MRSLMS IVF Journal Updated 5/18-BFN

Hi everyone...I used to post on here but haven't in a really long time. I guess I have never been a "regular" poster but lurk ALOT. I didn't share my IVF journal and have no clue why I am starting it now....that I am 3 days away from a beta. I tried to find some posts regarding the micro-dose lupron flare protocol and couldn't find much. Hopefully for the future ladies they can see my journal with the protocol.



OK so I guess a little history..

Me 33 - hypothyroid, arcuate uterus, unexplained infertility

DH- 38- slightly slow sperm but not enough for any type of diagnosis- unexplained infertility



We started back in June 2009 seeing an RE after "trying" naturally for 2 years. I tried charting, ovulation kits, legs in the air..you name it

We did 2 rounds of IUI medicated with clomid. I got about 4 follies however both were BFN.

We had planned to move right to IVF but I had somewhat of a breakdown and needed a break. I was having daily panic attacks and knew my body and mind needed a rest.

We had completed all of the necessary tests and blood work. At that time my FSH was 5 and AM (which predicts how well you will respond to IVF) was 1.2.



After a long break March 2010 we felt 100% ready to proceed. Unfortunately I had to have all of the tests redone. My trial transfer was a little rough due to my uncooperative cervix. When my bloodwork came back my doctor wanted to talk to us. She was concerned because my FSH was 8 and AMH had dropped to 0.6. She was most concerned about the AMH, she said that it should be above 1 and for someone my age she would not expect it to have dropped so low in 6 months. She warned us that I might not respond well to the meds and we probably would not make enough eggs to freeze. She felt overall my age was going for me and the best predictor of success. So we started.....



Micro-dose Lupron Flare (the big guns)

March 23rd Blood work and U/S and BC pills start. Took BCP until April 18th.

April 19th went for blood work and U/S and signed consents

April 20th Started Lupron 20 units SC 2x a day. DH and I also started antibotics(doxicycline) orally 2x a day X 10 days

April 23rd- added Gonal F pen SC 300 units at night.

April 26th- Blood work

April 28th- Blood work and U/S ( Approximately 4 follies on the right and 2 larger with 10 smaller on the left). Decreased Gonal to 225 units and added Menopur 125 units SC at night as well (Lupron in am & Lupron, Gonal, Menopur in pm)

Menopur was by far the worst shot, it really burned. I used and ice cube to numb it before and this worked great.

April 30th - Blood work and U/S (Approximately 4 over 18cm on right and 6 over 18cm on left) If my eggs had looked good at this point I would have had retrival on Monday. My doctor felt I could go a little longer and I went in for one more check on Sunday. All looked good and ER (retrival) scheduled for Tuesday May 4th.



May 4th- I was really nervous for this. We arrived at the surgery center and everyone was so nice. My anesthesologist was great and honestly it just felt like I took a 10 minute nap. When I woke up I remember seeing my doctor who told me she got 7 eggs. She apologized and told me she couldn't get to my right ovary where 5 more were. They tried positioning me and pushing down on my belly but it was too high. I kind of forgot about it, I guess because of the drugs but remembered in the recovery room where I immediately burst into tears. I was upset mostly because of all the hormones but also because I had worked so hard for those eggs and kept thinking 5 more would have given us a better chance. My husband and the nurses comforted me and reminded me it only takes one. I reminded myself that this was the best my body could do and tried not to be so hard on myself. I went home and slept for most of the day. I had some mild cramping but nothing uncomfortable and was able to go to work the next day. Started Medrol (steroid) and Tetracycline.



May 5th- Fertilization Report...7 out of 7 eggs fertilized with the help of ICSI. I was told they looked great and to expect another phone call tomorrow. I nearly dropped the phone.



May 6th- All 7 eggs still looked wornderful and growing up a storm. MD and Embryologist felt we could do a 5 day transfer. ET scheduled for Sunday May 9th (Mother's Day)

Started progesterone gel (Crinone) and Estrogen patch.



May 9th- Nervous to hear and know all 7 were still there. Relieved when MD showed us pictures. We decided to transfer 2 blastocyts. One had started hatching into the next phase of development (where it would attch to the uterus) the other was slightly behind but close to doing the same. I took Valium 10 mg and waited to go back. The RN kept giving me water so my bladder would be full.



Now this would have been easy but you must know something about me...if something can go wrong it usually does with me. I got on the table and the doctor (on call- not my regular) began jabbing the speculum in and out about 6 times. It hurt alot (probably because of the progesterone which dries you out and irritates the area). I asked if everything was OK. I have a long (you know) and a tipped backwards cervix so it isn't ever easy to find but it seemed to be taking a long time. I asked what was going on and the doctor said she was looking for a stitch. Well 20 minutes later of agony and finally a call to my doctor who did the procedure revealed there never was a stich. Finally, we were able to transfer the embryos.



5/9 - 5/11 Strict bedrest---this was tough for me. We found out the day after the transfer that none of the other embryos made it to freeze.



I went back to work on Wednesday the 12th. No lifting more than 5 pounds, no exercise and strict pelvic rest. (Sorry DH )



5/14- Today. I am 5dp5dt and have bought 4 HPT's. I will start POAS tomorrow, even though the doctor warned me not to. I can't help it waiting is killing me. My beta is scheduled for Tuesday the 18th. I pray this worked. We have decided that I can not go through this again and we will explore adoption if it is not meant to be. Please pray for us. Thanks

5/15- Tested this am which would be 6dp5dt BFN I will try again tomorrow.

5/16 7dp5dt BFN. I am trying to stay hopeful but shouldn't it come up positive by now?

5/19 Had my beta yesterday and unfortunatley it was BFN. Of course, we are upset but will take some time and figure out our next step. Thanks for all of the encouragement and kind words these last few days ladies.

Good luck to all of you. I hope BFP and for all of you!!!

Message edited 5/19/2010 3:43:55 PM.

Re: MRSLMS IVF Journal

Goodluck!!!!!

I hope this cycle brings you your bfp!!!!! Thanks for sharing your IVF journal!!!!

P.S. It's still early so dont get disappointed with the negative test.

Re: MRSLMS IVF Journal

Good luck!! It is definitely early to test - u r still in the game!!!

Re: MRSLMS IVF Journal

Don't give up hope!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: MRSLMS IVF Journal Updated 5/16

Back in December when I first became preggo, I didnt test positive until 8dp5dt. Dont loose hope!!

Re: MRSLMS IVF Journal Updated 5/18-BFN

Thanks for all of the kind words ladies! Good luck to all of you

Re: MRSLMS IVF Journal Updated 5/18-BFN

I'm so sorry!

Re: MRSLMS IVF Journal Updated 5/18-BFN

I'm sorry that you have to go through this. I pray that you Have the strength to get through this.

Re: MRSLMS IVF Journal Updated 5/18-BFN

Re: MRSLMS IVF Journal Updated 5/18-BFN

SORRY

Re: MRSLMS IVF Journal Updated 5/18-BFN

I'm sorry!

Re: MRSLMS IVF Journal Updated 5/18-BFN

Im so sorry.

Re: MRSLMS IVF Journal Updated 5/18-BFN

so sorry to hear

Re: MRSLMS IVF Journal Updated 5/18-BFN