IVF Pregnancy Information

1. antoine_t
   
   

   Well, my wife and I have had some real hard times (probably like many of you) and we decided to take out a small loan to try IVF.

   We started the BCP, then Lupron, then added Gonal F...Next, we got the ok to inject with the Noveral (sp?) on Monday, October 5th. On Wednesday October 7th around 8:00 AM, we did the egg retrieval, went home, she took some pain meds, took a 2 hour nap, and then around 7:30 pm the trouble began.
   My wife had bad, but expected cramps...We waited it out until about 8:30PM, because she was having a hard time breathing. Long story short; we go the emergency room, get an x ray, detailed ultrasound and lots of blood work we find out that she was losing a lot of blood. Normal female hemoglobin levels should be between 12.1 to 15.1 gm/dL. At 9:00 PM her count was ~8 gm/dL, then at 12:00 she was at 6! So, she was losing blood quickly but we didn't know from where. Our nightmare of a night started to get worse, but we couldn't wake up. At 5:00 in the morning Laparoscopic Surgery had to be performed. They found that a follicle that was injected earlier had exploded or an artery was damaged. Luckily, the surgeon did not touch or bother the uteris or the uterine wall. We couldn't take our progestrone and they took off the Clamira patch during surgery. They said the hormones might cause a blood clot after the surgery. But, our IVF doctor talked to the surgeon and he said, no problem...Go ahead and begin taking the progestrone and put the Climara patch back on. So, on Thursday night we took the progetrone shot but didn't begin the patch until Friday morning. Now, we have an appointment to see our IVF doctor tomorrow (Sat. October 10th) to determine if it's a go, or a no. We're a wreck. We had 11 eggs retrieved, 10 were injected, and 9 are developing and dividing...So, we will need to choose a scenerio.

   What would you do? (Choose 1 please...)
   1. Go ahead and try the egg transfer even though she has gone through major trauma. Healthy and fresh embryos have a higher success rate.

   2. Freeze them all and try after healthy. Success rates go down significantly.

   3. Choose to have all embryos frozen, but go for Day 5/ blastocyts because they have a higher rate of success. But we could lose most or all of them in the process.

   *Please help, I will come back to report what the doctor said soon.

3. mitskon
   
   

   antoine_t~Your in a tough spot. I would definitely ask your RE for his/her opinion, but I would go with your gut instinct. Your wife knows her body better than anyone and her gut instinct will tell her if she thinks she's ready to procede.

   If I were in your wifes position- Depending on how I felt, I would go to day 5-put back 2 or 3 and freeze the rest. If 9 are developing than you have a good chance that at least half make it to blast.

   Best of luck in your decision.

4. antoine_t
   
   

   antoine_t~Your in a tough spot. I would definitely ask your RE for his/her opinion, but I would go with your gut instinct. Your wife knows her body better than anyone and her gut instinct will tell her if she thinks she's ready to procede. If I were in your wifes position- Depending on how I felt, I would go to day 5-put back 2 or 3 and freeze the rest. If 9 are developing than you have a good chance that at least half make it to blast.Best of luck in your decision.

   Thank you so much for your comment. This is a tough spot and talking to people here really help to sort things out or vent. So my wife was in terrible pain, but this morning is changed...Now she is in discomfort and says she has come this far and doesn't want to stop now. I just don't want her body to reject all of them because I really don't know if we could handle more stress or depression. I will ask the doctor about going to Day 5 (Monday) and the liklihood of having half make it to blast stage. Thank you and I will post what happens at our appointment.

5. antoine_t
   
   

   We got back from the IVF doctors and are still feeling a little amazed about what happened. When we got there, we were worried but at the same time very hopeful and eager to find out what direction we will be taking from here. My wife woke up this morning with a smile and said she was feeling really good. She also said, \"Let's just trust our doctor and go with whatever he thinks.\" Good or bad we were ready to face anything. Our rollercoaster ride continued when the nurses suited us up and said that we might be able to do the egg retrieval today. WTF!!! We got dressed and entered the room with no idea what would happen next. Our doctor asked us how we were feeling and then asked if we wanted to do the transfer today. Huh? (Not expecting tha.) We asked him if he knew everything that had happened to us and he said \"yes, I've talked to your surgeon and understand everything.\" He then did a ultrasound and talked about our 9 amazing embryos that were looking super healthy. He said we were ready to go. He said her uterus, her lining, and the embryos all look perfect. I asked in a startled voice, \"Are you sure, you know she had a laproscomy, lost 2 liters of blood, and had a blood transfusion. Should we wait?\" He answered, \"Either way, you can wait til Day 5 or do it today, your choice.\" Then I said, Well, what do you think we should do?\" He said, \"You're here with a full bladder, everything looks great, healthy embryos...What do you think?\" Then my wife said, \"Let's do it!\" I disbeleif about what was happening, I said \"ok.\" Then my wife said, \"Is there any chance we might have twins?\" He said, \"You want twins?\" My wife answered, \"sure.\" Again, I almost fell over as he called over the Head Embryologist and said, \"Bring 2 over here.\" So, he squirted them in and said, \"She'll get pregnant.\" \"What? Please don't give us false hopes, we've gone through a lot these past days\" I said. He said again, \"Oh yeah, she'll get pregnant.\" He said this in complete confidence---I've never witnessed this much confidence in anyone. So, now comes the 2 week wait.

   We will either have another let down soon, or an incredible story of how are family was formed. I'll keep you posted. Thanks. Any advice anyone has to boost our chances, please comment. I've been thinking about acupuncture for her and she is going to take off a week from work, and maybe 2 if she is tired...My wife is really tired and snoring (she never snores) and I'm a complete spaz and still can't believe what happened today.

6. Les_petits_debr
   
   

   Hopeful- wow- what a traumatic experience- thank god u guys went to the hospital and to surgery quickly, she could have bleed to death as I am sure u know.

   Well my advice would be for your wife to take about 2 weeks off and rest- maybe since she got blood her hemoglobin is up a bit- but it will take awhile for her to rebuild it herself. I am sure they advised her to take iron tablets, I would think they would anyway.

   It is possible for her to become pregnant- I hope she does after all of that u deserve it for sure. She just needs to take it easy. Good luck and keep us posted.
   Jen

7. vivlio
   
   

   Wow I'm amazed by this story. I agree that she should take two weeks off from work. That is emotionally and more so physically exhausting and those embryos need all her energy right now. I would just do whatever you could to ease her stress levels now, which is sounds like you are doing a great job at! I cant wait to check back in to see how shes doing and obviously how her blood test goes. Best of luck!
   karen

8. antoine_t
   
   

   Our last blood test was a good one. I think? Her hemoglobin level is almost back to normal and they told us to continue the same 1 cc of progestrone each night. Going back tomorrow for another check up and find out if IVF was a success on Saturday, October 25th. She's been eating a lot but not hungry...Not sure what that means. She continues to be really tired and her boobies are hurting more everyday. Yeah, I said boobies...Sorry. Still hopeful but also trying to prepare for the worse at the same time. Thanks for all the feedback and I'll keep you posted.

9. Les_petits_debr
   
   

   Hopeful- will be praying for u and your wife- hoping for a strong positive beta- and that your doc was right in spite of his arrogance.

   Jen

10. antoine_t
    
    

    Hi. Thank you so much for the positive thoughts. In 5 days, we will be able to take a pregnancy test. I was wondering what kind of symptoms are good signs. Recently, she is peeing a lot but is not as tired as the days after the transfer. My wife's first pregnancy really tired her out before we lost that one. Also, it looks like she may have lost some weight. Are any of these things normal. I'm totally paranoid about any change I notice...Any feedback about signs being a sign or not meaning anything at all would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you!

11. Les_petits_debr
    
    

    Hey- honestly it is hard to tell. Some people have \"symptoms\" and get a negative, some have none and get a positive. The hormones also mimic pg symptoms. I really hope it is positive for u guys- is she going to poas??
    Jen

12. antoine_t
    
    

    Hey- honestly it is hard to tell. Some people have \"symptoms\" and get a negative, some have none and get a positive. The hormones also mimic pg symptoms. I really hope it is positive for u guys- is she going to poas??Jen

    Thanks! Yeah, I better not look into all these symptoms.
    Today, my wife went to the doctors for her BETA HCG levels and they said they saw a little implantation signs...But the nurse didn't want to get our hopes up too high. Here's the info we got today...Maybe some of you can tell us more?

    Estrogen 1000+ (little over)
    Progestrone 86.2
    HCG 280 (I guess this number should double the next time she goes in?)

    I was also wondering if anyone knows when my wife should get a flu shot or H1N1???

    Thanks again!

13. Les_petits_debr
    
    

    Hopeful- how many days post transfer r u- what day was the hcg trigger shot???????

    The progesterone level is great- I think the estrogen level is too. I am wondering about your hcg level- I thought it was 5 days until test- so why did they check it early??? Is the hcg sgot still in her system???
    Jen

14. Les_petits_debr
    
    

    Hey- went back- u r 11 days post 3 day transfer. She is pregnant and THAT is an awesome beta- could definately be 2 in there, but you will have to wait and see. Let us know what the next beta is!!!!!!
    Jen

15. antoine_t
    
    

    Hey- went back- u r 11 days post 3 day transfer. She is pregnant and THAT is an awesome beta- could definately be 2 in there, but you will have to wait and see. Let us know what the next beta is!!!!!!Jen

    Do you really think so? You're getting us a little excited. She goes back on Friday, so I'll let you know her numbers. By the way, we had no idea that we had to do Progestrone shots for 6 more weeks...Is that true? She's getting a little tender there in the bum. But, if there's a baby in there, she'll take it.

    What's your take on the H1N1 shot? Do it, take our chances (we are both teachers) and not get it, or wait until she gets more pregnant???

    Thanks! (fingers and toes still crossed)

16. Les_petits_debr
    
    

    Hopeful- YEP!!!!!! i am pretty positive she is DEFINATELY pregnant. REALLY praying that you have an awesome repeat beta on friday. it is always scary b/c anything can happen- but from my point of view those numbers look awesome.

    Progesterone- oh yes- they usually make you go until 10- 12 weeks- then suppositories. THEY SUCK- but so worth it in the end. I still have a numb itchy spot on my bum from those injections, last one in August- takes awhile for that to go away.

    H1n1- well- I would wait a little while personally- pregnant women are at major risk with the swine flu as they get further along in the pregnancy- not in the beginning. However, if she chooses to get it- get the injection which is not a live viruse I believe- NOT the nasal one- it is definately live.

    I am waiting to get it b/c i am on steroids and worried about compromised immunity right now- b/c her immune system, body took a hit with blood loss her doctor my advice her to wait a little while to get it. I think the normal flu is more important for us normally healthy individuals than the H1n1- it is the immune compromosed very young, elderly and very pregnant at major risk with swine flu.

    SOOOOO cant wait to hear your results on friday.

    Jen

17. antoine_t
    
    

    Hopeful- YEP!!!!!! i am pretty positive she is DEFINATELY pregnant. REALLY praying that you have an awesome repeat beta on friday. it is always scary b/c anything can happen- but from my point of view those numbers look awesome. Progesterone- oh yes- they usually make you go until 10- 12 weeks- then suppositories. THEY SUCK- but so worth it in the end. I still have a numb itchy spot on my bum from those injections, last one in August- takes awhile for that to go away. H1n1- well- I would wait a little while personally- pregnant women are at major risk with the swine flu as they get further along in the pregnancy- not in the beginning. However, if she chooses to get it- get the injection which is not a live viruse I believe- NOT the nasal one- it is definately live.I am waiting to get it b/c i am on steroids and worried about compromised immunity right now- b/c her immune system, body took a hit with blood loss her doctor my advice her to wait a little while to get it. I think the normal flu is more important for us normally healthy individuals than the H1n1- it is the immune compromosed very young, elderly and very pregnant at major risk with swine flu.SOOOOO cant wait to hear your results on friday.Jen

    Thanks Jen. I'm getting a little anxious about Fridays beta test now. Probably won't sleep much tonight.

    So, how do you know so much about all this? Can you share your story? (If you want...) I'm really paranoid about everything. I'm so tired of losing things. I lost twins, then my best friend, then another baby...So, I want to make sure I do everything possible. Damn H1N1 stuff, I hate that. Maybe we'll wait a little bit. Still researching this subject, but appreciate the feedback greatly. Oh boy, my wife is going to never want to see a needle again. Take care!

18. koulami
    
    

    Hi,

    I\'ve been following your story. Things sure do sound promising! How about asking about taking the Crinone form of Progesterone. It would save her bottom. I took them twice a day for the first 12 weeks.....the difference between that and the shots is that the Crinone is absorbed directly by the Uterus....therefore the blood levels of the Progesterone are lower. Studies have been done to prove this is as effective as the old method of shots.
    (Your HCG numbers seem a little high.........I'm thinking you might have more than one cooking in there........)

    Amy

19. Les_petits_debr
    
    

    koulami- i wish more RE's would prescribe crinone- the progesteron shots are awful- i think i am allergic to them now- we\"ll see if i get to start taking them again or not.

    Hopeful- i can understand your apprehension. I am sorry for your losses and really pray this is it for you guys. I am on my 5th ivf cycle. we were lucky to have success in the beginning when I was only 3o with severe male factor infertility. But since have gone thru hell with IF and personal life. My dad died at 56 last summer right before my 2nd ivf start, i found my nanny dead in her apartment on my birthday then the IVF hell.
    Ivf#2 stimmed all the way to trigger day and canceled.
    ivf #3- twin pg, heartbeats, m/c at 9 weeks then found out i have diminished ovarian reserve at just turned 34
    ivf#4- new clinic- better stats- only got 3 mature eggs out of 6 retrieved, donor sperm BFN
    IVF #5- doing right now, thought we were going to cancel yesterday- but still pushing thru- i have 5 follicles- but 1 is a lead too big, so will have to sacrifice it to try and get the other 4, so ordered donor sperm for back up if we convert to iUI. My chance of success is only about 5-15%.

    I am on a wait list for donor egg at another clinic- so IVF #6 will be donor egg.

    I am also in the medical field- i am a nurse anesthetist ( do anesthesia) and my husband is a doctor, so i have the inside scoop i guess you could say.

    Can\'t wait to hear your news on friday!!!!!!
    Jen

20. antoine_t
    
    

    koulami- i wish more RE's would prescribe crinone- the progesteron shots are awful- i think i am allergic to them now- we\"ll see if i get to start taking them again or not.Hopeful- i can understand your apprehension. I am sorry for your losses and really pray this is it for you guys. I am on my 5th ivf cycle. we were lucky to have success in the beginning when I was only 3o with severe male factor infertility. But since have gone thru hell with IF and personal life. My dad died at 56 last summer right before my 2nd ivf start, i found my nanny dead in her apartment on my birthday then the IVF hell. Ivf#2 stimmed all the way to trigger day and canceled.ivf #3- twin pg, heartbeats, m/c at 9 weeks then found out i have diminished ovarian reserve at just turned 34ivf#4- new clinic- better stats- only got 3 mature eggs out of 6 retrieved, donor sperm BFNIVF #5- doing right now, thought we were going to cancel yesterday- but still pushing thru- i have 5 follicles- but 1 is a lead too big, so will have to sacrifice it to try and get the other 4, so ordered donor sperm for back up if we convert to iUI. My chance of success is only about 5-15%.I am on a wait list for donor egg at another clinic- so IVF #6 will be donor egg.I am also in the medical field- i am a nurse anesthetist ( do anesthesia) and my husband is a doctor, so i have the inside scoop i guess you could say.Can\'t wait to hear your news on friday!!!!!!Jen

    Wow Jen. I'm so sorry for everything you have gone through. It's just not fair. It's hard to not think, \"What did I do to deserve this?\" My wife and I will pray for you as well. You being in the health field explains why you have so much helpful information. Let us know what's happening with your treatment too. So, you have one child? Boy or girl?

    Oh, my wife was wondering if she does decide to get a H1N1 shot...Should she get the H1N1 and then the regular flu shot? Or, should she get the flu shot then H1N1? Can she get both in one day? Or, does it even matter the order? Since we always have bad luck, I'm really worried about all this flu stuff. Take care!

21. antoine_t
    
    

    So...

    14 days after transfer (17 days since retrieval) and my wife got her HCG level today. It was 1557. Whoa! Is that normal? They asked us to come in on Wednesday (Oct. 28), but I don't think I want to do that. They said we probably wouldn't see a HB yet. I don't think we could handle that right now. So, I think we are going to wait 6-8 weeks. She's only at week 4 now. What would you do?

    Thanks!

22. mitskon
    
    

    Hopeful~

    Thank you for finally posting. I have been following your wifes progress and have checked multiple times today. Those #'s look awesome!!! I say go in on Wednesday. I always took any chance I could to see my beans. At least this way you'll know how many are in there. Congrats to you and your wife. Please keep us posted on your wifes progress.

    Shannon

23. Les_petits_debr
    
    

    Hopeful- you have 2 in there for sure!!!!! You just have to know when you go in on wednesday that you are looking for 1-2 sacs- not to expect anything more, you may possibly see a fetal pole or 2 developing in the sacs but depends. Usually in a (singleton) pregnancy a heartbeat can be seen just past the 6 week mark and usually correlates i believe with beta hcg levels near 5000, i might be wrong on that- but at just over 5 weeks u should definatley be able to see something developin in the uterus, the sac, the fetal pole etc. I saw heartbeats at 6 weeks 3-5 days on both of previous pg.

    I think, although it is completely normal to be cautious- that you guys have STRONG numbers- and that hopefully all will progress normally.

    about the flu and h1n1- i am pretty positive you can get both the same day. However many places are not offering the h1n1, just the normal flu vaccine.

    Jen

24. antoine_t
    
    

    Hopeful- you have 2 in there for sure!!!!! You just have to know when you go in on wednesday that you are looking for 1-2 sacs- not to expect anything more, you may possibly see a fetal pole or 2 developing in the sacs but depends. Usually in a (singleton) pregnancy a heartbeat can be seen just past the 6 week mark and usually correlates i believe with beta hcg levels near 5000, i might be wrong on that- but at just over 5 weeks u should definatley be able to see something developin in the uterus, the sac, the fetal pole etc. I saw heartbeats at 6 weeks 3-5 days on both of previous pg.I think, although it is completely normal to be cautious- that you guys have STRONG numbers- and that hopefully all will progress normally.about the flu and h1n1- i am pretty positive you can get both the same day. However many places are not offering the h1n1, just the normal flu vaccine.Jen

    So far, most doctors and nurses are saying we \"might\" have 2 in there after we share our beta numbers. We are excited, but more and more nervous as well. We've been talking to several doctors all week and finally decided to get the H1N1 shot. I slept like 4 hours last night, so I'm thinking the ultrasound on Wednesday might help a little.

    Yeah, she is going to get the ultrasound on Wednesday. (Just think this one out.)
    Talk to you soon

25. Les_petits_debr
    
    

    keep us posted- chearing you on for a great u/s tomorrow.

    had my retrieval today- 12 mature eggs- an absolute miracle- hope there not all **** and they fertilize and give me some good embryo's. Maybe the low stress this cycle helped- i've never believed it myself- or maybe it was all the boot legged ivf drugs i bought. HAHAHAH.
    jen

26. antoine_t
    
    

    keep us posted- chearing you on for a great u/s tomorrow.had my retrieval today- 12 mature eggs- an absolute miracle- hope there not all **** and they fertilize and give me some good embryo's. Maybe the low stress this cycle helped- i've never believed it myself- or maybe it was all the boot legged ivf drugs i bought. HAHAHAH.jen

    Hi Jen. Nice to hear you had 12 mature eggs. I hope they fertilize and grow into the healthiest embryos in the world. You deserve it more than us. So, you're buying boot legged ivf drugs? Not a bad business idea, I have a little leftover stash. Maybe it could help me repay the loan I got for IVF?

    Anyway, it's nice to hear from you. My wife and I are really rooting for you as well. Quick question, my wife went back to a very stressful and poor managed teaching job today. I wish she would just quit and let me work 2 jobs instead. She had a little brownage on the panties earlier this afternoon. No worries there, I hear brown blood is ok. But then, when she got home and peed, there was a drop of bright red blood in the toilet. She cried and I tried to stay strong, but I'm starting to panic a little bit now.

    I'm glad now that we made an appointment for an U/S tomorrow. I guess I just won't sleep again tonight. Talk to you soon.

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