looks like they predicted my IVF calendar perfectly, and we will be going for egg retrieval Wednesday morning July 29th as expected and a 3 day transfer on Saturday August 1st. The transfer will be exactly one day before our first wedding anniversary. That has to be a good omen right? I am praying for the best first anniversary gift ever. From now on, I will only think positive thoughts. This will work. This HAS to work.

I too have really bad veins - I really dread the blood draws and really have had to keep my eyes on the prize since January...enduring all the stabbing.

I always tell the nurse at my Clinic that she's my star of the whole show because she seems to have the knack - we have our little routine down! If she was not good at it, we'd have real problems because there are not a lot of options on my arms. If it gets to where someone is stabbing around I get really faint. So I REALLY appreciate her.

Do you have the same person do your blood every time? If not maybe you could request it. That way they could get to know your rolling veins.

[Evan]

Well, I did my first Follistim injection last night. It didn't burn much at all. Some slight stinging after injecting but nothing too bad. I was really glad it wasn't as bad as I was anticipating.

Newbie, I don't think letting the drug warm up to room temperature for a few minutes before injection will hurt anything. You can check with your nurse to be sure.

[3rdtimesthecharm]

Originally Posted by MrsJB

Did the doctor tell you to stay away from the RJ?

Feet warming, hey? What is that supposed to do?

Yes, the doctor said not to take it. I would think they would want you to take anything that might help...I've heard some others on the forum say that they were told not to take it because it contains some steroid, but I haven't done any research on it myself or asked the doctor; I just stayed away from it when the doctor said not to take it. I really do think it is what kept my E2 in control last cycle.

I like that the clinics seem to partner with another organization. WRAMC is aligned with Shady Grove Fertility Center...each of the docs must do a rotation there. I thought about switching to that clinic since they offer a shared risk program and in the long run, I think it would have cost the same.

I've heard of quite a few folks taking baby aspirin. WRAMC doesn't seem to have people do that, which is fine by me because aspirin and I don't get along (it gives me nose bleeds and causes my pain to get worse rather than better). It's interesting that you are on the patch (estrogen) afterwards as well...WRAMC doesn't have us take estrogen after the transfer.

As for the feet warming, it is supposed to increase the blood flow to the uterus, which in turn helps to thicken the uterine lining. As a matter of fact, I'm warming my feet right now. I'm certain that is why my lining made it to double digits last cycle. One of the ladies that I met in the forum last cycle said that her acupuncturist recommended it...she's now pregnant with twins. I've heard that Red Raspberry Leaf Tea can do the same thing...I haven't tried it yet. I'm going to touch base with the doc on that one come Wednesday. I'm ready to try whatever it takes this cycle!!!

[SuzS]

So I was feeling hopeful because I was finally off the BCP's and I was sure my 5 weeks of cramps and severe breast tenderness were soon to be a memory. I went into my u/s to count my follicles. I was not worried, of all the problems I have had that has never been a problem. Though every time they check me I have fewer for some reason, I still wasn't worried.
My AFC was 3!
I was floored. I don't know if it is the BCP's and Lupron but I am a little discouraged. My right ovary hides so I am hoping there are at least a couple over there they just can't see. I am praying my little ovaries can kick it up a notch during stims! Does anyone have any uplifting stories about people who came back from that low of a count? I am trying to be positive.
I start Follistim (375) and Repronex on Monday. They increased my original Follistim dose based on the AFC they did only 29 days before. In 29 days my count was cut by more than half! They said if I only have a few eggs at retrieval they will cancel.
Grow follicles grow!!

[2LinesIn09]

Originally Posted by SuzS

So I was feeling hopeful because I was finally off the BCP's and I was sure my 5 weeks of cramps and severe breast tenderness were soon to be a memory. I went into my u/s to count my follicles. I was not worried, of all the problems I have had that has never been a problem. Though every time they check me I have fewer for some reason, I still wasn't worried.
My AFC was 3!
I was floored. I don't know if it is the BCP's and Lupron but I am a little discouraged. My right ovary hides so I am hoping there are at least a couple over there they just can't see. I am praying my little ovaries can kick it up a notch during stims! Does anyone have any uplifting stories about people who came back from that low of a count? I am trying to be positive.
I start Follistim (375) and Repronex on Monday. They increased my original Follistim dose based on the AFC they did only 29 days before. In 29 days my count was cut by more than half! They said if I only have a few eggs at retrieval they will cancel.
Grow follicles grow!!

Don't be discouraged. My AFC was 4 this cycle and I now have 13. Still not a lot, but it's a heck of a lot better than 4.

[mi11]

i start follistim tonight - i have PCOS and am quite concerned about how my follicles will respond ... at the baseline u/s the radiologist kept mentioning how my ovaies were polycystic .. so iam a bit worried . anyone else out there with PCOS?? ...

[SuzS]

Originally Posted by 2LinesIn09

Don't be discouraged. My AFC was 4 this cycle and I now have 13. Still not a lot, but it's a heck of a lot better than 4.

Thank you! That makes me feel so much better!

[justwantababy]

question for anyone doing their injections. i've done the leupron and follistim before, and so far, no problems. but...i'm having an issue with the menopur. when i'm pushing that in, it feels harder to get in, and then there's like a puff of air that goes in at the end. it hurts. tonight it actually left a little bump on the injection sight. what gives? am i doing something wrong? anyone else experienced this? maybe i just need to push the needle up a bit before putting it in me to let any air out? who knows, but at this point i start to freak that i'm doing something wrong and will ruin everything. i know that's completely irrational, but at this point, i'm just nuts.