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Jax430
Hi!
Member since 5/05 18919 total posts
Name:
Jackie
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Don't know what to do re: starting IVF; UPDATE in first post
DH and I met with Dr. B on Saturday to discuss starting IVF. At the time, AF still hadn't arrived after my D&C, so the potential start time was uncertain. We discussed starting this summer, or waiting until after our vacation in August. DH is very eager to start. I keep going back and forth. Meanwhile, I started spotting yesterday, so AF is on her way, so we need to make a decision.
We are so busy this summer, with all kinds of fun social plans. There's a part of me that just wants to relax and enjoy the summer without worrying about meds and bringing injectibles with me everywhere. Then we can go away on our vacation, come back nice and relaxed, and get started. The other half of me wants to get started, and hates the idea of waiting so long.
I'm actually most worried about the possibility of getting PG a couple of weeks before vacation, and then going away being worried about a m/c. Unfortunately, there's no way that won't be on my mind, with my history. I don't want to cancel vacation. We both NEED it desperately!
Obviously everyone's different, and in the end, DH and I have to reach a decision that we're content with, but WWYD? For the girls who have done IVF, how much of a pain is it to bring meds everywhere with you? Have you ever had difficulty getting the syringes through security somewhere, like at a ballpark? TIA!
UPDATE: So we decided that we are not going to start this cycle, and that we are going to go for genetic counseling first. My major issue is that I have a chromosomal translocation, and we are trying to decide whether to do PGD or not for our first IVF. I feel that going for genetic counseling will help me feel more comfortable with all our decisions going forward. We'll see when my next cycle starts and what the timing is like. I'm not necessarily going to wait all summer, but I am not going to let our vacation get screwed up either. My best case scenario is that I end up being on BCP for vacation and start stims after we get back, but my cycles are too hard to predict. I'm just not ready to start NOW.
Message edited 6/14/2011 8:25:36 AM.
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Posted 6/13/11 8:14 AM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
ShhhTTCin11
3 under 3?!
Member since 5/11 2229 total posts
Name:
Coleen
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Re: Don't know what to do re: starting IVF
IVF is such a huge commitment. Aside from the injections, which I wouldn't want to mix in a ballpark bathroom, it is very time consuming and stressful with all the doctor appointments. If you have plans to go away this summer, you don't want to be worrying about missing monitoring appointments or not feeling well.
Of course you and DH need to do what feels right... But if my gut was telling me that I want to enjoy the summer and pick it up in the Fall... Then that is what I would probably do. Good luck either way!! I hope this is it for you!
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| Posted 6/13/11 9:01 AM |
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PennyCat
Just call me mommy :)
Member since 7/08 19084 total posts
Name:
Jib
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Re: Don't know what to do re: starting IVF
This will be brief since I'm responding from my phone, but considering all those things if it were me, I'd hold off. I think if since u r already stressed about being pregnant while on vacation u may feel even more stressed over it when the time comes. I know how it is. I cancelled a cruise when I was early on with the triplets because I was worried. I think if u hold off u may feel bad but u won't regret it- but if u go forward then there's unavoidable stress that may make u regret having started.
I know u already know this but ultimately it's a decision j and your dh have to feel comfortable with and these are only my opinions! I actually considered holding off for after the summer bc of the stress it causes and my need to relax but I'm going forward sooner largely bc of insurance purposes.
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| Posted 6/13/11 9:06 AM |
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Otherme
Square head cutie pants
Member since 3/06 6899 total posts
Name:
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Re: Don't know what to do re: starting IVF
If i understand IVF correctly - you will have to do about 3 weeks of bc before starting the ivf cycle right?
if so, that means if you get AF this week, then you wouldn't be starting the actual ivf cycle until about July 11th.. which means you'd be at the end of that cycle sometime around beginning of August.
Now, i don't know exactly when your vacation is, but if it means that you'd either be finding out the results just before, or during your vacation - then i'd definitely wait. You guys really deserve (and need) the vacation time and the time to relax. I wouldn't want you to be worried/upset at all during that time if you are waiting for results, or if you got positive results and had to skip going for further tests to confirm etc..
If on the other hand, you took bcp this past few weeks (i forgot if you said you did or not) and you could start IVF cycle right away, then you'd know your results of that cycle a few weeks before your vacation and have time to adjust to whatever the results are.
Or.. you wait until the vacation is over completely (maybe taking bcp until you get back) and start the cycle when you're back and had a chance to really enjoy yourself, stress free.
obviously, the choice is something you and DH have to be comfortable with - doesn't matter what anyone else would do! But since you're asking..  I would probably wait if i was in your shoes
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| Posted 6/13/11 9:12 AM |
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Shelleybean11
Mommy of 2!
Member since 12/08 11013 total posts
Name:
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Re: Don't know what to do re: starting IVF
From reading your post, it sounds like you know what you want to do. I think waiting would let you relax and enjoy the summer more! Good luck in whatever you decide to do
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| Posted 6/13/11 9:24 AM |
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PreshusSmurf
So in love with my little guys
Member since 1/07 2963 total posts
Name:
Jess
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Re: Don't know what to do re: starting IVF
I agree ... I think I would wait.
I haven't personally been through the IVF protocol, but from everything I know about it I think you're better off enjoying the summer and then starting things afterward.
I wish you all the best in whatever you decide!!!
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| Posted 6/13/11 9:54 AM |
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Jax430
Hi!
Member since 5/05 18919 total posts
Name:
Jackie
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Re: Don't know what to do re: starting IVF
Thanks Ladies. I think a big part of my hesitancy to make a final decision to wait is that DH really wants to move forward, and I feel like I'm letting him down by deciding to wait. He is willing to do what I want, but I still feel badly. We've been trying for so long, and we're impatient to be parents, of course, but on top of the two m/cs we already had this year, I also just finished my dissertation in May, and am just happy to be socializing and having fun on the weekends. I'd like to think of the summer as one last hurrah before starting IVF. I just wish DH felt the same way. 
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| Posted 6/13/11 10:07 AM |
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Otherme
Square head cutie pants
Member since 3/06 6899 total posts
Name:
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Re: Don't know what to do re: starting IVF
Posted by Jax430
Thanks Ladies. I think a big part of my hesitancy to make a final decision to wait is that DH really wants to move forward, and I feel like I'm letting him down by deciding to wait. He is willing to do what I want, but I still feel badly. We've been trying for so long, and we're impatient to be parents, of course, but on top of the two m/cs we already had this year, I also just finished my dissertation in May, and am just happy to be socializing and having fun on the weekends. I'd like to think of the summer as one last hurrah before starting IVF. I just wish DH felt the same way.
Does he really and truly understand what you'd be going through, and therefore what he'd have to deal with in 'helping' you deal with the stress as well?
Maybe he thinks its just like the other cycles and doesn't understand how involved the ivf protocol could be. I know he's impatient/eager too.. but ultimately if you're a stress free happy person for the summer, he will be too
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| Posted 6/13/11 11:20 AM |
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PurpleC
Miracles Do Come True
Member since 8/10 2287 total posts
Name:
Caren
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Re: Don't know what to do re: starting IVF
My DH and I went through something similar last year. We had started our 3rd IVF in November and I was so on board. I felt my DH stressing a little bit and being moody. It ended up that the cycle got messed up and Dr. B told us we could take a break. It was the best decision we made. We stopped in December and started up in March. We felt a huge weight off of us. It was such a nice few months not worrying about shots, sonos, and being able to drink and enjoy ourselves during the holidays.
I truly believe that you need this time and vacation to get yourself ready for IVF. Have fun this summer, relax, travel. When you come back from vacation you will be totally relaxed and ready to move on. My DH and I look back on 7yrs of cruises and trips we took and we realize we needed to do all of that before having a baby.
In the end it is up to you and your DH! Good Luck!
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| Posted 6/13/11 11:26 AM |
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JavaJunkie
Someday, Somehow
Member since 6/05 5857 total posts
Name:
Lois
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Re: Don't know what to do re: starting IVF
You need to do whatever you feel in your heart is right. That said I'm in the minority here.... I wouldn't wait. I would wind up spending the summer on edge waiting to start ivf. In the 3 years that we were trying the only time I ever had to bring a shot out with me was once. It was a trigger shot that had to be at an exact time. The other shots do not need to be exact. I've never traveled with meds but ask purplec, I think she did. I always tried to not let ivf/infertility run my life, in either direction you are talking about. I made it a part of my life so that I could try and not feel like I was giving
up time of trying to enjoy life and vice versa. It's hard to explain, but I was never a break girl, for me it just prolonged the process.
No matter what you decide it's you that knows what you and your body need!
Oh and FYI, I always enjoyed cocktails or beers except for after transfer. 
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| Posted 6/13/11 4:58 PM |
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Irishgrl1017
It happened :)
Member since 9/08 1872 total posts
Name:
Colleen
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Re: Don't know what to do re: starting IVF
Well i think maybe hold off? Like you said you want to enjoy the summer, and will another 2 months really hurt? This way you can go in with a clear head, and relax....thats just what I would do
lots of luck to you in whatever you decide
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| Posted 6/13/11 5:31 PM |
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Jax430
Hi!
Member since 5/05 18919 total posts
Name:
Jackie
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Re: Don't know what to do re: starting IVF
Posted by JavaJunkie
In the 3 years that we were trying the only time I ever had to bring a shot out with me was once. It was a trigger shot that had to be at an exact time. The other shots do not need to be exact.
This is helpful for me to know. I'm picturing having to find a place to inject myself at Yankee Stadium at the Paul McCartney concert (& trying to explain the needles to security), or explaining to my friends why I need to store meds in their refrigerator during their housewarming!
I appreciate hearing your opposite POV. I'm not 100% sure one way or another. I've been leaning toward waiting, but then I'm so impatient to keep moving forward. My mind has been changing all day!
I am concerned that if I wait and we start after vacation, then the Jewish holidays might interfere. With my luck, my ER or ET will be on Yom Kippur!
Another plus for starting over the summer is that my work schedule is better. My school runs for a 6-week summer session, but I get out an hour earlier, at 2:30, making monitoring easier.
I'm hoping AF holds out another couple of days so that I can reach a firm decision one way or another!
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| Posted 6/13/11 5:43 PM |
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PennyCat
Just call me mommy :)
Member since 7/08 19084 total posts
Name:
Jib
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Re: Don't know what to do re: starting IVF
Posted by JavaJunkie
I always tried to not let ivf/infertility run my life, in either direction you are talking about. I made it a part of my life so that I could try and not feel like I was giving
up time of trying to enjoy life and vice versa.
Thank you for saying this .. I'd kind of like to cut out these words and glue it to my bedroom ceiling.
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| Posted 6/13/11 5:50 PM |
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PurpleC
Miracles Do Come True
Member since 8/10 2287 total posts
Name:
Caren
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Re: Don't know what to do re: starting IVF
Posted by PennyCat
Posted by JavaJunkie
I always tried to not let ivf/infertility run my life, in either direction you are talking about. I made it a part of my life so that I could try and not feel like I was giving
up time of trying to enjoy life and vice versa.
Thank you for saying this .. I'd kind of like to cut out these words and glue it to my bedroom ceiling.
I love that too!! Yes I did travel with meds and no one cared. I went on a plane with a note from Dr. B and they were more concerned with my water that I forgot to throw away then the needles in my bag. I actually still take my meds with me all the time at night if we are going to be out and every morning I take my lovenex to work.
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| Posted 6/13/11 6:15 PM |
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InShock
life is good
Member since 10/06 9258 total posts
Name:
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Re: Don't know what to do re: starting IVF
Posted by Jax430
For the girls who have done IVF, how much of a pain is it to bring meds everywhere with you? Have you ever had difficulty getting the syringes through security somewhere, like at a ballpark? TIA!
The only time I brought my stuff with me was my SIL's wedding. It really wasn't that big of a deal. I just kept it in a lunch bag/cooler type thing. And I had pre-mixed the medication, so it was easy to administer.
By choosing a good time to do your injections, like 10 pm, you have an hour leeway to do them ... so as long as you're home by 11 - you can just do them at home! (and when you want to go to bed early, 9 works, too  ).
I totally get your dilemma, but I think I'd lean towards just doing it now. Knowing that your schedule is more lax and you have time off after that, it seems like a good time to do it.
Obviously, there is no right or wrong so whatever you decide will be FINE!
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| Posted 6/13/11 8:10 PM |
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JavaJunkie
Someday, Somehow
Member since 6/05 5857 total posts
Name:
Lois
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Re: Don't know what to do re: starting IVF
Posted by Jax430
Posted by JavaJunkie
In the 3 years that we were trying the only time I ever had to bring a shot out with me was once. It was a trigger shot that had to be at an exact time. The other shots do not need to be exact.
This is helpful for me to know. I'm picturing having to find a place to inject myself at Yankee Stadium at the Paul McCartney concert (& trying to explain the needles to security), or explaining to my friends why I need to store meds in their refrigerator during their housewarming!
I appreciate hearing your opposite POV. I'm not 100% sure one way or another. I've been leaning toward waiting, but then I'm so impatient to keep moving forward. My mind has been changing all day!
I am concerned that if I wait and we start after vacation, then the Jewish holidays might interfere. With my luck, my ER or ET will be on Yom Kippur!
Another plus for starting over the summer is that my work schedule is better. My school runs for a 6-week summer session, but I get out an hour earlier, at 2:30, making monitoring easier.
I'm hoping AF holds out another couple of days so that I can reach a firm decision one way or another!
I'm glad you mentioned the holidays, the way I see it there will ALWAYS be something... A holiday, vacation, BBQ, bday party etc. This is why I just chose to barrel through. It's a plus that your schedule is more flexible in the summer too, that takes off alot of stress of juggling appointments.It's a tough decision
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| Posted 6/13/11 9:19 PM |
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JavaJunkie
Someday, Somehow
Member since 6/05 5857 total posts
Name:
Lois
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Re: Don't know what to do re: starting IVF; UPDATE in first post
I think that figuring out the genetic counciling first is a Great idea!!
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| Posted 6/13/11 9:40 PM |
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LoLaBlue
PARTY OF 5
Member since 6/10 6900 total posts
Name:
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Re: Don't know what to do re: starting IVF; UPDATE in first post
Posted by JavaJunkie
I think that figuring out the genetic counciling first is a Great idea!!
ITA! good luck
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| Posted 6/14/11 8:23 AM |
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