IVF #1 begins!

Elliejo

We go in for our baseline tomorrow a bit nervous tonight. Basically not sleeping. Just thinking of all those meds. And there have been a lot of negatives through ivf on the boards I follow. I am trying to remember our journey is unique and a positive can happen for us!

pols12

Hey Cari - How did you baseline go today? What are your next steps?

My baseline is tomorrow morning. I will let you know how it goes and what my plan for moving forward is. I am nervous too...but excited! Trying to stay positive. I have to believe that this long, LONG journey has been meaningful!

Elliejo

Baseline went well. They are having me come back in for an emergency infectious disease panel before we can begin even though I'm not carrying. I guess mine expires because we've been at it a year. I've only been with my wife so I think we are good to go there. :) we start 250 units of follistim on Friday through Monday and go back on Tuesday for bloodwork and ultrasound. Officially off birth control and getting this ball rolling. So nervous about the shots. We were doing flu shots at work and couldn't even watch today. This will be a challenge. At least I work with nurses one who did ivf to be a support.

Elliejo

Rebecca,
How did your baseline go? Did you start your meds yet? We are really trying to stay positive despite all the negatives. There is no reason why we shouldn't get pregnant! Thinking about all of you!

Cari

pols12

Hey Cari -

My baseline went well. I started my meds on Friday evening. I am taking Follistim 150, Menopur 150 and Lupron 5. I have blood work tomorrow to check my progress. I am surprised by how much it stings or burns as the meds are going in and just after. I didn't expect that. The needle part doesn't actually bother me that much. How are the injections going for your wife?

And I agree, I think cautiously optimistic is the best way to approach this! I am pretty hopeful and that relieves some of my stress.

Thinking about you!

Rebecca

Elliejo

Rebecca,

Abby said the same thing about the shots. They kind of burn. We are on a pretty strong dose of the follistim so it's a lot of meds. Will you do an ultrasound tomorrow too or just bloodwork. We are doing both. I'm so excited to see all the follicles. It looks like our timing will be very similar.

Cari

pols12

I had my bloodwork today, but no ultrasound. Based on the lab, my dosage has been reduced to 75 on both meds for now. I go back on Wednesday morning for more bloodwork and our first ultrasound.

Agreed though, our timing is very similar. Let me know how your appt goes tomorrow.

Elliejo

Our ultrasound went great. Five follicles that they measured largest being a 13 and 8 other ones. Nurse said expect more to grow. We are staying on our follistim 250units and added 150 units of menopur. We also started the centricide to stop ovulation. We go back on Thursday for another ultrasound and bloodwork. My poor wife is in pain and is bruised on her stomach. They also couldn't find a vein this morning so had to do it on her hand. So she got her favorite candy and fun bandaids as a present today. We are wishing for a better timeline. We got nothing really of when we will do our retrieval. I guess it's too soon to know. I just want my life not be on hold. Tonight it's lots of cuddles and kisses to the Owies.

pols12

My u/s was yesterday. I had 8 follicles on the right and at least 5 on the left. (Every since my c-section, my left ovary is in a different place and apparently much harder to see on the u/s.) my largest measured 17, with others around 15...so I was surprised. The doc told me my ER would likely be on Monday or Tuesday.

Later in the day however, they told me my estrogen is rising pretty quickly. So we may have to cut the meds back again, as they want to be sure to protect against overstimulation. I had more bloodwork (but no u/s) this morning to monitor that level. It seems I am responding very well to the meds.

I am so sorry to hear about your wife's pain and bruises. I have, fortunately, not had any bruising yet. Any discomfort I have is internal from the ovary growth, not a direct result of the injections. Just keep taking care of her!

Let me know how your appt went today!

Elliejo

We seem to be having a much slower response to meds. We had 9 follicles today above 10. The largest was 15. We have a few sevens and eight others that are there but are tiny. I think we will be on the meds closer to the 14 days they said to be prepared for. We will get more instructions this afternoon. No estimate on retrieval date. We will most likely go to daily monitoring this weekend. Our clinic wants to see them at 20 or above for the retrieval. I feel bad because I messed up the follistim pen last night which resulted in three extra pokes to get the right dose of meds. I felt so bad for my wife. She is a trooper but is very emotional. She is feeling overwhelmed by this process. We are hoping it takes and that we have one happy and healthy baby from this. I'm not sure what we'll do if it doesn't work.

Rebecca are you doing a three day or a five day transfer?

pols12

Hey! We are planning to do a five day transfer. Our doctor recommended it based on success rates and my age. What is your plan?

We had another day of monitoring with BW and US. At least 11 follies on the right (with 2 22s) and at least 8 on the left (with 2 21s). My BW results made them remove one medication altogether and cut the other to the lowest dose possible for tonight.

Tomorrow I return for more bloodwork and ultrasound. It looks likely that my retrieval will be Monday morning. Fingers crossed because I am starting to feel a little uncomfortable from my swelling ovaries.

How is it going for you? Are the injections getting any better?

Elliejo

We did not have quite the response to the meds that you are having Rebecca. We have five on the left and four on the right. Largest two are 20s and smallest are 14s. They want to see those 14s at 15s before retrieval. Ultrasound nurse thought monitoring tomorrow and possibly Monday then the trigger and retrieval Tuesday or Wednesday. We just know we go back tomorrow to take a look. I'm concerned because our numbers are so low. Hoping every follicle has an egg and we get some good fertilization rates. We want to do a five day but will do whatever the embryologist recommends once they see the embryos. It looks like we are on track for a fresh transfer which we were hoping for. My wife is very uncomfortable. Not only with shot bruising but also with the engorged ovaries. We go back tomorrow to see where things are. I'm trying to stay hopeful we will have a few embryos out of this and it won't have been for nothing. I'm just discouraged with our numbers.

pols12

Hey Cari -

Sorry your wife has to do more injection days. I hope it is getting better for both of you. Any new updates from your weekend monitoring?

I am all set for my retrieval tomorrow morning. I definitely have lots of growth in there. The doctor told me this morning during my u/s that my ovaries are kissing...meaning they are so full that the left and right are touching each other. Which explains my discomfort!

I will let you know how tomorrow goes!

Rebecca

pols12

Hey Cari -

Sorry your wife has to do more injection days. I hope it is getting better for both of you. Any new updates from your weekend monitoring?

I am all set for my retrieval tomorrow morning. I definitely have lots of growth in there. The doctor told me this morning during my u/s that my ovaries are kissing...meaning they are so full that the left and right are touching each other. Which explains my discomfort!

I will let you know how tomorrow goes!

Rebecca

Elliejo

Rebecca,

I'm glad everything looks good for the retrieval. They are definitely full the number of follicles you have. We went today again. We have a strong 10. Biggest 22. The smallest 14.8. We got the call that our retrieval is on Tuesday!!!! We had to do another mega dose of follistim immediately. Massive trigger tonight at 9 pm. Then blood work tomorrow. It's so real now. We will definitely be TWW buddies except our clinic tests in 10 days.

Cari

pols12

Hi Cari -

So the ER went great this morning. I was super nervous, but everyone was so kind and understanding. They explained everything and answered all my questions. I walked into the room and soon was completely out under anesthesia. It took less than 30 minutes for them to collect 18 eggs, although 1 was fractured.

I woke up slowly in recovery, but felt fine. They monitored my vitals and made me pee before I could leave. Pre-op until I was back in the car was about 2h15m.

When I got home I was a little groggy and rested for a while. Then I started to feel a little hungry, so my wife made me scrambled eggs...how fitting! The RE said I should up my protein intake and replace electrolytes after the ER to help with any potential bloating and discomfort. After my lunch I took a nap for about 1hr30m. Since then I have just been reading magazines and watching a little tv.

I will say I am in discomfort since I woke up. The pain meds in my IV have worn off, and I am about to take Tylenol. There is pain deep inside...I am sure that is normal and it isn't terrible just there constantly.

The man told me they will call me tomorrow morning to let me know how many of the 17 fertilized. And from there we will talk regularly for updates and to make decisions going forward. But we are still hoping for a single blastocyst transfer on Day 5. Our pregnancy test is scheduled for 10/24...two weeks from today.

I hope sharing my experience helps you prep for tomorrow. Your wife will need you tomorrow, both emotionally and physically. But I know you will both do great! I can't wait to hear how it goes!!!

Thinking of you,
Rebecca

Elliejo

Egg retrieval went very well. We got 17 eggs from the 10 follicles. Hoping they are mature and healthy. It will be nerve racking waiting for tomorrow's call. Anyways my wife was a champ. She is resting peacefully. I ran out and got the Tylenol 3 prescription along with presents. She deserves so much for going through all this to make our dreams come true hopefully in nine months. Looking forward to your news Rebecca! Plan for us is a five day transfer on Sunday.

pols12

Hey Cari - That's great! I can't believe 17 from 10! Awesome! I hope she got plenty of rest and will be feeling much better tomorrow.

It was a world of difference for me today, not quite 100% normal, but totally doable and I went to work with no problem.

The lab called this morning and told me of the 17 retrieved, 13 were mature, and 10 of those fertilized. We are still hoping for a 5 day blast transfer, but we will know a lot more on Thursday, Day 3.

Elliejo

Abby is in quite a bit of pain. She is at work and is going to get through first period and decide on if she will come home or not. We are hoping for a five day transfer just in terms of more recovery time. Hoping she starts to feel better soon. The lab is supposed to call between 11-3 today with our stats. Hoping we had some good ones in there and they fertilize and they make it to day 5.

pols12

Hey Cari - I hope Abby is feeling better already, or at least soon. I am sorry that she is feeling so bad.

I can't wait to hear how many fertilized for you two! The crazy part is that I thought most of the stress would subside for this week after ER, bit before transfer; but now I am stressing/wondering about the embryos constantly. This process is definitely not for the weak of heart or faith.

We heard from the lab that all 10 of our embryos are still growing strong and normally at this point, which is exciting! Some are slightly ahead of others, but all are still progressing/developing, and none have arrested. Based on this information, the lab folks think I will be good to go for a 5-day blastocyst transfer. Of course, that will be officially decided tomorrow morning, but I am hopeful!

Elliejo

Hello! So out of our 17 eggs 10 were mature and all 10 fertilized!! Who would have thought all took? Super spermies and super eggies!!! We will hear from the lab tomorrow to see how they are doing and they will decide if we are on track for a three or five day transfer. Just like you I have been thinking about our little embryos all day. Crazy to think there are 10 little Abby's there. I hope the news is good tomorrow and we do a five day. We got news today that my brother and sister in law got a BFP today after their ivf cycle. They have literally been two weeks ahead of us on everything. Engagement, wedding and now hopefully pregnancy. I think it's a sign we'll get our BFP in two weeks from today.

Cari

pols12

Hey Cari - Did you hear from your lab today? I hope things are still growing well!

That's crazy about your brother and sil! I am sure that it is a good sign for you and Abby!!!

As for me, things change very quickly in the world of embryos! So this morning, I had 2 "rock star" embryos and the other 8 were still developing, but significantly slower. So, I currently have 2 high probability embryos floating around inside of me!

I was disappointed to have a 3 day transfer, but it was the best bet with what we have right now. The others will be held and may be able to meet freezing criteria. We won't know for a few days.

Either way, at this point, I am excited and hoping for lots of magical things to happen inside. I will know what happens in less than 2 weeks!

Can't wait to hear your update!

Elliejo

Rebecca! What a whirlwind of a day. Glad you got those two in you and all is well right now. Hoping the others continue to progress and you can freeze. So much baby dust to you.

Our lab called today saying everything is looking good with our embryos and we are looking at a five day transfer as of now. So we are hoping to put one in abby on Sunday. But like you said a lot can change in the life of embryos. Sending you baby dust.

pols12

Just wanted to wish you and Abby the best luck tomorrow! All of your hardwork comes to fruition tomorrow!!! Baby dust!

Elliejo

Thank you all for the support! Transfer went well. It was so fascinating seeing everything on the ultrasound. Also really cool to see our embryo. I of course snapped a picture. Abby is a bit achey but doing well. This morning we had three strong blastocysts. We put one in abby. The embryologist suggest a few more will be ready for freezing tomorrow. They are doing well just not as well. So we get that report tomorrow. We are beyond thrilled. So we are in the TWW. Test is 10/26.

Elliejo

Hello!

Livvy, any news when you will be doing another transfer?

Perwinkle, did you have your surgery? When do you think your transfer will be?

Rebecca, how you hanging in there? Any symptoms yet? My wife said this cycle feels different then every iui. She said overall she is less symptomatic except tender breasts and having massive night sweats. The night sweats could be related to the estrodil she is taking. So who knows. We are on a lot more progesterone so I have no clue why she is less symptomatic but we will take it if it leads to our BFP. We just hope this is it. We'd love a July due date!

Cari

Livvy

Hi ladies-I've been vicariously following you since my BFN. I am SO hopeful for you. My FET will be November 1st--thanks for asking, Cari.

Elliejo

So soon Livvy! I hear that in some cases a frozen transfer has more success then a fresh. Wishing you all the baby dust. Keep us posted. I am dying in this TWW. We bought pregnancy tests today but are too scared to actually take them fearing it may be negative. We may hold out for the bloodwork on Wednesday. 4 days!! I think I can hold it together for four days or at least I hope I can.

pols12

I agree, this TWW has been the most torturous of all 10 of mine. I think it's because before I didn't even know for sure if the sperm met the egg, but this time we know we had strong little embryos being put in there. I wish we could know along every step if progress is still happening. My wife and I joking said they need to attach a little GoPro camera to each one when they do the transfer so we can view it 24/7. Lol! Clearly we are both going crazy!

I am feeling hopeful, as I feel very similar at this point to when I was pregnant with my daughter. A little bit of acne, occasional hot flashes, very tender breasts, and somewhat gassy. As beautiful as that sounds, I am hoping for more of it. Of course, it could be side effects from the meds, which is what makes this process such a head game! But somewhere deep inside, this just feels different. My faith is strong right now. I will know tomorrow! I hope to be able to make it through today. We are taking DD to a kiddie amusement park for a Halloween event, so at least I will be busy all day. Bloodwork is at 7:30 tomorrow morning and results are between 1-3. It can't come soon enough.

Cari - I can't believe you bought pregnancy tests. That would be torture to have them and not use them. I clearly have very little willpower. Wednesday will be here soon! How is Abby feeling this weekend?

Livvy - That is so exciting! You will be right back in this soon! What is the prep like for a FET? I am rooting for you!

Baby dust to all,
Rebecca

Elliejo

Rebecca, this one feels different for us too. So much more hope! It will be incredibly hard if it doesn't take as my brother and sis in law just got their BFP from ivf. I'm not sure I'll be able to bear Christmas if we don't get ours. Rooting us both on!!