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nectarine / 2192 posts
@agold: Thanks. It's a form of estrogen. While I haven't had a transfer, my plan is to have acupuncture around transfer, ideally right before and right after.
Right after I posted, the billing person called to say that we owe the remainder ($8150) by 12/17. I figured we would need ICSI but wouldn't need to pay it until January, but the billing person said they talked today and we do need it. If we have any extra embryos, it costs an extra $900 to freeze them. Total cost $9150 if no extra embryos, $1050 if we do, plus meds. I'm stressing out way more about all this than usual- I hope this isn't PMS.
apricot / 365 posts
@GreenThumb: I have about 3 weeks to decide as i would need to come off the bc pills, start a cycle, do baseline u/s, etc.
@AmeliaBedilia: For the FET, I started estradiol about 3 weeks before the transfer. I didn't take it for ER (but we knew going in that we were going to do PGS, so we were not doing a fresh transfer). I had a much harder time coming off the meds (solid migraine for 2+ weeks).
@agold: I just tried to have some food pre-prepped, make sure my laundry was done, and that all the stuff I wanted (books, movies, snacks, etc) was ready to go for bed rest! Good luck!!!!
persimmon / 1132 posts
@AmeliaBedilia: I haven't done Estrace yet (actually will be doing Vivelle patches, but it's my estrogen replacement so basically the same I think). I will start it 12/28 so we will start around the same time. I also suffer from migraines and it was the worst ever during Lupron suppression so far (so on Lupron and low-dose BCPs with estrogen) and just generally plagued me off and on through the BCP phase. Sometimes I get to the point where I can't function and sometimes I can work through it, so I might not be as bad as you. Anyway, I know you aren't doing BCPs for this reason, however I wonder if this is something your acupuncture sessions can deal with and prepare you for. My acupuncturist describes her role as counteracting all of the negative effects of IVF and getting me through this in as healthy of a state as possible. I didn't give her too much time to help me before my fresh cycle because I only started seeing her a few weeks before stimming. So by now, I've been seeing her for three months and this time, into the second week into BCPs again, I feel so much better and like myself. So, I'm rambling but I'm just wondering if acupuncture can help prepare you so you can sail through those days in Paris and hardly notice a thing. Maybe talk with him/her about it!
@agold: Thinking of you!!! Hope you are staying calm and focused. There is probably still time to find an acupuncturist to help you day-of and day after! I'm going to meet my day-of acupuncturist next week for a quick session before my saline sono. Since my RE is two hours away, she is a different gal than the one I work with locally. Exciting times!
pear / 1986 posts
@AmeliaBedilia: I'm surprised they would put you on estrogen at the beginning of your ovarian stimulation because usually the developing follicles release estrogen (helping to thicken your lining) and they are monitoring your estrogen levels along the way to make sure they don't become too high. Can you ask them more about your meds and why they are prescribing it? During a frozen cycle it is necessary to supplement estrogen since your natural cycle is suppressed, but I'm surprised they would add in estrogen to your fresh cycle. I know this is all super confusing the first time around. I'm sure they will be happy to walk you through it.
@endymion4: I see, you are already on BCPs, that makes sense now!
persimmon / 1132 posts
@GreenThumb: Oh, good point. That does seem a little backwards. Maybe E2 can be used for suppression? Like in BCPs? @AmeliaBedilia: Let us know!
nectarine / 2192 posts
@GreenThumb: I believe it is for suppression similar to birth control pills, and might be to help batch patients. I'll let you know when I get the official word.
pear / 1986 posts
@Amorini: Maybe that's it, but it seems like @AmeliaBedilia: would be almost through any kind of suppression phase by then and onto starting stims. Could they be using the estrace just for a short time instead of BCPs since you are sensitive to estrogen? Would a few days/week be enough to suppress/calm everything down? Isn't it interesting how different protocols can be?!
ETA: I see! You just posted right before I had a chance.
grapefruit / 4045 posts
@AmeliaBedilia: Thanks for your response. I know you really like acupuncture so I'm really considering it strongly for some time in the future. ICSI was sort of standard procedure with my RE. Although, I did pay extra for it. I wouldn't have wanted to proceed without it. For embryo storage, I paid $850 after all was said and done and I actually had embryos to freeze. That is for three years and I get reimbursed a certain amount if I use up the embryos before the three years. I will be using them up by Friday so I only stored them for a couple of months. I hope I get a hefty reimbursement check. And the stress probably isn't PMS. I stressed big time after I found out the cost of it all. I honestly was feeling faint for about 10 minutes on the way home. It sucks.
@endymion4: Thanks for the pre-IVF tips! You just made reminded me about meal prep. And gees. What a big decision to make as to when you do the FET. If my FET doesn't work out this month, I'm going to be in the same predicament of picking when to schedule my next step (which will be ER round 2.) Sometimes there are big unavoidable hurdles.
@Amorini: That's right! You are an acupuncture girl, also! So I'm actually scared to start it right now, before the FET, because I've never done it before and I'd hate to do anything that throws off anything good I have going for me. So that's why I'm thinking about it more for if this round doesn't work as something new to try with the next new round. (oh gosh... thinking of the next round is almost too much at this point. how did we all end up here in the first place?!)
@GreenThumb: and @Amorini: I think that my estradiol shots were given to me as a suppression thing. I remember asking during the mock cycle if I could get pregnant on my own and they said no, that the estradiol was like a birth control. Bummer but at least I understand now. And yes, it is so very interesting how different the protocols can be. That's why I think its so important to be with a doctor you trust. Otherwise, you come to HB and analyze the crap out of every little thing you are doing!
pear / 1986 posts
@agold: I can't believe you are so close now! You've always had such a great attitude throughout all of this and are a wonderful cheerleader to us all on here. I really appreciate how much time you take to understand where each of us are at with our individual situations when it is so easy to become self-focused with everything IF throws our way. Wishing you all the best for this cycle!
grapefruit / 4045 posts
@GreenThumb: Why thank you so much for such a sweet message. This was so nice to read as I'm sitting on a heat pack after getting two fun shots in my rear. I really do try to keep up with all of the girls here because its so nice to have such support in the same way. Dealing with IVF is hard and I honestly don't talk about it with really anyone in my real life. I'm not sure if its the same way with any of you, but its actually really nice to talk about what I'm going through so I'm glad to be able to do it here. And its nice to be asked - especially (and really only) from girls who are going through the same thing. So I do try to follow up with people as much as I can. Thank you for your well wishes. I'm three days away and praying so very hard that this FET will be successful for me. And I"m so praying for everyone else here. I'd love to be a Due Date group with all of you!
kiwi / 613 posts
@agold: Wow, Friday!!!! So exciting!!! Keeping all my fingers crossed for you and sending lots of good vibes in your direction. For my transfer-only cycles, I didn't really do anything special other than the wonderful IM shots that we all love! I did acupuncture for most of my cycles but didn't do bed rest after any as my doctor didn't recommend it.
nectarine / 2192 posts
I had a good talk with DH. He reminded me that estrogen places me at higher risk of a stroke (I have migraines with aura), and so he is objecting to more than a few days on estrogen for that reason. DH also received a call from their office wanting to set up my monitoring and our education class during the week we might be in Paris. My plan is to chill out tomorrow and wait for them to respond how long I need to be on it, get my beta Thursday, and if I'm not pregnant And they say longer than a week, then DH and I will have a conversation with the RE. We had briefly discussed the issues with estrogen and he had said there was an alternative. This doesn't start for a few weeks anyway, and if we don't get to go to Paris, it's not the end of the world.
grapefruit / 4045 posts
@momazon: Thank you so much! I know I'm really missing out on the accupunture. If I go through this again, I'm for sure incorporating accupuncture. In the meantime, ice packs, heat packs, healthy eating and SHOTS! I start the progesterone twice a day tomorrow. Hooray, said no one ever. Except, I joked with my husband today as he gave me my shot, "hey, won't it be so nice if we get to do these shots for multiple months to come?" He laughed and I reminded him that we'll have to do this through the first trimester if I get so lucky.
nectarine / 2192 posts
@agold: I hope you get to do those shots for a while! It would be awesome to be in a due date board with all of you!!!!
kiwi / 538 posts
@AmeliaBedilia: I was only on estrace with my FET prep. I started it after my 1st monitoring ultrasound because my estrogen levels were low with the patches alone. I did the pills 2x a day vaginally all the way through my pregnancy test. That sucks about your migraines. I know I didn't do any kind of added estrogen during stims so I think it would be possible to not have to use it.
kiwi / 613 posts
@agold: I only had to do the PIO once a day, I think, and the DelEstrogen every third day. It got a bit sore and tender towards the end, but my clinic only made me do them through week ten (we ended up doing until week twelve just because we were nervous). Once I knew I was pregnant in my last cycle, it became so much emotionally easier to do the shots, since I knew they were likely helping it stay sticky! What was really hard was continuing the IM shots in my first FET cycle, between the home BFN and the official negative beta results. It was Christmas, I knew the FET had failed, but still had to continue the shots as it was a few days left before my beta. Ugh, that was a heartbreaker.
cherry / 120 posts
I need some hope ladies! I don't think I'm pregnant, I'm starting to spot...beta is Friday and we've decided to not do a hpt.
@momazon and @agold or anyone else that have done FET, what was your timeline? Did you have to start BCP? Or were you able to go ahead after your period? What medications?
persimmon / 1114 posts
@Mrs. Pinky: it could be implantation spotting, so fingers crossed for you. I went from a fresh Ivf in June to a FET in August and I had to get my period, do bcp, and then lupron, followed by estrace.
pear / 1881 posts
Ok - An attempt at a catchup here, so sorry if I miss anyone...I read everyday, but am having a hard time keeping up and posting.
@PurplePumps: Glad to hear that your results so far are looking good! When do you expect the next test results? I know how frustrating it can be when they can't find anything wrong. We are in the same boat as you as we head into our second IVF cycle in February/March.
@AmeliaBedilia: Ugh - paying for this stuff is so hard and especially around the holidays. Are you going to pay for it and would they refund the money if you end up not needing it? When is your upcoming beta?
I'm a little confused about having estrogen at the beginning of the cycle too, but perhaps since you won't be on BCP, they are trying to do some suppression another way? They are trained in this, so try to remember that. I just hope you don't get migraines, especially, if you decide to go to Paris.
@agold: YAY! your FET is super close! Do you feel ready and hopeful this time? We are rooting very hard for you as we are more than due for some positive BFPs on this board.
I think we infertility ladies need to invest in some adult coloring books! I've heard they are a great de-stressor. I'm actually giving a few to my sister and grandmas for Christmas.
One more thing - do any of you ladies take DHEA and if so, was it prescribed (doctor recommended) or how did you decide if or how much you should take? Our failed cycle seemed to be due to egg quality and I've read that DHEA can help with that. But, my doctor didn't specifically recommend it (she didn't say I couldn't take it), but I don't know how much to take or if I should get a blood test first..
nectarine / 2192 posts
@NorthStar: I've been taking DHEA. I started after I read It Starts with the Egg. I think she recommended 25mg three times daily of some special kind that is absorbed well. I started on 50mg daily then about a month ago bumped it to twice daily- 100mg less absorbed should equal 75mg better absorbed. My RE said it was ok. Second opinion said to stop it so I'm a little nervous about that. I also read about someone who had worse results after stopping it but most of the evidence seems good. The other encouraging thing is my AFC was 10 in August, then 14-15, and this cycle it was 20. I've been doing acupuncture, melatonin, DHEA, synthroid, Cabergoline, and vitamin D, so I don't know what is working, but something is. I just wish it would translate into a baby!
pomegranate / 3809 posts
@NorthStar: Should be getting that back before Xmas, they are usually pretty fast. I've read about DHEA as well, I bought some and took it for like a week before I decided not take it. Then I got my levels checked a few weeks later and they were within the normal range (doc actually said it was in normal range, but seemed high) and none of the doctors recommended it. I'd be hesitant to take it without testing your levels first.... if it's too high, I think that can be a problem too.
grapefruit / 4045 posts
@AmeliaBedilia: Yes, wouldn't it be so nice to be in due date board together? Your husband sounds like a great guy, being worried about the possible side effects of the medicines. And I'm so glad your RE is considering different alternatives for you. And it sounds like you are on a great cocktail of medical groupings. Keep it up and its just got to translate to a little baby ameliabedelia!! (And I really hope you get to go to Paris! You will NEED to share pictures.)
@momazon: you are lucky with only having to do the PIO 1x a day and only until week 10. My current medical chart that I have at home says I would keep up these 2x a day PIO shots through the first trimester. How many weeks is that?! And you poor girl... testing early at home only to have to continue shots after a negative HPT. That would really be the worst. But really... if I knew for sure I had a baby in me, I'd be a lot more "emotionally easier"about taking the shots. (I love that phrase you used! So perfect for so many things IVF related.)
@Mrs. Pinky: Oh no! I'm so sorry about the spotting. But try not to stress about it. You don't know what it is. And I think its a good idea to not do a HPT. I'm never a fan of them and if you don't see a need to, then don't do it.
As for timing following my failed fresh transfer. Negative beta test on October 2. Period came quick on October 7. I had a WTF meeting with my doctor on October 8. (I had to push them to get in this quick because they originally weren't giving me an appointment until October 28.) I then started my "mock cycle" on October 11 which ended with an endometrial biopsy on October 26. CD1 hit again on November 1 and that's when I began this current FET. BC started November 3-13, and shots started November 17, and FET is December 4. So... In all I didn't take any breaks and I pushed ahead pretty quick. If I didn't feel okay, or I had cysts or other things going on, I would have been fine (or whatever) about waiting a month or more as needed. I hope you don't have to get to this point, but if you do, I hope you get on a timeline you are happy with.
@NorthStar: Thanks so much for rooting for me! I do feel hopeful!! I still feel a lot like "why WON'T this happen for me?" even if I do get thoughts of "of course I wouldn't be so lucky" that creep in every now and then. Keep away, bad thoughts! I've read good things about DHEA but didn't ever want to take it without my doctor saying okay. I never asked my doctor though. Something about it made me nervous, although I forget what. Maybe that its a hormone, and other stuff I take is just a vitamin. But do ask your doctor about it! It could really help! If my FET doesn't work, then I'll be looking at a March or April fresh cycle so I will be there right along with you. You are looking at Feb or March, right?
nectarine / 2192 posts
@agold: thanks- love that "little baby Amelia bedilia!" I am saying prayers your transfer goes well. One other thought I had- you could look up acupressure points to do after your transfer. You just put pressure on the points and has some of the acupuncture benefits. Figure out which comedy you'll binge watch. Sending prayers!
apricot / 365 posts
@NorthStar: We're doing colouring books and a nice set of coloured pencils for DD's preschool teachers for the holidays, but I think i need to pick up a set for myself, too!
I did not take the DHEA, but I know I saw people posting about it a lot when i was browsing boards before my retrieval so hopefully someone has more info for you!
@Mrs. Pinky: could be implantation spotting! i know a lot of people get that! fingers crossed and hoping you are able to stay distracted until Friday!!!
grapefruit / 4045 posts
@Amorini: Thanks for the beautiful fun picture! I'm really trying to be hopeful. You ladies help a lot!
@AmeliaBedilia: Good thinking! I will look up accupressure points. I'll probably binge watch Mad Men with my husband. He won't be working this weekend and since I'll just be in bed, we will have a lazy, TV watching weekend. I'm really looking forward to it.
@NorthStar: Adult coloring books sound like a great idea! But I want to get really nice pens/crayons/whatever is used. Anyone have a set they can recommend? I also just recently got a lovely journaling bible... I've seen people do beautiful things in the margins. But I'm not that creative!
@Mrs. Pinky: Yes! It could be implantation spotting!
And so one of my very dear girlfriends just told me on gmail chat that she's pregnant. With her second. She's tried so hard for so long... like 7 months. I'm happy for her and now I'm only just hoping all that much more that I get pregnant with this FET so we can be pregnant together! (Although, she will undoubtedly look way better than me pregnant, so maybe it's not a good idea! ) (And yes... i'm a twinge sad/jealous, too. )
persimmon / 1132 posts
@agold: It's always such a delicate thing when dear friends announce pregnancies. We are overjoyed for them and so sad for ourselves all at the same time! I hope you get your BFP so you can be preggo buds together! Pregnancy bodies look good on any body (ok, any female!) so I'm sure you will be super cute with your bump!
Good call with binging on Mad Men while you are on bed rest. How many days will you lie low this time? Didn't you do 4 days last time? I am already brainstorming my watch list -- however, at the moment, I'm having some dejavu and praying my FET and bed rest will happen at all! I just discovered a sizable lump in my breast. Scared and worried. I'll call my OB/GYN first thing tomorrow and meanwhile try so hard to not think the worst. I'm sad to have more drama and be further poked and prodded.
nectarine / 2192 posts
@Amorini: Ugh! Big prayers. Last year I had a lump, ultrasound where the report was normal, then the radiologist called me and said he changed his mind and needed more images. The images were questionable so I had to get a biopsy, which was negative. Super stressful and scary! Sending lots of prayers! Let Me know if I can be helpful.
My stupid phone didn't alert me that the nurse left me a voicemail yesterday. She said she hadn't gotten a chance to speak to him specifically, but usually the estrace is 3-4 days. If so, this isn't such a big deal. I'm wondering if she just didn't do the math right on when it would be. I have my beta tomorrow, and I'm trying not to worry about it until I know I need to. Scheduling appointments is hard since I need the first or second. I might just book most of my appointments tomorrow after my blood draw and hope I get to cancel them.
DH and I just started watching Mad Men. We're 2-3 episodes in, but I'm not hooked yet. Does it get better?
persimmon / 1132 posts
@AmeliaBedilia: Thanks for your thoughts and sharing your experience. About 7 years ago, my former OB/GYN said she felt something and made me get a mammogram. They found nothing, not even with an u/s. The radiologist guessed it had been a hormonal cyst. I was never really worried as I was convinced it was nothing and never felt it myself. This time, however, I not only feel it but I can also see it. It's painless but kind of bulges out when I raise my arm. I'm super flat-chested so there's not a lot of stuff in there to confuse it with. A few weeks back, I thought I felt something but blew it off because my boobs were still achey and full... Just hoping it's a big nothing and that it doesn't interrupt the FET schedule...
I don't want to stay on this thought too long, but about now I miss simpler times of being completely normal and healthy and only visiting the doctor 1x/year.
About Mad Men, I loved it. DH didn't. It's a quirky show for sure, pretty dark and not an easy favorite. I was so hooked after the first few episodes and I love it as a period piece. Seasons 2 and 3 were probably my favorite. Around the same time we started Mad Men, Breaking Bad was really popular. We both gave it a few episodes but just didn't get it. Such a guilty pleasure, but I can't wait for the last season of Downton Abbey!
pear / 1986 posts
@Amorini: I am so sorry! I also had to have an U/S back in 2005 because a former GYN felt a lump (my breasts are small and dense, so they are really lumpy to me anyways). It was nothing, but with my mom's history, I was beside myself with worry. I really hope that this is nothing more for you this time around.
persimmon / 1132 posts
@GreenThumb: Thank you! I'm glad nothing turned up for you back then. I'm almost sick with worry...
apricot / 365 posts
@agold: Prismacolor coloured pencils are the best!! I also really like watercolour pencils for something different. Future kiddo room is currently a craft room
we just started watching Newsroom and it's pretty good so far!
@Amorini: sending good thoughts (and hugs!) your way that it's nothing!! I also liked Mad Men, meh on Breaking Bad, and cannot wait for Downtown Abbey to start!!!
pear / 1881 posts
@Amorini: oh my gosh - thinking of you and hope you can get the lump checked out quickly. This whole process is so emotional and stressful and to add this in, I'm so sorry. Sending love and prayers for today
@agold: I don't have any colored pencil recommendations, but FYI, I think that they have a Mad Men coloring book, although, it's probably not as fun as some of the cool ones out there. lol
And your friend trying for 7 months? oh the horror. Well, I've been trying for 27 months, so I can totally relate but, seriously, it's hard when you see everyone around you pregnant. A friend announced a few weeks ago on the same day I found out that our 3 extra embies never made to freeze. I told her congrats, but I cannot bring myself to contact her again and see how she is doing. but, I should as I don't want to lose a friendship. I'm so unbelievably sick of being in this infertility land. The only part I'm thankful for is for women like you guys and people in my life who understand what we go through.
@AmeliaBedilia: Have you tested at all and are you going to? I am SO hoping for some good news on this board for once.
persimmon / 1132 posts
@GreenThumb: @endymion4: @AmeliaBedilia: Thanks ladies. I'm going in for an appointment this morning It's totally inconvenient but I hate the thought of waiting the weekend.
nectarine / 2192 posts
@NorthStar: beta is today, 14dpIUI, 13DPO. Probably a little early, but oh well. Oddly calm- I think I have resigned myself to needing IVF, but so scared. I totally understand the friends announcing. So hard! We've been at this 2.5 years and it does a number on you.
persimmon / 1132 posts
@NorthStar: Thanks! Hugs. Sorry about your friend ... I hear you. I have a hard time looking at pregnant women, much less maintaining friendships. (Fortunately, my knocked-up friends are far away and I can avoid them on Facebook!)
nectarine / 2192 posts
@Amorini: great! My guess is your doc will order a mammogram and ultrasound. You're 39 I think? Press to see if you can get the tests done today for peace of mind.
This thread has been closed by the original poster.
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