Good morning
everyone (or whatever part of the day you are enjoying at your place). I know I
promised you to drop a line when I get some updates as to my current
stimulation procedure but I was so busy celebrating that I didn’t have time
to get to my lap top at all. A year
older now and it seems every person I know was there to congratulate me on this
occasion. Of course, I tried not to show that I’m not too much “overwhelmed”
with getting older. They all were so sincere. They told me so warm wishes and
took care of presents. It was the sweetest part of all the celebration. The
party was also great. My sister and her family came to our place for the whole
weekend. She helped us with cooking and serving. My husband decorated the house
with multicolored balloons and it looked really nice.
My parents also came to
our place. It takes them around an hour to get here by car, so it’s not so often
we see each other, unfortunately. Thus, it was our family reunion. Children
also had much fun together. It’s great that despite being a single child (currently),
my son Den has 4 cousins of more or less similar age. When they gather
together, it’s like a little “gang”.
Ok, let’s get
back to the topic. I wanted to update you with my news even back on Friday. I
got am email from my fertility clinic’s manager on Friday afternoon. It told
that they looked through my tests and give their green light for starting
hormonal treatment. Everything is within norm with my scans. Hormonal levels
show that the day of testing was the first day of my menstrual period. My doctor
told to make the first injection of Merional on the 10th day of the
period that is November 19. In 5 days, on November 23 I should be already in
Kiev. My doctor will do ultrasound to see if everything’s fine. They told that
since that day and up to the day of eggs retrieval I should stay in Kiev. By
now, I have a total of 11 days of hormonal stimulation but they may add more
days if follicles don’t grow the way they should. That’s why I should be there
in Kiev. They will monitor the situation on their own and will correct my
stimulation scenario if needed.
Of course, I’m
very happy that my results were good and that I’m starting stimulation with no
delays. As I’ve communicated with ladies on forums, many of them complained
that Dipherelin injection may give impetus to myoma growth in ovary/ovaries. Thus,
they need to postpone stimulation and treat myoma. Generally speaking, no one
knows how your body reacts on these medications. In any case, I’m so glad they
confirmed good results.
So, my first
injection of Merional is scheduled for Saturday. I hope that my mother-in-law
helps me again with injections but I’m not sure. This time I need her help each
day by the time we depart to Kiev. By the way, we already booked our flights. We
will travel all together, I mean all our family of three: my husband, me and
our dear son. The minimal time we’ll need to spend there is 8 days (maybe more if
they will have to continue stimulation). I hope that they will provide us with
comfortable apartment especially knowing that we’re traveling with our son. In
any case, medical aspect is still above everything else.
Loads of love on
you on this wonderful Monday morning and please have a gorgeous week everyone!
I took cetrotide for my last IVF, which resulted in bfn. After injecting I would get a red, splotchy spot on my stomach and would itch for about 30 minutes after. I believe that was a side effect of the med. It wasn't too bad. I took merional in my last cycle, it was the only drugs that was good for me (DOR) patient. I only produce 3 follicles which resulted in 2 good eggs. We had a BFP from that cycle.
ReplyDeleteCongrats!! I felt the same at the beginning of our egg donation route. (Here's my story in brief. We've been together with dh for 10 years. 2 years of which spent ttc. After we got no results we applied for a fertility expert's help. Soon I was diagnosed on severe endo. In haste we did try IUI, ICSI shots, despite dh's semen low count and motility. But it didn't work, as later we got to know my eggs were useless for the procedures. So we went on egg donation route with overseas clinic. We got our baby after shot#3.)
DeleteBut all the feelings still so hurt to remember. I saw so many others moving on. Why couldn't I? Why did counseling just make me feel worse? This was my husband's only option, in a marriage with me, at being a bio dad. But I felt so guilty for taking that away from him because of my defective body. And because of my selfishness of not wanting to see him mixed with someone else!! I knew he desperately wanted his own genetic child. Even if that had to be a child that would be half another woman. He was content with the DE option. He was supportive of fostering or remaining childless. Or throwing ourselves into volunteering and helping others. I knew he was hurting too and that option sounded nice. It took really LONG for me to get there. But I'm thankful I finally meant to. We're through 3 cycles of de ivf resulting in our adorable boy, enjoying every minute of being with him. I don't know how the things would have turned out to be if we happened to fail accepting egg donation.
The path is tough and difficult, but endurable. the story of yours proves it. Sending you all my positive vibes.
We all know, there is no magic number of follicles needed. Every woman’s body is unique. So is her response to ovarian stimulation. There are other factors which can affect whether a cycle is successful or not. Depending on the experience level of the ultrasonographer, the final count may vary. One technician may count 5, while another might see 6 or 7. On the whole,15 to 30 is considered a good number.
ReplyDeleteOverall, while follicle counts are useful tools in the IVF process, they are not the end of the story in regards to IVF success!! At bio texcom we were explained that, for example, a woman with a high antral follicle count may not end up with viable eggs. Due to issues with overstimulation or a secondary complicating condition. while a woman with a low antral follicle count could end up with a successful cycle. 'Cause while more eggs are better, just one can sometimes be enough! Choosing whether or not to move forward with an IVF cycle based on the number of antral or mature follicles seen on the ultrasound is always a decision that only you and your doctor can make.
What a kind soul you are! Thank you so much for what you're doing! It means more than you will ever know! I am so happy to read about your good news, good on your other half for helping you to get there too! I took a break from social media. including ttc forums and really spent the last few weeks reevaluating myself and I'm finally in a better place. My journey is still to happen but i havent lost hope just yet x
ReplyDeleteNice to read this. I actually this time round I have done acupuncture for 3 months before treatment and also the run up to where I am now. It’s supposed to help and my acupuncturist has had a lot of success stories. so I thought I’d try it. It’s made me feel more relaxed and not as anxious. My DH had it too. they sometimes provide discounts as a pair instead of one session just for you. I also drank alot of pomegranate juice this time after reading up that it’s beneficial with high vitamin c. I know some things can be myths but doesn’t hurt to try. Also this time I changed the vitamin supplements. I didn’t have any vital dha last time. but you need it according to some friends advise, it’s important for omega. I got these from Zita west. but you can buy on amazon. I use pregnacare too. I’ve also just bought a bottle of her 0-12 weeks pregnancy supplements to support the growth in transfer. They are a tad expensive but I wanted to try a different approach to see if it helps. Also, plenty of water! Drink lots. I hope you produce many of healthy eggs for the cycle!! Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your experience. I've been ttc for 14 months. Then took a long break - changes in personal life. Again being ready for another set of trying got no result. We had to apply for help at a fertility clinic. The only issue they found was low amh. dh is ok. Currently passing ivf with oe.
DeleteI can't really say I could give tips on how to survive every other month. We're in the same boat. I also have never experienced pregnancy and am already 41 yo. I feel time's looming. They do give us success rates of conceiving with own egg. BUT I'm not so sure. I have to loose some of my extra lbs as well. We're doing all we can to stay positive though this rollercoaster seems never end.
I am praying for this nightmare of living childfree disapear in a finger snap for all struggling ladies. But obviously it's more time consuming...
Sending you much of love and support
In Ukraine only heterosexual married couples can apply for surrogacy. Clinics offer photos of egg donors with family history, occupation/ area of study, previous donor history and physical details. IVF: $8,500. Surrogacy: $26,000 + Local egg donor, add $5,000 +. Donors/surrogates are screened according to age, genetics and lifestyle, mental and physical health. Among the legal issues - Intended Parents named on birth certificate to meet the criteria of countries such as the UK, single surrogates are available and DNA testing is available. No eligibility for Ukraine citizenship. I’d recommend everyone looking onto http://biotexcom.com which is awesome for this very sort of information.
ReplyDeleteLately they've published absolutely awesome piece of info~~
A unique method to get pregnant in your 40s with your own eggs!
BioTexCom Center for Human Reproduction offers patients who are above 40 and for those, who suffer from low levels of AMH, an innovative program that makes it possible to get pregnant with their own eggs. Mitochondria replacement therapy is an innovation and a breakthrough in the field of ART and the fertility treatment. This program gives women, who underwent numerous unsuccessful IVF cycles, aged 40+, patients with low mitochondrial functional activity, an excellent chance to give birth to a child who shares a genetic relationship with her and her partner. How is this possible?
Mitochondrion is one of the most important components of any living cell, including the egg. In simple words, mitochondrion is the cell’s energy station. Essentially, its work consists in supplying the cell with vital energy for its normal functioning.
Women that went through multiple unsuccessful IVF attempts, as well as of older reproductive age, need to restore oocyte mitochondria in order to successfully become pregnant. A woman can become pregnant only if there are functionally active mitochondria in her oocytes. Donation of mitochondria will allow thousands of hopeless women to give birth to a healthy child through IVF using mitochondrial donation.
To carry out such a procedure, an egg donor with a high functional activity of mitochondria, a patient, and sperm for in vitro fertilization are required. Healthy functionally active mitochondria are taken from a donor’s oocyte and integrated with the patient’s cells. Next, fertilization with sperm and transfer of a healthy embryo into the patient’s uterus is performed.
Sounds impressive, guys know what they do.
I've read somewhere the following. It is thought that only females contribute the fetuses mitochondrial pool but some data suggest otherwise. Historically, mitochondrial DNA has been used to match abducted children with their mothers or grandmothers. For example, in Argentina many children were taken away from their families during past dictatorships. Currently, mitochondrial DNA is being used to help match those children with their grandmothers. It's said, mitochondrial do exponentially more than just creating energy that’s why they are so important. It's said, mitochondrial do exponentially more than just creating energy that’s why they are so important. Genomic DNA and mitochondrial DNA are both passed off to offspring. While it is true that the developing fetus will derive most of its genetic material from their parents. They will also have the mitochondrial DNA of the donor. While the genes for some mitochondrial proteins are encoded within the genomic DNA, others are found in mitochondria. Each mitochondria contains at least 1 to 2 copies of mitochondrial DNA and each time a mitochondria multiplies it duplicates its DNA. Mitochondria and consequently their DNA are passed from mother to offspring. So basically if the offspring is a female she will pass on her genomic DNA and the donor’s mitochondrial DNA to her offspring. Normal genetic testing usually targets genomic DNA so no one ever thinks about the other unless diagnosed with a mitochondrial disorder, for example..But anyway this is quite the option to try out.
DeleteOne should watch carefully. After much gleaning in forums, I'd say Ukraine may be the choice. First, it is relatively affordable. After some research done, there are places with all-inclusive plans starting at 32k up to 50k. They cover absolutely everything outside the plane tickets. Also meds and all things that involve IVF for you if you are using your own eggs, surrogate screening and medical costs, and birth at the hospital. It is also the same price if you choose to use donor eggs instead, which is a nice back-up plan to have if things don’t work out with your own, at no additional cost. The strongest side is that one of the clinics there guarantees you a baby. In case the first surrogate doesn’t work out, they will try again with another one using your frozen embryos until they are successful. Also, it seems like Ukraine is one of the few places where the laws favor the intended parents rather than the surrogate. Here is what I read. Under Ukrainian law, the baby is yours from the moment of conception. Once the baby is born, the birth certificate is issued with your names and the surrogate cannot claim any rights. Lastly, this is going to be time-wise. Pregnancy tends to start right after embryos are created because many women participate in surrogacy in Ukraine.
ReplyDeleteHey lovely people here. Infertility is an experience that continually fluctuates in intensity and direction, so at different times you may have different needs and experience different emotions. There are no set ‘stages’ in this experience … There may be moments when being infertile dictates every facet of your life, whilst at other times you may act to change the direction of your life. The way you learn to deal with the experience of infertility will also be different at different times. Whatever your choice is my heart is with you!!
ReplyDeleteIt’s OK to let things out once in a while. Regarding this, blogs and forums can be really helpful. We are all here to help each other. Hope all seeking help get it soon. Infertility is a long stretch indeed. Trying, waiting, disappointments, loss, everything seems to come as a package deal.
DeleteHe, being the sweet man he is, totally understood. We went to a clinic. Took some tests. Soon I was though. Was hoping so much they wouldn’t declare me infertile. But this happened..I was having a hard time with infertility stealing my joy. Getting negatives every other month. I felt out, so of course I cried on and off seems all the time. Once I even came to the realization that I was letting infertility steal me of my everyday happiness!..
I found this somewhere on the internet. Read this, I think it’s true too ~
‘Obama retired at 55. Tramp started at 70. Sydney is 3 hours ahead of Perth, but that doesn’t make Perth slow. Someone graduated at the age of 22. But waited 5 years before securing a good job. Someone became a CEO at 50 and lived to 90 years. Someone is still single, while someone else got married. Everyone in this world works based on their time zone. People around you might seem to be ahead of you. And some might seem to be behind you. But everyone is running their own race, in their own time. Do not envy them and do not mock them. They are in their time zone, and you are in yours. Life is about waiting for the right moment to act. So relax. You’re not early. You’re not late. You are very much on time.’
I've been curious about lots of things concerning ivf as we've just started the treatment. We use own eggs. And here what I happened to come across: 'before, during and after cycle: NO CAFFEINE, TOBACCO, Non-Organic/all natural meat products/milk or ALCOHOL at all. It stays in your eggs! Before retrieval: take royal jelly and wheatgrass and have a lot of orgasms. After retrieval: no sex, take chinese wild yam. pineapple.' - That was the lady's success recipe. She also mentioned they had old eggs and sperm.
ReplyDeleteWe're currently getting prepared for ivf at a Ukrainian clinic. We've got to know much about thetreatment options here. And this is what we got to know about surrogacy process there. First, I'd say, it's relatively affordable. Costs vary from 32k to 50k. Clinic offers all inclusive plans which cover everything outside of the plane tickets. By everything I mean all things involving ivf if own eggs are used,surrogate screening and meds cost. It is also the same price if you choose donor eggs to move on. If the first surrogate doesn’t work out, they will try again with another using your frozen embryos until they are successful. If they do failure with the treatment plan they refund money paid. For me the most important is that under Ukrainian law, the baby is yours from the moment of conception. Once the baby is born, the birth certificate is issued with your names, and the surrogate cannot claim any rights. (Absolutely vice versa if we take the UK for example.) I believe all these facts are worth considering.
ReplyDeleteOh, sweety, I do understand you so much! Infertility is painful enough without adding guilt and shame to the mix. I feel for everyone going through IVF and any other sort of infertility treatments! My dh and I met at age 26. We decided to work on careers first. So we got married over 33. We decided to try for kids 4 years later after we got married. By that time we had a nice house, cars, and a stable income. We traveled and spent a lot of money on things we wanted. Were were proud of this.. We didn’t understand people having their kids at 20-25 yo. This way one had to stay at home with kids and the other worked 24/7 and the relationship went bad because one was never home..
ReplyDeleteAfter 2 years of trying we found out we both had problems. We passed seferal IUIs, 2 surgeries before we first got pregnant with a bean. But it only made it to 2 months I got to see the bean for seconds before it passed away. It really sucked. Since that time we made a huge break to heal mentally. It was a long 5 years of trying and it made our marriage very strong. It took longer for us. Our last successful ivf with own egg brought us our adorable son. We thought we were satisfied and would stop at this. But some time later we understood we wanted more kids. But applying for the same option became out of the question, as my dr told us my eggs weren’t going to cope. To crown that all, my heart showed off to be too week to endure pregnancy tension. So this was the straight way to surrogacy with donor egg. I think at this very point my personal ‘project me’ started.
So we had to go the donor egg route. It was very difficult to accept and move on knowing your genes will never be passed to your baby#2. I know I will not have the second child with any of my features. This was not my blood going to flow through a bean to nourish. But after we had discussed it all, I just knew that the baby will be ours. Our surrogate at Biotexcom is in the 3rd trimester now. She’s a big lovely lady with our little girl pushing her into ribs. We are looking forward to seeing her in a couple of months. Now I can spend all my time with my son and have a great life preparing things for the infant. All of you people trying do not give up! It’s us who want kids. It sucks to see people have kids who are poor and do not give a crap. Its not fair. It’s bad enough to be asked all of the time when are you going to have kids! So that people have to live with it every other day blaming themselves they’re deffective. I think the ‘project me’ never stops for those aiming at happiness!!