**IVF Currently Cycling Check-in 1/19** and a Poll

[lemonliz]

Okay, guise, so the leaders of the IVF check-ins on both IF and 3T had some pow-wowing to do, but here's the arrangement we've come to. We would like to resurrect the Waiting to Cycle (WTC) thread [formerly known as Hanging Onto a Dream] and continue the bi-weekly Currently Cycling (CC) threads.  We'd like to keep the Currently Cycling check-ins on M/Th (posted by yours truly and bluefairy5), and the Waiting to Cycle thread will be posted on Tu (by bootsorhearts).  

But we'd also like to hear from you. We know not everyone made it over here, but from the looks of the last check-in, the thread was hefty. If this arrangement is acceptable to you we'll roll with it. If not, feel free to clicky SS and give us suggestions. The great part about this forum is that we can make of it whatever we desire!  

Just a note about the WTC group: we want to make sure that everyone who is planning on cycling has the chance to ask questions of people who are currently cycling, if they so wish. So even if you're checking in on WTC, please feel free to post on CC whenever your heart desires!  And CC, feel free to lurk on WTC and comment whenever you have something to add.  

If you're CC, go ahead and post your update on this thread!  

QOTW: what does your cell phone case look like? 

Roll Call! [might be slightly outdated because there's a lot going on here lately - just update us and we'll update your info!

bluefairy5 IVF #1 - prepping 
bluejello IVF/FET #1 - between ER/ET
bootsorhearts IVF #1/FET #1 - WTC
bostongirl617 IVF #1 - stimming 
@buttmonkey FET #1 - prepping
lillee IVF #3 - between ER/ET
@craycatlady4 FET #1 - prepping
doves654 IVF #1/FET#1 - PUPO! 
@dyork IVF #1 - stimming 
emmuffy IVF #2 - prepping 
fightersince83 FET #2 - WTC
firstbbq IVF #1 - WTC
gobucksoh IVF #1 - between ER/ET
je333206 IVF #1 - stimming 
jetta83306 IVF w/ DE #1 - donor ER complete 
k1111k IVF #2 - between ER/ET
kbrooke06 FET #1 - between ER/ET
kcheese IVF #1 - PUPO! 
kristin1k IVF #1 - stimming 
lemonliz IVF #1 - cancelled/converted  
lilycakes78 FET #1 - prepping 
lilyharper IVF #1/FET #1 - between ER/ET
maddychan  - between ER/ET
mrscsw FET #3 - prepping 
Winnifred IVF #1 - PUPO! 
msugirl FET #2 - prepping 
mysh IVF #2 - stimming 
NariaDreaming IVF #1.2 - stimming 
QuitcherBitchin FET #2 - prepping 
rg1979 FET #1 - ER complete
sammae IVF #1 - prepping 
saysjess IVF #1 - prepping 
sewfie2 IVF #1 - PUPO! 
shortstuff - PUPO! 
Smootiepie IVF #1 - stimming 
spring78 IVF #2/FET #3 - prepping 
sundaybrunch IVF #1 - prepping 
SweetieShellie FET #1 - prepping 
@tifga IVF#1/FET#2 - PUPO! 
tptbabe IVF #2 - prepping 
tumbleweed IVF #3 - stimming 
nomnom IVF #1/FET #1 - PUPO! 
twinkie0612 IVF #4/FET #1 - prepping 
vballbaby IVF #1 - PUPO! 

[BunnyBerry]

HELP! Don't know whether to be excited, scared, or what.

E2 was 2100 with 4 follies 14.5-16.5 and many more in the 11-13 range. They won't do IUI once I could trigger because of the chance of HOM. So, the nurse called to tell me that the RE wants to convert to IVF/ICSI. Insurance already covered meds and monitoring for the cycle (we'd be totally OOP for an IVF cycle) so they said added cost will only be $3000!

I feel like this is an answer to prayer. We couldn't afford IVF until late March, and our biggest concern was the ethical quandary of leftover embies. But, is it worth it to go through with IVF for 4-8 follies at the most when we could save that $3k toward zn IVF cycle when I'd likely get a couple dozen mature follices? (At $6500 + meds/monitoring for up to 2 fresh transfers and all associated FETs).

They gave me a donated Ganirelex syringe to take tonight and the RE will do my u/s tomorrow morning and decide if it's worth converting to IVF or if they will just cancel based on my response. They would plan to do a little higher Bravelle + Ganirelex for a couple more days to get what they can.

I am in so much shock. I am not emotionally ready for this! Plus I haven't had a mock transfer...does anyone know if they could/would/should schedule this before ER in this situation?

Also, I spent most of the day in the emergency room after slipping on ice and smashing up my elbow and wrist. So can't drive myself with these zillion appointments coming up, and typing is super hard.

I just want to ask for prayers and kind thoughts as we make this decision (or as the decision is made for us by ovarian response tonight!). I am also open to ALL the advice! Thank you!!

QOTW: Boring black silicone case. Dad got matching phones with matching cases for the family. An interesting choice on his part, and I've spent a bit of time lately windowshopping new cases online.

[lemonliz]

I'd convert BunnyBerry! For $3000, I'd definitely convert. I think my IUI just cost me that much.

I know you think you're not ready and you haven't done all your research yet, but just take a deep breath and go for it if everything looks good tomorrow. I can attest to the fact that there is not much difference in an IVF and an IUI cycle like the one you're currently experiencing, except for the fact that instead of having the sperm washed and injected you'll just go straight to ER.

How many follies do the project? What day are you currently on?

Lastly, BIG GIANT HUGS! I know it must feel scary and I'm sure you're terrified, but you're one of the strongest people I've met here! Sending you and Mr. Bunny and all of your eggs lots of T&P.

ETA: mock transfer is just so that they can figure out your cervix. Don't worry about that if this is your regular RE and he knows all the details via many IUIs already.  

[lilycakes78]

Hugs BunnyBerry! I can totally understand your mixed emotions. It's a big decision and I'm sure you'll make the right one for you and DH. I think I would go for it if I were you, but definitely see what they say tomorrow and how many eggs they think they can get if you convert to IVF. GL and please keep us posted on what you decide!

I don't have much going on right now. Still on Lupron. Waiting for AF to start Estrogen. I'll also get more clear on my FET date.

QOTD: I'm a rebel (or idiot, depending on how you look at it) and don't use a case.

[vballbaby]

BunnyBerry I'd probably go for it if I were you, especially since you feel like it's an answer to a prayer. 8 would be a great number, and you'd have fewer leftover embies to have to make decisions on so maybe it could be a win-win! Good luck with whatever you decide!

AFM just plugging away on progesterone and estrogen (definitely my crazy pill right there).... my B cup boobs have just about doubled in size in the past three days and DH is happy about that. Whenever I pass him he just says "boobies" LOL. Too bad they hurt! I don't see how I will have a sex life until I am no longer on progesterone, that shit makes a mess and DH is a germ freak as it is.

I don't test until the 27th....I keep wondering if I'm going to feel implantation but nothing yet. Acupuncture tomorrow and I can't wait.

[Smootiepie]

BunnyBerry Go for it! FX everything goes smoothly!!!

Well ER was Saturday. We had 11R/6M/6F. I was super bummed that only roughly half my eggs were mature, but super stoked that they all fertilized (we did ICSI). Got the call this morning that all 6 are still looking "awesome" (per the nurse), so we got bumped from a 3dt to a 5dt. Likely only going to transfer 1, but I'll ask my RE's opinion on Thursday just to double check.

QOTD: Well I had a super awesome Moto X w/o a case, but the back was this really pretty teal color. Unfortunately I broke it last week, so my new phone is lame old black. DH is going to try and get the old one fixed, but if he can't I'll get a case for the new one.

[NariaDreaming]

BunnyBerry I think conversion is the answer to your prayers (haha, see what I did there)

If you've got 8 follies on an injects/IUI cycle I'd be really worried about how you'd respond during IVF, and honestly with 8, the chances of you having leftover embryos is slim to none.

[NariaDreaming]

Oh, AFM

6 follies on the right in the 15mm range. A handful more on both sides in the 10-12.5 range.

Another 2 days of stims (yes, that makes 15 nights total) and then back for blood work on Wednesday.

E2 is up to 1160-something

Hopefully we'll be triggering thursday/friday

[tumbleweed]

BunnyBerry I would totally go for it for only 3K. I spent 5x that on my first cycle and got nothing out of it. I would totally go for it. Also, since you and your H don't want to end up with a ton of extra embryos, this might be the answer you were looking for. At your age, my guess is that you'll still end up with lots of viable embryos and might even end up with a few to freeze (tho not many probably). If it were me, I would convert to IVF. So sorry that you fell and had to go to the ER -- T&Ps that you feel better soon!!!

[lilyharper]

Can I whine? I'm going to be that whiny 2ww chick that knows better, so if you don't want to hear it (and omg do I understand) don't read.

******prior pregnancies mentioned too********



I feel like an idiot. I'm symptom spotting and then immediately yelling at myself for doing it. Last ivf I had a few symptoms, but nothing I couldn't explain away with endometrin, which, obviously, is how it is this time too. Because, endometrin and estrace do that, that's their job! But I get this weird thing on progesterone where my spine realigns and cracks suuuuuper loud, and it did that yesterday, and shockingly...it generally does that when I'm ku. Never any other time. But I'm 4dp5dt and no shit, none of this is real. But I'm symptom spotting and I hate myself for it. Oh, and, endometrin is really starting to irritate the hell out of my bits and I have swamp vag. I'm a fucking peach today.



*******end rant********


BunnyBerry, I know it's scary, but I would go for it. $3000 for much better odds...but i understand that you think you could respond better than that in the future. My other question is would that $3000 delay you that much from cycling again? I also agree with everything lemonliz said.

ETA:

QOTD:  my phone is barely smart, therefore it doesn't get a case.

[kcheese]

BunnyBerry - I think every decision in IF is second guessed & always wondering if you made the right choice. If the oppurtunity presents itself tomorrow I'd say Go for it! I try to make decisions that if I don't have the desired outcome I can still be at peace with my choice.

AFM- PUPO!!! Beta 1/30. This is going to be the longest 2WW! Sticky prayers!

[msugirl]

BunnyBerry : I would definitely convert. I actually had a very similar situation in July when I made 19 follies with what was supposed to be an IUI cycle and ended up and saving some money. Sending you big ((hugs)) and lots of luck!

vballbaby, kcheese , @nariadreaming : Wishing you ladies lots of luck!

Smootiepie: Six is great!! Good luck with the transfer!

lilyharper: I feel like it's impossible to NOT look for symptoms after transfer, but just keep reminding yourself that symptoms or not, the meds make it impossible to tell what's what. Good luck!

AFM, I FINALLY had CD1 on Friday, so I got to start my crazy pills (the affectionate name MH gives Estrace). Not feeling too bad so far honestly, which is definitely an improvement from before (read: I have not broken down crying at work yet, so better than last time on estrace).
Lining check next Monday and then ET on Feb 7th. Getting anxious about it...

[QuitcherBitchin]

Jan 19, 2015 17:03:42 GMT -5 BunnyBerry said:

HELP! Don't know whether to be excited, scared, or what.

E2 was 2100 with 4 follies 14.5-16.5 and many more in the 11-13 range. They won't do IUI once I could trigger because of the chance of HOM. So, the nurse called to tell me that the RE wants to convert to IVF/ICSI. Insurance already covered meds and monitoring for the cycle (we'd be totally OOP for an IVF cycle) so they said added cost will only be $3000!

I feel like this is an answer to prayer. We couldn't afford IVF until late March, and our biggest concern was the ethical quandary of leftover embies. But, is it worth it to go through with IVF for 4-8 follies at the most when we could save that $3k toward zn IVF cycle when I'd likely get a couple dozen mature follices? (At $6500 + meds/monitoring for up to 2 fresh transfers and all associated FETs).

They gave me a donated Ganirelex syringe to take tonight and the RE will do my u/s tomorrow morning and decide if it's worth converting to IVF or if they will just cancel based on my response. They would plan to do a little higher Bravelle + Ganirelex for a couple more days to get what they can.

I am in so much shock. I am not emotionally ready for this! Plus I haven't had a mock transfer...does anyone know if they could/would/should schedule this before ER in this situation?

Also, I spent most of the day in the emergency room after slipping on ice and smashing up my elbow and wrist. So can't drive myself with these zillion appointments coming up, and typing is super hard.

I just want to ask for prayers and kind thoughts as we make this decision (or as the decision is made for us by ovarian response tonight!). I am also open to ALL the advice! Thank you!!

QOTW: Boring black silicone case. Dad got matching phones with matching cases for the family. An interesting choice on his part, and I've spent a bit of time lately windowshopping new cases online.

For only 3K extra?  Do it!

Four to eight follicles is not bad at all for IVF.  Also, so many women go into ER with only so many follicles, but actually come out with extra eggs because some of the follies were hidden.  A couple dozen mature follicles on an intentional IVF cycle is... very wishful thinking, IMO.  I'm not saying it doesn't happen because we all know that it does, but numbers that high aren't typical at all.

I would totally do it.

[QuitcherBitchin]

Jan 19, 2015 18:05:22 GMT -5 lilyharper said:

Can I whine? I'm going to be that whiny 2ww chick that knows better, so if you don't want to hear it (and omg do I understand) don't read.

******prior pregnancies mentioned too********



I feel like an idiot. I'm symptom spotting and then immediately yelling at myself for doing it. Last ivf I had a few symptoms, but nothing I couldn't explain away with endometrin, which, obviously, is how it is this time too. Because, endometrin and estrace do that, that's their job! But I get this weird thing on progesterone where my spine realigns and cracks suuuuuper loud, and it did that yesterday, and shockingly...it generally does that when I'm ku. Never any other time. But I'm 4dp5dt and no shit, none of this is real. But I'm symptom spotting and I hate myself for it. Oh, and, endometrin is really starting to irritate the hell out of my bits and I have swamp vag. I'm a fucking peach today.



*******end rant********


BunnyBerry, I know it's scary, but I would go for it. $3000 for much better odds...but i understand that you think you could respond better than that in the future. My other question is would that $3000 delay you that much from cycling again? I also agree with everything lemonliz said.

ETA:

QOTD:  my phone is barely smart, therefore it doesn't get a case.

I'm sorry the Endometrin is giving you hell.  I go through it EVERY time.  During my natural TI cycles, I never had any symptoms to spot, but the several times I've been on Endometrin (6 IUIs, 1 FET) I have SWORN I was pregnant every time.  You'd think I'd learn my lesson eventually... I've got my FX for you, and lots of Ts & Ps.  Just a few more days to go!!

[bluefairy5]

BunnyBerry I'm in total agreement with lemonliz, lilycakes78, et al. over here. I'm so excited for your having this option, even if it's going to be a tough (and fast!) decision. FYI sometimes they just do mock transfers on the day of ER, while you're under. And some practices don't do them at all. (There is some debate as to how effective they are.) I am really sorry to hear about your wrist, though.

LOL vballbaby YH sounds quite a lot like mine in the "boobies" respect. I've only got BCP boobs right now and I have to keep swatting him away (they're sore as I near the end of the pack, which I forgot all about in the year since I was last on BCP)

Smootiepie Great to hear they all fertilized!

@nariadreaming I'm so happy to see this cycle finally panning out. Is your lining still looking like they'll want to do a freeze-all?

lilyharper I'm sorry you're symptom spotting not of your own accord right now. That's always torturous.

kcheese Congrats on being PUPO! *all sticky vibes your way*

msugirl Yay! Finally, AF! I'm glad we're finally seeing more Flurries usher her in.

@buttmonkey Don't let the RE pressure you into more than you're comfortable with. Don't do it, lady!


AFM, last day of birth control tomorrow. Baseline Friday. Kind of freaking out. In a good way, though. My 33rd birthday is this week, which I've been dreading because my mom had me when she was 32. While I've obviously known for the last 8-9 months that I wouldn't become a mom at 32, now that 32 is really on its way out, I feel itchy. In a lot of ways I measure myself against her and I always figured "If I get it done by age 32, I'll be 'on schedule.'" Which I know is ridiculous, but, feh. It's in my head.

QOTW: Clear. Minimalist. Boring.

[QuitcherBitchin]

So AFM, I just started Lupron on Saturday, and I start with the Del Estrogen injections on Friday. I'm doing all this on my own because H left for Korea last weekend for a year... I'm just desperately waiting for February 10th for my FET, and hoping that when I go visit him in a few months that I'll have a nice surprise for him.

Hopefully this works out, because we only have four embryos, one of which I'm not really counting since it's poor quality, and for FET #1 they had to thaw three to transfer two. We shall see.

[Winnifred]

BunnyBerry - what a curve ball! I don't have any advice, but hopefully you can make a decision that you are comfortable with.

Smootiepie - congrats on the great update on your embryos! Exciting!

kcheese - congrats on being PUPO!!

AFM, I've already updated on the other thread, so I won't go into much detail. I'm PUPO and loving it! I thought I would be feeling back to 100% today, but I'm still dragging and sore from the transfer yesterday. Back to work tomorrow!

QOTW: I love my case, it is gold in matte texture. It is almost flashy/glitzy, but understated. Too bad it is broken and I really need to replace it!

[tumbleweed]

Super bloated here! Day 8 of stims and hoarding 20+ follies. 16 are in a batch and the rest are slightly larger, so we hope those big ones simmer down while the main pack catches up. Triggering on Wednesday with ER on Friday. I've got a bad headache and am not looking forward to what I'll feel like after I trigger...but really glad that I'm nearly to ER.

Eta: QOTW: silver, like a MacBook silver. Boring, but my case that looked like a cassette tape got damaged and I haven't found another. Also, I'm thinking of getting a new phone soon.

[sewfie2]

BunnyBerry, I would definitely go IVF in that situation!

lilyharper, I'm 4dp5dt too and doing the same thing. Cramping? Must be implantation! A little sick? It's got to be a symptom, it's not just because I'm super hungry.

kcheese, yay for PUPO!

Still doing PIO every night. The Mr has been better about massaging my butt afterwards, so I haven't been sore. And I just started vivelle (estrogen) patches yesterday, which I'm supposed to change every other day. I tested today to make sure my trigger is gone, I'll probably start testing on Wednesday, but my beta isn't until the 26th.

QOTW:
I have a royal blue and light neon green otter box.

[gobucksoh]

Hey hey ladies!!

Today is my last day of stims! Just took my 2 shots of Ovidrel so this is starting to really sink in. Dr apt today showed all good things with lead follie at 20. My E2 is currently at 4136! (it was at 2200 on Saturday) but the nurse was not concerned. ER still on track for Wednesday morning at 7am. EEEEE!

QOTD: Plain black Otter Box case. My phone is a work provided iPhone so nothing too fancy for me.

[lilycakes78]

Jan 19, 2015 18:47:03 GMT -5 bluefairy5 said:

AFM, last day of birth control tomorrow. Baseline Friday. Kind of freaking out. In a good way, though. My 33rd birthday is this week, which I've been dreading because my mom had me when she was 32. While I've obviously known for the last 8-9 months that I wouldn't become a mom at 32, now that 32 is really on its way out, I feel itchy. In a lot of ways I measure myself against her and I always figured "If I get it done by age 32, I'll be 'on schedule.'" Which I know is ridiculous, but, feh. It's in my head.

bluefairy5 I know exactly how you feel. And it's not ridiculous. My mom had me at 33 and my sister at 35. I always thought 34 was the age to beat. And at the latest, 35. But now, I'm 36 and recently realized that if my FET in February works, I'll be 37 when I become a mom. It freaks me out a lot and even makes me mad sometimes, but I have to keep telling myself that a few years later isn't a huge deal. You'll still be a great mom at any age! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

[Deleted]

Woooo! There's a lot going on this week. AFM I have my ER set for tomorrow morning. So I'm just laying low tonight.

QOTD: I have a teal lifeproof case. Always love to have color in my life.

[gobucksoh]

BunnyBerry I would totally go for it.... I know you must feel super overwhelmed right now but I agree with everyone else, it sounds like this is the answer to your prayers

[k1111k]

Hi Ladies ~ I posted earlier on the 1/15 Precious Penguins thread but just woke up after a nice 3 hour nap to this check-in so I'll update here also ~ ER was this morning and they got 8 eggs. We were really hoping for 10 (my RE's hopeful target for me) but we're happy with 8 since it's an improvement from our last cycle. DH and I are really anxious for our fert report tomorrow...eek! I'm pretty crampy and tired still and a little upset to my stomach ~ soup for dinner should be soothing.

Sorry for being lame right now, just so sleepy! I need to go back and reread everyone's posts now...my attention span is not very good at the moment . But I do concur re: converting to IVF, BunnyBerry ~ fx for you!

[bluejello]

BunnyBerry - Wow, I would be freaking out too. I think you need to go for it though! Converting is way better than being canceled, will save you money, and less risk of excess frozen embryos? Sounds perfect! Just breathe and I am so sorry about your wrist and spending the day in the ER! What crappy timing!!

Smootiepie - That is great that all 6 mature eggs fertilized, and are all still growing! Wow! I understand being bummed about only half being mature though - basically losing half of them overnight, right?! They are all so precious after what you've just been through, that has to be hard. GL with your transfer.

NariaDreaming you are going to make it to ER this time!! Woot! This is your month

aaand that's all the tagging I have the energy for tonight, the rest of you, just know that I am rooting for you and thinking good thoughts. AFM I had my ER this morning and we got 13 eggs! Pleasantly surprised because my last follie count was 11, and really nervous for fert report tomorrow. We are doing a freeze all with PGS so ET won't be until sometime in Feb, maybe early March. My doc is having me start Provera tomorrow so I can have a period and be ready for FET as soon as we have results. I am off to bed soon so it can be tomorrow, good night all!

[fightersince83]

BunnyBerry for only 3k I would do IVF with ICSI in a heartbeat!

[lemonliz]

Happy early birthday bluefairy5!!

Question for those of you who have done an IUI.

I'm supposed to use my prometrium supps during the 2WW even though it was just an IUI and my lining was perfect. Instead of 3x/day they want me to do 1/day. If really rather not use the prometrium. I'm already teetering on the brink, if ya know what I mean. One more hormone might throw me over the edge because I already feel edgy. Should I just suck it up and quit my bitching and just start the progesterone?

[fightersince83]

@dyork GL with your ER tomorrow. If you haven't already get yourself some colace. That was probably the worst part about the ER.

[fightersince83]

lemonliz do the progesterone. You need it to support a pg if that is to happen. Why pay all the $ for the IUI and meds and not do this last important thing?

[emmuffy]

Go for it BunnyBerry! I think this is the answer to your prayers too (and your ethical concerns). Yes, you might get more follies if you cancel this cycle and prep for IVF, but you may have to wait a few months with scheduling/prep(with no guarantee you will get many more follies on a higher dose). I did not do a mock transfer with my IVF#1 - not all clinics consider them necessary. GL, and you have our support with whatever decision you make.

AFM, I'm on day 2 of stims, back at the clinic on Wed. My cycle is off to a weird start with the high e2, but hopefully it'll be ok.