AGP, follies, fetuses and Mojitos - Life is good

You ask, I deliver here's the new post:  

Dee - sorry the nasal spray makes you gag.  What is your next step?

Heather - We need to start a birthday chart!  Don't you think?

Helen - Happy, happy birthday!

Ladies, please post your birthdays so I can start a chart.  I don't want to miss any of yours!

I did ask about  2 IUI's versus one.  I got the same answer I always get.  "There are no studies that suggest 2 IUI's are better than one well timed IUI.  We will certainly do 2 if you want two, but we don't believe it is any more helpful than one well timed IUI."   Since I'm being monitored daily with u/s now and taking the meds to stop ovulation.  I'm pretty confident this IUI will be very well timed.  

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Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dearrrrrrrrr helennnnnnnnnn
May all your wishes come trueeeeeeeeeee

Lisa - i agree with the 2 IUI thing. I am not convinced from my reading that it is more effective than the 1 IUI. I think you will be alright as you are being monitored so closely. on the nasal spray, I have at least another ten 10 days on it so I jsut have to get used to it. Blood test in 5 days.  

Fifi - you start meds today....how are you?

Heather do you parents know youre preggers?

Helen - shot lesson 6th March (done with husband willing to pay money for the pleasure)
Deepa - bloods 7th March (spraying stuff in nose)
Lisa U/S - 8th March (done with nosy staff alert)
FiFi - med 8th March (yay - starting today)
Jen - testing 8th March (yay - Jen need an update)
Magda - first shot 12th March (whats the price your DH is willing to pay to poke you?)
Heather - U/S 13th March (healthy baby/ies)
Dee - bloods 14th March
Mary - testing 17th March (hold that pee)

My birthday is on the 18th of June.

Dee
2.20pm Sunday

[ashort]

Hi girls...I never post on here but I was wondering if I could join?  I had a D and C on Feb. 29th and I'm waiting to start trying again.  Helen, happy b-day mines the 13th.  I just got back from dinner with my family.  It was nice but I can't get the baby thing out of my head.  My RE said the pathologist wants to send my tissue samples to Harvard.  They think I might have gestational tropoblastic disease.  I'm hoping not...I have none of the symptoms.  How is everyone else doing?

[Helen72]

Welcome to the sorority!  AGP stands for Alpha Gamma Prego  :)
When will they know the results of your tests?   I hope gestational tropoblastic disease is not it.  I am so sorry this happened to you again.  I was so happy for you when you got your BFP.  I sure hope your RE figures out what's going on.

Thank you all for your happy birthday wishes.  I am so depressed about turning 35 though.  When we started ttc my goal was to have a baby by 35.  Then I changed that goal and wanted to be pregnant by 35.  Oh well.....  I guess I need another goal.

[empty]

Hi Amy

Welcome! Hows your doggie doing? Of course you are more than welcome. I have read your posts and I am so sorry for the pain you are feeling. I hope you find us good company - we like to think we are! Is your birthday in 4 days? I have a bit of a time difference as I am in Australia, so your birthday is sooner for me.

All of us here are going through IUI or IVF (except Heather who is preggers but still remains as our TTC survivor expert). But nonetheless we are a good supportive bunch and always here for a vent whatever your TTC adventure brings. I wouldnt survive a day without these girls.

This will be my first IUI and as per the protocol this side of town, I start a nasal spray and then go onto to injectables in hopefully a week. I have had 2 failed pregnancies previously one resolved with a D&C and an ectopic with methotrexate.

Now I should stop yabbering. Let me know if you want me to add any dates on our list like a blood test etc.
Lots of hugs - Dee

[HeathJo]

Hi Amy--Welcome, welcome! I was posting with you in the Sept/Oct mommies until you had your m/c. I was devastated for you. I am glad to see, though, that you are proactively seefking answers, and are reaching out to new folks (us!) for support. I guess we are a little clique, but we formed randomly out of compassion and trust, and anyone is welcome to join at any time, so it's not a microcosm of the "social scene." We just make each other laugh, listen to each other cry, and totally support each other. Glad to have you :-)

Lisa--You know I think you should do the 2 iuis. Tanker Chic got pg that way with 2 follies. Also, Mary did that this cycle. It's ultimately up tp you, of course. Oh, and my birthday is May3rd. (I'll be 37 in less than 2 months!!! AAARGH!)

Deepa--Yes, my parents and sisters know I am pg, but, to be honest, are all pretty self-absorbed, so I have only heard from them twice (and the live 15 minutes away!) About your nasal spray: maybe you should chase it with a shot of orange juice to help with the taste???

Helen--We have talked about this whole "age is just a number" thing, but I understand the feeling of not having accomplished all I felt I should have by a certain age. SO, you can feel bad about it this week end, but then I must order you to move on!!! (As if I can order you to do anything!) Seriously, though, foucs on all you have already accomplished in life, as well as all you've learned TTC so far, and know you are closer know than ever to reaching this milestone. :-)

[babyalive]

Hi Ashort WELCOME!!  Heather is right, we sort of formed randomly and we welcome with open arms, and keyboards anyone wanting to share, needing support and to vent, whatever you need we try to be there for one another. As you know I am very, very sorry for your loss.  I hope AGP can be source of support and encouragement for you.  A few things to remember.  Never ask an AGP sister how she is feeling "down there".  Unless of course you are talking to Dee but, you might want to say "down under" instead.  Or unless you hear me mention a visit from my "little guest"  than it may be approbriate to ask how I'm doing "down there".  (Oh dear, I am really cracking myself up).   I hope you get the humor even though you haven't read the previuos post.  (I am just laughing hysterically.  It must be the heavy injections I've injected myself with this evening).  Hope I'm not scaring you away.  

Dee: Heather has convinced me that 2 IUI's just might be the trick for me "down there".  So, I'll be asking my dr. about it while he's "down there" tomorrow.  (Oh my, I have tears in my eyes I'm laughing so hysterically.) Could it be the Ganirelix that I injected tonight? I'm amusing myself entirely too much!

Ok I am starting a birthday chart and would like to send a birthday card to any of you brave enough to give me your address.  You can pm me if you'd like a card.  Any cyber sisters wanting to be on the birthday chain just send me a pm.  Or, if you're more comfortable give your date here and I'll be sure you get a birthday wish when the day arrives.    

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HAHHAHAHAHAHA - Lisa omg yes you would ask me how i am down under. And yes a visit from your little friend does warrant a cheeky how are you "down there".  I am laughing hysterically too but mine is due to the 3 glasses of wine  I have consumed this evening - I have no medical reason to be silly!

I reckon it wouldnt hurt to get the 2nd IUI. At the end of the day its to make sure you dont miss your O window so why the hell not. Make sure your doctor is looking up at you when you ask the question as you want to see his face rather than having it peering at you "down there"? Does insurance cover this 2nd IUI or are you completely self funding at this point?

Something ridiculous for you all -  I used a HPT and yes BFN ...please someone hit me over the head. How the bloody hell would i get a BFP when I was away from DH overseas. There was no action literally down there. I had sore boobs and i was getting paranoid. UGH! I am so dumb sometimes.

Helen - just so you know I was going to have kids when i turned 30 but I turn 34 this June so its kinda sucks. Maybe we should all have a pact that we will all get out BFPs in 2008. Surely even God can help us out on that one!


Scream
Dee

[babyalive]

Wine sounds like just the ticket.  I'll be drinking tonight since 2ww is approaching.  Oh my little Dee friend.  POAS when no action has taken place down there is very funny.  Hope is eternal!  I remember in Dec. when I didn't have any action down there I would have a day of feeling nasueas and think "Oh, hmmmmm...could I be pg?" and then "OH YES, there's been no activity down there this cycle...dummy.."   We are just so ingrained to being atune to anything at all happening to our bodies "down there".  Too funny.

[Helen72]

Lisa,
2 IUI's worked for several ladies on this forum, wannabemamma is one of them.  Doc's disagree though whether 2nd IUI improves your chances but sometimes you should do what feels right to you.  I would wait till your next cycle when you hopefully have more follies to have two IUI's.

Ashort,
how is your friend doing who gave birth to a baby with a heart problem?  Is it the same friend who made you and dh go to her baby shower?  That birth announcement must have been hell for you considering what you were going through.  I felt so bad that happened to you on top of all the pain you were in already.

Well, we are about to go look at some real estate in Austin since my parents are looking for a place to retire close to us so that they can help us with grandchildren that I am not carrying.  Fun-fun-fun!!!

Have a great weekend everyone!  I'll check in later when my parents go to bed.

[ashort]

Hi girls thank you all for making me feel so welcome!  I'm doing okay...okay I guess that's a lie...LOL...not really okay....I'm hanging in there.  I really thought this m/c would be easier because now I know it only makes things worse to dwell on it...I'm dwelling...LOL.  Outwardly, I'm playing it off nicely though.  I go tomorrow for another beta.  I hope it is 0.  If it's going up I'm in trouble with that GTD thing.  They still haven't given me the results yet.  I'm calling tomorrow.  I really don't think I have it but who knows??  

babyalive-  I would do 2 IUI's.  I think my RE does that too.  We were thinking about doing IUI before I got preg.  Now I'm waiting for my RE to give me "the plan".  Where are you in your cycle?  

empty-  Nasal spray?  What's it for?  When do you get your IUI, any good follicles yet?  Shea is okay.  He goes in for a second knee surgery on the 26th.  You wouldn't know it though...LOL.  He''s a good boy.  How's your lab?  I know what you mean about taking HPT.  I actually took an OPK the other night b/c I didn't have a HPT.  I wanted to see if I had any HCG in my system...it was negative...hope that's a good sign.  I'm sorry for your losses.  I know how you must feel....  Is methotrexate a form of chemotherapy?  If I have this GTD I need to have chemo and I think that means I have to wait a year to TTC again....  Oh, today is Sunday and my b-day is Thursday...so yep...4 days...  

Heather-  How are you feeling?  Did you do IUI and get preg?  How far along are you now?

Helen-  Thanks for asking about my friend.  She had the baby the day I found out I was m/c.  How weird is that?  It was the one thing that made me smile that day.  We went and saw him the day after my D and C.  He's really cute and healthy looking.  They say he doesn't need heart surgery for like 4 months.  She was the one with the baby shower.  I must say this has been the hardest thing for me and DH.  It's almost been a year of this preg./m/c stuff.  It was funny dh kept saying, "Give the baby back,  We have to go."  I didn't want to put him down.  I just kept looking at his hands and his little face.  My dh refused to hold him.  

35 isn't bad I'm going to be 31.  So I'm not too far behind you. My RE said he should have my results in a few days.  That was Wednesday and still no word.  No news is good new..hopefully...

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Helen - my parents do the exact same thing. While I was visiting thye wouldnt let me carry anything or walk too far!! What! I am not even preggers! But they do take very good care of me and  I know I should appreciate it.

Amy- my doc here in Aust has put me on a nasal spray for a week (morning and night) and this to make my body go into menopause. They then start me on injectables in a week and then half the nasal spray. This then gives them complete control over my body. I think I am about 2.5weeks away from IUI.  While I had my 2 previous pregnancies naturally, a HSG showed a blocked left fallopian tube so IUI will be my best chance at this point. Yes methotrexate is a chemo drug and I couldnt TTC for 3 months afterwards.Bailey my dog is well - its very warm here today 37 degrees and he isnt the biggest fan of heat so he is lolling around pretending that he is 110 yrs old. He is 3.5 ys old!

[ashort]

Empty-  Wow, the nasal spray sounds interesting.  I guess we don't do that here?  You must be so excited to start you IUI process.  Did they mention if IUI would help your chances of staying preg?  I'm just curious b/c I'm wondering if that would help me.  I guess your story is a little different b/c of your tube.  They can't do an HSG on me b/c I'm allergic to the contrast dye. My RE says I would have to have a lap. done to check out my tubes.  My dogs don't like the heat either.  Does Bailey love to swim?

[babyalive]

Amy,  I don't think Ian UI will help you stay pg, though it can increase your odds of getting pregnant.  I'm on cd 12 (I think - I'm really not counting this cycle!).  I have my trigger tonight, 1st IUI tomorrow and 2nd one the following day.  I do hope this cycle works though I am dissapointed that I only  had 2 decent follies.  Now they're telling me just one is mature enough, but they want to trigger for that one good one.

Helen, you will give them those grand babies!!  It's just a matter of time.

Dee, that protocol is so odd to me, to cause menopause and then restart your cycle.  It might be just the right thing for you though!  I really am pulling for you this cycle!!

Lexima/Mary/Fiona:  We miss you.

Heather,  I'm wishing you a day of zero nausea and pampering from dh!

[empty]

Hey Lisa and Amy

Here in Aust things do seem alot different. For eg IUI will always be done with injectables and very rarely with clomid. But for sure my protocol is very weird. Even here the nasal spray is always used for IVF only. My doctor is really aggressive in his approach and very certain in the way he does things. For eg in my first visit he had already put me down for Xrays, HIV tests, U/Sounds, HSG and for DH HIV and SA. You name it I have had the test! The good news with this is i guess I only saw him in Jan and by March I am already doing my IUI protocol - that truly is record time.

I dont think IUI will help me remain pregnant. But given the stats over here I have a one in three chances. Over here they give you 3 or 4 goes and recommend IVF thereafter.

Lisa- I am so excited for you. Is you trigger Ovidrel? I cant believe you have arrived already. I am so excited for you!!! You only need one eggie and the 2 IUIs back to back wont hurt.

Amy- Bailey is one werid labrador. We live near a dog beach and he hates swimming. He chooses to drink salt water and then has a weak stomach for the rest of the day.

[babyalive]

Amy & Dee, I may add Dear Sparky's picture back up to keep with the puppy theme.  He's not a lab but  he loves to wade in the water.   Not a big swimmer, but loves to wade and lollygag in the water.

That's funny that Baily doesn't like the water, but will drink the salt water.  (-:

BTW: You are all a bunch of youngens!   Nobody here can feel old yet because than that makes me the granny!  Young whipper snappers!

[Jen7900]

HI!!

Okay, here's the update...
My beta was moved from the 8th to the 11th (a scheduling mishap by the receptionist...ugh). I don't really have any symptoms or feel any different, so I'm just gonna prepare for a BFN. I started spotting (dark brown) last nite...probably right on time for AF.

I will keep you posted after the beta.

Hope all is well with all of you!! Oh, my bday is 11/8...I'm gonna be 30 this year!
jen

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Helen - shot lesson 6th March (done)
Dee - bloods 7th March (done)
Lisa U/S - 8th March (done)
FiFi - med 8th March (yay - where are you Fifi)
Lisa - Ist IUI 10th March
Jen - testing 11th March (yay!)
Lisa - 2nd IUI 11th March
Magda - first shot 12th March
Heather - U/S 13th March (healthy baby/ies)
Dee - bloods 14th March
Mary - testing 17th March (hold that pee)

[fifi blue]

Hi Ladies, I've been catching up reading your posts.  I hadn't laughed so much in ages.  Lisa and Dee you're the comedy double act of the year.  Never mind the country act Dee, I think you and Lisa should do stand up in Vegas.

ashort, welcome on board.  i'm so sorry for your loss.

well, i started gonal f on saturday and so far so good.  u/s and b/w on wednesday.

happy birthday helen.  i hope you had a lovely birthday. 35 is still very young, you've got plenty of time.  

i'm turning 40 on june 29 and i'm sick about it.  when i started ttc i thought maybe i can squeeze out two children before 40!!  how stupid was i.  now the years had gone by and i hoping maybe i can get pregnant before i turn 40.  i'm feeling so under pressure right now and don't know what to do.  i fed up putting my life on hold and not being able to make any plans.  i want to go home so much but can't and my family can't understand why i'm not coming home for my dad's anniversary mass.  he died april 30 last year.  he's been on my mind so much this weekend the it's all i can do to keep it together.  wednesday will be a year when i last saw him.  he got sick and died so quickly that i never got to see him before he died.  

sorry for the downer, i didn't really mean to write all that but couldn't stop.  maybe it's the gonal f.

fiona

[Helen72]

empty,
your nasal spray must have the same active ingredient as Lupron.  My first u/s appointment is on Thursday and I should start my Lupron injection that day if I get a green light.  Lupron basically acts as menopause so I am going to be your menopausal girlfriend here  :)  I have only one week of b/c pills left!!!  I will be starting (hopefully) my stims in about a week.  
My parents are really nice people who love me above everything.  They live for me and there is nothing they would not do for me.  However, since I am the only child I feel so much pressure to make them happy.  Sometimes I wish I had a reproductively successful sibling.

Fiona,
I can certainly understand the blues.  I never went home since I immigrated and missed my grandfather's funeral.  I hope you can send a good news home about addition to the family this month.  

Lisa,
I hope two IUI's will do the trick.

Jen,
good luck tomorrow!  I hope your spotting is just implantation and you'll get that BFP!

ashort,
I had a lap done few months ago.  Let me know if you are thinking about the procedure and have any questions.  Since you got pregnant twice on your own I don't think your tubes are blocked though and you probably don't need it.  

Heather,
hate to be like Lisa's friend but "how are you feeling down there"?  :)

[ms320]

Hi all.  Seems like I missed the comedy weekend.  You guys really make me laugh.

Helen:  Happy belated birthday.  35 is the new 21, so live it up! I'm very excited about you starting your stims.  Could be a baby brewing very shortly.  And how very nice it will be to have your parents close by when you need a helping hand.

Ashort:  Welcome to our little insane assylum.  By now, you must realize that the girls here are all a little "off".  By staying, you are admitting that you are one of us.

Fiona: I'm glad to hear that the injectables are going well so far.  Good luck with the b/w and u/s.  How often will they be monitoring you?  I think one of the things that make this TTC journey so difficult is that so much of your life gets put on hold.  I'm sure we'll all look back and think it was well worth it when we are mothers, but it is so hard while you are going through it.  It truly is all consuming.  Since you can't make it home for the anniversary mass, maybe you can arrange to have one said at your local parish.  It won't be the same, and your family may not get it, but it is something you can do for yourself.

Lisa:  I am keeping my fingers crossed for the 2 IUIs.  I guess we are starting a trend here.  It would be great if it worked for both of us.  We can call ourselves the 2 Follie, 2IUI, North of 40 sisters.  You know I am pulling for you.  Do you know what form of progesterone they will be giving you after your IUIs?

Dee: Thank you so much for the comic relief, and for your stellar record keeping.  Do we need to start paying you for the job?  Nasal spray ... yuck.  Any time I have ever used any type of nasal spray it makes me gag.  They all taste awful, run down your throat and make you uncomfortable for an hour.  Yikes.

Heather:  How is our group inspiration feeling today?  I can't wait to hear the u/s report.  I so get what you said about your parents and your sisters.  My relationship with my mother is similar.  While she is not what I would call self absorbed, she is very emotionally deteached.  I thin she is one of the reasons that I waited so long to TTC.  Whatever, that's her issue, not mine.  Anyway, hope you're feeling well.

Well, just one more week for me (unless AF shows up first)  I have had some feelings like she is at my doorstep, but nothing yet.  I am hoping that some of these feeling my be from the progesterone.  I am not planning of POAS - just going to go in for blood test.  Dee told me to hold my pee though, so I've been crossing my legs for days now.  Please Dee, let me pee!  My eyeball are starting to float.

[babyalive]

Mary, Mary, Mary,  I think Dee was drunk when she told you to hold your pee.  Take it from me, just let it all out..................ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..............now doesn't that feel better?!  
Can not wait until your results!  When will you go in for you b/w?

Fiona, I'm glad we can give you some comic relief.  I think Dee and I were starting to think we were amusing ourselves and being a bit self indulgent.  So, I am very glad to hear my humor wasn't wasted on myself.    

On a  more serious note, I am so very sorry to hear about your father.  Please don't apologize for sharing that with us!  We are here to support and listen even when if it's not a ttc issue.  You handle yourself with such grace.  I like Mary's idea of doing something for your father at a local parish. Or, perhaps, you and dh can have some sort of candle light ceremony at your home and call your family to share stories?  I'm sure your father is with you supporting you on this journey.  He may have been on your mind this weekend because he is walking beside you holding your hand through this process.  


Oh Jen, the 11th!  Da*m that is just too long, ok.  Deep breath, one more day....

Helen, What did you and the family do for your b-day?  Did you secretly wish for a bfp before you blew out your candles?

I am compiling a birthday chart and will post it later.  

OMG...OMG....OMG...my friend just called me and in a very serious tone said YET ONE MORE TIME "How are your feeling down there?"   OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  This time instead of getting upset...(I have told her countless times DO NOT ASK ME THAT!!)  I just started laughing hysterically.  She asked me what was so funny since she now understands she can't ask me that question during my 2ww, but I'm not in 2ww so why is it a problem?   LOL!!!!!  I just told her, you know I'm alright down there but you need to put that question to rest EVEN if I'm not in 2ww!  Hopefully she got it this time.


Oh boy.  So, Heather, how are things down there...down south I mean?  (-:

Amy, did you get your results yet?

[ashort]

HI girls!  Thanks ladies for being so welcoming! I got a call from my RE's office this afternoon.  My HCG is 29...YAY!  It's down from 324 last Monday.  Since it's going down I don't think I have the GTD.  The nurse asked my RE and she said when she mentioned my name he said to her, "I haven't heard anything yet."  She said she didn't even have to ask him the question.  It's good to know I'm on his mind.  I really think he thinks I don't have it either...I made an appointment to set up "the plan" with him.  It will be nice to have a plan.  I feel like I'm in such limbo right now.  

Helen-  Yeah, I think I'm going to skip the lap for now.  I can't imagine my tubes are blocked either.  So I think I'll hold off.  My RE told me that in NY nobody will do an HSG b/c I am allergic to that dye.  It really was just a small allergy...LOL.  He says no way!  My RE says the lap doesn't hurt though.

babyalive-  I remember Sparky.  Wasn't he lost a while back?  You should put his piic back up.  I need to put a pic of Juney on here.  It's so hard to get a good pic though...she gets too excited when you take her pic.  Shea will actually pose. He loves to have his pic taken. Good luck today and tomorrow.  I thiink you chances will be good with 2 IUI's.  All it takes is one good follicle.

ms320-  Don't worry I'm a little off too..LOL.  I feel right at home.  I was on progesterone with my last pregnancy and it makes you feel pregnant which is much like the af symptoms.  I will keep my fingers crossed for you!  I hate to test...last month I didn't get my BFP until 14DPO...so you can always get a BFP late.  You might is well wait for hte doctor.

empty-  It's good your RE is aggressive.  I like that...my RE is a little laid back but I think he is wonderful.  Sounds like he tested you for all sorts of stuff.  I asked to have the m/c screening or else mine wouldn't have tested me.  I came back as having compound hetero.MTHFR but that's it.  He says that's not why I'm m/c.  It's good they don't use the clomid.  it thinned out my lining.  I think I would rather do injectables.  If the nasal spray works go for it!  

Have a great night everybody!  I'll keep you guys posted.  Thanks for letting me join in hte fun!

Amy

[babyalive]

Hi Amy,  Yes Sparky was lost a while back.  All is well now.  He currently has a little issue with his tooshie that I may take him to the vet for tomorrow.  I tried medicating it myself tonight.  I'll give it 24 hrs, see if anything changes.   I haven't given him any flea meds in 6 mnts or so.  I think he may have 1 flea. This happened to him once before.  He had 1, just 1 flea and got this huge rash on his behind.  Poor guy, he looks miserable....down there(LOL)    )-:

I'm really glad you don't have the GTD!  That is fantastic!!!

[ashort]

babyalive-  Oh, poor guy.  Shea has been a mess. He will be 2 in July and he has had one knee surgery and will have another the end of this month.  In November he was so sick we had to put him on IV's at the vet.  Dh and I call him the $12,000 dog.  He has cost us a fortune at the vet.  Hopefully Sparky doesn't need to go.  Is he a Border Collie.   I thought that's what his pic looked lke but I can't remember.  

I'm hoping I don't have the GTD.  My Re said to hang in there a little longer.  My HCG is good though.

Do you know how long after it gets to 0 do you o?  I usually o around day 18 or 19 so I'm think I have a while.  I can't try till I have 2 periods...yeah, right...LOL.  I will wait one but 2 is pushing it...

[Helen72]

Do you remember Wendy80?  We were all in 2ww together when she got her first BFP with IUI+injectables.  She miscarried fairly early and then got pregnant again before she even got her period back naturally.  I think she is in her 2nd trimester now.  
My point is, if you feel you are ready to start ttc again and do not want to wait you do not have to wait for 2 cycles just for the sake of waiting.  Just do what feels right to you.

[Jen7900]

Got an update...

So AF came today and the RE's office said a blood test was unnecessary (i knew it). I go to the office on Thursday for a u/s and to talk about the plan. Surprisingly I'm not that sad! I always get so cranky towards the end of the 2ww but when cd1 starts i guess i feel like its a whole new opportunity to try again! Dont get me wrong...I was a mess on Saturday and had to give a lecture to a big group (probably shouldn't have done that HPT in the bathroom right before, huh?).

Okay, so here's my question for all of my seriously loyal and AMAZING AGP sisters...
The RE's initial plan was to do 3 cycles of IUI. The first (Clomid) and second (Follistim) failed and the third would be this new cycle. BUT, i have unexplained infertility (whatever that means) and he's not even sure my tubes actually work. I do, however, produce lots of handsome follies every month on these drugs (8 this month). For those of you that don't know me - a quickie update - I had to have half my colon removed last year after a miscarriage and some complications secondary to my Crohns disease. Since then, my scar tissue has been building up around my pelvic area and i've had a long history of serious inflammation in my intestines for the past 9 years, contributing to what the RE thinks is the problem. So every month I pay (out of pocket) $1000 and every month when it doesnt work, I feel like i've flushed the money down the toilet! I'm seriously considering talking to RE (so nice and quite handsome if i might add) about IVF sooner. I'm only 29, so there was no rush initially, but I don't know if the IUI is really gonna work if my tubes are messed up. My clinic has a clinical trial going on right now for women under 30 with unexplained infertility and the doc told me i would be perfect for the study (and the pharm company that sponsors it pays for the WHOLE thing - nice since my insur covers nothing). Here's my question (sorry so long and drawn out), do you think i should suck it up and do another IUI or try to push for the IVF sooner??

Heath Jo - Hows it going girlfriend? My best friend sucked on ginger root (raw from the store) to help with the nausea and it really helped. Also try ginger ale (sorry its the doc in me thats always trying to help!)

ashort - I followed your story and am SO sorry that you had to go through that. I'm glad your spirits are up and that your back on track. I'm not sure I would wait the 2 months either :) And your dog is SO super cute! I have to Golden Retrievers; one is 8 yrs old (Kobe - we are Laker fans), and the other is 14 weeks old (Parker) and is a white Golden so he looks just like your doggie! He's delicious!

Any thoughts on the IUI vs IVF thing would be great.

Thanks again!
Jen

[ashort]

Hi Jen!  Thank you for the update on  yourself.  I would've been lost.  If I were you I would just do IVF.  That must get expensive doing IUI...and frustrating.  I'm sure your RE will understand your situation.  At least he should.  I have a coworker that has Crohn's disease so I kind've understand what your going through.  She has had lots of surgeries.  I would say ask your RE it can't hurt.  It's funny you say your RE is handsome...mine's kind've geaky but cute in a nerdy kind've way...LOL.

Your dogs must be adorable too!  I like goldren retrievers the only thing is they shed a lot, right?  Good luck to you and sorry to hear about af....I hate that feeling...

Helen,
Yeah, I don't get the wait (2 cycles).  Last time he told me one.  I don't know why he's changing his story.  I'm going to ask him though.  Like I said he's kind've cute in a nerdy kind've way...LOL.  He's really big on research.  So he usually says, "The research has shown...."  It makes me feel confident that he is up to date...but IDK the research couldn't have changed that quick...LOL.  The thing is he said it to DH who said, "Amy, we are listening to the doctor."   I can't even lie b/c he's coming to "the plan" too...GEEZ!  So...we'll see. Yeah, I remember Wendy.  She was talking to me in my Sept./Oct. moms post.  I think she is due in the beginning of Sept.  She was really nice.  People like that are my inspiration....

Have a great night ladies.  I need to get to bed!
Amy  

[Helen72]

I am so sorry about AF  :(  Lecturing after a negative HPT must have been hell.  I teach myself and I know how difficult it is to pick yourself up and put on an enthusiastic façade after a BFN.  
My issue is similar to yours, scar tissue that grows in my pelvic area around an old surgical scar.  I had a lap done few months ago and scar tissue was covering BOTH of my ovaries thus preventing the egg going into my tubes for fertilization.  So, I did O on my own and had several follies with clomid but conception could never take place because of scar tissue.  Also note that scar tissue can damage your tubes.  It was not my case but it is very common for those with endo-related scar tissue.   Although my doc was able to remove all scar tissue during my lap, the surgical scar still remains and scar tissue tends to come back within weeks.  I am doing my first ivf right now since it’s the only treatment that goes around my “pelvic adhesive disease”.   Further cycles of IUI would not work for me and would be a waste of time and money (I had 2 IUI cycles and one natural cycle after my lap).  
Although you have many mature follies, please ask your RE whether scar tissue makes conception even possible for you.  If your tubes do not work you should think about pushing for ivf sooner especially if you have someone covering the costs.
Good luck to you and we'll be always here for you whatever you decide.

[babyalive]

Jen, I would certainly try the trial protocol if it were me.  It'll be paid for and they are going to work really hard to have a successful trial.   I would go for it! Have you had an HSG?  That'll answer some of your scar tissue questions.  I am very sorry about Af.  

[HeathJo]

Hey Guys--Just popped in the first chance I could. I have been plagued by morning sickness (more like"all day and night" sickness) and am still a bit queasy, but had to check in on ya;ll.

Jen--I say go for the IVF clinical trial,

Amy--Start TTC again when YOU want to.

Lisa--I have just gotten your pms and must answer them tomorrow when I am thinking clearly.

Mary,Helen, Fiona, Dee--I'll check back in when I can really catch up with ya'll. ((HUGS)

Your Puky Friend,

Heather

[Jackson_Angel]

Hey girls ~ need some advice here ~ hope you don't mind me breaking in ~ sounds like you all know what questions to ask your Doctors, and I'm running out of time ~ (Ins wise/June) ~ got a BFN today ~ went off the prometrium today ~ do NOT know what to ask the doctors for next ~ ESPECIALLY since I HAD to ASK to be oput on the injectibles ~ will be calling the "good" Dr. today to find out ~ but need to be prepared ~ Anyone/Anything..??..

THANX!

[Jen7900]

Thanks gals! I think I will push for the ivf sooner than later. I've had the HSG and all looks normal, although the RE said he wasn't 100% on whether the tubes were actually functioning - just open. I will keep you guys posted after I talk to the RE on Thursday about the plan.

Amy - RE is geeky cute too! But then again, whenever I see him he always greets me with "hey gorgeous", which helps too! Anyone who greets me as "gorgeous" gets the automatic lightbulb smile :)...even if he's kinda geeky!

Jen

[empty]

hahhahaah girls - you should see my doctor. he is like a hundred million years old and has a smirk AND told me IUI may not work for me. Yup thanks doc! Nonetheless he has got me this far so I cant complain.

Jackson Angel - i just wanted to say i have no idea how to help but I did read your question. Best of luck.

Heather - oh hon!!! I would would hold the puke bucket for you. Its all good if these signs are happening. baby is coming along nicely. Lotsa hugs.

Dee
tues 8.30pm

[Jackson_Angel]

Ok - just got off phone with Owner of practice ~ calling in 2-Menipure and foillistim 450..told him original "DR" wasn't as aggressive (Thanx LHughes) ~ he said the original DR was being practical that "at my age it wasn't as easy and he may have been a little harsh but was talking reality" ~ I said I wanted another session with the Follistim, then we would talk donor eggs  ~ he said fine ~ to come in after my period starts ~ so ~ just got off phone with other Owner and she is understanding I will not go to anyone but the Owners ~ THANKFULLY!!~ ~ so now waiting for period (sorry Girls ~ don't know ALL abbreviations, and frankly need to get my hiney to the gym to work off some of this stress ~ I'd say the bike for about 2hrs should do it..??..!!..:-))))

Anything further I should ask..??..

[Helen72]

Your new protocol sounds very aggressive, similar to an ivf dose.  How high is your FSH?  If it's really high many ladies on this forum achieved success with donor eggs so do not completely discount that option.  If it's not high, I would try ivf with your own eggs first.  So, keep asking about the quality of your eggs since the quality is more important than quantity.

You can find most of abbreviation at:
   http://www.fertilityplus.org/faq/acronyms.html

Welcome to the forum!!!

[Jackson_Angel]

~>Don't know FSH ~ will find out ~ HOPING this will definitely work ~ ONE LAST TRY ~ would rather have my own DNA in the child, but if not am agreeable to donor AFTER!!

[babyalive]

Hi Jackson,  It does sort of depend on your FSH level whether I would suggest donor or your own eggs.  I think I mentioned this to you in an earlier post, but IUI's are actually more successful with women our age because our eggs don't handle the retrieval/transfer stress of IVF very well.  If your FSH is high, say about 20, then this indicates the quality of your eggs is diminished (sorry for the downer!)  But, if your FSH is under 20, then perhaps a very aggressive IUI cycle just might do the trick for you.  My FSH has been 15, 16, and 25!!!!  So, I really know how it feels to be given a high reading.  It is devastating, but certainly not hopeless.  

If you decide to go the donor route, make a post on the  pregnancy over 35 forum and ask for clinics with donor eggs.  Someone on that forum gave me the website address of a clinic in NY that you can view bio's and photos of the donor women.(unfortuntaly I lost the address)  It really eased my mind about donors.  One of the 1st women I saw looked very much like me.  However, I am unable to afford donor eggs or I would have jumped on it right away.  IVF cycles with donor eggs can be as high as 72% successful on the 1st try.

Heather, I am so sorry you are not feeling well.  Oh boy, I guess this is the next leg of the journey.  Remember, it's temporary, it too will pass with time.  As you know it's a very good sign when your feeling miserable during pg.  It's indicative of a strong pregnancy.  Just keep reminding yourself. Puking is a good thing!   My cell battery is dead, I'm charging it now and will  phone you in a few hrs when it's charged.  (It's now 12:20p my time)

Dee, just waiting for AF?  Come on baby!!!!  This is the one chance she has of being a welcome arrival, bring it on sista'!

Mary You're almost there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! One more day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fiona, How goes the meds?

Helen, How goes hiding the meds?

Had my IUI this am.  Went swimmingly!  The count was REALLY high. They said one of the highest they've seen in a washed sample.  29.1 million. Typically it's around 10.  So, swim babies swim!!!

[fifi blue]

Wishing you lots of luck Lisa.  I'm praying for you.

Meds are going fine thanks.  Have u/s and b/w tomorrow morning.  I hope I've produced, I'm really nervous.  

Thanks for the words of encouragement yesterday ladies.  I was feeling very sad and weepy.  Much better today.
Heather, I hope you feel better but like Lisa said it's a good sign.

[ms320]

Lisa: Glad to hear it went swimmingly.  I can't believe you said that.  Hope those little swimmers are meeting up with Ms. Eggy as we speak.
Oh, how I wish you were correct in your thinking.  I actually have to wait until next Monday to test.  Not sure how I am feeling right now.  At times, I feel crampy like AF is just about here.  Then, the cramps just disappear.  Like Yogi Berra said, "it ain't over til its over" so all I can do is wait.

Fifi:  Glad to hear you are doing better and that the meds are going well.  Happy monitoring.

[Jen7900]

Crossing my fingers that one of those many million find their way to the treasure!! REST REST REST now and think positive things!

[HeathJo]

I'm having a rare nausea-free moment, so trying to stay in communication. It looks like the next few days are pretty key for all of us!

Fiona--Hoping and praying for good u/s and b/w results tomorrow. How long will it take for them to tell you? I am glad you are feeling more cheery. I have never lost a parent, but my grandmother died last summer after a quick 3-week fight with cancer and I am still devastated about it. It crops up when you least expect it. I take comfort in the fact that I believe she will hold my child/ren before I do, and watch over them and me.

Helen--Wow--only 1 week left of b/c!!!! What needs to happen so you can start the Lupron on Thursday? What does Lupron actually do?

Mary--I have kept St. Paddy's Day more on my radar this year b/c it is the day of your b/w as opposed to the holiday! The mysteriously appearing/disappering cramps could be a great sign. That is about the only super-early sign I had, and the only one indicative of implantation, as I had no bleeding. Geez I am so impatient to know!!!

Jen--I am sorry about AF, but she seems to be motivating you to look into this clinical trial. I would so totally do it, especially while you still qualify at age 29. Thabks for the morning-sickness help tips. Unfortunatley, the only thing that semi-works is a medicine called Zofran.My insurance will only pay for 12 a month!!! 20 pills will cost me about $400 if I can't get "prior-authorization" approval! I will totally pay for it b/c I have to, but what a rip!!!! 20 pills is only ten days worth, so imagine the cost per month! I hope this sickness goes away after a few weeks more.

Deepa-Thanks for offering to hold my puke bucket! A very safe offer to make seeing as how you live tens of thousands of miles away!!!!!!! (HAHAHA) I did not realize that your doc said IUI wouldn't work for you. Are you moving on to IVF also?

J. Angel--Welcome to the jungle! I hope your FSH turns out to be agreeable, but, if not, donor eggs sound like a very viable option and it has seemingly worked well for many, many people. I wish you all the best and look forward to your updates :-)

Thanks to you all for pointing out that this sickliness may be a good sign. It REALLY helps me to feel more confident. I will be exactly 7 weeks tomorrow, and that first u/s is day after tomorrow. I keep praying ahead that I can make it another week, and then another, and another, until I am past 12 weeks. I still have flashes of terrified paranoia about a m/c. Your positive energy helps stave that off.

I read that the embryo is the size of a blueberry this week, and will be the size of a raspberry next week. It was supposedly the size of a sweat pea last week. SO, a blueberry is 10,000 bigger than it was a month ago! If it kept growing at that rate. it would be BIGGER THAN THE SIZE OF THE SUN by the time of delivery! Wow, huh? And, OUCH!!!!

Here's to hoping I stay less queasy, at least for a few hours maybe (Please, God?!?)

[babyalive]

Fiona - Oh I can't wait to hear tomorrow about your follie-a-thon!

Mary - I thought Dee had posted you were going to POAS on the 12th?  OK.  I'll sit tight and wait a little longer.  If it goes too long I'll have to send a pm with "How are you feeling..down there?"  (hahaha)

Heather - "Size of the sun"   OUCHAWOWA!  I love the blueberry, rasberry, sweet pea reference, makes it all sound as sweet as it really is.

Thank you ladies for your encouragment and prayers and well wishes.  Let's start the BFP dance shall we???  (twirling, twirling, twirling.....)  
Dee look at me my head is up, my feet are together and I'm gently, gently, turning....

[ms320]

Heather:  Glad to hear you are enjoying a moment of non-nausea.  The cost of Zofran is pretty out of hand.  Can your MD work with your insurance co. to get authorization?  I remember once, many years ago, when I had really severe nausea and vomiting.  I literally couldn't take any anti-emetic medication by mouth because I would vomit it right up.  Anyway, I took Tigan suppositories and they worked very well.  I think they are much less expensive than Zofran, so maybe that is something you can ask about.  Or, you can try my favorite nausea remedy.  While some people swear by Saltines, Graham Crackers work much better for me.  Just throwing it out there kid, I know you know how to take care of yourself.  I love the whole "fruit" concept.  I bet you won't be smiling as much when you find it is the size of a watermelon.  Not just an ordinary watermelon either, but one of those Miracle Gro State Fair blue ribbon jobs.  Ouchhhhhhh!

Okay, so after weeks of hearing you all discuss Idol, I decided to watch it tonight.  I have watched it from time to time over the years, but I am not a huge fan.  Wow, I couldn't believe how some of the contestants butchered legendary Beatles songs.  It could only have been worse for me if they had been singing Rolling Stones songs.  Props to Carly the Irish girl --- she totally rocked.

[HeathJo]

Mary--HAHA You would only like the Irish one! But, she was pretty much the best one, and a whole lot of them really did SUCK tonight, big time, I have to admit.
MMMM Graham crackers sounds GOOD! I may have to send dh out for some. The saltines are getting old. I'll have to ask about other meds if the doctors authorization doesn't go through. Luckily, they have made Zofran mint-flavored and sub-linguil, so it just dissolves under your tongue. If I had to swallow it I would not be able to. I know the whole fruit comparison is precious! I get weekly updates from whattoexpect dot com. It's the site based on the book "What to Expect When You're Expecting." It's a pretty good site. Ooh, and don't even SAY watermelon-size--I can't get used to the blueberry, even!

[empty]

Hi Guys
Day 6 on my nasal spray and I am struggling a little. I am suffering from insomnia and every little bit of housework i do, makes me tired and hot. Other than that 2 more days for my injections lesson so I am pretty happy.

Lisa - how exciting!!!!! Its done -  now you need to take it easy ok! And make sure you tel us how youre feeling dow there. Wow your donor must be a super stud - is that why he is grinning so much in that picture!!!

Heather - a friend of mine used that site and i remember it cos she got through the entire fruit bowl. Luckily for you the sun is not a fruit :) I send positive vibes for your US soon. No i still can do IUI but I just have one of those dry humoured i wont promise you anything specialists! Guess he just doesnt want me to get my hopes up.

FiFi - good luck for the bloods and US tomorrow. I am glad the meds are going ok for you.

Amy - hope youre feeling ok? Will you be using opk to see when you O?
Mary - sorry i got the wrong date for your POAS! I will amend. Heres to a BFP when you do! Hopefully your eyeballs arent drowning.......hheeeeeeee

Where's Magda?? I knew she was flying but thought she would have posted by now.


FiFi - U/S and bloods 12th March
Magda - first shot 12th March
Jen - RE appt 13th March
Heather - U/S 13th March
Dee - bloods and injection lesson 14th March
Jackson Angel - awaiting A/F
Mary - testing 17th March
Lisa - TWW

Love ya all
Dee
Wed 6pm

[babyalive]

Amy,

I've added some pictures of dear sparky on my profile you can look at them if you like.


Dee,

Sorry the nasal spray is giving you insomnia and fatigue.  I'm experiencing the same thing.  I'm up for work this am about 1 hr later than usual, won't be going on my walk this am.  Just too darn tired.

You can also add Helen who'll be starting her Lupron, I think Thusday.  I'll dbl check.  


Heather/Mary,

Yes Carly the Irish "one" did do a fantastic job.   I actually really liked Jason's performance even though grumpy ole' Simon didn't.   I agreed with Paula most of the night.  Oh poor little David the young one.  He really bombed.  I think the country chic from my home state Oregon is going home.  I haven't liked her from day one, and I really wanted to like her since she's from Oregon and a horse trainer like myself (another profession before teaching).  But, I"ll be glad to see her go tonight.  Chickeeze rocked the house also!

Helen,

Thinking of you and wishing the b/c time passes quickly, the Lupron doesn't give you any adverse effects and your procedures go swimmingly as well!


Fiona,

Anxiously awaiting your b/w - u/s results, doing the follie dance, and hoping you are the winner of dancing with the follies!

[Helen72]

So sorry about bad side effects you are having.  Fiona posted some info on side effects of Lupron about two weeks ago.  Your nasal spray sounds like the same thing as Lupron and seems like you got some of the nasty conditions that website warned everyone about.  I am going to get my own preview of menopause this week; I hope to start Lupron tomorrow.    
I hope you are feeling better and more energetic!!!

[fifi blue]

Well, I don't win any follie award.  Drum roll please, on the left I had a 16.5 and an 8.  Right 14, 12 and 2 very small follies.  How pathetic is that!  I'm on 450 of gonal f and that's it!  I'm so disappointed although I suspected as much because I really didn't feel any activity "down there" in my ovaries this time.  Waiting for the b/w results but I don't know if ivf will proceed.  I know there's a cutoff and I think it might be 3.  Mary, I know they cancelled your ivf for the same reason, do you know the cutoff number?

Dee, sorry you're feeling so bad.  Hope it passes quickly.

[Helen72]

Oh Fiona,
I am so sorry!  Do they know why you respond so poorly?

[fifi blue]

No, at least they've never told me.  I've never responded well to meds.  I think the most follicles I've ever had was 7.  Obviously I have diminished ovarian reserve although my last fsh was only 7.4.  

[Helen72]

If you are using ICSI proceeding with ivf may not be a bad idea since all you need is two-three good ones anyways for transfer.  However, it would be so painful to go through retrieval and be in position you were in last time.  When is your next u/s?  You should press for some clear choices.

Have they suggested donor eggs?  Is that an option for you?  Of course you have to be comfortable with those but many ladies on this forum had good success using donor eggs.  It just breaks my heart how much effort you have to go through each time.

((HUGS))

[fifi blue]

Thanks Helen, I'm getting to the point now where I am thinking about donor eggs.  I can't believe its come to this but I want to have a child and more than that I want my dh to have a child.  He comes from a family of 3.  His sister can't have kids (childhood illness) and his brother is bipolar, not married or dating.  I get 4 ivf attempts with my insurance but pay for meds out of pocket.  Because of the high dose I'm taking, it cost $5k.  I'm not sure I want to continue paying all that money for meds if I'll never produce enough follies.  It might be time to cut my losses.

I'll get b/w results later and find out if ivf will proceed.  At this point it can't hurt (much).

[ms320]

Fiona:  Sorry to hear about your disappointing results.  I was on a high dose of follistim as well, and imagined I would have a colony down there.  They didn't give me a cut off number, because they ultimately left the decision up to me.  I only had two follies, I may have considered going forward if I had three.  My reasoning was that I am fully insured up to $50,000 for infertility. DH also has a $50,000 infertility benefit, so SA, washing and freezing doesn't even come out of my limit. My limit also doesn't include any meds.  My meds are covered seperately, and they only cost me about $150 in co-pays.  As such, I opted for them to convert to IUI, adjust my protocol if IUI is unsuccessful, and give myself the best chance possible.
Are they going to see if they 8mm follie can catch up.  If they do, you can potentially have 4 good sized ones.  I will keep you in my thoughts.


I am still hanging here waiting to see if AF will show.  No cramps or anything this morning.  Last night I had some weird short duration, sharp pains on my right side.  I hate this part of the 2WW where you read into everything.

I have been trying to keep myself busy this morning so I owuldn't think too much about everything.  Tomorrow is my nephew's 4th birthday so I went out and bought him a set of drums.  It is about the most obnoxious gift I could give, but that's what he asked me for.  How can Aunt Mary say no?  I am sure my soon to be ex SIL will hate me, but that's just and added benefit.

[fifi blue]

Okay, so I'm going forward with ivf.  Talked to the nurse and they cancel when there's only 2.  I have 3 and possibily 4 follicles.  Here are my numbers, can you let me know what you think?  E 480, LH 4.3, Progestrone 0.4 and lining 6.8 (that needs to be thicker).  Taking 450 gonal f and antagon tonight and another shot of antagon in the morning.  Another u/s and b/w tomorrow morning.  I'm also seriously thinking about changing dr.

[Helen72]

I hope you will have 4 mature follies for your retrieval.  Your progesterone will go up once you start the supplements and your lining will be thicker after HCG shot.  

It's difficult to give advice about doctors but you should make sure which docs in your area work with donor eggs if that is the route you choose.  Not every clinic does that.  I hope you get a golden egg this cycle though and don't have to make these decisions.

[fifi blue]

Thanks for the advice ladies.  Mary, sounds like you made the right decision.  I'm praying for you on Monday.  Helen, thanks as always, you're the best.  

[empty]

Hi FiFi - i am glad youre going ahead with the IVF. I am praying for you for your bloods and US tomorrow. Let us know how you get on.

Re: doctors, I got cold feet when my doctor said point blank to me my next step was IUI. I was like what the hell!!! Surely I can try clomid first. I totally disagreed and called up about 3 clinics and then realised that my doctor was just doing what he knew were my best chances at success. Can you have a have a talk with your doctor and tell him/her your issues? Soemtimes you just need that wee bit of confidence that your doctor can give you.

Sorry my reply sounds a bit dumb but I am blaming it on my lack of sleep!

[Helen72]

I am reading throgh the folder I got from my doc and I found the following info about estradiol levels:
A mature follicle produces 200-300 pg/ml of estradiol.  The goal is to have estradiol level below 3000.  Levels far above 3000 indicate potential OHSS.  So your E level is definitely OK.

Also, will you be taking estradiol after your ER?  It supposed to prepare uterine lining for implantation.  

[ashort]

Hi girls sorry I have been MIA.  I'm trying to plan an observation for my principal and it's not going well...I'm freaking out...LOL   I just got back from a b-day dinner with my MIL and I thought I's stop and check in.

babyalive-  Sparky is so cute!  Is he a border collie.  They are so smart.  Your neice looks just like you..

fifi-  I'm sorry about your follies.  I don't know that much about IVF or gonal f but I hope everything works out for you.  Can they give you more gonal F?  It's a shot, right?  Sorry I sound so dumb.  I haven't moved on to injectibles yet...although maybe that is next?  What day are you in your cycle?

Heather-  I'm glad to hear things are going well.  Did you have an u/s yet?  I hope you don't feel too sick.  Although they say that is a good sign.  

empty-  I'm doing well...well accept for my job.  I'm starting to think I'm crazy.  I will use OPK's to see when I o.  Oh, and I also take my temp.  It's been pretty good since my m/c.  Although, I'm not sure when day 1 should be.  I used my D and C as day one.  It will be 2 weeks on Friday.  I started temping like 5 days ago.  My temps are okay.  I can't even try this month though.  I refuse to listen to the RE once Af is here it's game on for me.  Well, I have to wait to get my GTD tests back.  I still haven't heard yet.  Tomorrow is my b-day I don't want bad news on my b-day...I could use some good news though.  How long do you have to take the nasal spray?  I'm sorry about your side effects.  I got hot flashes on the clomid and I was on the lowest dose.  Just remember it's all for a good cause!  

Jen-  My RE doesn't call me gorgeous...but he does listen to all my ****...LOL.  You know I don't know how he does it.  I can't imagine have at least a hundred or more of me.  I have so many questions...LOL.  He did tell me one day that teachers need to know everything.  I'm a teacher and each time I go in for u/s and blood work there are many of us there (teachers).  I guess we aren't afraid to seek out help and we love children.  I tell Dh I don't know how my RE does it.  He even answers email...at 9:00 on a Sunday...what?  So nerdy as he might be that makes him an attractive nerdy man...LOL

No results yet from my tests.  Dh wanted me to call RE again but I resisted he will call when he knows something.  I really don't think I have it.  Dh is going to eat us out of house and home.  The stress is KILLING him.

Good luck ladies!

[LJ307]

Fiona,

I'm glad your IVF will proceed, at this point what have you got to lose?  I say go for it.  You have at least 3 follies that may be mature enough.  That's good.  That is so sweet of you to want to give dh a baby.  I get so caught up in my own need to have a child and in my sister girlfriends to  have a baby that I forget the male 1/2 of the equation.  Your a very good wife!  Does your ins. cover donor eggs?  You know I would do it in a heart beat if my ins. covers it.  

Mary,

I know 2ww is so very difficult.  What day do you POAS?  


Amy,

Yes, Sparky is a Border Collie.  He's the sweetest dog I know.  But, of course I'm biased.

You are going to do great with your observatioin.  Just make it something that you normally do, routine kind of stuff.  That way no surprises, no fuss and your admin. really wants to see what a typical lesson looks like in your room.  Though I'm sure you've been through this before.  I always stress about them too, even though I've always gotten very good reports and comments - I stress nonetheless.  You'll do great!


Sorry I don't have much to say tonight.  I am very, very tired.  The short little 5 minute walk I did with Sparky tonight was all I could muster up the energy for.  Must be the hormones.  They just sap the energy.

  

[LJ307]

Oops.  Just realized I was still on my old account.  I had a couple of pm's to read so I logged on to read them.  Then I forgot to switch over.  Sorry for the confusion!
Lisa

[ashort]

Lisa,
Thanks...you are a teacher too?  I'm a spec. ed. teacher in a reg. ed. classroom.  I have 5 spec. ed. kids but I'm respondsible for the whole class.  There is a reg. ed. teacher in my room also ( inclusion class).  We teach 3rd grade.  I'm just having a hard time b/c my principal is a perfectionist and she is KILLING me.  I think it's on purpose though...long story.  I'm doing a character education lesson on teamwork.  It's something completely foreign to me so it's throwing me off.  I guess you could say my forte is working with children on the Autism spectrum.  I guess you get to know what you are good at once you try other things.  I've spent a lot of my time working with pretty low functioning children and switching to higher functioning children has not been easy.  All I can say is my parents are all VERY happy and the children are making progress.  I need to keep that in my head...and stop doubting myself.  

You know what I just realized...on my last post they * out the word c*ap..that's weird...that's not a really bad word...LOL

Have a nice night!

[ms320]

Fiona: I'm glad you're going to go through with the IVF.  You've already invested a boatload of $$ for the meds.  If I had 3-4 nice sized follies, I definately would have gone through with it.

Lisa:  LJ307/babyalive.  Are you suffering from multiple personalities?! Sorry you are feeling the fatigue of the hormones.  I have decided NOT to POAS this time.  I have to go in Monday for b/w, so I must hold out until then.  I feel strongly about it now, but I will probably cave.  I am soooo weak. 4 more days.

[HeathJo]

Fiona--I agree with everyone here about going forward with the IVF process. I am unsure how much more time you have to grow more or bigger follies, but having 3 viable ones is sometimes the limit other doctors will even transfer. What will your schedule be in terms of retrieval? You should try IVF at least once using your own eggs, so gor for it, girl!

Mary--A drum set?!? I love it--they will be tortured for YEARS! Personally, I agree with doing b/w straight out. My Mom never tested positive when she was pg with my sister, and I got BFNs at 9 and 11 dpiui. My tests may have just been c r a ppy, but still, I have heard a lot of stories about people getting BFNs when POAS and then finding out they were pg. Sending lucky shamrocks to you!!!

Deepa--Insomnia and nausea both suck. At least you only have 2 more days until your injecatbles instruction, and that may help distract you. How much longer on the nose spray?

Lisa--I hear you about zapped energy on injectables. They really exhausted me and gave me sleepless nights also. As I have said to you before, Clomid and then the Femara + Injectables all made me feel tired, nauseous, fat, heat flashes, etc., not to dissimilar form being pregnant. So, I kind of feel like I have been pregnant since October (with one month off in January. However, the degree of fatigue, sickness is soooo much greater, and the heartburn is a B*ITCH!!! It's all worth it, though.

Amy--I would have the exact same attitude as you do about TTC as soon as AF shows. I mean, you gotta get right back on that horse! Also, I am sure your b/w is fine, as they would have told you by now. Good luck, and give your hubby a nice back rub--it'll help relax him and keeo him from binging (works for my dh, at least)

Helen--I just realized your big appt. is tomorrow (I thought it had been today already for some reason). I am thinking as much about your "results" as I am about mine tomorrow! I can't wait to see those numbers :-)

ALL: Just a quick note to all of you about trying Femara + Injectables. I haven't heard anyone else trying this protocol, and it worked really well for me. Maybe that is just specific to me, but I only produced on follie on Clomid alone. Many women on this frum using Femara alone have reported good results. Just throwing this out in case anyone wants to ask their doc about it.

Sorry I have been MIA again today. I have either been nauseous beyond words or asleep. The positive thing about this is that I haven't really had time to be nervous about my first u/s tomorrow. Hopefully I won't be up all night thinking about it! For now, my attitude is that I have no reason to worry, so why create one? I am actually just more curious, especially to see if I have one little blueberry in there or more :-D
I'll let ya'll know ASAP.

((HUGS))

[magda_s]

Hello everyone!
I'm going to keep this very short as I need to get in to the office as this is my first day back and I plan to leave early as we're going to Beirut!!!!!
The trip was ok.  Seeing my sister was GREAT.  Delhi was so-so.  Not Delhi itself but the conference.  I used to LOVE them.  This time I just couldn't get into it and just wanted to come home.  Perhaps it's because of all this and wanting to get going.
However, it wasn't helped by the fact that I ended up sufferring from a fairly bad case of "Delhi Belly" and spent the whole of my last morning running between bathroom and bed and the rest of the day feeling very clammy and wandering about on shaky legs.
The cool part is that I got an upgrade to business both going from Doha to Delhi AND from Delhi back to Doha.
I haven't been able to read everything... there's SO much!!!  But...
Dee, I see you're still keeping tabs on who's doin what so; I started my shots yesterday as planned.
Errr... didn't understand the "How much is your DH willing to pay for the privilege" bit... what did I miss???
Also, looks like we have two new 'members'... Jen and Amy I believe, yes?  Welcome to you both.
Lisa, I just caught something as I was scanning through looking for Jen and amy's names... you were a horse trainer??  I used to train Arabians back in Abu Dhabi.  Ah, the good old days when my thighs were solid rock!!!!!

[magda_s]

Hello everyone!
I'm going to keep this very short as I need to get in to the office as this is my first day back and I plan to leave early as we're going to Beirut!!!!!
The trip was ok.  Seeing my sister was GREAT.  Delhi was so-so.  Not Delhi itself but the conference.  I used to LOVE them.  This time I just couldn't get into it and just wanted to come home.  Perhaps it's because of all this and wanting to get going.
However, it wasn't helped by the fact that I ended up sufferring from a fairly bad case of "Delhi Belly" and spent the whole of my last morning running between bathroom and bed and the rest of the day feeling very clammy and wandering about on shaky legs.
The cool part is that I got an upgrade to business both going from Doha to Delhi AND from Delhi back to Doha.
I haven't been able to read everything... there's SO much!!!  But...
Dee, I see you're still keeping tabs on who's doin what so; I started my shots yesterday as planned.
Errr... didn't understand the "How much is your DH willing to pay for the privilege" bit... what did I miss???
Also, looks like we have two new 'members'... Jen and Amy I believe, yes?  Welcome to you both.
Lisa, I just caught something as I was scanning through looking for Jen and amy's names... you were a horse trainer??  I used to train Arabians back in Abu Dhabi.  Ah, the good old days when my thighs were solid rock!!!!!

[magda_s]

Hello everyone!
I'm going to keep this very short as I need to get in to the office as this is my first day back and I plan to leave early as we're going to Beirut!!!!!
The trip was ok.  Seeing my sister was GREAT.  Delhi was so-so.  Not Delhi itself but the conference.  I used to LOVE them.  This time I just couldn't get into it and just wanted to come home.  Perhaps it's because of all this and wanting to get going.
However, it wasn't helped by the fact that I ended up sufferring from a fairly bad case of "Delhi Belly" and spent the whole of my last morning running between bathroom and bed and the rest of the day feeling very clammy and wandering about on shaky legs.
The cool part is that I got an upgrade to business both going from Doha to Delhi AND from Delhi back to Doha.
I haven't been able to read everything... there's SO much!!!  But...
Dee, I see you're still keeping tabs on who's doin what so; I started my shots yesterday as planned.
Errr... didn't understand the "How much is your DH willing to pay for the privilege" bit... what did I miss???
Also, looks like we have two new 'members'... Jen and Amy I believe, yes?  Welcome to you both.
Lisa, I just caught something as I was scanning through looking for Jen and amy's names... you were a horse trainer??  I used to train Arabians back in Abu Dhabi.  Ah, the good old days when my thighs were solid rock!!!!!

[Jen7900]

I'm a teacher too! Well, I'm actually a professor these days. I teach at Pepperdine University, both undergrads and masters students. That's my night job...oh, as well as being superwife (yea right), exercise diva (sometimes), new mommy to my pup, and forum obsessor!  By day I am a geriatric neuropsychologist - basically i do lots of Alzheimer's evals and dementia research. I used to work in pediatrics with many children in spec ed (PDD and LD kids mostly) doing their evals. I am always so impressed by special ed teachers...what patience you must have!

HeathJo - thanks for the femara suggestion. I will definitely ask RE tomorrow (in the moments when i'm not thinking about his devilish handsomeness, of course!). Can't wait to hear the results of the u/s tomorrow!! Good Luck!!!

AI fans: I still live to love young David, but am developing a secret love affair with David Cook!

[empty]

Magda!!!! Welcome back. Sorry about your bad tummy. I always joke that I need to pay a visit to India cos i have to lose 10kgs. Its a health farm of a different sort hey :)
The paying for the pleasure comes from Helens husband who told her doctor he was willing to pay $10,000 for the pleasure of giving her the injections.

Heather - hon i am so sorry youre so ill - i cant wait to hear about your results tomorrow as i am so very sure that given your symptoms youre absolutely fine. I will be praying for you tomorrow. I have now been on the spray a week and I am exhausted as the insomnia is just so bad. I am literally only getting 3-4 hour sleep max a night. I have my bloods  and injection lesson in 12 hours and if the levels are where they should be I should only have to dose myself once every 24 hours as opposed to once every 12 hours at the moment.

Lisa / Heather - Oh god please tell me injectables dont cause insomnia - i might have to call you guys and entertain myself as no one on this side of earth will be awake!!!

Jen - how exciting your work sounds. It would be very rewarding but busy!

Amy - BIRTHDAY!!!!!! 13th March
FiFi - U/S and bloods 13th March
Magda - first shot 12th March
Jen - RE appt 13th March
Heather - U/S 13th March
Dee - bloods and injection lesson 14th March
Jackson Angel - awaiting A/F
Mary - testing 17th March
Lisa - TWW

I am driving DH a bit nuts at this stage (about my appt tomorrow) as I am running around the house yelling "are you excited about tomorrow are you are you ". Naturally sleep deprivation causes very strange delirious behaviour

[ms320]

Heather: I woke up this morning thinking about our appointment.  Can't wait to hear all about it.

Fiona:  Good luck with the u/s and b/w today.

Amy: Happy birthday!!!!!

[sarahhoping]

Hi girls!
I was wondering if I could join your group? I have PCOS and just started my first round of clomid with an HCG shot. I had the shot on friday @ 5pm and BD sat sun and mon. I work for an Ob-Gyn and find it hard to ask questions thinking they will look at me odd. I work as a receptionist and it is very hard to see all the young girls and whatnot with baby bumps!!!

[fifi blue]

Welcome Sarah, good luck to you.  I can't imagine how difficult it must be working where you see all those baby bumps.

Heather, good luck with your u/s today.  Can't wait to hear all the news.

Welcome back Madga, we missed you.
Happy Birthday Amy.

Just got back from u/s.  It gets worse.  L 16 (yesterday it was 16.5). R 17.5, 12.  So, the 12 didn't grow from yesterday nor did the 8 which she didn't even measure.  Waiting for b/w results but have to go back in tomorrow morning.  Will probably trigger tomorrow night which is only day 9 and have retrieval on Sunday.  I'll wait until tomorrows u/s but I'm thinking about cancelling ivf.
  

[sarahhoping]

has anyone had the hcg shot and if so any flu like side effects?

[Helen72]

Amy,
HAPPY BIRTHDAAAAY TOOOO YOUUUUU!!!!!
You are lucky you cannot hear me sing it for you since I have no ear for music and no voice  :)
I hope your observation class went well.

Fiona,
I am so sorry about your latest results.  The decision to cancel or convert your ivf into IUI is up to you.  I am not sure what I would do in your place.  

Magda,
welcome back!!!  How many b/c pills you have left?  I have only 5 left.  Hope to start my Lupron injections today.
As for my dh, he is dreaming to stick long needles into my *** and says that he is willing to pay $10K for the pleasure.  We were looking at my meds yesterday and he is getting excited about progesterone in oil shots  :)  I know, he is really funny in a weird kind of way.

Jen,
I teach at UT-Austin full time.  Wow, so many teachers on this thread!

Sarahhoping,
welcome to the group!
Sorry I do not know the answer to your HCG question but several ladies here will respond.  
Good luck to you this cycle!!!  I hope clomid works for you.

[Helen72]

How are you doing?  What's the news?  
We are all rooting for you!

[empty]

heather its 6.30am fri here and i am just sending positive vibes your way!

fifi - i am sorry about the US results. Are you thinking more IUI? Does your insurance cover the IUI costs if you convert it? Hugs hon.

Welcome Sarah - I would find it so hard to work somewhere where I see baby bumps all day. I havent done a HCG shot yet as I am still awaiting my first IUI - so i cant answer you quite yet.

Helen - good luck on the Lupron, i managed to get 5 hours sleeps last night - so i feel alive at least.

Amy - Happy Birthday dearest. May the year ahead bring you a brand new baby!

Ok off to my bloods - see you homies later

[HeathJo]

Hey guys--thanks for all the positive vibes and thinking of me/us. The good news is that I am VERY and healthily pregnant! The not-so-good news is that I am pregnant with triplets, and I am being sent to a perinatologist because my RE and OB are pretty convinced that only 2 are viable. Baby C is just not looking so strong, and they are worried about my health in particular for a variety of reasons. But, Baby A and B have strong heartbeats, great big fetal sacks and sturdy fetal poles. I go back to the RE in two weeks for another u/s, but will probably see the specialist in a week or so to start monitoring me and Baby C specifically.

I'm not really upset but more concerned and little scared. I am sick as a dog 18-20 hours out of the day so thinking clearly is a little difficult right now. One day at a time :-)

[fifi blue]

Heather, I'm happy that you're not upset.  You've got two very healthy babies and that is a gift.  Baby C is in God's hands and whatever happens will be for the best.  Hopefully, nature will take its course and you won't have to make any decisions.  I'm praying for you.  

Dee, I'm going to go forward with IVF right now.  I'm hoping for 3 follies but who knows stranger things have happened and you only need 1 good egg.  At least I'll know the quality of eggs from ivf and can make some decisions based on that information.  As long as they get them this time!!

Sarah, I've taken ovidrel as a trigger in the past and have had no side effects.  I'm taking hcg tomorrow night (i think) and will let you know.

fiona

[Lexima]

OMG HeathJo, so you wanted twins and got yourself triplets.  I hope the specialist will give you some answers soon, about the 3rd baby.  But I'm glad that A and B are OK.  
I'm sorry you're not feeling well, it's for a good cause, that's what I'm telling myself although I really can't complain, I haven't experienced bad morning sickness, just some on and off nausea.

Keep us posted.

[Helen72]

Congrats!!  I am so happy for you!  I'll pray for you and all of your babies.  
Best wishes to you and your dh.

[ms320]

Heather:  Two healthy babies is wonderful, and I am glad you are not upset.  It's okay if you are a little saddened though.  I will pray for you and all of your babies.

Sarah:  I took an HCG trigger and didn't notice any flu like symptoms. Afew days after, I was very tired -- not sure if it was the HGC or the progesterone I started taking.  It isn't a bad shot though

[Jen7900]

HeathJo - WOW. What a blessing. We will all keep thinking only positive thoughts and sending healthy and strong energy to Baby C. I have a cousin who was a "baby C". She is 26 yrs old now and healthier and stronger than I am! I can just see him/her getting stronger this very moment!!

I will send you all an update tonite! Still deciding what the right decision is for this cycle.

XOXO

[empty]

heather OMG !!!!! i am so happy youre well and preggers with triplets. i am glad youre now being looked after by the best and the triplets would explain why youre so sick!!! congrats hon and i have hope that you will pul through regardless.

[babyalive]

Sarah - Welcome to AGP!!

Heather, sent you a pm and we'll talk soon, I'll save all my congrats for then!  But, congrats anyhow!!!!!!!  Three times over!!

Tell us again what your protocol was.  You are now not only Miss Top Uterus, but also Miss top preggo, and we'll give Lexima the award to Miss Follie since she did have like a dozen.  

God's speed to the rest of us in all our different phases of ttc.  Mary, hang in there a couple more day!

[ashort]

Heather-  OH WOW!  That's amazing.  I'm sorry to hear about the news with baby C but I hope everything goes well.  I'm glad to hear things are well with babies A and B...good luck!

Thank you all for the b-day wishes!  It was a good b-day.  I finally spoke to my RE and he spoke to Harvard.  He still hasn't received the reports yet but they told him ove rthe phone and you'll have to exuse me b/cI'm not sure how right I am about this....he said that they caught it before it became cancerous.  He said that I had a molar pregnancy.  I think from what he's said and from what I read that it's only partial.  In any event he said I don't need chemo.  I have to wait 6 months before ttc again though.  I have to tell you I'm bummed but I have to stay positive...I don't have cancer.  He is happy that my HCG is decreasing 29.9 last Mon.  He said that as long as it gets below 5 they are happy.  I will be back in the game in Aug.  He is putting me on birth control pills...it's important I don't get preg.  So it's going to be a long few months...trying to stay positive...I'll check in soon!
Amy

[HeathJo]

Thanks all of you for your support and love. I am so grateful to be pregnant and have healthy embryos (they will be fetuses--or is it feti?--after nine weeks), but since the prognosis is mixed it's a bit overwhelming. Having another hurdle feels huge right now, but it is a better scenario than it could be given all the different outcomes possible. My plan is to stay as relaxed and rested as possible, and follow the doctors' recommendations.

Amy--Gosh, you got some overhwhelming news today also. I don't know what a molar pregnancy is but it sounds scary. I am also very sorry you have to wait another 6 months before TTC again, but it sounds like you must follow these instructions for everyone's sake.

Fiona--I am glad you are going ahead with IVF. It does only take one, and you still may have 2.

Helen--How did your appt. go today?

Deepa--When will you know your results?

Lisa--My protocol was Femara 5 mg cd 3-7, and Follistim 75 cd5-11, with an Ovidrel trigger and IUI 37 hours later (although we backed it up with bd and I think that's what did it). I produced 6 mature follicles--so half got fertilized!!!!! Yikes!

Sarah--I have taken both Novarel and Ovidrel as trigger shots. I got a few symptoms (fatigue, nausea, hot flashes) on both, but WAY less on the Ovidrel. Plus, the Ovidrel was much easier to inject, as it was pre-mixed and the needle was smaller. Since the trigger shots all contain hcg, the pregnancy hormone, you may have flu/pg-like symptoms to a certain degree, but many people do not. Just be sure to wait 14 days before POAS or else you could get a false positive.

[empty]

Hi Guys

So my blood results show my progesterone & estrogen is not as low as they want it for injections to start - i am not surprised as progesterone was 36  last week. So back to having more bloods in 5 days and hopefully it will be where they want it for me to start Puregon at 75 (gonal for you guys).   I had my injections lesson and it was fine - i have all my meds and DH is raring to go. So still nasal spraying in the meantime.

Just a waiting game for now as I am at least 2 weeks away from my IUI.

[ms320]

Dee:  The waiting game is so tedious and torturous.  I am hoping they give you the green light after the next round of b/w.

Fiona:  I am thinking about you as you go back in today.  I'm hoping the 12 grew a bit and that you are able to go forward with the cycle.

Heather:  I am sure this whole scenario must be really overwhelming.  FWIW I think you are taking the right approach with trying to remain relaxed and rested.  You and your babies have been in my thoughts constantly, and I will continue to send positive thoughts your way.  I am here if you need anything.

[ms320]

Sorry for back to back posting.  Somehow, I lost the end of my last post.

Lisa:  How's everything going with you.  I know it is early in the 2WW, but it can be maddening.  Hopefully, Sparky will be very needy and allow the time to fly by.

Helen:  Did you start your injectibles last night?  If so, how was it?

[fifi blue]

Amy, I'm so sorry about your news.  I hope the wait time flies by for you.

Mary, only a few more days.  How are you feeling?

Ladies, you probably know this already but I read on a website the other night that you get better absorption of meds if you inject in the stomach.  I asked my nurse yesterday and she said yes.  I wish I'd know this before because I've been using my thigh.  I used my stomach last night and this morning and it hurts way less too!

Had to take 600 gonal f last night and 300 this morning along with antagon.  This morning follies were L 18, R 19.5, 13.  Little ******* won't grown fast enough.  Waiting for b/w but will go forward with ivf.  Will probably tigger tonight and retrieval will be Sunday.

[SamLB]

Hi all of you guys - I'd love to join in here...I'm still getting my head round who's just had a birthday, who's done how many IUIs so far, who's on meds, whose dog is called what...!! just be patient and I'll get there! EMPTY: Tks for refering me and anya to here from the forum.
having 'left' (temporarily) the 2WW thread, it's great to have contact with all you guys as we're all IUI or IVF...just to fill you in quicky, I'm on meds (first Puregon injections) but gave me problems so couldn't have first IUI. moved on to Menogon (same as Gonal) and had first IUI. Unuccessful (obviously, otherwise I'd be on some pg thread by now!). had second IUI  about 2,5 weeks ago (after menogon plus trigger) - only to see AF's ugly face last Sunday. So I'm now injecting again and will have my 2nd IUI around about the same time as early (in approx. 2 weeks - depending on how my folloies decide to behave!). nice to meet you all and will continue to read up about you all!! good luck to anyone who's near test time (well, good luck to alll of us of course - only one reason why we're all here, after all!!). hugs to you all, ladies :)

[ms320]

SamLB:  Welcome.  I always try to warn newcomers that we are a somewhat crazy bunch.  We often go off on tangents that have nothing to do with TTC -- but it helps keep us sane (relatively speaking of course).  If you can handle us, we welcome you with open arms.

Fiona:  I can't believe your RE never told you about injecting into your stomach.  Even though all the med handouts say either abdomen or thigh, my RE told me only to do them in the abdomen.  It seriously doesn't hurt at all!  I am glad to see the 12 is at least trying to grow.  If your hormones haven't levelled off yet, maybe you'll get one more night of stimming.  Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

[Helen72]

I had my u/s yesterday and .........  my ivf is postponed indefinitely.  I have an ovarian cyst probably from taking clomid last cycle.  I cannot start anything till it goes away.  Last time I had an ovarian cyst it stayed for months and had to be surgically removed.  My next u/s is in a week but I am not holding my breath.  So for now everything is off :(

[ms320]

I am so sorry.  Not one IVF has gone smoothly for our group.  No words will make you feel better right now, but please know that I am hoping that next week's u/s will bring good news.  You have always been a pillar of strength for our little community -- please feel free to lean on us as you need.

Mary

[Jackson_Angel]

Ok ~ I'm gonna do this again ~ hit shif & alt and it deleted all (warning to others) ~

ANYWAY ~ I was waiting for AF ~ got it yesterday ~ (sorry for being away no check in for awhile) ~ took daughter out of schhol./DH out of work and went horsebackriding Wednesday ~ VERY ENJOYABLE~ then MEGA wines and HOTTUB soaking ~ MAJOR cramps/headaches..??..anyway ~

went to office today and got bloodtest and ultrasound ~ Left 19/Right 25 ~ now will start Menopur 2 and Follistim 450 Fri~Sat~Sun ~ so can anyone tell me if the above numbers are good..??.. I have NO IDEA ~ ESPECIALLY since I haven't been "measured" since the VERY BEGINNING of my relationship with this IVF in FREEHOLD, NJ ~ ..??..is it me or do they really seem like an egg donor institute instead of IVF..??..

~anyway ~ am HOPING the MAJOR cramps and headaches will GO AWAY ~ since I'm not preggo I've been using the hottub regularly to subside the cramps, and need more MIDOL (blue caps ONLY) ~ they work TREMENDOUSLY!!~

Hope all else is doing well with all!!!

[Jen7900]

Hi Girls!

Okay, i've got an update...

RE agreed to IVF sooner than later. The decision was whether to join the clinical trial or to pay privately. Because of all sorts of rules (e.g. he can only transfer 2 embryos each try) and a very involved protocol, we have decided to pay for it ourselves. Turns out the clinical trial only covered half the cost, and if I am paying 5k for anything, i'd like my doc to have the flexibility to adjust and such as he sees fit...something that can't happen on a clinical trial. So I was all excited to start the process and the nurse worked out the calendar with me and as it turned out...the week of our egg retrieval and/or transfer would be April 16th, which is the day we leave for Hawaii for a week. Ugh. DH is not willing to change the trip, so we wont be able to start the IVF stuff til next cycle.

So, for now I think we are going to do one more IUI (I am going to ask about Femara) and if that doesnt work, we will move forward with the IVF at the end of April.

I guess it was meant to be...maybe the third time (IUI) will be a charm! Gonna talk to RE today to see which meds to start for this IUI cycle and will keep you posted.

Oh, and my FSH is 5.5...whatever that means for IVF.

XOXO
Jen

[empty]

FiFi - i am so pissed off on your behalf ! Yes injecting in your stomach is an option. I too read that you can do either thigh or stomach but my clinic only advocates stomach and alternating sides. 2 more days for your retrieval - all the very very best.

Helen - Oh hon i am so sorry about the cyst. Will they remove it right away for you soon after you u/s? I am so sorry helen - it just sucks when things just keep getting pushed out. However i do hope that next week brings unexpected good news for you somehow.

SamLB - welcome all the way from Italy. We have a bit of an international group here. Can i ask what issues you had with Puregon as thats whta i will be starting soon.

Jen - i am hoping your third IUI will do the trick!!!

[Helen72]

Mary, Fifi, Lisa & Empty,
thank you so much for your kind words and support.  This extra hurdle is upsetting but there is nothing I can do about it so I just continue my b/c.  I guess my doc will not do a surgery for at least 4 weeks since this is how long it usually takes for a cyst to disappear on its own if it ever disappears.

Empty,
I know you have to wait an extra week and I am angry on your behalf.  Sometimes our bodies just do not cooperate  :(

Mary,
I know you are stronger than me and Lisa but are you going to POAS or just wait for the beta?  I am still doing my bfp dance for both you and Lisa; perhaps this vigorous bfp dance will rupture my cyst  :)  

Fiona,
did you schedule your ER?  I am holding my fingers crossed for you as always.

Heather,
I hope you are feeling better or more calm after your first u/s.  Two strong heart beats is such a miracle!  I am sooo happy for you.  You overcame so many health obstacles in your life that if anyone can handle triplets, you can.

Jen,
FSH below 10 is considered good for ivf.  Your # is fantastic!  I hope that your last IUI will work and you do not have to go the ivf route.  

SamLB,
welcome to AGP!  AGP stands for alpha gamma prego sorority  :)  We used to all be in the same 2ww pool but now our cycles are all over the place.  
I hope your next IUI works for you!    So sorry that you have to struggle; infertility is such a tough battle sometimes!  Do you have a plan of what to do next?  I always try to have a plan for all eventualities.  I hope that injectables+ IUI work for you though and you'll get your BFP!!!  This combo worked for so many ladies on this forum (including HeathJo and Lexima).

[fifi blue]

Helen, is your cyst producing estrogen?  If not, it might disappear quickly.  I'm praying that it does.  
Dee, fingers crossed that you start soon.  Waiting is the worse.  Thanks for being pissed for me.  God knows how I might have responded to the meds if I'd know the tummy was best!  
Lisa, Mary hope your tww is going well.  
Heather, how are you feeling?  
Madga, where are you?
Sam, welcome on board.

My retrieval is Sunday at 11am.  Wish me luck, I'm gonna need it.

[Jen7900]

Fifi - GOOD LUCK on Sunday!! I will be thinking of you at 11am (what time zone?). Just go in thinking only good things. Do you believe in the Secret? Someone told me that if you go in to IVF imagining yourself already pregnant that it will come back to you. I guess we have nothing to lose by trying this huh?

Sam - I am on the SAME cycle as you! I am cd5, AF came on Monday and my third IUI will be in two weeks or so (i think March 22-25ish). Great to have a new friend on my cycle!

Heather - anything new yet? I saw your baby name poll posting and all excellent choices! I have many of those same names picked out. Scarlett was going to be the name if it was a girl last time :) I just figured she would've had to have been a strong woman...nobody ever messes with a chick named Scarlett (at least thats what i was thinking!).

Amy - I am SO sorry about the news. Thank G-D it was not cancer. Keep your head up and take really good care of yourself for the next few months...August is around the corner (although i know it seems like light years away). Remember that most things in life don't happen by accident. XOXO

Helen - you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am hoping for amazing news next week.

((Hugs))
Jen

[HeathJo]

Mary--Thanks as always for your kindness. Our city's St. Patrick's Day parade is in our neighborhhod, and people swarm around here wearing green beads and getting drunk all weekend long! I will be thinking of you constantly until Monday :-)

Helen--Oh, my friend, what can I even say? After all the waiting and now THIS AGAIN! I am so frustrated for you, that just sucks. Must you wait 4 weeks? Can't they just get rid of it now? AAAAARRRRGH! I wish I had more words of the comforting kind, but I am just sick about this. God is really testing your strength and patience, and I do have faith it will pay off for you. I just wish it were sooner :-(

Fiona--Oooh, how exciting, Sunday is the big day! That little 13 may just catch up, you never know. But, you have still two very good solid mature follies. When will they be transferring the embies?

Jen--Hey, I don't blame you for paying instead of having all those restrictions. It does really sound like you are primed and ready to go for anything right now, so you never know, IUI and bd could do the trick. Do you know how many follicles and what size yet? Oh, and I am glad you like my name choices. I really have about 30 for each gender so far, and have no clue what I'll end up choosing. I have a while to go, and don't even know what I have brewing yet!

Dee--I am sorry you have to keep waiting and taking that nasty nose spray. I hope you can proceed next week.

J. Angel--Soory about AF and the cramps from hell. I have been there before, and it's no fun!

SamLB--So gald to have you here! It is hard at first to keep up with everyone, but Dee (Empty) has been such a good social secretary she makes it easier! Plus, once you are here a while you pretty much absorb where everyone is in their cycle/protocol/pregnancy. I wish you all the very best and really look forward to your updates!

Big Hugs and thanks to all of you for wishing me well and being concerned. TTC and being pregnant sre very similar, in that there can be a lot of waiting, unknowns, and things one cannot control. I am so glad to have all of your support, and you better belive you have mine. SSBD (I have extra baby dust) to you all :-)

[Helen72]

I did not get a blood test but I know that my cyst is producing estrogen.  I read a lot today about clomid-related cysts and it's definitely one.  A false positive HPT is actually the first sign along with other side-effects that I was attributing to b/c like nausea, breakthrough bleeding, big bbs, etc.  The good news is that it's probably been around for at least 3-4 weeks already and they typically last for about 4 weeks.  The bad news is that there is nothing I can do to make it shrink or go away.  Apparently b/c does not help either; it just prevents other cysts from developing.  I read somewhere that tomatoes and carrots can make it go away but I think this is bs.  Most sources just say that the only treatment is "watchful waiting" and you know how much I like to wait  :(

I'll keep you in my thoughts on Sunday.

[Jackson_Angel]

Heather-  Congrats!!!  That's amazing.  I'm sorry to hear about the news with baby C but I hope everything goes well.  Glad to hear things are well with babies A and B...best of luck! ..

Helen ~ I had the same luck with Clomid ~ wonder if it does the same to all...??..good luck!!  They usually absorb into your system ~ not to worry!!

Fifi ~ the one thing my RE did without me asking was to say tummy shots alternating sides ~ now all they have to do is offer the other information I found on here without me asking!!......Good luck Sunday!!

All ~ YES ~ Hopefully you saw the Oprah show when she talked abouth "The Secret" ~ it is supposed to work, and I have watched it before online ( http://www.integrative-breakthrough-coaching-solutions.com/the-secret-movie.html ) ~ it's interesting ~ hoping it actually works ~ ...have been trying!!!(or not trying as it were)~:-)))))

Anyone have any comments on the measuremens given today ~ don't know what my FSH is yet (actually forgot to ask them to let me know) but will as on Monday when I go back for followup bloodtest ~ DH is getting really good at using me as a pin cushion with these injectables ~ wish I was enjoying it as much~

Nighty night!

[Jackson_Angel]

Heather-  Congrats!!!  That's amazing.  I'm sorry to hear about the news with baby C but I hope everything goes well.  Glad to hear things are well with babies A and B...best of luck! ..

Helen ~ I had the same luck with Clomid ~ wonder if it does the same to all...??..good luck!!  They usually absorb into your system ~ not to worry!!

Fifi ~ the one thing my RE did without me asking was to say tummy shots alternating sides ~ now all they have to do is offer the other information I found on here without me asking!!......Good luck Sunday!!

All ~ YES ~ Hopefully you saw the Oprah show when she talked abouth "The Secret" ~ it is supposed to work, and I have watched it before online ( http://www.integrative-breakthrough-coaching-solutions.com/the-secret-movie.html ) ~ it's interesting ~ hoping it actually works ~ ...have been trying!!!(or not trying as it were)~:-)))))

Anyone have any comments on the measuremens given today ~ don't know what my FSH is yet (actually forgot to ask them to let me know) but will as on Monday when I go back for followup bloodtest ~ DH is getting really good at using me as a pin cushion with these injectables ~ wish I was enjoying it as much~

Nighty night!

[magda_s]

I'm here!  I'm here!
oooffff... it's been an exhausting 10 days.  Fun but exhausting.
I don't remember if I said in my last post but the day after I got back from my trip, we had to go to Beirut!  I was rather nervous about it but we got good news.  I'll tell the story in a second post so that you guys can skip it if you're busy as it's a bit long.
For now I just want to say that I am SO not caught up with where everyone's at but I have scanned the posts and...
Helen... I am so unbelievably sorry for what you're having to deal with.  when I read about your cyst I was beside myself.  I had read the earlier post where you asked me when I would finish b/c and we really looked like we were in sync and then I read the next one and all I could think was how upset and angry I would be if I were told at this stage that I couldn't continue.  I hope you're rid of it very very soon and can move forward.
Heather... OMG... what can I say???  I was absolutely gob-smacked when I rewad that you're dealing with THREE and not TWO.  It must be pretty surreal, particularly not knowing about the health of baby C but equally, it must be so good to know that A and B are going strong.  This might sound horribly callous but to be honest, if it were me, I don't think I'd be too terribly upset.  I'd just be over the moon to be having twins.  But it doesn't sound like you are upset... only about the feeling crappy!  So sorry about that.
Mary, Lisa... you're both in TWW????  Oh, I feel SO out of touch.  Good luck to you both!
Fiona, I'm not clear on what's happening Sunday but good luck anyway!!!
Dee, I don't know about everyone else but I sure could do with one of your little status lists!!!  Oh and, sadly my bout of Delhi-Belly didn't help me shed a single pound!!!!!!  MOST annoyed.  Might just have to go back!!!
Ladies, I do have one question... You were all talking about shots in the belly or thigh etc.  I'm not sure which shots you were on about.  I'm doing daily shots of decapeptyl (same as Lupron and the nasal spray) an I'm doing them in my arms.  Should I not be?  These are subcutaneous.  How do you do a subcutaneous shot in the belly or thigh?  Seems more difficult than the arm. I'm just scared that what I'm doing isn't the best way as I haven't done it this way before.  The previous two times was just one slow release intramuscular shot.

[magda_s]

So here's why we ha dto go to Beirut...

A couple of weeks ago I come home from work late one day.  It was 4pm (late for me as I work part time) and I found DH lying on the couch in his track pants and t-shirt reading a book.  Now, this may not sound all that frightening but when you consider that he doesn't finish work till 5 and he's NEVER home before 6pm, needless to say I froze, uncomprehending.  
The first thought in my head was "They've closed the school" because the government here is constantly trying to close the 2 international schools that exist out here.
I asked what was wrong and he said he didn't feel well so he came home.
He NEVER comes home because he "doesn't feel well"!!!
He said he's had the school nurse check his blood pressure and it was really high and he felt dizzy and he had an appointment to see a cardiologist later in the evening.
I immediately call my cousin who's a doctor and tell him the blood pressure reading and he says it must have been taken with one of those crappy plastic things they strap around your wrist and turned out that was right and he said they were useless and the reading I was giving him was totally meaningless.  So he asks me to take DH's pulse and ring him back.  As an after thought he tells me to pay attention to whether his pulse is regular.  
Well, no attention had to be paid at all.  I literally wasn't ABLE to count the heartbeats because his pulse was so totally irregular and so fast.  I was absolutely terrified and I was trying so hard not to show it because I didn't want to freak him out but his heart was racing like he'd run a marathon and it was all OVER the place.
I rang my cousin back who said not to panic (errr... too late!!!!!) and to get him to the cardiologist asap.
So we go to the cardiologist who turns out to be a wonderful man who made us both feel like he was in good hands.  Unfortunately he couldn't do the echograph he had to do because DH's heartbeat was so fast and so irregular.  So he gave him a load of medicines to take some of which would slow down and regularise the heartbeat and some of which would help prevent blood clots that can occur as a result of this condition (!!!!!) and said to come back in 4 days when things slowed down.  Then he added that if things were to normalise sooner to come back sooner and he further added, but in a tone that suggested he really didn't expect this, that even if it were to be normal by the next day, to come back then.  Well, as it turned out, by the time we went to bed, it was already close to normal and the next day he was fine!!!
we went back and the doctor was delighted and very surprised, saying it was a very good sign that he responded so quickly to the meds.
He did the cardiograph and pronounced DH well.  
Then DH's bosses get wind of all this and insist he HAS to come to Beirut where frankly, they have better doctors.  So they make him an appointment with the best Cardiologist in the country.  We went along because we figured it didn't hurt to get a second opinion.
That was yesterday and he pronounced DH in good health too!  PHEW!
He does want us to go back next week for DH to do a stress test just to be really absolutely certain but he already said, he's doing it as an extra, extra precaution and he fully expects it to go well.
Can I tell you how relieved I am???
I mean, we knew after the first doctor said he was fine that the second opinion was really just a confirmation and we went along to the appointment in perfectly good moods, feeling very upbeat but then after a bit of a chat, the doctor starts by having a listen to his heart and this gos on and on and on and on and I'm standing in the doorway feeling more and more nauseous by the second wondering why it's taking so long.
I was bouncing off the walls when we walked out of that place.  And all day we'd been asking each other what we'd do for dinner that night then when we walked out I said, "By the way, we're going to Sidney's tonight."  Sidney's is a gorgeous and very expensive restaurant that we love because it is perfect in every way... gorgeous view of the city and the sea, exquisite food, excellent service and a subdued, elegant, plush atmosphere... and all I could think is that I wanted to celebrate.
I'm STILL on a bit of a high from getting that confirmation of good health.
And do you know what both doctors said brought it on??  Stress!!!  I could KILL his bosses!  He's been so stressed out at work since the start of the year because they took his deputy director away so he had to do his job too and they refused to give the head of discipline a $50 raise (yes, $50!!!) so the guy left and DH had to do that job too and then he lost a grade 11 & 12 English teacher and when he finally found a suitable replacement (not easy at all here) they refused to pay a decent salary and so she turned down the offer and Dh had to teach those classes too.  All this while running a school of 1,500 students and about 200 staff.
And I'm sure his bosses know they've pushed him too far and insisting he come to Beirut was to ease their consciences!
Sorry... venting... and I know I sound like an ungrateful b*tch but can't help it under the circumstances.
At least he's okay! I should just be grateful for that.
Right, off to work with me.  Should really make an appearance!!!

[empty]

Oh Magda - I read your post and i have to say i couldnt take a breath cos i was so afraid about what was happening to you and your DH. I am so glad he's ok and poor you - it would be absolutely frightening. Do his bosses know that stress was the result - i mean i guess at the end of the day a pay rise is not going to take the stress away as he is doing the work of 5 people but surely for the fact that he was happy to chip in they should!  I really hope that his bosses see that they staff the school accordingly soon! Its great to have you back. With regards to the injections, my understanding was that the shots were better to be given on the stomach for better absorption. My clinic only gave me the stomach as an option. But from my readings,  subcutaneous shots may be given:
Upper Arm,Abdomen,Thigh and Lower back. Can you call your clinic and ask if you can change it to your stomach?

Ok heres an update - as usual ladies please let me know if there is anything you want me to add.


FiFi - retrieval 16th March
Magda - doing shots
Heather - winner of most number of babies and survivor AGP
Jackson Angel - bloods 17th March
Mary - testing 17th March
Dee - bloods 19th March
Helen - u/s 21st March
Lisa - TWW (3dpo)
Jen - IUI in 2 weeks
Sam- IUI in 2 weeks
Amy - might hold off TTC for a bit

Love ya all
Dee
8.20pm Sat

[Jackson_Angel]

~Hi! I haven't been here for long ~ BUT ~ what an ordeal you've ben through ~ did they ever tell you what caused DH's heartbeat..??.  Was it something he ate ~ drank ~ breathed..??..  Did stress actually do all that..??..  I would have totally freaked ~ glad it all turned out ok ~

Girls ~ hate to be so TMI, but I am bleeding like a pig and have never been this bad ~ MAJOR headaches ~ cramps subsiding ~ is this normal after the prometrium..??....when I go back Mon for bloodwork, will they have the proper FSH that you aretalking about (sorry for being so naive) ~ ..??..I just hope they are taking me seriously now that I pushed through like Babyalive told me to!!

Babyalive ~ how is everything..??....can't thank you enough for your advice!!

[Helen72]

Magda,
glad that dh is OK.  Wow, what an ordeal!
Btw, I was scheduled to start Lupron shots in the belly.  They never even told me about alternatives like my hip or arms.  Belly shots supposed to be easier and less painful and I am not sure if they are better for absorption.

Jackson Angel,
thanks for your reassurances about my cyst.  Do you recall how long it took for your cyst to go away?
Meds can totally screw up your period.  After clomid my periods were soooo much heavier!  Never took prometrium though but it is a hormone, progesterone, so I bet it would mess up your system.

Mary and Lisa,
how are you holding up?  I am still twirling although not as elegantly as Tyra.

Heather,
I hope you are having a nice nausea-free weekend.

[babyalive]

Helen, my dear friend.  You are still twirling.  You make  me laugh and smile.  Your strength and resilence is inspiring.  I'm going to start twirling now too.  Although, perhaps my ego is a bit large, because I am just sure my twirling is superb to Tyra's.  I'll leave that to the expert judge though.  

Deepa, how is my twirling?  My arms are elegently at my sides.  My head is leading the twirl and my feet are in sync.  I feel I am doing a beautiful job.  What do you think?

Mary, I am waiting with baited breath!  OMG.  For some reason this is a really tough 2ww for me.  I am so anxious for you.  I think it's because I have a strong feeling it's  bfp for you.  Oh, time pass, time pass, time pass...twirling, twirling, twirling.  (sound effects boodaboo, boodaboo, boodaboo............................fading)

Maga, I can't believe all the OMG's with my little AGP sista's!  Heather's big, big, BIG news of triplets, Helen's da*med delay, Fiona's going forward, but we all hoped for a follie fest for her, my own follie fest disaster, and now your poor dh and you!   So glad to read all is well in the end.  Give Dh a nice back rub tonight.  That should relax and destress him a bit.  About the injection, I had read also that it is best to give them in the belly, I've got plenty of extra baggage there for the subcutaneous injections.  They were relatively painless in the beginning. Though in the end I ended up with a row of lovely bruises and my entire belly became quite sore.  However you seem to have no trouble producing follies.  Didn't you have like 30 at one point?  So, I would say you could inject wherever the hel l  you'd like and produced a good amount.  

Jackson, I am sorry about the beeatch of AF!  She can be a doosy that Aunt Flo.  Try increasing your Vit. B6, use warm/hot pads on your abs and back.  That helps me with the cramps.  Did you ever get an answer about your numbers?  I can't remember what ever became of the question you asked about them.  

Fiona,  I hope you dim the lights tonight, light some candles put on some soft music and enjoy a glass of wine with dh.  Just make this a night to celebrate yourself and relax.  Then tomorrow, you are going to have an incredible retrieval with the best quality eggs they've ever seen!  Cheers to beautiful eggs!!

Heather,  How are you holding up. You are the bravest, bravest woman!  I LOVE your attitute and commitment to remaining positive even though you feel like ****!  


2ww is moving along.  Though I'm doing what I always do during 2ww, put my head down there...in the sand!!  Pretend I'm not in 2ww, pretend these are just ordinary days, and forget all about the little IUI procedure as if it didn't exist.  Then if by some MIRACLE AF is late for her visit, I'll get a great big BFP surprise!!  That's how my 2ww dance goes, along with the twirling of course.  Always twirling!!!

[babyalive]

Started a new thread ladies. This one was getting clogged, or bogged down.   Baby dancers, get ready for round 6!  See ya on the new thread of Dancing with the Follies!

[SamLB]

HELP ME! How do I get on to the next thread????? tks

[SamLB]

Empty (Dee - that's much better!!!) thank you so much for everything you're doing here - you're doing a grand job. Thank you for your lovely welcome too - yeah, I think it's great too to hear from people all round the world and in the same situation that we're in). Anyway, to answer your question: my first round of injectables was puregon - to stimulate my folllicles which were being a bit bloody lazy! The  reason why I didn't get to IUI point after these injs was a lack of uterus 'mucus' - but that's my personal defect (RE confirmed!) - so nothing to do with the meds themselves - the problem was me, so don't worry.... if Puregon shows some signs of not working for you personally, then your RE will tell you and have you change meds. hang in there - we're all going to get there in the end!

[Helen72]

Here's a link to our new thread that Lisa started:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/465905

Every time we have a new thread, look for AGP in the title  :)

[SamLB]

Thanks to all of you for welcoming me and being so friendly! I'm sure a lot of you know that I live in Italy which is why I'm not always online at the same time as you guys, so it seems like I'm behind...but eventually I catch up!
I just want to say that I'm so happy to have found this thread of ladies who are, despite going IUI or IVF, still maintaining a bloody great sense of humour - I am one of you and also glad to have found you guys who are also yes, dying to have a baby but also are ready to have a giggle about things too.
Good luck to all of you!

ms320 : I know you are all a crazy bunch! I wouldn't have joined up with you lot if you'd all been normal!!!!

Helen72 : thank you so much for welcoming me so warmly...as I said to ms320, I know I'm in for a bunch of laughs with you guys, and everything that goes with it. I'll keep you posted about the next IUI.

jen7900 : yes, we're exactly at the same point!!!! thank you for your welcome - let's keep updated. how are you doing? I can't wait to have the next IUI - even if it means going into the awful 2WW!!!

HeathJo + fifi blue : thank you so much! I'll catch up with you tomorrow (the time difference means I'm always out of sinc with you lot - sorry!
HeathJo : thanks for giving encouragement that I'll eventually get to know who's on what etc etc...and yes, Dee is doing a fine job, isn't she -

Have a fab w/e all of you - don't hold back on the BDing!

[SamLB]

thank you! does that mean that what I just posted on the old thread nobody will read?

[magda_s]

Hi Sam... and welcome...
I was just on the new post and I didn't see you there so I wondered if you had figured out how to get to it.
I'm not sure how you are accessing this particular thread so forgive me if I sound condescending but I'm assuming you're not accessing it from the main forum page and are perhaps not familiar with that page... besides, I'm also extremely anal !!!  So, here's what you need to do:
At the top of this thread, click on "BACK TO FORUM" next to the green "Post a Question" button.
When you're back to the forum, look for the title "AGP Dance off continues".
That's all there is to it.
See you there.