Started IVF cycle

H

hopeforever601

New member
UPDATE:

Tonight will start day 5 of 225mg of Follistom. I went in this morning for my blood work and ultrasound. The tech said she saw about 11 on the left and about 10 on the right all size 8mm <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0"> but that my lining went from a 4 on Monday to a 7 today.

I don't know why I am only at an 8 today and am feeling down right now! I have at most 9 more days to go on stims and am awaiting to hear if the RE wants me to change my dose! Anyone else have the same problem!

Feeling Discouraged!

Kelly
 
T

tara

New member
Kelly,

I'm not sure why you are discouraged. You have 21 beautiful follies, and most importantly, all the same size! And your lining is getting thicker. A possible 9 more days on stims is a lot. Did the RE say 8mm was small for day 5? (it's been 3 years for me...I need a refresher) Everyone stims different. Don't be down on yourself. This is just the beginning of your cycle. Hang in there! A lot can happen in the next two weeks.

Elizab,

As far as follie count goes, remember it's quality over quantity. I had a lot of follies. But only 11 eggs. And only 5 embryos. So many of my 20 large follies and all of my 20 small follies were empty or not mature. Hang in there! You're doing great! About bedrest, my clinic said flat on back in office for 30 minutes, then flat on back at home for 24 hours. Then "couch" rest for the next 24 hours. However I took bedrest to the extreme, because I had the time. I just laid in bed on my back for FOUR days! It was worth every minute because it did work. Now I know it may have also worked if I did more activity, but you never know!!! I just did all I could do to rationalize "my best effort" in my own mind. We literally had "all our eggs in one basket" because there were no eggs to freeze. Good luck and keep us posted.

Tara
 
T

tara

New member
Kelly,

I'm not sure why you are discouraged. You have 21 beautiful follies, and most importantly, all the same size! And your lining is getting thicker. A possible 9 more days on stims is a lot. Did the RE say 8mm was small for day 5? (it's been 3 years for me...I need a refresher) Everyone stims different. Don't be down on yourself. This is just the beginning of your cycle. Hang in there! A lot can happen in the next two weeks.

Elizab,

As far as follie count goes, remember it's quality over quantity. I had a lot of follies. But only 11 eggs. And only 5 embryos. So many of my 20 large follies and all of my 20 small follies were empty or not mature. Hang in there! You're doing great! About bedrest, my clinic said flat on back in office for 30 minutes, then flat on back at home for 24 hours. Then "couch" rest for the next 24 hours. However I took bedrest to the extreme, because I had the time. I just laid in bed on my back for FOUR days! It was worth every minute because it did work. Now I know it may have also worked if I did more activity, but you never know!!! I just did all I could do to rationalize "my best effort" in my own mind. We literally had "all our eggs in one basket" because there were no eggs to freeze. Good luck and keep us posted.

Tara
 
T

tara

New member
Kelly,

I'm not sure why you are discouraged. You have 21 beautiful follies, and most importantly, all the same size! And your lining is getting thicker. A possible 9 more days on stims is a lot. Did the RE say 8mm was small for day 5? (it's been 3 years for me...I need a refresher) Everyone stims different. Don't be down on yourself. This is just the beginning of your cycle. Hang in there! A lot can happen in the next two weeks.

Elizab,

As far as follie count goes, remember it's quality over quantity. I had a lot of follies. But only 11 eggs. And only 5 embryos. So many of my 20 large follies and all of my 20 small follies were empty or not mature. Hang in there! You're doing great! About bedrest, my clinic said flat on back in office for 30 minutes, then flat on back at home for 24 hours. Then "couch" rest for the next 24 hours. However I took bedrest to the extreme, because I had the time. I just laid in bed on my back for FOUR days! It was worth every minute because it did work. Now I know it may have also worked if I did more activity, but you never know!!! I just did all I could do to rationalize "my best effort" in my own mind. We literally had "all our eggs in one basket" because there were no eggs to freeze. Good luck and keep us posted.

Tara
 
M

mom2lillian

New member
wow wow wow Kelly-that is a great report! That is a high # of follies and the fact htat they are all the same relative size is good. YOu can have 30 follies but if 1/2 of them are behind they probably wont yield viable eggs. Your report is excellent. I had about the same but tons of mine were 'behind'. Truly not just making you feel better that sounds excellent. WIth 20 folllies you are already in potential OHSS territory so you dont want more thant that!
 
M

mom2lillian

New member
wow wow wow Kelly-that is a great report! That is a high # of follies and the fact htat they are all the same relative size is good. YOu can have 30 follies but if 1/2 of them are behind they probably wont yield viable eggs. Your report is excellent. I had about the same but tons of mine were 'behind'. Truly not just making you feel better that sounds excellent. WIth 20 folllies you are already in potential OHSS territory so you dont want more thant that!
 
M

mom2lillian

New member
wow wow wow Kelly-that is a great report! That is a high # of follies and the fact htat they are all the same relative size is good. YOu can have 30 follies but if 1/2 of them are behind they probably wont yield viable eggs. Your report is excellent. I had about the same but tons of mine were 'behind'. Truly not just making you feel better that sounds excellent. WIth 20 folllies you are already in potential OHSS territory so you dont want more thant that!
 
E

elizab

New member
Hi all,

Just to update - I'm heading into the clinic tomorrow morning (Mon) for EC with ET probably Wednesday. At my last scan on Friday the nurse estimated that I should end up with at least 14 mature follicles (with more smaller ones). My lining was at 11.7 with a triple line and she said that was good. With too many more follicles they felt I would risk OHSS. Feeling pretty good - a bit bloated today but that's not unexpected I think?

Anyway just thought I'd keep in touch - any tips for EC and afterwards v welcome.

Kelly hope your stims are still going ok - as others have said it looks like you're very well on track - my follicles haven't been nearly as disciplined in terms of uniformity of size!

Anyway talk soon,

Elizab.
 
E

elizab

New member
Hi all,

Just to update - I'm heading into the clinic tomorrow morning (Mon) for EC with ET probably Wednesday. At my last scan on Friday the nurse estimated that I should end up with at least 14 mature follicles (with more smaller ones). My lining was at 11.7 with a triple line and she said that was good. With too many more follicles they felt I would risk OHSS. Feeling pretty good - a bit bloated today but that's not unexpected I think?

Anyway just thought I'd keep in touch - any tips for EC and afterwards v welcome.

Kelly hope your stims are still going ok - as others have said it looks like you're very well on track - my follicles haven't been nearly as disciplined in terms of uniformity of size!

Anyway talk soon,

Elizab.
 
E

elizab

New member
Hi all,

Just to update - I'm heading into the clinic tomorrow morning (Mon) for EC with ET probably Wednesday. At my last scan on Friday the nurse estimated that I should end up with at least 14 mature follicles (with more smaller ones). My lining was at 11.7 with a triple line and she said that was good. With too many more follicles they felt I would risk OHSS. Feeling pretty good - a bit bloated today but that's not unexpected I think?

Anyway just thought I'd keep in touch - any tips for EC and afterwards v welcome.

Kelly hope your stims are still going ok - as others have said it looks like you're very well on track - my follicles haven't been nearly as disciplined in terms of uniformity of size!

Anyway talk soon,

Elizab.
 
J

julie

New member
Wonderful to hear Elizab!!

Bloating is common, and a good sign. So as uncomfortable as it might be, it IS good! and it's very smart of them to try to stay away from OHSS. I experienced it and it was horrifically uncomfortable. Only lasted a few days (thank god) but I was miserable!

My advice for the Embryo Transfer day... (I probably sound like a broken record by now)
1. TAKE any sedative that they give you for the ET day, TAKE IT! The ET is uncomfortable and causes period like cramping for only a few minutes during the procedure. But taking the sedative helps to relax you and your uterus, making it a more welcoming place.

2. Practice some visualizations (I seriously NEVER did this until my ET and the days afterwards) during the transfer. Imagine the embroy's snuggling down for the long haul.

3. Rest the day of the transfer. Even if the doctor tells you it's ok to resume normal activity, rest. I personally think they tell patients that so they don't worry to much about doing things. But I rested for the rest of my ET day, pretty much on the couch for the day. Laying down for about 4 hrs aftewards, and then propped but still reclined for the rest of the evening.

4. If accupuncture is an option to you on the day of the ET, and you can afford it, Give it a try. I had never tried it before and thought, "what the heck, we are spending $$$$ for IVF, what's a few hundred more???" I tell you it was worth every penny and more. I had a treatment at the IVF clinic immediately before the transfer, and afterwards, after I had been laying flat for 30 minutes.

5. And the cheapest option.... GET A PINEAPPLE. Cut it into 5 even as possible segments, INCLUDING the core. Starting the day of the transfer (but a few hours after the transfer), have 1 segment. The next day have the 2nd one, the next day the 3rd one... and so on.
Why you may ask? Pineapple contains bromeline, which has been shown to help with embroy implantation. There are bromeline pills, but the studies that were conducted used fresh pineapple, NOT the pills. So the pills may be just as good, but there's nothing on that just yet. So I'd recommend the pineapple.

Good luck and keep us posted. Sorry so long, I just know how it is to be in your shoes and I wanted to share what worked for me.
 
J

julie

New member
Wonderful to hear Elizab!!

Bloating is common, and a good sign. So as uncomfortable as it might be, it IS good! and it's very smart of them to try to stay away from OHSS. I experienced it and it was horrifically uncomfortable. Only lasted a few days (thank god) but I was miserable!

My advice for the Embryo Transfer day... (I probably sound like a broken record by now)
1. TAKE any sedative that they give you for the ET day, TAKE IT! The ET is uncomfortable and causes period like cramping for only a few minutes during the procedure. But taking the sedative helps to relax you and your uterus, making it a more welcoming place.

2. Practice some visualizations (I seriously NEVER did this until my ET and the days afterwards) during the transfer. Imagine the embroy's snuggling down for the long haul.

3. Rest the day of the transfer. Even if the doctor tells you it's ok to resume normal activity, rest. I personally think they tell patients that so they don't worry to much about doing things. But I rested for the rest of my ET day, pretty much on the couch for the day. Laying down for about 4 hrs aftewards, and then propped but still reclined for the rest of the evening.

4. If accupuncture is an option to you on the day of the ET, and you can afford it, Give it a try. I had never tried it before and thought, "what the heck, we are spending $$$$ for IVF, what's a few hundred more???" I tell you it was worth every penny and more. I had a treatment at the IVF clinic immediately before the transfer, and afterwards, after I had been laying flat for 30 minutes.

5. And the cheapest option.... GET A PINEAPPLE. Cut it into 5 even as possible segments, INCLUDING the core. Starting the day of the transfer (but a few hours after the transfer), have 1 segment. The next day have the 2nd one, the next day the 3rd one... and so on.
Why you may ask? Pineapple contains bromeline, which has been shown to help with embroy implantation. There are bromeline pills, but the studies that were conducted used fresh pineapple, NOT the pills. So the pills may be just as good, but there's nothing on that just yet. So I'd recommend the pineapple.

Good luck and keep us posted. Sorry so long, I just know how it is to be in your shoes and I wanted to share what worked for me.
 
J

julie

New member
Wonderful to hear Elizab!!

Bloating is common, and a good sign. So as uncomfortable as it might be, it IS good! and it's very smart of them to try to stay away from OHSS. I experienced it and it was horrifically uncomfortable. Only lasted a few days (thank god) but I was miserable!

My advice for the Embryo Transfer day... (I probably sound like a broken record by now)
1. TAKE any sedative that they give you for the ET day, TAKE IT! The ET is uncomfortable and causes period like cramping for only a few minutes during the procedure. But taking the sedative helps to relax you and your uterus, making it a more welcoming place.

2. Practice some visualizations (I seriously NEVER did this until my ET and the days afterwards) during the transfer. Imagine the embroy's snuggling down for the long haul.

3. Rest the day of the transfer. Even if the doctor tells you it's ok to resume normal activity, rest. I personally think they tell patients that so they don't worry to much about doing things. But I rested for the rest of my ET day, pretty much on the couch for the day. Laying down for about 4 hrs aftewards, and then propped but still reclined for the rest of the evening.

4. If accupuncture is an option to you on the day of the ET, and you can afford it, Give it a try. I had never tried it before and thought, "what the heck, we are spending $$$$ for IVF, what's a few hundred more???" I tell you it was worth every penny and more. I had a treatment at the IVF clinic immediately before the transfer, and afterwards, after I had been laying flat for 30 minutes.

5. And the cheapest option.... GET A PINEAPPLE. Cut it into 5 even as possible segments, INCLUDING the core. Starting the day of the transfer (but a few hours after the transfer), have 1 segment. The next day have the 2nd one, the next day the 3rd one... and so on.
Why you may ask? Pineapple contains bromeline, which has been shown to help with embroy implantation. There are bromeline pills, but the studies that were conducted used fresh pineapple, NOT the pills. So the pills may be just as good, but there's nothing on that just yet. So I'd recommend the pineapple.

Good luck and keep us posted. Sorry so long, I just know how it is to be in your shoes and I wanted to share what worked for me.
 
T

tara

New member
Hi Elizab,

I hope retrieval goes well today!

As I have mentioned before, there are conflicting reports as to whether or not bedrest is helpful at all, after transfer. I took it to the extreme and laid flat on my back for four days. Only getting up to use the restroom. I'm not even sure I showered! I don't remember. DH brought me all my meals, I didn't stand up for more than a few minutes at a time (walking to the bathroom etc) My RE only recommended 24 hours of flat on the back bedrest and then couch rest for the second 24 hours. But after spending the money we did, and having zero embies left for a consecutive cycle, we had "all our eggs were in one basket" and to rationalize a best effort in my mind I had to do the bedrest. I'm a little obsessive compulsive sometimes. Fortunately, it paid off and we did get pg. Thanks or no thanks to the bedrest, I don't know.

I think the best thing you can do is stay calm for the next week or so. Easier said than done! Congrats on making it this far. IVF is not easy. Good luck to you. I'll be thinking sticky thoughts (that those embies snuggle in tightly this week!)

As far as valium or whatever sedative they may offer you, I just wanted to mention, I didn't get one. They talked about it before transfer, but for some reason they never offered it to me, and I just didn't ask. I appear to be a very calm person, so maybe that's why! I didn't feel uncomfortable during the transfer. I guess I was so used to it from my previous IUI's, there's actually a lot less fluid involved with an IVF transfer (vs an IUI). So if you don't get a sedative, don't worry...it's possible to cope without one. I'm not sure how common it is to get one. So I want you to be prepared to not have one, just incase. I honestly think i have more anxiety about getting my teeth cleaned at the dentist. Now there's a reason for me to get a sedative! No joke! Sorry to make light of it.

I hope your transfer goes well. Hang in there. All the hard work is done now. Sit back and relax and enjoy the party! (there will be about 5 people in your room during your transfer, I had the RE, the nurse, a nurse's assistant, the embryologist and my husband!)

Tara
 
T

tara

New member
Hi Elizab,

I hope retrieval goes well today!

As I have mentioned before, there are conflicting reports as to whether or not bedrest is helpful at all, after transfer. I took it to the extreme and laid flat on my back for four days. Only getting up to use the restroom. I'm not even sure I showered! I don't remember. DH brought me all my meals, I didn't stand up for more than a few minutes at a time (walking to the bathroom etc) My RE only recommended 24 hours of flat on the back bedrest and then couch rest for the second 24 hours. But after spending the money we did, and having zero embies left for a consecutive cycle, we had "all our eggs were in one basket" and to rationalize a best effort in my mind I had to do the bedrest. I'm a little obsessive compulsive sometimes. Fortunately, it paid off and we did get pg. Thanks or no thanks to the bedrest, I don't know.

I think the best thing you can do is stay calm for the next week or so. Easier said than done! Congrats on making it this far. IVF is not easy. Good luck to you. I'll be thinking sticky thoughts (that those embies snuggle in tightly this week!)

As far as valium or whatever sedative they may offer you, I just wanted to mention, I didn't get one. They talked about it before transfer, but for some reason they never offered it to me, and I just didn't ask. I appear to be a very calm person, so maybe that's why! I didn't feel uncomfortable during the transfer. I guess I was so used to it from my previous IUI's, there's actually a lot less fluid involved with an IVF transfer (vs an IUI). So if you don't get a sedative, don't worry...it's possible to cope without one. I'm not sure how common it is to get one. So I want you to be prepared to not have one, just incase. I honestly think i have more anxiety about getting my teeth cleaned at the dentist. Now there's a reason for me to get a sedative! No joke! Sorry to make light of it.

I hope your transfer goes well. Hang in there. All the hard work is done now. Sit back and relax and enjoy the party! (there will be about 5 people in your room during your transfer, I had the RE, the nurse, a nurse's assistant, the embryologist and my husband!)

Tara
 
T

tara

New member
Hi Elizab,

I hope retrieval goes well today!

As I have mentioned before, there are conflicting reports as to whether or not bedrest is helpful at all, after transfer. I took it to the extreme and laid flat on my back for four days. Only getting up to use the restroom. I'm not even sure I showered! I don't remember. DH brought me all my meals, I didn't stand up for more than a few minutes at a time (walking to the bathroom etc) My RE only recommended 24 hours of flat on the back bedrest and then couch rest for the second 24 hours. But after spending the money we did, and having zero embies left for a consecutive cycle, we had "all our eggs were in one basket" and to rationalize a best effort in my mind I had to do the bedrest. I'm a little obsessive compulsive sometimes. Fortunately, it paid off and we did get pg. Thanks or no thanks to the bedrest, I don't know.

I think the best thing you can do is stay calm for the next week or so. Easier said than done! Congrats on making it this far. IVF is not easy. Good luck to you. I'll be thinking sticky thoughts (that those embies snuggle in tightly this week!)

As far as valium or whatever sedative they may offer you, I just wanted to mention, I didn't get one. They talked about it before transfer, but for some reason they never offered it to me, and I just didn't ask. I appear to be a very calm person, so maybe that's why! I didn't feel uncomfortable during the transfer. I guess I was so used to it from my previous IUI's, there's actually a lot less fluid involved with an IVF transfer (vs an IUI). So if you don't get a sedative, don't worry...it's possible to cope without one. I'm not sure how common it is to get one. So I want you to be prepared to not have one, just incase. I honestly think i have more anxiety about getting my teeth cleaned at the dentist. Now there's a reason for me to get a sedative! No joke! Sorry to make light of it.

I hope your transfer goes well. Hang in there. All the hard work is done now. Sit back and relax and enjoy the party! (there will be about 5 people in your room during your transfer, I had the RE, the nurse, a nurse's assistant, the embryologist and my husband!)

Tara
 
H

hopeforever601

New member
UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE:::::::

Scott and I went in on Sunday for another report on our eggs. Funny how i say OUR when I am the one going through the physical stuff with this whole thing!

Anyways:

My lining went up from 7 to 8.6
My E2 went from 436 to 1419
Lots of eggs 15 total here are the sizes:
(2) size 10
(8) size 11
(4) size 12
(1) size 13

Will go back tomorrow for another ultrasound and if all goes well ER on Thursday or Friday..

Question for all ladies with cf:

When you were pregnant did you stay on your TOBI? I am having a hard time deciding to start my TOBI as I am due to go back on it the 17th...

Thanks so much for all your guys help! I don't know what I would do without having this group to share my thoughts feelings about ivf!

KElly
 
H

hopeforever601

New member
UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE:::::::

Scott and I went in on Sunday for another report on our eggs. Funny how i say OUR when I am the one going through the physical stuff with this whole thing!

Anyways:

My lining went up from 7 to 8.6
My E2 went from 436 to 1419
Lots of eggs 15 total here are the sizes:
(2) size 10
(8) size 11
(4) size 12
(1) size 13

Will go back tomorrow for another ultrasound and if all goes well ER on Thursday or Friday..

Question for all ladies with cf:

When you were pregnant did you stay on your TOBI? I am having a hard time deciding to start my TOBI as I am due to go back on it the 17th...

Thanks so much for all your guys help! I don't know what I would do without having this group to share my thoughts feelings about ivf!

KElly
 
H

hopeforever601

New member
UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE:::::::

Scott and I went in on Sunday for another report on our eggs. Funny how i say OUR when I am the one going through the physical stuff with this whole thing!

Anyways:

My lining went up from 7 to 8.6
My E2 went from 436 to 1419
Lots of eggs 15 total here are the sizes:
(2) size 10
(8) size 11
(4) size 12
(1) size 13

Will go back tomorrow for another ultrasound and if all goes well ER on Thursday or Friday..

Question for all ladies with cf:

When you were pregnant did you stay on your TOBI? I am having a hard time deciding to start my TOBI as I am due to go back on it the 17th...

Thanks so much for all your guys help! I don't know what I would do without having this group to share my thoughts feelings about ivf!

KElly
 
E

elizab

New member
Hi Julie, Tara and Kelly,

thanks for all the advice - I will take it all on board for ET which should be Wed or Thurs - I'll find out in the morning when they ring to tell me how many eggs fertilised. They retrieved 15 eggs from about 16 follicles which I was really pleased with and should give us a good chance, I hope.
Don't think my clinic do recommend a sedative but like you Tara I had several IUI's so witha bit of luck I won't find it too bad.

Am pretty sore today after the egg collection but taking it very easy - writing this is definitely the most strenuous thing I've done today. And I'll be doing nothing much for a couple of days after my ET also.

Kelly it sounds like your cycle is very similar to mine in terms of follicle numbers so fingers crossed we both get a good result.

RE Tobi I was advised to stay on it by my CF team who said it is believed to be safe in pregnancy, I'm on it at the moment.

Anyway talk soon,

Elizab.
 
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