IVF Questions?!?

down_in_tx · 10-17-2007, 01:51 PM

Hi everyone! I was diagnosed last month with PCOS after a long 13 years of TTC #1... I was diagnosed with a uterine defect at age 15 and have NEVER had a normal cycle. I had HSG in 1998 after several years of TTC - dr said all was "normal" and go TRY! Changed to a fantastic Dr in 2001 when our insurance changed - the Lord works in mysterious ways!! - and had a laporoscopy in 2004. I was diagnosed with endometriosis, but at that point my ovaries appeared normal. I thought for a long time that I was just losing my mind because I had all of these horrible symptoms, but no clear answers or diagnosis.... FINALLY, saw RE last month and had vaginal u/s -- low and behold the darn right ovary looked like a huge football with pimples! I have been on Metformin (1500 mg) since the diagnosis with amazing results so far, but my RE says there is really no hope for us to conceive naturally. I can't take Clomid because I can't carry multiples with the uterine defect because there just isn't enough room. We are scheduled for IVF in Jan 08 and I was wondering if anyone had any advice or can offer any success stories with me..... This is costing us a fortune, but will be well worth it for our "miracle"! Hugs to all!

svaldez · 10-17-2007, 02:18 PM

Hi,

We just started the IVF process. I am doing 4 weeks of active birth control pills so it is going to be a long process. This afternoon is our IVF class and Saturday we have to meet with the reproductive counselor to go over everything. Next week is our pre-op appointment and then mid-November we will have our egg retrieval and transfer.

It is a long and very emotional process. There are tons of appointments and a ridiculous amount of injections/meds. My advice (which I have gotten from others) is to take it easy, treat yourself well, and give yourself permission to just pamper yourself and let everyday stressors go by the wayside for a bit.

I have read a few books that have been very helpful as well: The Couple's Guide to In Vitro Fertilization, A Few Good Eggs, and Nurturing Yourself Through IVF.

Sorry I can't tell you more, since we are just starting. But feel free to email me or PM me anytime!

Best of luck to you!
Sharon

down_in_tx · 10-17-2007, 02:27 PM

Hi Sharon!

Thank you SO much for the info! We are waiting until Jan because my husband is overseas working for the rest of this year. I am not scheduled to start BCP until my Dec cycle. I have read so much that I am TOTALLY overwhelmed! Please keep me posted on your progress. I wish you the best of luck and I always have an open ear/shoulder if you need one. Please feel free to contact me at any time!

svaldez · 10-18-2007, 02:42 PM

Hi again,

Sorry your DH is overseas, but in January you both will be ready to get started, The waiting to start is so so hard, I know!

It is so over-whleming and there is so much info out there. Try not to get too stressed or hung up on other peoples stories/experiences because every body and every protocol is different.

I will keep you posted! Maybe it will help you sort through the info! Feel free to ask any questions and I will try my best to answer them!

Hang in there!
Sharon

down_in_tx · 10-25-2007, 04:04 PM

Hi Sharon! You are a blessing to me! I feel like I have a friend's hand to hold through this whole crazy ordeal! My DH is WONDERFUL and has been since day 1. I was told at age 15 that I would probably not be able to conceive, but I never gave up and WILL NOT! I appreciate your kind thoughts and would love to keep in touch with you to experience your journey with you. We are in a holding pattern until I start BCPs in December to get ready for Jan! Can't wait!!!! Love, hugs and LOTS of babydust to you!!

svaldez · 10-25-2007, 06:00 PM

Hi Again,

You are so sweet! The whole process is so overwhelming, it certainly helps to go throughout together! My husband, like yours, is super supportive, but it is hard for him to understand all of the emotions. For example, when I got my huge box of meds and needles, I just burst into tears and cried all day everytime I walked by it. There was so much and it just caught me off guard. When I showed him he said "oh yeah" gave me a quick hug and then went and made a sandwich. He cares, obviously, and feels bad, but it just doesn't affect him in the same way. Which is why it is so helpful to talk to other women in the same boat!

Things are moving along for us. We had our IVF class, counseling session, and pre-op appointment. Tuesday I will start the Lupron injections and a week after that, all of the other injections. So, here we go!!

Hope all is well!
Sharon

Danger Kitty · 10-25-2007, 07:58 PM

Hi,

What kind of uterine defect do you have? It is really, really important to know exactly which type of uterine anomaly you have - there are lots and lots of ladies out there who have been misdiagnosed, and the misdiagnosis can be absolutely critical in terms of putting together a treatment plan for getting you - and KEEPING you pregnant.

I am a moderator on a list serve for women who have uterine anomalies, and it is astonishing how many women have their uterine anomalies (also known as "mullerian anomalies" or "MAs") misdiagnosed. We have a number of women who were told (via HSG) that they had unicornuate uteruses ("UU" - 1/2 of the normal set-up - 1 ovary, 1 fallopian tube, 1/2 the normal sized uterus, 1 cervix - sometimes irregularly shaped) when in fact, they had a uterus with a complete uterine septum ("SU" - a normal set of works, but with a septum running the full length down the center of the uterus - so that upon HSG, they were told they only had 1/2 of a full set - or UU). There is also a very, very high number of women who are told they have didelphyc uteri ("UD" - 2 identical UU's, 2 cervixes), when in fact, they have SU.

UU and UD have a pretty good "eventual" pregnancy rate - each succeeding pregnancy tends to be carried longer than the previous pregnancy (with UD, this applies to pregnancies in the same uterus). However, women with complete SUs that have not been surgically corrected usually suffer a very high % of losses. The good news is that SUs are VERY, VERY easy to correct with a simple day surgery.

I am aware of one woman with a confirmed UU who was able to carry (with LOTS of close medical attention) twins. I am also aware of a few cases women with UD of fraternal twins - one in each uterus!

I have also been through the IVF (with PCOS!!) process. So, if either of you want to talk about either IVF OR the uterine issue, please email or pm me. One of my personal goals is to make sure that every woman with a uterine anomaly understands exactly what she has and receives the CURRENT standard of care for it. I have had way too much personal experience dealing with the uterine issue, and NO woman should have to go through a loss if it can be avoided.

best,

ann

down_in_tx · 10-29-2007, 02:34 PM

Hi Sharon and Ann....

It's M O N D AY and I'm swamped at work. I've read your responses and will post a longer message later when I have more time, but I wanted to thank both of you for your support and knowledge! I bought a book over the weekend called InVitro Fertilization the ART* of making babies (Assisted Reproductive Technology).... HOLY MOLEY it is a TON of information to digest. I can't remember the author, but if you're interested let me know and I'll look at it and post.

Sharon - good luck with the shot tomorrow! That is the part I am dreading! I give shots to my horses all the time, but in MYSELF is a whole new ballgame! Keep me posted!

Ann - I have SO much to tell you about the defect, but not enough time at the moment. I have had WONDERFUL doctors since I was diagnosed at age 15. None of them have recommended surgery to repair since I have so many other issues they don't want the scar tissue to be another risk factor. I'll post much more later-- I PROMISE

Hugs to both of you!
~marci

YahishaTQ · 10-29-2007, 06:21 PM

Hi Down in Tx,

Everyone's advise so far has really been on the mark. We have been through 5 IVF cycles and will be starting our 6th in January, so you and I will be cycle buddies!

The best advise I can offer is to really really try to relax your mind and body. Rejunvenate and pamper yourself often. It is a lot of appts, u/s, meds and things to stress out about but I found that my cycle numbers were much better the more I took time to walk, meditate, relax and enjoy the process.

Each protocol is different depending on your specific needs. Mine all are as follows:

21 days BCP
Lupron and BCP overlap from 21 to 25 day
Lupron continues till trigger day
4 day stims, u/s & bloodwork
two days later u/s $ bloodwork till trigger day
(usually stim for a total of 7-9 days)
trigger and two days later retrieval

Please feel free to pm if you have any questions. I have had every conceivable issue happen and if it hasn't I have still worried about it.

Good luck!
Lourdes Yahisha