Phew...I went in Monday to get my P4 drawn to make sure I wasn't close to O'ing. I forgot my purse at home, and then had some serious anxiety when I pulled into the parking lot. I got the call that my P4 was where it should be for the cycle day, so we went in yesterday to talk to Dr. K.
She did the SHG and TET first. When she walked in to the u/s room, she looked dissapointed that Sophia wasn't there, lol. I told her she was in the waiting room with Dan and she was happy again:) She asked if Sophie had learned how to say "Aunt Sarah" yet (her name). I told her no, but she would:) The procedures hurt like a mo-fo...and the dildo-cam...what more can I say about that??!
The good news is that everything looked fine. Next up was the consult. She and the rest of the staff oohed and aahhed over our sweet girl for a few minutes, and then we got down to business. Turns out that we have three embies, not two. The third one is necrotic, so obviously not the best option, but it looked good enough that the very picky lab had decided to freeze it in the first place.
The GREAT news is that in Jan 2009 the lab switched to a new freezing technique, vitrification. Apparently, this is a stellar method:) In the first 1/2 of 2010, for FETs where the embies were frozen using this method (and in my age range when embies were retrieved), the stats are as follows...7 FETs resulted in 5 pregnancies; 5 pregnancies resulted in 4 sets of twins. Holy cannoli. Essentially, if we can get pregnant, there's an 80% chance of twins.
She never gave us a percentage for us, but bottom line, our chances are MUCH better this time around than they were with FET #1.
The plan is for me to wrap up bfing by the end of the year. I'll start Estrace with my January cycle (most likely early in the month), with FET planned for a Friday in late January or early Feb.
I'm a bit intimidated by the likelihood of twins, but we're just as likely to be one of the two couples for whom this doesn't work. So we'll see. We're going with it. Dan was completely freaked out, but when I asked if he wanted to postpone/not do it at all, he said absolutely not.
Showing posts with label FET. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FET. Show all posts
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
my FET WTF appointment
Ugh. Where to begin? I'll start by saying that I love my RE (still!) and am so happy she is my doctor. I thought she was going to cry when she said she has no idea why IVF/FET didn't work. She did say that she was less surprised about my FET, which I felt the same way.
Anyway, she wants me to do another IVF. She knows we're OOP...but still wants me too. I work for the same university that RE does. She urged me to write letters to HR. She said she and her partners are really pushing the University to include IF coverage for employees, and feels that it is coming...but she isn't sure how soon. As she said, even if I could get a discounted rate, it is better than nothing.
Also, she is nominating me for the Family Fund. I didn't even know they had that. A (rich) couple who were patients of the clinic started this fund several years ago. They hold fund-raising events and give the money to RE to give to eligible couples who don't have any children, specifically for IVF. She wasn't sure of the criteria (we may make to much $$), but will have the office manager call me to go over eligibility criteria. She said it might be $1k or it might be $10k, all depends on how much is in the fund, and how many people are currently trying to get the money. She also says she will stock pile meds for me until I start IVF #2. We went over what meds I currently have, 1 vial Lupron and 600 IUs Follistim. She said she could easily come up with the rest.
She is going to bring my case up at the RE conference meeting next Tues. They typically hold this time for currently cycling IVF patients, so that was really nice of her. She'll call me if they come up with other suggestions for protocol changes,etc. However, based on the way I responded, she doesn't see the need to change protocol. I responded beautifully, had fabulous embryos that made it to 5dt. We don't need to do ICSI, but she will do AH. She will also make sure she does my transfer, and will transfer 3 if there are 3 that look good.
I asked about a lap. She isn't *for* it, but will do it if I want. She said anything they may find with the lap would be bypassed by IVF anyway. I'm up in the air. If insurance covers it, I will go for it (I think). If they don't, I won't. The way I see it, it can't hurt anything. Anyone have thoughts on that?
So now I have to have the conversation with Dan. I wish I could think of a better conversation starter than "she wants us to do another IVF." He's immediately going to go on the defensive about $$, and rightly so. Please GOD let us be eligible for this Family Fund. I told her that if I qualify, and get pregnant, that we will gladly join the cause. I would love nothing more than to give back...if only we can get on the other side of the fence.
Anyway, she wants me to do another IVF. She knows we're OOP...but still wants me too. I work for the same university that RE does. She urged me to write letters to HR. She said she and her partners are really pushing the University to include IF coverage for employees, and feels that it is coming...but she isn't sure how soon. As she said, even if I could get a discounted rate, it is better than nothing.
Also, she is nominating me for the Family Fund. I didn't even know they had that. A (rich) couple who were patients of the clinic started this fund several years ago. They hold fund-raising events and give the money to RE to give to eligible couples who don't have any children, specifically for IVF. She wasn't sure of the criteria (we may make to much $$), but will have the office manager call me to go over eligibility criteria. She said it might be $1k or it might be $10k, all depends on how much is in the fund, and how many people are currently trying to get the money. She also says she will stock pile meds for me until I start IVF #2. We went over what meds I currently have, 1 vial Lupron and 600 IUs Follistim. She said she could easily come up with the rest.
She is going to bring my case up at the RE conference meeting next Tues. They typically hold this time for currently cycling IVF patients, so that was really nice of her. She'll call me if they come up with other suggestions for protocol changes,etc. However, based on the way I responded, she doesn't see the need to change protocol. I responded beautifully, had fabulous embryos that made it to 5dt. We don't need to do ICSI, but she will do AH. She will also make sure she does my transfer, and will transfer 3 if there are 3 that look good.
I asked about a lap. She isn't *for* it, but will do it if I want. She said anything they may find with the lap would be bypassed by IVF anyway. I'm up in the air. If insurance covers it, I will go for it (I think). If they don't, I won't. The way I see it, it can't hurt anything. Anyone have thoughts on that?
So now I have to have the conversation with Dan. I wish I could think of a better conversation starter than "she wants us to do another IVF." He's immediately going to go on the defensive about $$, and rightly so. Please GOD let us be eligible for this Family Fund. I told her that if I qualify, and get pregnant, that we will gladly join the cause. I would love nothing more than to give back...if only we can get on the other side of the fence.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
pity party weekend
I've been feeling sorry for myself all weekend. On Friday, I was surprised with the news that my cousin is pregnant. Apparently this was a well kept secret and my grandma spilled the beans. I was ok at first, it wasn't a shock really. THen as the day went on I just got more and more upset. Jealousy I suppose? I just want one. One child. That is ALL I am asking for. Is that too much? I slept most of the day on Friday out of some sort of depressive funk, I guess.
Last night, Dan and I celebrated our 10th anniversary of the day we met:-) We went to our favorite restaurant. It was nice; I brought up a serious IF discussion with him, which he was very open to, thankfully. I won't discuss it here, yet...but I'm hopeful that we may have another option.
Someone posted on the nest a few days ago about missing their embryos. I didn't respond to the post, but I've been thinking about it all weekend. It seems crazy to miss embryos...but I do. I miss that they are not in a lab growing, cells dividing. I miss that they are not in a freezer waiting for me. Most of all, I miss that they are not inside me, growing and thriving. It's a weird sort of loss, but it is there. They were something that Dan and I created, and they are gone now. All of them. We had 5 healthy embryos and now they are gone. It makes me sad.
To top it off, the FET period from hell arrived this morning. I will not go into details...but I think it's the worst period I have.ever.had.
Last night, Dan and I celebrated our 10th anniversary of the day we met:-) We went to our favorite restaurant. It was nice; I brought up a serious IF discussion with him, which he was very open to, thankfully. I won't discuss it here, yet...but I'm hopeful that we may have another option.
Someone posted on the nest a few days ago about missing their embryos. I didn't respond to the post, but I've been thinking about it all weekend. It seems crazy to miss embryos...but I do. I miss that they are not in a lab growing, cells dividing. I miss that they are not in a freezer waiting for me. Most of all, I miss that they are not inside me, growing and thriving. It's a weird sort of loss, but it is there. They were something that Dan and I created, and they are gone now. All of them. We had 5 healthy embryos and now they are gone. It makes me sad.
To top it off, the FET period from hell arrived this morning. I will not go into details...but I think it's the worst period I have.ever.had.
Friday, September 19, 2008
I'm afraid....
to go to the bathroom. There, I said it. Today is THE day that the spotting COULD start. Right now, happy oblivion seems better to me than a smack in the face that the FET didn't work.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
In the 1 week wait
Here I sit, patiently waiting for something…anything…to give me an indication of pregnant or not. Of course I don’t want the “not” but I’d rather know that not know. 6 days until beta. With my fresh IVF cycle, I started spotting, brown at first, at 7dp5dt. So, that means I *could* start spotting tomorrow. I’m one of the freaks of nature that actually spots through the PIO or p4 supps. The p4 is supposed to hold off AF, but it doesn’t for me. So my first teeny tiny goal is to get through tomorrow with no spotting. If so…next goal is to get through the weekend without seeing red. If that’s the case…I might start feeling a little teeny bit hopeful.
No real symptoms of anything, not even PIO symptoms. I’m bloated I guess but that’s about it. This morning I had this weird sensation that was like needles being jabbed into my girlie parts. It felt like the pain was from the outside in. Don’t know what it was, but it was new to me. Lasted about 10 seconds, then came back again and then gone.
I still don’t have any desire to POAS. I’m sure that’s partly b/c the only test I have left is a digital, “the most expensive stick you’ll ever pee on.” I don’t want to pee on $30 only to have it say NOT PREGNANT. Definitely not my idea of a good time. The absence of a 2nd line is a bit easier to take that the glaring NOT.
As I was falling asleep last night I realized that I can completely envision both scenarios. I can hear my nurse (who I love) calling to say Congrats!; I can also hear her saying I’m sorry. I don’t know. I’m feeling rather calm about the whole thing. I’m definitely more optimistic than negative, despite the odds stacked against this cycle. Sure, there’s a 31% chance it will work, which means there’s a 69% chance that it won’t.
A wonderful Nestie offered up 2 boxes of Gonal-F for $25 a box yesterday. I jumped at that offer, hoping I won’t need it of course. If I DO need it though, it’s enough to just about get me through another fresh IVF, plus I have a box of Lupron at home, leftover from IVF. That means that the most expensive meds for another cycle are already taken care of. We wouldn’t need to do ICSI, but I would want assisted hatching. I think we could do another cycle for just over $10k, which sounds like peanuts after our almost $15k for first cycle. I don’t know. I’m sure all this looking forward is just a defense mechanism in the event the FET is a bust.
No real symptoms of anything, not even PIO symptoms. I’m bloated I guess but that’s about it. This morning I had this weird sensation that was like needles being jabbed into my girlie parts. It felt like the pain was from the outside in. Don’t know what it was, but it was new to me. Lasted about 10 seconds, then came back again and then gone.
I still don’t have any desire to POAS. I’m sure that’s partly b/c the only test I have left is a digital, “the most expensive stick you’ll ever pee on.” I don’t want to pee on $30 only to have it say NOT PREGNANT. Definitely not my idea of a good time. The absence of a 2nd line is a bit easier to take that the glaring NOT.
As I was falling asleep last night I realized that I can completely envision both scenarios. I can hear my nurse (who I love) calling to say Congrats!; I can also hear her saying I’m sorry. I don’t know. I’m feeling rather calm about the whole thing. I’m definitely more optimistic than negative, despite the odds stacked against this cycle. Sure, there’s a 31% chance it will work, which means there’s a 69% chance that it won’t.
A wonderful Nestie offered up 2 boxes of Gonal-F for $25 a box yesterday. I jumped at that offer, hoping I won’t need it of course. If I DO need it though, it’s enough to just about get me through another fresh IVF, plus I have a box of Lupron at home, leftover from IVF. That means that the most expensive meds for another cycle are already taken care of. We wouldn’t need to do ICSI, but I would want assisted hatching. I think we could do another cycle for just over $10k, which sounds like peanuts after our almost $15k for first cycle. I don’t know. I’m sure all this looking forward is just a defense mechanism in the event the FET is a bust.
Monday, September 15, 2008
PIO by candlelight
Oh how romantic. Thanks to the remnants of Ike, we've been without power since Sunday at 7 am, and I've had serious internet withdrawals.
Dan offered to do the PIO last night, even though I think I've finally gotten into the groove. You should have seen me Friday night, just like throwing a dart at my ass:o) Anyway, there we were in our completely dark bedroom with one little candle sitting on the windowsill. Dan got ready and then said...I can't see. So I offered to hold the candle. Pants down, holding a margarita glass shaped candle (thanks Lisa, it came in handy:o)) up to my bum, and we have another successful injection done. Oh the stories we'll be able to tell...if only this works.
I was a total couch potato this weekend, and spent alot of time visualizing implantation. Dr. K said it should happen within about 48 hours after FET. No symptoms, though I didn't expect any. On Saturday, I did have this little blob of blood on the TP, but I had that with my fresh iVF and that obviously didn't mean anything. I assume it was just from cervix irritation or something.
Dan offered to do the PIO last night, even though I think I've finally gotten into the groove. You should have seen me Friday night, just like throwing a dart at my ass:o) Anyway, there we were in our completely dark bedroom with one little candle sitting on the windowsill. Dan got ready and then said...I can't see. So I offered to hold the candle. Pants down, holding a margarita glass shaped candle (thanks Lisa, it came in handy:o)) up to my bum, and we have another successful injection done. Oh the stories we'll be able to tell...if only this works.
I was a total couch potato this weekend, and spent alot of time visualizing implantation. Dr. K said it should happen within about 48 hours after FET. No symptoms, though I didn't expect any. On Saturday, I did have this little blob of blood on the TP, but I had that with my fresh iVF and that obviously didn't mean anything. I assume it was just from cervix irritation or something.
Friday, September 12, 2008
FET is DONE!!
Wow, it was pretty emotional. I got teary eyed just walking into the RE office (Fertility Person in hand and Angie bracelet on). We had to wait a little bit before being taken back. Then, we got in our "outfits" and were ready for Dr. K. She came in with a picture of THREE embryos!!! I was shocked. One of them looked different from the other two, in that there was no zona surrounding the cells. So Dr. K called the embryologist to get some info. Embryologist said she had seen healthy pregnancies result from an embie without a zona, so...we put all THREE back in!!
Once in the procedure room there was a bit of an issue, as expected, with my tilted uterus. The intern doing the u/s had some trouble identifing the uterus. Dr. K asked the expert u/s tech come down to help. We got to see the catheter in, and then once the embies were ready, we actually saw that pop out of the cathetar. Plop, plop, plop...there are THREE embies inside me.
Back in recovery room Dr K came to say all went well and I just lost it. She gave me kleenex, told me I'd done all I could do. SHe was almost in tears too, which made me cry harder. After she left, embryologist came in to wish us luck and I asked her a bit about the embie without the zone. She said sometimes it happens during the thaw when the zone separates from the cells, but there was no reason to think it was "bad."
Beta is Sept 24! They are only making me wait 12 days instead of 14. I was shocked at that too.
Without further adieu, here are the Stancey's!!! Sorry for the upside down scan, but it's not like they'd look any different right side up:o)
Thursday, September 11, 2008
I have a time!!!!
12:45 CT tomorrow. I cannot wait. They will start thawing the embies this afternoon. I always thought the protocol for my RE was to thaw immediately before but I guess not. I asked if I could get a status report today and the nurse said it wasn't a good idea. Apparently, no embie looks "good" right after thaw, and they wouldn't want to worry me. They will start to perk up as the night goes on, and hopefully start growing again!!!
So hard to believe the Stancey's will be back in the game this afternoon. My maternal instincts are springing back to life again:o))
So hard to believe the Stancey's will be back in the game this afternoon. My maternal instincts are springing back to life again:o))
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Why FET will work when IVF didn't.
First of all…about 50 hours until FET…but who’s counting?!?!?!?!
Second of all...I did my own PIO last night. And it didn't.hurt.at.all:o)) GO ME!
In follow-up to my post yesterday, and all the differences between IVF and FET, I am trying to stay positive about why this FET will work (at 31% of success) when IVF didn’t (at 50% chance of success)
As I alluded to yesterday, my stress level is just so much less for this cycle.
1) Stress 1: The day before my ET, our a/c quit working. This was late May in STL and it got hot fast. Not to mention we live in a 3rd floor condo. Heat rises and all that stuff. I remember sleeping on our sunroom floor the night of ET, b/c our bedroom was unbearable. I opened all sunroom windows, turned on the ceiling fan and used another fan and it was still sweltering. I figured as long as I was laying down it was ok. A/c didn’t get fixed for FIVE days.
2) Stress 2: Two days before ET the check engine light came on in our car. I figured I’d wait until after ET to get it looked at. Morning of ET the damn thing almost wouldn’t start, and we sputtered all the way to the RE. Immediately after ET Dan dropped me off at acu and went to a local garage, within walking distance. I was literally laying on the table with needles stuck in me when he comes in to tell me what is wrong, and that it would cost $1600 to fix. This, after just dropping $12k on the ER/ET. My acu’s husband drove us home.
3) Then I had the normal stress of how are my eggs, did anything fertilize, did anything continue to grow, did anything freeze.
4) And the major stressor that I must have been in denial about until my RE mentioned it at my WTF appt. The RE (not mine) who did the ET could not get the catheter in. It was taking her so long to get in that they had to take the embies back to the lab. At the time, I remember thinking uh oh this can’t be good. I remember looking at the u/s screen thinking God I hope she knows what she is doing b/c I can’t make out a thing on that screen. But then once I was back in the recovery room I seemed to forget all about it. It seems important enough though that Dr. K brought it up and made me do a 2nd mock transfer so she could draw another picture of the path to my uterus. Interestingly, the pic she drew for #2 was much different than for #1 so maybe that is my ticket out of this hell? Plus, she is doing the FET for me, not another RE in the group.
So, I am feeling much more confident that my stress is much reduced. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think stress is the reason I’m not pregnant, but reducing it certainly can’t hurt.
Second of all...I did my own PIO last night. And it didn't.hurt.at.all:o)) GO ME!
In follow-up to my post yesterday, and all the differences between IVF and FET, I am trying to stay positive about why this FET will work (at 31% of success) when IVF didn’t (at 50% chance of success)
As I alluded to yesterday, my stress level is just so much less for this cycle.
1) Stress 1: The day before my ET, our a/c quit working. This was late May in STL and it got hot fast. Not to mention we live in a 3rd floor condo. Heat rises and all that stuff. I remember sleeping on our sunroom floor the night of ET, b/c our bedroom was unbearable. I opened all sunroom windows, turned on the ceiling fan and used another fan and it was still sweltering. I figured as long as I was laying down it was ok. A/c didn’t get fixed for FIVE days.
2) Stress 2: Two days before ET the check engine light came on in our car. I figured I’d wait until after ET to get it looked at. Morning of ET the damn thing almost wouldn’t start, and we sputtered all the way to the RE. Immediately after ET Dan dropped me off at acu and went to a local garage, within walking distance. I was literally laying on the table with needles stuck in me when he comes in to tell me what is wrong, and that it would cost $1600 to fix. This, after just dropping $12k on the ER/ET. My acu’s husband drove us home.
3) Then I had the normal stress of how are my eggs, did anything fertilize, did anything continue to grow, did anything freeze.
4) And the major stressor that I must have been in denial about until my RE mentioned it at my WTF appt. The RE (not mine) who did the ET could not get the catheter in. It was taking her so long to get in that they had to take the embies back to the lab. At the time, I remember thinking uh oh this can’t be good. I remember looking at the u/s screen thinking God I hope she knows what she is doing b/c I can’t make out a thing on that screen. But then once I was back in the recovery room I seemed to forget all about it. It seems important enough though that Dr. K brought it up and made me do a 2nd mock transfer so she could draw another picture of the path to my uterus. Interestingly, the pic she drew for #2 was much different than for #1 so maybe that is my ticket out of this hell? Plus, she is doing the FET for me, not another RE in the group.
So, I am feeling much more confident that my stress is much reduced. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think stress is the reason I’m not pregnant, but reducing it certainly can’t hurt.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
IVF vs. FET
Have I mentioned how much less stressful a FET cycle is from IVF? With FET, I’ve only had 1 early morning appt, as opposed to about 7 with IVF, which means only 1 blood draw and one visit with the dildo-cam. I’m not constantly waiting for my nurse to call with instructions. I’m not giving myself a shot every day for about 6 weeks. I won’t have to take Ovidrel or go through the ER. I’m not bloated. I opted not to do acupuncture with this FET, more for financial reasons that anything else. We can't afford $50 each week.
The meds are so minimal with FET, compared to IVF. With both cycles I took/am taking PNV, baby aspirin, Medrol, doxy, PIO. With the FET I get to eliminate the Lupron and Follistim, which also happen to be the most expensive. With FET, I get the added med of Estrace which I am convinced is the devil in disguise. I.hate.Estrace. I hope to never take it again. Unfortunately, I have to keep taking it through the FET…and continue for 10 more weeks if we are lucky enough for an embie to stick.
Caution: I’m going to post a pic of a PIO needle below. I know my aversion to this thing is more mental than physical, and I don’t want to freak out anyone who may be getting ready for PIO for the first time. Really, it’s not as bad as it looks. If done correctly (as Dan told me), straight in…straight out, it doesn’t really hurt. Mine was a little painful last night though, and I’ve got a big bruise today. All in the name of baby right?! I must keep my eye on the prize.
IVF meds
FET meds (not sure why the felt the need to send a sharps container with the FET but not the IVF)
PIO needle
The meds are so minimal with FET, compared to IVF. With both cycles I took/am taking PNV, baby aspirin, Medrol, doxy, PIO. With the FET I get to eliminate the Lupron and Follistim, which also happen to be the most expensive. With FET, I get the added med of Estrace which I am convinced is the devil in disguise. I.hate.Estrace. I hope to never take it again. Unfortunately, I have to keep taking it through the FET…and continue for 10 more weeks if we are lucky enough for an embie to stick.
Caution: I’m going to post a pic of a PIO needle below. I know my aversion to this thing is more mental than physical, and I don’t want to freak out anyone who may be getting ready for PIO for the first time. Really, it’s not as bad as it looks. If done correctly (as Dan told me), straight in…straight out, it doesn’t really hurt. Mine was a little painful last night though, and I’ve got a big bruise today. All in the name of baby right?! I must keep my eye on the prize.
IVF meds
FET meds (not sure why the felt the need to send a sharps container with the FET but not the IVF)
PIO needle
Friday, September 5, 2008
FET is ON!!!
Or, as Dan would say...it's on like donkey kong. Don't really know what that means...but it sounds good right about now.
I'll start PIO and Medrol on Sunday. Can't wait to reunite with the big.ass.needle. Thursday afternoon they will call with a time for Friday. Basically, FETs are seen as low man on the totem pole. They do all the fresh ERs and ETs first, and then the FETs. As I see it, let the RE get warmed up...before she gets her hands on the Stancey's:o)
I can't wait. Just 7 more days!! I've said that already today, haven't I? Can't help it. Come on, Fertility Person and give me some luck this time please:o)
I'll start PIO and Medrol on Sunday. Can't wait to reunite with the big.ass.needle. Thursday afternoon they will call with a time for Friday. Basically, FETs are seen as low man on the totem pole. They do all the fresh ERs and ETs first, and then the FETs. As I see it, let the RE get warmed up...before she gets her hands on the Stancey's:o)
I can't wait. Just 7 more days!! I've said that already today, haven't I? Can't help it. Come on, Fertility Person and give me some luck this time please:o)
You got your wish...
That is what the u/s tech said this morning when looking at my uterine lining. "You got your wish, that is waaaayyyyy thick!" Woohoo!
I so missed the dildocam. It's been several months since I've had the pleasure. Tech and I were laughing about that. I love her, she's very personable and extremely thorough. She said you can totally tell when someone is new to the dildocam b/c they'll come in extremely nervous with lots of clothes on, nylons, multiple layers, etc. The next time they come in they are in sweats:o)
I wonder if they'll reduce my Estrace?? I could only hope. I hate that stuff.
Anyhoo...one hurdle down...one to go....Now I sit and wait for the nurse to call with my b/w results. If levels look good then we are good to go next Friday. I'm so freaking excited. Not to mention a Nestie just got a BFP from a FET so that is huge encouragment for me!!!
And I paid another $346 this morning. Running total for FET so far is $1,014:o(
7 days, 7 days, 7 days..................
I so missed the dildocam. It's been several months since I've had the pleasure. Tech and I were laughing about that. I love her, she's very personable and extremely thorough. She said you can totally tell when someone is new to the dildocam b/c they'll come in extremely nervous with lots of clothes on, nylons, multiple layers, etc. The next time they come in they are in sweats:o)
I wonder if they'll reduce my Estrace?? I could only hope. I hate that stuff.
Anyhoo...one hurdle down...one to go....Now I sit and wait for the nurse to call with my b/w results. If levels look good then we are good to go next Friday. I'm so freaking excited. Not to mention a Nestie just got a BFP from a FET so that is huge encouragment for me!!!
And I paid another $346 this morning. Running total for FET so far is $1,014:o(
7 days, 7 days, 7 days..................
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Pre-FET obsessing has started
I've been giving a lot of thought lately to the 31% chance of sucess with this FET. How exactly did Dr. K come up with this? I have no idea. She gave us a 50% chance for our first fresh IVF and we all know how that turned out. I guess the simple fact that the embies have gone through the stress of being frozen, and then thawed (hopefully), makes the % go down. But go down by almost 20?
Sart.org has alot of clinic stats across the country. So of course I have spent quite a bit of time on that site this morning. In 2006, my RE clinic did 25 FETS, with 20% resulting in live births; in 2005 they did 21 FETs, with a 29% success rate. When I looked at FETs in relation to an ovulatory disorder (which is me), in 2006, they only did one, but that ended in a baby. I like 100%. But I still don't know how Dr K came to 31%. Seems higher than the norm, so I guess she has some hope for me. Guess I should just ask. And I should say that it's 31% of ONE sticking, regardless of how many get put back. And, I should also say that my clinic is extremely picky about which embies they freeze. I believe our 3 were frozen on day 6, which is quite a bit of growth. At that time, 2 looked good and one looked iffy, but all were freeze-worthy.
Who the hell knows. All I know is a FET cycle is so much less stressful than a fresh IVF. My u/s and b/w is in the AM, so I should have confirmation tomorrow afternoon that we are on for 9/12.
Sart.org has alot of clinic stats across the country. So of course I have spent quite a bit of time on that site this morning. In 2006, my RE clinic did 25 FETS, with 20% resulting in live births; in 2005 they did 21 FETs, with a 29% success rate. When I looked at FETs in relation to an ovulatory disorder (which is me), in 2006, they only did one, but that ended in a baby. I like 100%. But I still don't know how Dr K came to 31%. Seems higher than the norm, so I guess she has some hope for me. Guess I should just ask. And I should say that it's 31% of ONE sticking, regardless of how many get put back. And, I should also say that my clinic is extremely picky about which embies they freeze. I believe our 3 were frozen on day 6, which is quite a bit of growth. At that time, 2 looked good and one looked iffy, but all were freeze-worthy.
Who the hell knows. All I know is a FET cycle is so much less stressful than a fresh IVF. My u/s and b/w is in the AM, so I should have confirmation tomorrow afternoon that we are on for 9/12.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
My Fertility Person...
I've never had a fertility good luck charm, and I've never really been superstitious about anything in regard to fertility. Now though, I have my very own Fertility Person. You will think I've lost my mind, but I don't think it wants to be photographed. Seriously, I took 6 different pics last night, in hopes of posting one here, and each one I took was blurry. I could not get a focused picture, even though looking through the camera lense it appeared clear. Ripleys...believe it or not...:o)
Anyway, this little Person (I'm calling a "person" to be politically correct and to not piss FP off b/c we really don't know guy or girl) was loaned to me by Sara, and has many healthy pregnancy's under its belt, including Sara's. Most recently, it was loaned to a woman who was going through her 4th IVF, and who got a BFP that cycle. Yes, the rational/logical side of me thinks ok, well it was her 4th IVF, odds are it was just her time to be successul. Sara on the other hand touched it once, ONCE and got pregnant, as did a few others in her office. I have met FP once before, but that was over lunch at Taco Bell. And as Sara said I didn't really get to "bond' with FP so now is my chance.
So it is mine now, at least for the next few weeks. FP is tiny, maybe 2.5 inches tall, but perfect to hold in my hand. I carry it in my pocket to work, and then put it on my desk. At night, I've been sleeping with it under my pillow.
Have I lost my mind? Probably. I don't doubt it. But at this point, what do I have to lose? And yes, I will be taking it with me to my transfer. Dan can hold one hand, and I'll hold FP in the other.
Anyway, this little Person (I'm calling a "person" to be politically correct and to not piss FP off b/c we really don't know guy or girl) was loaned to me by Sara, and has many healthy pregnancy's under its belt, including Sara's. Most recently, it was loaned to a woman who was going through her 4th IVF, and who got a BFP that cycle. Yes, the rational/logical side of me thinks ok, well it was her 4th IVF, odds are it was just her time to be successul. Sara on the other hand touched it once, ONCE and got pregnant, as did a few others in her office. I have met FP once before, but that was over lunch at Taco Bell. And as Sara said I didn't really get to "bond' with FP so now is my chance.
So it is mine now, at least for the next few weeks. FP is tiny, maybe 2.5 inches tall, but perfect to hold in my hand. I carry it in my pocket to work, and then put it on my desk. At night, I've been sleeping with it under my pillow.
Have I lost my mind? Probably. I don't doubt it. But at this point, what do I have to lose? And yes, I will be taking it with me to my transfer. Dan can hold one hand, and I'll hold FP in the other.
Friday, August 29, 2008
The end of caffeine
I'm sitting here with my last 18 oz or so of Mountain Dew. I am giving up caffeine. Hopefully for 9 months or so, but at the very least until I get my beta. I love caffeine. I am not a coffee drinker, so mine comes in the form of that sweet, sweet, Mountain Dew:o) I went to the grocery last night and bought 2 liters of caffeine free diet coke. I actually like it, I just like Mtn Dew more.
I've been focused on being healthier and this is the next step.
Also of interest to any Estrace users. I think I have found another positive side effect. It seems to be acting as an appetite suppresent. I love to eat, love.to.eat. All of my friends can vouch for that. For the past several days, food is 1) the last thing on my mind, and 2) when I eat I get full much faster than in the past. Additionally, I actually STOP eating when I'm full. I can only attribute it to Estrace.
I've also lost 1.5 pounds since I've been on it. I gained almost 20 pounds during my IVF cycle in May. Yes, 20 pounds. 9 came off right away, and I've been struggling with the last 11 pounds. Since starting the Estrace, it's started to come off. Crazy! But I'll take it.
That's my news for the day.
14 days until FET, but who's counting???!!!
I've been focused on being healthier and this is the next step.
Also of interest to any Estrace users. I think I have found another positive side effect. It seems to be acting as an appetite suppresent. I love to eat, love.to.eat. All of my friends can vouch for that. For the past several days, food is 1) the last thing on my mind, and 2) when I eat I get full much faster than in the past. Additionally, I actually STOP eating when I'm full. I can only attribute it to Estrace.
I've also lost 1.5 pounds since I've been on it. I gained almost 20 pounds during my IVF cycle in May. Yes, 20 pounds. 9 came off right away, and I've been struggling with the last 11 pounds. Since starting the Estrace, it's started to come off. Crazy! But I'll take it.
That's my news for the day.
14 days until FET, but who's counting???!!!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Estrace is icky.
That's my big news for the day. It's this teeny little blue pill that looks very simple to take. However, it starts disolving the second it hits my tongue. I have always hated taking pills, most people 0ut grow that as they grow up but not me. Two nights ago it got caught on the roof of my mouth. YUCK. I guess it's better than an injection, but still...I don't like it. AND, it is so hard to remember to take my lunchtime dose. I bring it to work, along with my pre-natal since I can't take that with the antiobiotic in the AM, and the afternoon is usually 1/2 over before I remember to take them. It's not a big deal, just frustrating.
Three weeks from today is the FET!!!!
Three weeks from today is the FET!!!!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
It's officially a FET cycle!!!
I got my treatment plan yesterday, on what was my cd1. I started Estrace and doxy yesterday. I seriously need to set my alarm to remember to take this stuff. Estrace I take 3 x a day; doxy 2 x a day. Also a prenatal vitamin. However, the warning on the Doxy bottle says don't take within 2 hours of meds containing calcium or iron, so now I guess i have to take the prenatal at lunchtime with the Estrace. At least they gave me a calendar so I can just check off after I take each one.
My Medrol and PIO should arrive today from IVPCare. Can't wait to pull those 2 inch needles out of the box:-(
I will go in for an u/s and b/w on Sept 5 to monitor my lining and progesterone. If all looks good, meaning my lining is nice and thick and p4 is low, I will start the PIO shots on Sept 7, with the FET on Sept 12. Yes, I know I've already said that, but I'm excited that I have an official date, even if it is 2 weeks after the original plan. 23 days from now those embryos will be getting ready to go back home:-)))
I know the odds of all 3 making it through the thawing process are not good...but a girl can hope can't she?
Oh, and I paid our $660 deposit yesterday. The rest is due date of FET. It doesn't seem so harsh that way.
My Medrol and PIO should arrive today from IVPCare. Can't wait to pull those 2 inch needles out of the box:-(
I will go in for an u/s and b/w on Sept 5 to monitor my lining and progesterone. If all looks good, meaning my lining is nice and thick and p4 is low, I will start the PIO shots on Sept 7, with the FET on Sept 12. Yes, I know I've already said that, but I'm excited that I have an official date, even if it is 2 weeks after the original plan. 23 days from now those embryos will be getting ready to go back home:-)))
I know the odds of all 3 making it through the thawing process are not good...but a girl can hope can't she?
Oh, and I paid our $660 deposit yesterday. The rest is due date of FET. It doesn't seem so harsh that way.
Monday, August 18, 2008
FET is put off ANOTHER week.
I cannot deal with this! I called RE nurse today to let her know I was a week late starting AF, and so she could re-schedule me. I went from FET on 8/29 to FET on 9/12. This sucks! Because AF is a week late, it's putting me off 2 MORE weeks. Apparently I have to be on Estrace for at least 12 days. She said RE may bring me in on 8/29 for an u/s to monitor my lining, but she's almost positive I won't get that u/s until 9/5, with PIO starting on 9/7 and FET on 9/12.
I want to do it NOW. I want those embryos back in there YESTERDAY:-(
I also have to make the $3000 call to the financial lady. Woohoo. Yippee. Can't wait to do that. It is so not fair that I have to PAY to have a baby. I think I should get into the crackwhore/streetcorner industry and I'd be knocked up like that. BLAH
I want to do it NOW. I want those embryos back in there YESTERDAY:-(
I also have to make the $3000 call to the financial lady. Woohoo. Yippee. Can't wait to do that. It is so not fair that I have to PAY to have a baby. I think I should get into the crackwhore/streetcorner industry and I'd be knocked up like that. BLAH
Thursday, August 14, 2008
AF is MIA...
Not sure what to make of this. I'm really trying not let my thoughts go "there." Here's the deal. I took Clomid this cycle (RE said that we had such good IVF fert rates, then why not). I won't go into details but I'm not sure when I O'd. Based on my very regular cycles, I expected AF this past Tuesday. No show. Guessing when I *might* have O'd, I expect her tomorrow. But, I ALWAYS spot pre-AF, it's just what I do. And so far, at 4 pm today...no spotting.
What's really pissing me off is that if I am just "late" (which I have never been on Clomid), this is pushing my FET back to Sept 5. RE only does FET's on Fridays. So that sucks. I want those Stancey embryos back in me ASAP. I think about them all the time these days. Just sitting there in the freezer...waiting to be warmed up:-)
Guess I'm just going to hang out and wait. And trust me, I am analyzing the TP!!! If I haven't started by Monday I will take a test. I don't have the luck for this to actually happen for me this way. But a girl can hope!
What's really pissing me off is that if I am just "late" (which I have never been on Clomid), this is pushing my FET back to Sept 5. RE only does FET's on Fridays. So that sucks. I want those Stancey embryos back in me ASAP. I think about them all the time these days. Just sitting there in the freezer...waiting to be warmed up:-)
Guess I'm just going to hang out and wait. And trust me, I am analyzing the TP!!! If I haven't started by Monday I will take a test. I don't have the luck for this to actually happen for me this way. But a girl can hope!
Monday, August 11, 2008
job interviews!!
I work for a university, which has always been great. The two bad things are 1) when you work for grants as I do, there is a certain about of job insecurity every few years as money runs out of grants, and 2) my university chooses not to cover any IF related expenses.
The grant that I work on is coming to an end, and I am on the job hunt, wanting to stay within the university system. I had an interview on Friday which went really well. It would be a lot more responsibility than the project coordination I do now. Which would probably mean a raise! As of this morning, they had already checked a reference, so I guess they liked me:-) I had another interview today with another team that didn't impress me too much. It would be alot of what I'm doing now, but I *think* I am ready to grow and expand my skills to the next level. In any event, job hunting sucks. I hate that nervous feeling before an interview.
In IF related news, I just ordered my FET meds! Two will be coming from a local pharmacy, and the others from IVPCare. The lady asked if I'd had any s/e from the PIO before, and I said nope, only a bruised butt. She laughed and said she understood...but I doubt it.
I'm just waiting for AF now. She could be here tomorrow but I've had NO spotting, and have a hx of spotting at least 5 days before she shows. I did acu prior to my IVF cycle and although it didn't help with my BFP, I think it may have helped with the spotting issue.
Of course I have a tiny inkling of hope that the Clomid combined with our "relax and see what happens" vacation may have done the trick.
The grant that I work on is coming to an end, and I am on the job hunt, wanting to stay within the university system. I had an interview on Friday which went really well. It would be a lot more responsibility than the project coordination I do now. Which would probably mean a raise! As of this morning, they had already checked a reference, so I guess they liked me:-) I had another interview today with another team that didn't impress me too much. It would be alot of what I'm doing now, but I *think* I am ready to grow and expand my skills to the next level. In any event, job hunting sucks. I hate that nervous feeling before an interview.
In IF related news, I just ordered my FET meds! Two will be coming from a local pharmacy, and the others from IVPCare. The lady asked if I'd had any s/e from the PIO before, and I said nope, only a bruised butt. She laughed and said she understood...but I doubt it.
I'm just waiting for AF now. She could be here tomorrow but I've had NO spotting, and have a hx of spotting at least 5 days before she shows. I did acu prior to my IVF cycle and although it didn't help with my BFP, I think it may have helped with the spotting issue.
Of course I have a tiny inkling of hope that the Clomid combined with our "relax and see what happens" vacation may have done the trick.
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