Hi,
I had a few questions about IVF and have noticed many of you going through the process now...how exciting for you. I have my first consultation May 21st. I've been researching doctors and have come to my decision in regards to which one to go with. I was wondering how long the whole process of IVF lasts. For example when I start the meds would it be the following cycle for implantation etc? I'm really clueless. Also, are their any questions I should ask the doctor. I have pretty bad endo and was wondering if anyone else is dealing with endo and trying IVF. I am sending you all baby dust!!!!! This is such a big step and I am really nervous and excited. I know I need to be very positive...I'm just scared if it does not take if I can truly handle the heartbreak, but I guess it is a step we have to take and we are lucky to even have this option.
Jill :)

Jsquared-

Welcome to IVF!! It's a very exciting time. I just finished my first IVF cycle and it was pretty smooth for the most part. As far as how long of a process it is. It really depends. When you start the meds to actually grow all of your follicles, it is usually around 8-14 days. Give or take a few. After that part is over, you will take the HCG shot, two days later from that, you will have your egg retrieval. They will fertilize your eggs, from then it's about three to five days until the transfer. It's not a very long process. I wish you luck and I hope it's successful for you! I got pregnant from mine, but now I'm waiting to find out if I'm miscarrying. I won't know until next week. I may be doing another cycle this summer if this one doesn't work out for me.

Carisa

Hi Jill

Just wanted to wish you luck with your impending IVF cycle. The success rate with IVF is excellent so I am sure you will end up with your much longed for BFP.

Good luck!!!

Ruby

Jill,

Where in California are you? I'm around the Bay Area. I have a great dr. and clinic.

Carisa

Hi Girls,
Thanks for the encouragement.

Carisa, I am from Orange County, California. I have been waiting awhile to decide which doctor to use. I had many people give me names of great doctors: Anderson, Werlin, Diaz and Acacio. I've decided to go with Dr. Acacio. He is part of SIRM which is a group of doctors (from New York, Neveda, California...) who perfom studies and exchange info. My ultimate decision when choosing Dr. Acacio was because his wife also needed to go through IVF. I believe he will be compassionate because he went through it with his wife. I was able to talk to his wife because she answers the phones. She was very nice and has written a few articles in regards to IVF.

Thanks for all the info and Carisa I really hope you are not miscarrying. I will say lots of prayers for you. You seem like a really strong person. I believe this IF journey has made us all a little stronger. Are you on bed rest?

Hi Jill.

I am one of a bunch of girls who are doing IVF right now. From the looks of my progress it will be about 6 weeks total from beginning to end. my protocol starts with injections on cd21 of the cycle preceeding the IVF cycle. we have started a thread called Sping IVF Girls where there is a lot of talk about IVF so feel free to check it out. you might find some answers to your questions there too. i know it is scary but this is the time to summon all the courage you have and just go for it. at the end it will all be worth it.

Hi J,

I just had my IVF consult yesterday and just wanted to chime in with Carisa while it is all still fresh in my mind. I was at RE all day went over financial part, signed cosent forms, discussed freezing and storing and what type of IVF cyle we will have we will have IVF/ICSI and hatching. This will all make more sense when you go and you may not need those extra procedures but DH and I do.

CD3 put on Nuva ring for you may be BCP's, and also start baby asprin 1x a day

CD 7 I had my u/s to check for polyps

IVF CD20 start Lupron

CD21-take out Nuva ring and wait for AF

CD 28- 31 Supression check

CD-32 if all ok start Stims (injections) through approx CD 31 depending on results.

CD36-40 office visits to determine egg retrieval and then transfer.

This cycle is much longer than IUI. Total of approx 40 days give or take. Hope that helps. Good luck on your appt!! I hope all goes well.

kathy

Jill-

It sounds like you made the right decision as far as drs. That sounds wonderful to have his wife who has been through IVF answer phones, and have a dr. who know first hand the emotions that go along with IVF.

Carisa

Oh, and no I am not on bedrest. I have had no bleeding of any kind. I've been taking it pretty easy though.