Brand, brand new to this!

babyfever36

Hi.....I am so glad I found this board.....I am feeling so alone in this. This is very overwhelming and so much information to take in! Just this week, met with the Doctor for my consultation. Next step: we talk financial matters this coming Tuesday. It is moving along, and I am so excited....but so nervous.
I am 36, still hoping to find "Mr. Right" but my desire to have a baby is so strong, that I decided to take this route-alone, as I am sure many of you have.
What I would like to know:

-What are some good "newbie" pointers you may have for me regarding anything in this process?
-Are there any websites, support groups etc, that are a popular choice other than this one? I am looking for all the support and information I can!
-What procedure/drugs have seen the most success among the members of this board, or through word of mouth?
-How many of you are doing this alone-? My family is 2000 miles away....I have close friends, but all are busy with families......what has your experience been doing this alone?
-Any other tips, tricks, or pointers?
Please, all information is welcome! I am sure I will have tons more questions....but I am trying to take it day by day. After my meeting with financial Tuesday, I will start testing my "hormonal environment." I suppose that is the first step? My understanding of this process is that I will get a more detailed look at my eggs, condition of, etc.......is this accurate?
Any suggestions on picking out a donor through this site?
Oh my......
Thank you in advance!!

MGALBN

Off the top of my head, this is the advice I think of first... (I've had 1 m/c followed by 6 more failed IUIs, now beginning IVF)

Stay positive. It sounds so simple but it's one of the most important things and if you don't succeed the 1st try, can be very difficult at times.

Listen to your RE. They're the experts. Everyone on here or any other support site has their own opinions drawing from their own situations. You can find good advice, but overall it's about your body, not anyone elses.

Be proactive. Research online whatever you can about what you're going thru at the time. It helped me feel more in control if that makes any sense being that NOTHING is in my control! LOL

It appears that most our age start with IUI's usually with Clomid. It's a simple, cheap ($10-$30 depending on coverage) script that will increase your chances of success. Ovidrel (the trigger shot) is usually also given to time your ovulation. TIMING IS EVERYTHING. Ideally I would have liked to start out with natural cycles but hindsight tells me that would have been wasted time/effort/emotions. Side effects are mild and I believe well worth it for that extra boost. You run the risk of multiples with any meds but the odds are WAY lower than with injectables.

You CAN get preggo the first try! It happened to me even tho I lost it early, and has happened to many, many others! If you go thru 3 cycles and it doesn't work, move on. Don't waste your time/effort/money and emotions. Ask your RE for advice to be more aggressive and take that next step!

Once you get inseminated, and this one's the hardest, DO NOT drive yourself crazy trying to find symptoms!!! We've all done it and it can make the emotional roller coaster so much worse. Meds can magnify regular PMS symptoms to mimic pregnancy symptoms. Your body WILL play tricks on you!!! Keep this in mind and GOOD LUCK!!!!

babyfever36

MG-
Oh my! Thank you for your reply!! I am so glad I found this board, I have a feeling I will be coming here a lot!
You gave great advice, and I will be sure to try and stay positive. Sometimes I start "panicking" and I know that certainly will not change the outcome.
I have never even really tried to get pregnant before, so I am very anxious to see how receptive my body is to what is about to take place........

eeh876

For the most part, I would say what MGALBN said. Read up on everything, and stay as busy as possible during the two week wait after each IUI. I think our emotional state can affect success, so do things that relax you and make you happy. I lost track of my diet and exercise habits while I was trying; it can be hard to keep an even keel. try to keep your routines and healthy habits, or start new healthy habits now. I never actually tried acupuncture, but a lot of people swear by it.

Personally, I started with 3 natural cycles because my RE didn't see any fertility issues for me. I kind of wish I had started with Clomid and the trigger shot to help nature along a bit, but it does mean a few more Dr. appts for monitoring each cycle. Just do what your doctor (and you) think best.

Find a support network. I am lucky to have my folks in town, but I rely on my good friends and a few key coworkers as well. Even if you just have one person in this with you it can make a huge difference. I have one friend that has gone with me for all of my "firsts"; my HSG, my first IUI, and my first OB ultrasound. It has helped me keep from feeling too crazy. I'm sure some people are more private than me and don't mind going it alone, but I can't imagine it. I'm sure your friends can find time to support you through the tough parts- my most supportive friend was a few months along in her own pregnancy when I got started.

The most important thing is to stay positive. Many people do get preggers the first time, but many more don't. For me, it took 6 cycles before it worked. There were times that I felt defeated, but I never felt like giving up. Now I'm about 8 weeks along and so glad I stuck with it!

Good luck and keep us posted!

babyfever36

Thank you, eeh! And I will keep you posted!

jaimec

Definitely be informed!! Everything my RE tells me, I look up online so I can have questions for him that I wouldn't have had before. Stay positive, but know it's ok to have bad, crying, venting days....and that's what we're here for!! Welcome to the journey!!

babyfever36

Thank you, jaimec!!!