Consult tomorrow to discuss IVF.... UPDATE 6/17

Wow, i can't believe i am even saying that..

Dh and I had alot of time over the weekend to discuss our options. We are pretty much leaning towards IVF. I wish i knew more about it, that part is what scares me. I will definitely let you all know how it goes tomorrow with Dr. B . and when we will start, or if we are taking a few months off. (still unsure about that)

i have one question for those that have done IVF.

is the stimming the same as an IUI? like follistim or Gonal-f ?

and thank you all so much for the support.. it is so nice to have you girls!


UPDATE...................

Well overall it went well and i am happy about our decision.

First he discussed that i have a "mild" egg quality issue, so with that he gave me 2 options.. to try on our own or IVF.
now if we tried on our own he said it could take a little longer to get PG because of my eggs. and we can take an "emotional break" ya know just stuff like that.. putting it all out there.
then he said the IUI's are pretty much done.. that is just not working.. and we both agreed. then he said IVF would be next.

needless to say i had a minor breakdown and started crying in front of him about all this and then he says to me..
"well i think we have our answer, IVF it is" and i shook my head yes.. and DH agreed also!

bottom line is.. i just felt in my heart that i dont need a emotional break, i dont want to try on our own again, especially with having 4 IUI's , 2 of them with more than 1 egg.. and that not even take.. so that had alot to do with the decision too.. and who is to say that IVF will even work on the first try.. so DH was 100% on board with me into doing IVF right away.

so thats what we are doing! although it won't be started until August. i will be away in July for my brother's wedding so it will interfere.. (he looked) so i am perfectly fine with all this and i feel good!

Message edited 6/17/2009 1:18:13 PM.

Re: Consult tomorrow to discuss IVF

I know it's a hard leap to think about. I'm probably the biggest "anything but IVF" person out there!! BUT, if Dr. B thinks it 's your best bet, he's probably on to something. He was very honest with me at my consult in saying that he didn't feel I was ready for IVF yet (others wanted us to move on), he had a few other options to try first. I don't believe he'd be encouraging you toward IVF if he felt he could help you otherwise. If you need to take a break beforehand, I think that's a great idea!! I wish he had a different answer for you guys though, I know how it feels to be told this is your only option left, it is devestating. Hang in there and lean on us all you need!

Re: Consult tomorrow to discuss IVF

No advice just oxoxoxox. Let me know if you still want to gtg tomorrow night. Good luck! And don't be afraid to ask dr b a lot of questions ;o)

Re: Consult tomorrow to discuss IVF

Deanna,

IVF is a little overwhelming in the beginning, especially at the consult and when you the "box o' drugs".

Take a notebook with you and make notes while Dr. B talks, since you know him already, you know he will take as much time as you need to explain everything. Also, Sandra will be able to help you with any questions you have.

I never did IUI with injectables, so I'm not sure how it differs. I don't think it would be that much different, but as I said, I didn't do that. Also, each person is different on how they stim. Some do more Menopur, Ganirelix, etc.

GonalF and Follistim are the same exact thing, just different brand names.


If you need anything or want to vent, just let me know!




Patty

Re: Consult tomorrow to discuss IVF

no advice just wanted to give you hugs!! and lots of Luck and prayers for whatever you and DH decide!!

Message edited 6/15/2009 12:23:24 PM.

Re: Consult tomorrow to discuss IVF

thank you all for the advice!

yea basically it was the first thing he said to me after he told me it was negative.
that IVF is the best bet. my egg quality is now an issue for me.. so my chemical pregnancy a couple months back could have been a factor!
so that is why we are having these problems.

Re: Consult tomorrow to discuss IVF

Good luck lovie!

You know I'm always here if you have any questions... it looks like they were all answered so far, but I'm always here if you want to talk!

Re: Consult tomorrow to discuss IVF

Hey De.....lets do this together ok? I just found out after today's appointment that IVF is probably my next step too I'm sure you're scared I know I am.....if you need anything at all please dont hesitate to lean on me....much love xoxoxox

Re: Consult tomorrow to discuss IVF

Posted by daisy32

Hey De.....lets do this together ok? I just found out after today's appointment that IVF is probably my next step too I'm sure you're scared I know I am.....if you need anything at all please dont hesitate to lean on me....much love xoxoxox

Re: Consult tomorrow to discuss IVF

The medicated IUI's certainly do prep you for what's to come, but the stim cycle for IVF is a little more involved. I was on two injections daily of Lupron for about a week. Then when I started the follistim, I had to mix it with a new drug, Menopur, and give that to myself everyday, while continuing the lupron injections (2 injections per day). Then, towards the end, they may ask that you give yourself ganirellex injections on top of it all as well.

So, yes, it is similar - I would say it's like a medicated IUI cycle, but on steroids

Re: Consult tomorrow to discuss IVF

Posted by Bxgell2

The medicated IUI's certainly do prep you for what's to come, but the stim cycle for IVF is a little more involved. I was on two injections daily of Lupron for about a week. Then when I started the follistim, I had to mix it with a new drug, Menopur, and give that to myself everyday, while continuing the lupron injections (2 injections per day). Then, towards the end, they may ask that you give yourself ganirellex injections on top of it all as well.

So, yes, it is similar - I would say it's like a medicated IUI cycle, but on steroids

Re: Consult tomorrow to discuss IVF

I'm so sorry

I never did a medicated IUI so I'm not sure how similar it is, but for me, once we decided to do IVF I felt like something was actually going to happen, that we had just been wasting time with the IUI's. While you are stimming it's a lot of monitoring (every other day for a week and then everyday for a few days for me), then the egg retrieval which really isn't bad and then the transfer 3-5 days later. My whole cycle took about 6 weeks from the start of BCP's until I got my BFP. Your chances of success go up so much and it's also diagnostic- they will be able to see your eggs and learn a lot about what is going on. It's very overwhelming, there is a lot of info, but you've already done the injects and that's half the battle!! You're in great hands and I'll be cheering for you

Re: Consult tomorrow to discuss IVF

Posted by mcl916

I'm so sorry

I never did a medicated IUI so I'm not sure how similar it is, but for me, once we decided to do IVF I felt like something was actually going to happen, that we had just been wasting time with the IUI's. While you are stimming it's a lot of monitoring (every other day for a week and then everyday for a few days for me), then the egg retrieval which really isn't bad and then the transfer 3-5 days later. My whole cycle took about 6 weeks from the start of BCP's until I got my BFP. Your chances of success go up so much and it's also diagnostic- they will be able to see your eggs and learn a lot about what is going on. It's very overwhelming, there is a lot of info, but you've already done the injects and that's half the battle!! You're in great hands and I'll be cheering for you

Re: Consult tomorrow to discuss IVF

IVF scared me too....I went for an IVF consult a few weeks ago and it really calmed me down (kind of like how nervous I was for my 1st RE appt----then left there feeling a million times better). Hopefully you'lll feel the same way!

Re: Consult tomorrow to discuss IVF

De-just wanted to say I am here for you if you need to talk! I know that Dr. B will ease your mind! I love you!

Re: Consult tomorrow to discuss IVF

Good luck to you! Just take everything in and disgest it in small doses. Try not to overwhelm yourself

Re: Consult tomorrow to discuss IVF

I just had my consult today. i have been so stressed about this the past couple of weeks. It's been very hard for me. We are all set up to start though, will be starting provera or BCP this week. We really want to have a baby and I just have to keep my mind on the goal and not the process.

Re: Consult tomorrow to discuss IVF

Just wanted to send you lots of luck! I never did an IUI but honestly, my first IVF was not as bad as I had imagined. I was on Lupron in the beginning (no BCP) then when I started stimming, they changed me over to ganirelix and added loveonox (cause I have clotting issues) gonal-F and menopur. I did all those shots for about 14 days and then I triggered. It went fast and I really tried to focus one day at a time. You will do great and you are in wonderful hands with Dr. B!

Re: Consult tomorrow to discuss IVF

As someone who has gone through 5 IVF cycles I can honestly say they're really not that big of a deal. For many women out there, IUIs just dont work. IVF is just another solution to help those who want babies have them. I never did IUI with injectibles (only with clomid) but I imagine the protocols are similar. Daily injections (I used follistim/gonal-f and menopur (I combined them so it was only one injection), monitoring and then when the follicles were ready, the trigger shot. The big difference was the ER where they "twilight" you to sleep. Other than that the ET is very similar to the actual IUI. The IVF can be a little overwhelming for some in the beginning but just think about how much better the success rate is! Good luck and if you have any questions, feel free to ask!

Re: Consult tomorrow to discuss IVF

wow ladies! i can't thank you enough for sharing your IVF stories. and all this advice really does help! i am starting to feel a little more calmer about the whole thing!

Re: Consult tomorrow to discuss IVF

If you have already done injections, then you are pretty well prepared for IVF. There are more medications involved with IVF (e.g., 3 weeks of birth control pills to supress your system before the stim injections, steroids, baby aspirin, etc.). There is surgery with anesthesia for egg retrieval and then transfer which is similar to an IUI. There are many doctor appointments for monitoring with sono and blood work. It's a time commitment and the anticipation of it all can be stressful. Accupuncture and other relaxation techniques can help manage the stress of it all. Best of luck! You can do it!

Re: Consult tomorrow to discuss IVF.... UPDATE 6/17

bump for update!!

Re: Consult tomorrow to discuss IVF.... UPDATE 6/17

De I'm sooooo happy that you came to a decision and that you're comfortable with it - because thats the most important thing sweetie
We are all behind you 100%

Re: Consult tomorrow to discuss IVF.... UPDATE 6/17

Well, sounds like you have a plan!! It'll be August before you know it!!

Re: Consult tomorrow to discuss IVF.... UPDATE 6/17

Sounds like a great plan De!! Im for you and DH!!!