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pear / 1986 posts
Yay - FET is paid for and meds are ordered. Now we are just struggling through deciding how many embryos to transfer. We have 3 frozen and are "willing" to do 2 FETs, so its:
1. either transfer 2 and then 1
2. or 1 and then 2
Its funny that back in 2014 when we started trying for #2, I was totally willing to have twins without question. But a lot of time has gone by, DD is older and I'm not as comfortable with the idea of twins now... we are on the fence with how to proceed. Just want to get pregnant and have a baby asap !
pear / 1881 posts
@GreenThumb: awesome! Do you know what grades the 3 that you have frozen are? I totally get not wanting twins! It completely freaks me out
pear / 1986 posts
@NorthStar: Basically the RE said to us last week, if you get a focus group of their twin parents together, the consensus is that they are happy but very tired. He wasn't worried about my ability to actually carry twins health wise, which is good. Honestly, I'm also worried about the financial implications and the career/job implications for me though. I'm at home with DD now, but don't want to SAH forever. I'm worried about my ability to juggle a future job, our home and three kids in a way that won't make me a huge ball of stress!
As far as the embryos they grade them differently than what I am familiar with for my previous clinic and what I typically see online (They gave them a single letter and single number grade, rather than the single number and 2 letters I typically see). But I know they are all expanded blasts and my RE says they are high quality. I've gone crazy with thinking about the grading in the past, so I'm just not asking too many questions to keep myself more sane.
pear / 1881 posts
@GreenThumb: totally understandable. If they are all expanded blasts, i would lean towards only transferring one this go around and hopefully, that is enough. I know several people that got pregnant off of an extended blast and I know one that had it split. So, I would hate for you to end up with more than two! Not to scare you, but be sure to think of that too.
I have the same long-term concerns as you, so I can relate. Just take it one decision at a time and try not to get too far into the future and 'what if's'. the biggest thing right now is to get ready for your FET and get past that.
nectarine / 2192 posts
@GreenThumb: yay for progress. In your shoes, I'd probably transfer one at a time. I'm far more willing to risk twins now Than if I already had one.
I'm still freaking out over the low estrogen. I have an ultrasound and estrogen level tomorrow. I'm praying he's more positive than I am.
pear / 1986 posts
@AmeliaBedilia: I'm sorry this cycle has you off to a stressful start . I'm really hoping that tomorrow brings you good news and it is smooth sailing from here on out! I will be sending good thoughts your way!
AFM: AF started late last night, so CD1 today and I am waiting on news from the RE about starting BCPs and getting my dates set up for the FET. Not that I don't trust them, but some details seem to fall through the cracks and it annoys me... they called in Doxy for my ABX - well, I had an allergic reaction last transfer with Doxy and I just talked to my RE about it on Thursday. It should be written in my chart! So I had to call them back and get them to call something else in. Just always feels like so much run around to get anything done. But, I did feel a surge of excitement when AF came last night. Another chance is right around the corner ! As for the 1 vs 2 dilemma, I think we will know what to do when the time comes. My head says 1, but my heart says I just want this all to be over, so 2 gives us a better chance at that.
pomegranate / 3809 posts
Someone talk me off the ledge and tell me if I'm being crazy.
I just asked my RE what he thought of transferring all 3 blasts. Since he's leaving, I didn't really want any embryos left over at the clinic and I'm certainly not discarding it. We didn't do any genetic screening... so chances that all 3 are normal and implant are pretty much non existent anyways right? So I feel like with 3, we're kinda just still increasing our chances for 1 or 2. Or is that just nuts?
pear / 1881 posts
@PurplePumps: how old are you? Honestly, you are nuts and I would NOT transfer 3. You have one day 6 expanded blast and if it made it that far, it should be a good one! Plus, just because you didn't do genetic testing does NOT mean that they are not good embies. A majority of us IVFers do not pay for the genetic testing and get preggo. Now, if these were all subpar graded embies and you didn't have an expanded blast, I'd say sure, go for 3 (if you are over 35). But, I don't think that it would be a good idea. What if one (or more than one) split?! That is my fear and my two cents. Take it for what you want.
oh, and just because you implant 3 does not mean it increases your chances. If they are going to implant, they will and it doesn't matter if one other embie is in there with it. Now, it might limit the times you have to go through this, but I wouldn't risk it.
pear / 1986 posts
@PurplePumps: I'm so interested to see what your RE says! But, if you do two, you can definitely have the remaining one transferred to your REs new clinic, so don't worry about leaving one behind at all. And that way you would have 2 chances and the opportunity to have siblings of different ages.
ETA: I will also add, I did transfer 3 embryos on my last FET with my old clinic only after I had two failed FETs with 2 embryos each. The only reason my RE let us do 3 is because they were the lowest quality of the frozen bunch and I had the two prior failures with other embies from the same cycle. My new RE just told me their cut-off for transferring 2 is age 38 (which I will be by the time of the FET) which is the only reason we are considering two this time around.
cherry / 107 posts
AF started today, exactly on schedule. Glad the hormones didn't change my LP at all- 15 days on the nose, as always. If only the rest of DH and I's reproductive systems worked so well lol!
I start pre-IVF BC tomorrow for 19-21 days, then on to IVF #2. I would have had my new calendar yesterday, but the lab where DH gets his blood drwan (not at our clinic, as we live an hour away) lost his bloodwork, again! They found it and are going to send it now, or so they say. I think DH will need to drive the hour to our Re's office get his blood drawn in the future, as our local labs apparently suck. He had a nasty bruise afterwards too, and he never bruises from bloodwork (lucky guy!). My RE's docs set plans and make calendars on Mondays, so I'll need to wait until next Monday to see mine now. Lame.
@PurplePumps: Yes, chances are pretty much non-existent that all 3 will take.
@AmeliaBedilia: It took me 8 days to get there for my cancelled cycle- you're way ahead of where I was. I'd bet it''s fine. It's normal to increase/fiddle with doses to get the right response. I'm starting on 375 Follistim this time around and will lower it to 225 when we add 225 Menopur. (Last time I began with 300 Follistim and lowered it to 225IU when I added 150 Menopur, then upped it to 225 Menopur when I didn't respond.) My doc also doesn't like to go over 450IU. Research I've read says there's no increased response over 450IU total, so it's basically a waste of money.
@GreenThumb: If you really don't want twins, I'd transfer 1. You will feel better about the 2 next time around if this one doesn't work (though hopefully it will!) Yay for a (good) AF!
@NorthStar: Another good AF, yay! That's 3 of us in the last day or so I think? We should have some company for next cycle:)
pear / 1986 posts
@NorthStar: I know, my RE did mention the splitting potential, but did say that it almost never happens at their clinic (although there is still a chance). For some reason that doesn't scare me too much. I feel like that is just meant to be if it happens .
@Aqualov: Thank you for your thoughts, too. We have a couple of weeks to weigh in on the matter before we have to decide. Glad to hear that you are getting ready to start a cycle again! Bummer to have to wait until next week to get your schedule, but it must feel good to be starting again. I'm really hopeful that this cycle is the one for you!!!
pear / 1881 posts
@GreenThumb: I know it almost never happens, but it did at my clinic with a friend. She transferred one and it split - a 2% chance! eek! scares me enough to think about it. lol
pear / 1986 posts
@NorthStar: It is scary really. I think it is the fact that splitting is out of my control that makes it "ok" for me if it were to happen, where as putting in more than one embie is our choice. Either way, it sucks that any of us have to make these choices when it should be up to nature to decide (if it weren't for IF).
pomegranate / 3809 posts
@NorthStar: I'm 36. I thought my old RE had some something to the effect of expect only about 50% tops of blasts to turn out normal. And I've seen so many cases where even nothing comes back normal. In my head, all 3 being normal was pretty much impossible to start with. And we're ok with twins.
pear / 1986 posts
@PurplePumps: Definitely agree with you that not all expanding blasts are genetically normal, but I'm not sure about the percentages either. We just discussed this at my WTF because of course we did transfer one great expanding blast and well, WTF, other than bad luck and bad DNA?! I'm sure your RE will give you some good advice based on his experience and your specific case. It seems daunting to consider 3, but depending on the situation, it might be the right thing for you. I'm still on team hedge your bets and give yourself the opportunity for 2 transfers .
grapefruit / 4045 posts
@PurplePumps: I did my FET after my fresh transfer of two embryos failed. My RE's protocol for a subsequent FET is to transfer one more than was transferred during the failed fresh cycle. So for me, he would have suggested transferring three frozen/thawed embryos. I only had two frozens, though. So I transferred both and one took. I can't say for sure, but I do think I would have transferred three if I had three available. You really can't ever predict what will be the best choice for you until after the choice is made. But since you don't know how your current embryos will fare since you haven't actually used any from this cycle, I'd probably transfer two unless time and/or money were an issue. You'd really have to be prepared for the chance of 3 or more resulting babies.
pomegranate / 3764 posts
@GreenThumb: YAY for CD1! We are cheering you on SO much. x
@PurplePumps: Eeep, my gut wouldn't transfer 3. Since these are unknowns, I'd probably look at a double with the best two, and then leave your singleton as a back up! But your choice, of course. Doctors here will hardly even consider 2 unless special circumstances, and 3 is almost unheard of!
My doctor once told me that putting 2 back doesn't increase your chances of getting pregnant, it just increases your chances of multiples. If an emby was going to work, it'd work whether it was one or two. But then, down here they're pretty much focusing on SET as gold standard for IVF these days! x
@Aqualov: Another CD1 - yay!
pear / 1986 posts
@jaguar: Thanks!! So glad that things are looking great for you. It makes me really happy and hopeful! x
pea / 7 posts
Should I be cautiously excited? I'm 8dp5dt, and I couldn't wait any longer so I took a test this morning. I got a line! Question -- is it possible I still have hCG in my system from trigger? Or is this a good sign? Blood test is scheduled for Friday.
apricot / 344 posts
@helloimkate: This looks like you should be excited!!!! Doubtful the trigger is still in your system and if it was, highly doubtful it would be enough to make the line that dark. Congratulations, early, and FX for a great beta on Friday!!!!
nectarine / 2192 posts
@helloimkate: looks good, congratulations!
Day 6 of stims. My appointment was reassuring. He said the estrogen didn't concern him. He increased the dose to maximize recruitment which was problematic last time. He plans to decrease the dose soon, likely Friday. He saw five follicles on each side, 7-8 were 10-11. He said he expected similar numbers to last time, though these numbers were better than my first scan (which was day 5). He said the growth hormone often makes a little difference in numbers but
Much more in quality. He is estimating retrieval next Thursday or Friday, meaning trigger day 12 or 13. The main downside is I had to order an extra vial of growth hormone ($305 shipped), and will need more follistim, pushing my meds to over $5000 even with lots of savings from overseas and calling around. At least the response is fine which is more important. If we don't get a good number of embryos, I might do a third stim cycle to bank some embryos since we want two kids. We're obviously hoping we don't need to. DH thinks if we dont have many, that we go straight to surrogate, so we don't lose embryos and a surrogate (if we go independent) is cheaper than IVIG which the RI will likely recommend.
pear / 1881 posts
@AmeliaBedilia: oh good! I'm so glad that the doctor was reassuring and that he seems to have a good plan in place for you. I hate the unknown of how much meds you will need. and man, they are SO expensive. I hope that this cycle goes much better than the last one and I think that it's good that you are considering your options and the best way to get the best outcome for you. I was listening to a podcast yesterday about a gestational carrier yesterday and it was SO amazing. Granted it's a birth story podcast, but the relationship they made was quite cool. If you are interested in it, I can send you the link. When is your next appointment?
nectarine / 2192 posts
@NorthStar: yes, I'd be interested. I have a recheck Friday, Saturday, Monday, and probably Tuesday. When is your first ultrasound?
Estrogen was 176.7. Same dose. I'm relieved.
pear / 1881 posts
@AmeliaBedilia: ok - i'll message it to you. On Friday for me. Then, Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Hard to say how long I will go. Last time, I think that I went 10-11 days before trigger, but was on a different protocol. A friend who did the same protocol as me only stimmed 8 or 9 days. I hate not knowing, but just have to trust my body that this will work.
pear / 1986 posts
@helloimkate: Congratulations! Looks great!
@AmeliaBedilia: Great news about the E2 level! It sounds like a really positive check today. I'm really hoping this cycle is the one for you! Just as a note, I have a friend who has been a gestational carrier (she actually had one pregnancy already and just had a transfer last week for the same couple) and it has been a really rewarding experience for her and the couple she is helping. Although I hope you don't have to go that route, if you do, I think it can be a very positive experience throughout the process (not to mention the end result ).
@NorthStar: Wishing you much luck for a great check on Friday!! :good luck:
I got my dates this morning - yay - FET on April 13!!
pear / 1881 posts
@GreenThumb: thank you!
Awesome that you have your dates all set! 6 weeks from today!!! whoop!
pomegranate / 3809 posts
So my doctor basically sent me an email full of stats for transferring 1, 2, or 3. He basically said with 1, there's a 25-30% chance of implantation and a singleton. Up that to 2, and there's a 45-50% chance of pregnancy, of which is 20% chance of twins. Transfer 3, there's like a 3% chance of triplets and 70% chance of a singleton. And that the guidelines suggest transferring 1 or 2 only, but he will do 3 if I'm ok with the risk and complications of multiples. So he didn't call me nuts.. and left the decision up to me.
And I found out this morning that apparently since my doctor is in a different state than he was before and his paperwork and crap isn't done with my insurance company for the new state... he's still considered out of network. (@#&*$#@*& So this cycle that I thought was going to be covered is suddenly costing me over 5k. I know it's still very little compared to others, but just effing sucks when it wasn't expected.
pear / 1881 posts
@PurplePumps: I'm so glad that your doctor is giving you all the right information to make your decision. Just do what feels right for you. I am a bit surprised at the rate for one embryo transfer, but again, I'm not a wizard with the statistics. Has it helped lean you towards what you want to do? I really wish that we could see into the future with this stuff. The decision making process is SO hard
And ick on having to pay so much more than expected. Is there any way that he can try and get aligned with your insurance company to be in network? I'm not entirely sure how that all works or how long it takes to change to an in network provider.
pear / 1986 posts
@PurplePumps: So glad your RE is giving you good information and supports whatever decision you make! When do you think your FET will be? I'm really sorry to hear about the insurance issues. I really hope that things can be resolved so you don't owe for this cycle!!
pomegranate / 3809 posts
@NorthStar: Nope, I'm' pretty much hosed. I already talk to the doctors office who confirmed they are out of network right now. Apparently they are in the works of getting the paperwork done, and it's just not done. But since the date of service will be before he is officially in network, it wont help me anyways. And talked to the insurance company who said the same thing, sorry he's not in network. Just gonna try to forget about it, close my eyes and pay the damn bill... thinking about it is just pisses me off.
grapefruit / 4045 posts
@PurplePumps: "close my eyes and pay the damn bill" was my coping strategy throughout my whole 2015 $27,000 IVF journey. But seriously, so sorry about your out of network doctor. I do hope you love the doctor and that you get all the best help you need to get your baby!
pomegranate / 3809 posts
@agold: haha, yeah, I wish DH could handle the bills so I didn't have to see it but he sucks at that stuff. I ranted to him about it, but he didn't seem phased. I wish I could be more like that. He's just like ok, it doesn't matter. I'm like doesn't matter??!?! I could have updated the bathroom with that money!!! I've been resisting buying this little $100 BT speaker for the last month. I could have bought 50 of them!!! I dwell and dwell on spending $100 bucks, then we just have to piss away thousands on this! grrrrr.
And it looks like today is CD1. Just 10 days LP, even shorter than the last 2 times it was too short! This def makes me more confident in the freeze all decision. And now it's time to prep for the FET!
grapefruit / 4045 posts
@PurplePumps: Ha! My husband doesn't handle the bills either. And I for sure stress over every dollar. But I couldn't stand in front of the receptionist each week and get visibly stressed. I was like "sure, use the credit card on file!" And then I'd nearly pass out driving home thinking about the bill that would come in the mail in a couple of weeks.
And I'm so happy you got CD1 quickly after your egg retrieval. And I'm glad you are feeling good about the freeze all decision. Best of luck to you!
nectarine / 2192 posts
@PurplePumps: ugh, that's so annoying. I've lost track of the times I was told something would be covered only to receive a bill later, or a significantly larger bill than I was told. The silver lining is it is better to find this out on a cycle that went so well. It would be even more annoying if it hadn't worked so well. I'm much more uptight than my husband on financial stuff. He managed investments and big picture. I'm much better at saving day to day.
pear / 1986 posts
So, it looks like DH will be here for the transfer but will be going to Switzerland either the week before or the week after. If my vote counts at all, I guess I would want him to go before the transfer, that way he can be home to help with DD and deal with my craziness after. But that also means I will likely be on my own for the start of PIO, since I'd rather have my mom come right after the transfer anyhow to help with DD during the day while DH is at work and she certainly isn't going to stay for two weeks ...
pomegranate / 3809 posts
@GreenThumb: aahh.. these traveling men. Mine might be in Oklahoma or Alabama (cant remember where this time) sometime in March and then Poland in April. We're starting to prep for the FET now, so transfer will be in 2-3 weeks. And then he gave me heads up that he may be gone as long as 30 days November/December. And my mental math is going.. well if this works then.. I could be due around then!? umm, your ass is not going anywhere then!
pear / 1881 posts
@AmeliaBedilia: how are you feeling? Day 7 of stims, right?? Any bloating or feeling uncomfortable? I'm on day 3.5, I guess you could say (follistim tonight). Every once in awhile, i can feel soreness in my ovaries, but it's very minimal and barely noticeable. I'm hoping that means that they are growing.
Good luck at your appointment tomorrow!
nectarine / 2192 posts
@NorthStar: day 7- good memory!physically I'm fine. More moody and I'm constantly forgetting things which is not normal for me. Scan and bloodwork tomorrow. I will probably need to order more follistim. He had me get ten days worth of Menopur, and I'm guessing he will want me to go 11 or 12. I feel bad about asking if they have samples or donated meds, but it's so expensive. When is your first scan?
Tomorrow night I have an event at my old high school that I always volunteer at from 6:30-midnight. I will need to do two vials of Menopur, growth hormone, follistim, and probably the antagonist, so not a short process. I've been doing meds around 9:30. DH won't be there and no one else knows. I'm probably going to leave around 10:00 and start my meds around 10:20-10:30.
pear / 1986 posts
@PurplePumps: 2-3 weeks! Thats amazing!!! And no, 9-10 months from now would NOT be a good time to be away .
@NorthStar: @AmeliaBedilia: Excited to hear your updates tomorrow!
Can I just say how after waiting almost 10 months in between my last FET and the recent fresh cycle, it feels crazy that my FET is only 6 weeks away!
pear / 1881 posts
@AmeliaBedilia: ugh - i hate having to order more meds. I would totally ask about samples! I got a few during my last round and the worst that can happen is they say no. plus, isn't that what the sample are for?! It's not like the nurses use them I hear you on trying to fit in meds with normal day life activities. I'll have that issue tomorrow.
My bloodwork and ultrasound are tomorrow morning at 7:30, so I have to leave my house by 4:30 to ensure I miss some of the traffic. ick! I typically do my meds at 6am (just menopur), so not sure if I should do them just before leaving or stop on the way down. It's in the middle of my travel.
@GreenThumb: @PurplePumps: Can't wait for your cycles to start soon! Only a few more weeks for each of you! eek!
eta - just booked a hotel across the street from my clinic for Saturday night. I have an appointment in Sunday morning and we figured we could have a little family get away to take advantage. Go swimming, good food etc. I think that it was a good decision.
This thread has been closed by the original poster.
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