Hi everyone. Just got back from my appt. Everything was as quiet as can be. I start the "stims" phase of my FET tomorrow, which basically is just estrogen (not typical stims, even tho they call it the stim phase).

As for the protocol, I was a bit surprised today cause it won't go down as I initially hoped. As well read as I am, I clearly don't know it all ;) My thought was that we'd thaw my 6 embies that were frozen immediately after fertilization was confirmed and try to take them to blast. I thought that if we lookd at them on the equivalent of "day-5" and they didn't survive (or barely survived) that we could just thaw my other 6 frosties which were frozen on day-3 of my fresh attempt and transfer 3 of those. Well apparently that doesn't work because you can't transfer day-3 embies when your body is on "day-5". My window for a day-3 would have passed. Does that make sense? I didn't realize that my endometrium was that particular but I guess they really have this down to a precise science. :o So my fall back plan does not work. :(

Anyway, we still signed a consenst form indicating we'll thaw and try and take those 6 to blast. But they have me scheduled for a day-3 transfer on 2/7 b/c on that day we'll look at the embies and if they only look so-so (which I'm certain will be the case) then we'll do the transfer that day.

At this point, I think I just wanna do the day-3 now b/c I'm terrified my embies will make it to blast and I think I'd rather do the transfer with 3 day-3's then not do the transfer at all. Besides, if one is healthy enough to make it to blast, odds are we'd end up picking that as one of the best 3 after watching them develop for a couple days.

Sorry for rambling... I'm sure it's way more detail than anyone wanted :D but I think it kind of helped to see my thoughts written out. ;)

To all of you getting geared up for another cycle or for those of you in the 2WW... wishing you guys a whole bunch of BFP's!

Hey Kari!

Glad to hear your appt confirmed all is quiet & you got the green light to move forward!! :D:D:D I'm sorry they can't follow through w/ your back up plan, but I am really hoping you won't need it anyway. I didn't realize so much precision planning went into an FET either. It's kind of unnerving to know everything has to be just so for it to work, but it's also encouraging to realize our dr's know exactly what to do & when. Sort of makes it seem like they deserve the big bucks we are all shelling out, after all! ;)

Well, good luck this cycle, my friend. I'll definitely be following your progress & offering support whenever I can. Praying this time around brings you your bfp.

Holly

Hi Kari, I'm so glad things ended up quiet for your appointment this morning. It's great that you got the go ahead for stims and everything is progressing as it should. I'm sorry to hear what you thought would happen this cycle can't really happen. But that's one thing I've learned with this IF stuff, once we think we've got it figured out, we find out we don't! I'm glad you're feeling okay with the possibility of a day three transfer, but I'll really be hoping for those guys to grow to day five!

I hope you had a great weekend! Good luck with your meds today! - April

Hi Kari!! I'm excited for you!! Things are really happening! I'm sorry your fallback plan doesn't work, but I AM happy that you are in safe and good hands. Maybe chanigng the protocol this time will be the change you need for your BFP!!! I'm praying that you do get your BFP this cycle. You will. I know it's hard to think positive, but I really do think you'll get it.

By the way, dearest, how are you DH now? On better terms?

*****babydust******

Hi Kari!!

Yay! I'm so happy that everything looked quiet, and that you'll be starting tonight!!! I still don't totally understand all of the IVF lingo - but I did try to really follow your post. I'm sorry that the protocol isn't exactly what you were expecting, but I have to agree with April -- when we think we have it figured out, things get all switched up. I am really excited that you're moving forward, and we're all going to be here to follow you through your cycle to that BFP!!!

Hope you're having a great day!

Love,
Kelley

OMG...I am so excited!!!! I want to hear every detail along the way:)

I'm with Kelley, I dont understand all the IVF lingo yet (but I'll be updated soon), but I wish you the best with your little ones and will pray that they attach to you like flys on poo.

Hey Kari glad to hear all about your appointment today.Dont worry as complex as what you said sounds I think most of us understood.:D Just try and think positive sweetie those embies were strong enough to be frozen so they are strong enough to be your little angel.Dont worry things will all be fine in the end.What we need you to do is just relax and give those embies a nice quiet enviroment.Take care sweetie and have a great day.

Love,

Mapia

Hi Kari

Wow, things are really moving fast now! I'm so glad that everything was quiet inside and that you are able to start stims tomorrow. I'm sorry you aren't able to follow the protocol you would have liked but I'm sure that your doctor is doing what he knows to be best.

Good luck and lots of babydust to you!

Ruby

Im so excited for you, and you can never give too much information, I need all the info I can get and enjoy reading threads that provide all the details so I can learn and get an idea what I may be in for so Thank you. I will pray so hard that this will be your cycle and look forward to seeing you post your BFP.

Cashahn xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Thanks for the good luck wishes everyone. Things should start moving a bit faster, and since I'll cut the lupron from 20 units to 10 starting tomorrow, the headaches should hopefully get better :)

Cashahn, Prayingforus and April, You'll have the opportunity to learn the IVF lingo as you move thru your cycles, but you may choose to take a more laid back approach... which I could totally understand. Sometimes the more you know, the more you worry! I fall victim to that. It was funny, this morning my NP told me that the embies we're working with were frozen at "2PN" and I said oh, two pro-nuclei... I don't think she was expecting I'd have had a clue what that was (and I'm still not quite sure how I do!) :jester:

Princess, oh yes, I'm much better today. And now that I'm better emotionally I'm not upset with DH anymore. He really had a sour-puss on his hands this weekend ;) If he was smart about it, he should have shipped me away to one of the dozens of resorts/spas here in Scottsdale, told me to have fun and just come home when I was over my emotional funk :D I told my NP that I was struggling a bit more this cycle with my lupron side effects and she said not to compare to prior cycles cause each is different, including our reactions to the drugs. Oh, and did I mention that my butt still hurts from last cycle's PIO shots! The last one was 12/22!!!! I still can't run or do anything that makes my butt jiggle! :D

Well almost 2 weeks till T-Day and I'm gonna try to keep busy and not get ahead of myself. I find I'm already wondering what we'll do next time if this FET doesn't work. Mapia, I've gotta take your advice and relax and it'll just work itself out... hopefully somehow, with a BFP!:angel:

Hi Kari,

Your transfer is going to be here before you know it!!! I am getting more and more excited for you!!! You seem to be keeping a very positive attitude, and I just know that's going to help you get your BFP this time around!!! I'm sorry about the headaches, and the sore butt :(.... These treatments really do a number on us!!! But, it is all going to be SO worth it!!!!!

Hope you're having a good evening!!!

Love ya!
Kel

Kelley, thanks for sharing in my excitement! I am definitely trying to stay positive. And my butt actually doesn't hurt too bad anymore, it's just shocking that I can still feel it at all since the last shot was over a month ago! I am confident the headaches will get better tomorrow... I'm excited to reduce my dose! Well I hope the rest of your work week goes well. Have a good night... I'll be checking in tomorrow to make sure your shot goes okay when you are home solo! ;)

Kari,
I had the same problem with the progest shot in the booty. For some reason, I can STILL feel where the injections were whenever I try to jog and exercise. It still hurts and my last shot was 11/15!!!!
Why me???!!!
And it certainly won't help matters that I'll be doing even more prog shots starting about 3 weeks from now. I think it's permanent damage, I swear.

Besides all my griping, I am truly happy for you!
I'm sure things will work out perfectly with your embies and seriously, don't worry about the "blast" stage. I got pregnant in Sept with a day 3 transfer, so it does happen!

Hey Bee's! Wow, so you still feel it too? And your last shot was Nov!!!??? That is crazy, but I'm glad I'm not just imagining this... sometimes I know my DH thinks that I exaggerate. ;) And hey, thx for the encouragement. I really wanted to try for blast, but now I just don't see it happening so it's comforting to hear about BFP's from day-3's. Let's hope we both get very sticky BFP's with our next attempts, right? So what are you doing to keep busy while you wait for your next cycle to get started? When is your next appt?

Hi Kari

I can't believe you still have a sore backside from those horrible shots! I don't think I'll have that problem as unfortunately I have more than enough padding! I really hope it starts to feel better for you soon. I am super excited about your cycle and I know that you can hardly wait for it to begin.

(((Hugs))) and babydust to you!

Ruby

Kari
You are on your way. I think it's fascinating how precise the whole process is. It's great that you have good options for either the Day 3 or possibly Day 5 transfers. Certainly Day 3's grow to healthy beautiful babies.

The spa resort in Scottsdale sounds like a place I'd like to join you. I'm sure DH would be happy if I went there sometimes too. I totally cried yesterday saying I was upset with him, but really it wasn't him, it was because I didn't get blastocycsts transfered on Saturday, just stinkin' 9 cell and 7 cell morulas. That's what I was really crying about. I'm such a basket case.

Good luck having patience while you wait. Stay busy & it will come quickly.

Kari I am soooooooo excited for you that you have got the go ahead for the tranfer. The 2 weeks before tranfer will be over before you know it. I say that because the quicker your time goes the quicker my 2ww goes by:D:D. I am sorry your butt still hurt from last month, but when you get our BFP it will all be worth it. I also hope your headaches subside.

I am looking forward to following your cycle and I'll be praying that you get a BFP this time around.

Love
Char

Hey Kari I am glad you deceided to take my advice.We need to stop getting ahead of ourselves.One day at a time and now we have your prep for FET then we have the 2ww.Those shots dont sound fun but we will do anything at this point to get our BFPs so hang in there sweetie.Hope you have a wonderful day.

Love,

Mapia

Hey Kari!

How are you today? I hope you have a great day, and keep up the positive thinking!!! The other success stories with day 3 transfers are so promising, and we are going to all help you through every day of the cycle!! Hang in there!!!

Love ya!
Kel

Hi Kari!! How are you? How is DH?? I heard on Ruby's thread that you aren't going on holiday this year, and I think that's a great idea because you'll be too busy with your BFP!! Can you imagine a cruise with m/s?? Ohhh the sickness! :jester: Anyway, I hope you're haivng a great day. If not, remember, it's Tuesday, so it's almost Friday!!! :D

Hi guys, I'm not feeling so good today... sadly another headache from the lupron and this one is so bad it's upsetting my tummy. Still hoping it'll only get better now that I cut the dose in half starting this morning. Well I just wanted to say hello tho and let you all know I'm thinking of you guys today. Despite my headache, I'm feeling more positive for my chances this cycle and I'm also pretty fired up for everyone who is in the 2WW right now or getting ready to start a new cycle. I feel that we're gonna be seeing lots of BFP's in the near future. I'll try and get back on-line tonite if I'm feeling better.

Oh Kari I'm so sorry you are feeling so ill. On the bright side, at least you knwo the medications are working in your body, getting ready to receive your little ones! :D everyday you are one step closer. :) I hope you feel better really soon and that we can celebrate your BFP in a couple of weeks!! I knwo we will!!!!

Hi Kari, I'm sorry you're not feeling so well today. Those headaches that make your stomach hurt are the worst. I'm hoping your lowered doses start to make things better. - April

Oh Kari I am so sorry you are feeling so bad today.I really hope you are feeling better and I hope these headaches stop now that you will cut your dose down.Well girl I am so glad you are getting fired up about this cycle thats what I want to hear.Well sweetie take care and feel better soon.

Love ya,

Mapia

Hi Kari,

Oh, I am so sorry you aren't feeling well -- those headaches must be awful. I got such a headache from the trigger shots for 3 days, but I can't imagine having the headaches for so long. I really hope that this will be the end of them now that your dose has been cut. Just keep thinking about your BFP at the end of this cycle -- all of this is for a reason!

Feel better!!!

Love,
Kelley

Hey Kari,
I'm sorry your protocol wasn't exactly what you were hoping for (it does sound complicated) but I'm sure you are in good hands and they know exactly what they are doing. I'm impressed by your thorough knowledge of every little detail! I've kind of switched off to it all lately and haven't been reading up at all. Too much studying for the Masters I suppose. I hope your headache has lifted now your dose has been reduced. Oh, and I agree with Mapia - try not to think about the 'what ifs', just relax if you can because everything will work out. We'll all be celebrating your bfp in a couple of weeks. Wishing you a smooth and happy cycle with an even happier ending!
Lots of love, Lizzie

PS I start down-reg tomorrow and also have first u/s.

Hi Kari

My poor friend, I hope you are feeling better by now. Sending you gentle hugs and warmest wishes.

Ruby

Kari, I just want to stop by and see how you are feeling today. Maybe today you shoudl take some time off of work? You sound like you could use a rest and just relax. I sincerely do hope you are feeling better. :)

I hope you are feeling better today? Please take care of yourself:angel:

Hey guys! I am so far feeling MUCH better today. No headache so far and hoping the last one is behind me! As much as they suck, I know it could be so much worse so I hate to complain too much. And Princess, you are right... at least I know the medicine is working in my body :D

Lizzie, I just responded to your other thread, but I didn't realize you had an ultrasound tomorrow! (or today, depending on the time difference :) ). Crossing my fingers that all goes well. Are you still looking at the first week or two of Feb for E/R and E/T?

I am def trying to avoid thinking of the "what if's". I really want to commit to staying positive this cycle! I'm wondering if maybe I should tell them I don't want to know the details of my embies when they do the transfer. Or maybe that would just drive me even more crazy? I'm sure I couldn't do that... I'm always one that needs to know every detail :o Well at my appt on Mon I asked my NP if I could get the cathetar to drain my bladder right away and she was like "oh, yes I think that is the only way to go!". And I'm like, well how come you guys didn't recommend it the first two Transfers that I had?!?!!! Thank goodness my neighbor friend told me to do it! :)

Kari

I am sorry you had a tough day though glad you are feeling better today. Keep on thinking positive i am sure it does have a role in achieving your much deserved bfp.
I think that it s very good that you ask and alwasy know what s happening.....you have every right. Normally i keep a note book and right all the questions i have. I tend to panic and forget if i don t work it out that way.
Forget the what ifs....there s no reason why it shouldn t be your turn .
Praying hard for you.

Amy

Hi Kari,

Sounds like we've both had a rough couple of days. I'm glad that you are feeling better today. Hopefully you are done w/ the lupron headaches and the only discomfort you will be feeling in the near future will be morning sickness. I think it's great that you are feeling positive about this cycle. I am too. I really think this is your time. I'm also glad that you asked about the catheter and will be able to relax after the transfer this time around. All signs are pointing to a good outcome. :D:D When will you have the appt to check your lining?

Holly

Amy, you are so kind and always have the most encouraging things to say :angel: I am going to keep positive... there really is no reason why this can't be my turn!

Holly, yeah, a couple bad days for us and hopefully this will be followed by a couple of good cycles for us!!! :D I have my first appointment to check my lining on 1/31, a week from Friday. I can't believe my transfer is two weeks from tomorrow! Woohoo!!!

Kari I am so glad you are feeling better sweetie I know how awful those headaches can be.I dont know about a lupron headache but I have had those real bad ones where you want to throw up and they are awful.Lets pray they stay away and its smooth sailing from here.WOW 2 weeks left I cant believe it so 1 month until beta.I am getting so excited for you.As for the what if's lets not think about that lets stay positive and keep a clear head.We are right here with you girl cheering you on.Have a nice afternoon.

Love ya,

Mapia

Kari,

I am so happy that you are feeling better!!!!!

I don't think I could go through not knowing the details about the cycle either -- I would be the type to think it was a good idea, and then to go CRAZY on the way home. I agree that it's good that you ask questions, and that you are very well informed. I remember you posting a while back about the catheter -- that's great that your friend had given you that advice -- I wish they had been able to do it for you the other times.

But, do try to stay as positive as you can!! We'll be here to help you with that too :D!!!!!

Hope you're having a good evening!

Love,
Kelley

Kari I'm glad you're feeling better!! I have never had a headache so bad that my stomach hurt....oh my, I'm so sorry you had to go through that. But you're okay now, right?? I was getting worried, my dear!!

I hope you're staying really positive! I know it's hard, going back and forth between excited and positive to scared and negative (In my ridiculously high hopes, I called that a pg symptom of mood swings) but Amy is right, there is absolutely no reason why this isn't your turn!! :D

By this time next month you are going to dancing (gently!!) around annoucning your BFP!! I absolutely cannot wait!!! :D:D:D

Hey Kari just wanted to check in on you.Hope you are feeling good today and dont have another one of those awful headaches.Well have a wonderful afternoon.

Love,

Mapia

Hi Mapia! I have felt really good today. The last couple days I've had no more than a hint of a headache and then it goes away. I'm happy about that. :) I went back to my old office today to say hi to some old friends/co-workers. It was fun, but I had really wanted my first visit back to include an announcement of pregnancy. Since it's been almost a year now since I quit I decided that it was more important for me to get in there so to avoid cutting off relations with people that I worked so closely with for so many years. My new goal is to announce pregnancy at my second visit to the old office! ;)

Kelley, you are so right... If I didn't get the embryo details on my transfer day I'd probably stress for the 2WW anyway just because I didn't know the details!!! So I'm sure I'll find out. And now I'm getting excited cause they will start thawing my little embies a week from Tuesday! Well I have to go read up on how your stim shots are going... I know you have an u/s tomorrow and I really hope to hear good news about your follies!

Hi Princess! Yes, I do hope this time next month I'm announcing a BFP! I calculated what my due date would be if this FET worked (does anyone else do that every cycle like I do?:o), and well it would be like 10/25. My newphew was born 10/21 and my neice on 10/28. So I'm thinking to myself maybe it's in my family blood to conceive around this time and have our babies in Oct. If that's the case, then I know it's gonna work this go round! :D

Well I'm off to meet a friend for dinner and a movie. I'll check in with you guys later!

Kari,
I do that too every month, calculate the due dates but its been so long now that those dates have come and gone and just depress me more. Hopefully we will all get real due dates very soon!
Jennifer

Jennifer, your real due date is coming hun... keep your chin up and your hopes high! The little dreaming that we do while we wait can sometimes be fun... I know you are in the 2WW now yourself, so maybe we'll both have Oct babies! :angel: Fingers crossed for you sweetie!

Hi Kari,

I'm so glad you are feeling better!!! Hope you had a great time at dinner and the movies last night!!

I'm always calculating dates too - I think we're all probably guilty of that :)!

That's good that you went in to visit the office, I'm sure everyone was very happy to see you! I have very high hopes for your upcoming cycle and am sure you WILL be announcing your good news the next time you visit!

Have a great day!!!!

Kelley

Kari, I am so glad youre feeling better:angel: How exciting that your little embies are going to be thawing soon. I cant wait for the details once thats done.

I am so guilty of calulations. I actually just posted a wacky long drawn out post about that jsut very thing. We all do it, but its fun isnt it!!!

Hi Kari,

Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you. I'm so glad to hear your headaches seem to be gone for good. Really excited to hear how things progress for you this cycle. Did you ever find out about getting on supplements to thicken your lining?

Holly

Feb is just a week from today! I'm very excited that T-Day is getting closer and closer!!!

Holly, my RE said that the couple days before my transfer we can add suppositories to my regimen to give it a little extra boost. But he said he's never been worried about my lining. I was reading a book last nite and it said that for a fresh transfer they want the lining to be at least 9, and for a frozen it only needs to be an 8 or higher. I think I've always come in right at 8 so I guess that means I'm okay. But I've never been one to accept "just getting by"... wish I had more control when it comes to this aspect of my life. Guess we all know how that is though, huh? But our children are going to be extra special to us, that I know for sure and I dream we all get our day very soon :angel:

PS - requesting my thread be closed. Thx girls for your support... we'll get a new one started soon! :)