CARE Fertility Bulletin Board

Vick · 11 Aug 2006

Hi Sheffield ladies.

Where are you all and how are you all doing.

Just thought I would drop a quick line to see how you all are with your treatments and see how you are all doing. DH and I are due to start again in a few weeks, but not sure whether to go for SP or LP. To be honest it will all be dependent on day 2 bloods which I get the results of tomorrow, but as we did SP last time and it failed, I am a little tempted to go with LP this time - any advice? Have any of you done SP and then gone on to do LP and if so, how did the two cycles compare.

Should we set up a new thread? To all the old CH's, do you just want to carry on the same name or should we start a new one?

Hope you are all well.

Speak soon and hopefully see you all on 27th.

Vic
xx

Marshmallow · 05 Jun 2006

Hi Vic,

I've recently joined up with the Lucky 007's as I'm due to start DRing on the 25th Feb (it should have been the 23rd Feb but my *@~$ing (I'm swearing there) AF didn't show up until early yesterday!! I'm on LP again, but Dr Shaker increased my Menopur to 4 units per day as I was a bit slow responding last time (remember me having to nip to Boots twice with extra prescriptions), and I've also asked for Gestone and have been given Clexane because of the clotting problem they discovered when I did the Level 1 tests. I asked about day 2 tests, but they said I needn't bother having them as they were fine last time....

I'm just glad we went ahead with the Level 1 tests in the end. My DH took some arm twisting I can tell you to part with the £1500, but I felt I'd be wasting £4k on a new cycle when I was sure it would fail as I just knew something wasn't right last time. Call it intuition, but I felt things were going so well last time up to ET it devastated me when it didn't work. I was positive it was my immune system at fault, what with me having Rheumatoid Arthritis, but all those tests came back fine. The only one that came back with a problem was the test for "protein S assay" which was apparently reduced and apparently can affect blood flow to the uterus and implantation of the embryo.

I'm feeling pretty optimistic this time as at least I feel I have got a fighting chance now they have discovered the problem with blood flow etc. I can't give any advice about SP -v- LP as I've only ever done LP (but that may be due to my advancing age - I'm a old biddy - 38 next July!), but I'm sure if you ring them up and query what the differences are between the two protocols, and what the success rates are for both, they will be able to advise you. Keep asking questions, honey! You are paying plenty out for this treatment so let them earn their money by keeping you fully informed!!

I look forward to seeing you on the 27th, wherever we end up meeting!

Take care Vic, and congrats with the new job! Hope they aren't working you too hard !!

Marshmallow xxx

Littlun · 13 May 2006

Hi guys,

Another thread for CH new and old would be a fab idea I feel like I've lost touch with my CH buddies. At the moment I'm on (.)(.)'s Redbadger and Alyssa are there too. I'll be there whatever the name or whatever stage I'm at too.

Hows the new job going Vic? I'm on the LP again Dr Shaker said and we agreed I seemed to respond well on my first time (especially considering I'm an even older biddy than Marshmallow at 40 Please whisper that number) so I can't really advise on the two but think you should talk it through with Care and tell them your concerns and why they want you to do SP. Really pleased you've posted was wondering what was what with you.

Marshmallow, Snap with the protein S assay problem but I also have another problem which I can't even pronounce. I'm having acupuncture too this time thought we would throw everything at it as this is gonna be our last go. The 25th will soon be here hun and those lovely

flushes will be back! Bet you can't wait can you?

It will be really good to meet up on the 27th can't wait it will be in the middle of my 2ww which I think is really good too.

Take care post soon*

Spennybobs · 13 Feb 2006

Hi Girls,

so this is where you are all hiding!!! lol, was wondering what was happening to you all, and beginning to worry!!!!

Hope it's OK to post with you all, as i am now pg, I really don't want to upset anyone. 17 weeks tomorrow!! So I'm sprinkling lots of
babydust on you all.

this weeks major event has been getting leaky boobs!! although I knew to expect it at some point it has happened much earlier than I thought!!! anyway, it seems that it's generally a good thing, and certainly not a bad thin, well for babies anyway, not so great for me, if it happens at work!! lol that will be strange.

Vic, good to see you back on the bandwagon, ho wis your new job going hun?

Marshmallow - not long to go to DR now, when is your birthday? mine is in July as well, 18th!!

Littleun - thank you for the hint where people are, hope you are doing ok, have you started stimms now?

Speak to you all soon

Love Carol

Red Badger · 20 Sep 2006

Hi Girls,

I'm still on the T*ts thread but will post here as well when I have a mo.

Carol - Can't believe your nearly 17 weeks it seems to have gone so fast!

I feel much better this week - most of last week was pants after the BFN and I was really really low but had a few good crys and has made me feel much better this week. We have our review on 6th March at Notts and hope to get going again as soon as possible (March / April AF willing).

Hopefully see you all on 27th!

Deano / Eve / Carly, etc hope you are all ok.

LOL

Sara x x x

Vick · 11 Aug 2006

Hi girls

Thanks for posting - it really feels like we on the road again now.

Red Badger - Sorry you are still feling rubbish. I tell you what though, I could never have imagined that it would hit DH as hard as it did - at the end of the day it is like a bereavement, so don't underestimate your feelings. It took me a good few months to get over it, if I ever did, and I can still remember the result day like it was yesterday. I think you are doing the right thing though going straight in for another go - this bloody world of infertility WILL NOT BEAT US ladies will it.

Littlun - Hope you are doing OK - you are obviously a bit in front of us with your treatment - how far have you got? If you will be in 2WW on 27th I bet you are close to EC now aren't you? Looking forward to seeing you on 27th, will be nice to put a name to a face. Please don't think I am being rude, but because of "littlun", I expect you to be tiny and petite with long dark hair - funny how you get a picture of someonine. Good luck with everything and hope to see you on 27th.

Marshmallow - We will be just about the same again. My af was a few days late aswell the little b**tch - bloody typical. Anyway, I am all set again now and we should probably start dregging on 22 Feb. Never done LP before, but my FSH has gone down considerably (was 9.3 now 6.6) so we are going to give LP a try this time. If this cycle fails, then we will also have the level 1 tests done. But this one WILL NOT fail will it. Keep posting and see you on 27th chick.

Spennybobs - Of course we don't mind you posting - the more the merrier and you lovely PG are just living prove that it does work so we will love to hear from you. Look after the three of you and those leaky boobies!!!

Take care all
Love
Vic
xxx

eve'n'matt · 13 May 2006

Dear All,

Nice to hear from you and positive thoughts seem to be the order of the day, which is great news. The GF Sheff Night Out thread seems quiet - hope Chelle is OK and that we get something organised for 27th. I'm looking forward to meeting those who couldn't make it last time and catching up with those I've met already. It's really good to have made some new friends who have been through the whole process. It's such a long road even getting to the stage where you have IVF and I don't think anyone who hasn't been through it can truly comprehend the stress involved.

My bump is big already - just to warn you in advance of 27th as I don't want to upset anyone. The kicks are getting more regular and stronger but DH still hasn't been able to feel them yet.

I'm sure there was something else but my PG brain is like a goldfish at the moment. I'm getting quite clumsy - cut myself schopping veg twice this weekend and almost poured milk on my toast. Luckily, I still seem able to function at work and the team I'm in are all very thoughtful and make sure I'm not overdoing it.

Good luck to Little'un, Marshmallow and Vick for their current / imminent cycles. I really want you all to get BFPs this time - think it would make me cry (with joy)!!

Red Badger · 20 Sep 2006

Eve,

Chelle is on holiday in Florida - I think she is back in the next few days.

A bit disappointed not many new people have posted about the meet - I have seen lots of other people on here with Sheffield.

Glad bump is ok.

Sara x x x

Spennybobs · 13 Feb 2006

Hi girls,

the other day I was chatting to lady I used to work with and told her that I am pg with twins, I told her that we got here using IVF and she confided inme that she might also need IVF hlp to get pg, I told her about the process and I hope you don't mind I invited her to come and join us on the 27th if she would like. I don't know if she will take me up on that but I know isolating it can feel doing IVF, and how much these boards have helped me in the ups and downs, but putting faces to names meant so much more as well when we met last November, it really was very good.

Sarah - BFN's do take some getting over, it feels so empty after all that hope, as Vics says it is a bereavement, we put so much of ourselves into this process, give yourself some time and please do let those feelings out, they need to come out so that you can move on and make your next cycle successful. If you ever need someone to talk to please feel free to call me, I will be there for you.

Vics - thank you for your words, you made me smile it's true I always loved to see pg tickers on here, when cycling it reminded me that our dreams can come true, and I'm so lucky mine are in the making now, really really lucky, and with such good friends that I have made through this process as well, it's really just amazing. LP sounds like a good bet this time for you with your FSH down a bit.

Chelle - how long til you cycle again hun? or have you already started

Eve - I know my bump is getting bigger though I think I could still be mistaken for fat just yet, ( well ok I was fat to start off with but even fatter now!! lol. I have felt them moving about a little inside but real kicks yet. As for the Goldfish brain, I have to say I am definately getting that one in abundance as well haven't got any more clumsy than normal yet, but I'm sure it will happen before long, I too am lucky that the people I work with are really looking after me, though I'm not sure I'm functioning all that well!!!

Deano / Carly, etc hope you are ok.

Littlun keep up the good work girl, your have such fabulous PMA.

Hope I've not forgotten anyone.

Love to all

Carol xxx

Vick · 11 Aug 2006

Hi Girls

Glad you are all OK - I hope Chelle is having a fab time in Florida the lucky thing. I have forgotten what holidays are like, it seems like ages since we had one and I am so ready. We have decided that if treatment does not work this time (fingers crossed it will), we are heading off somewhere lovely and romantic for a luxury holiday. Perhaps we should have done that last year as this will be our year and so we hopefully will not get the chance again!!!!!!

Anyway, had a call from the drug company today and our drugs are being delivered on Friday - I cannot believe it, we seem to have been waiting so long for our second go and now it is all happening in a flash, I just cannot wait to get jabbering again and then at least we can feel like we are doing something. If all goes to plan we should have a result in early - mid April.

Hope you are all keeping positive and are hanging on in there.

Speak soon
Vic
xx

Littlun · 13 May 2006

Hi,

I did try to post last night but the stupid site kept on bombing out on me but I'm here at last.

Vic, I love the fact that you picture me as "tiny and petite with long dark hair" it sounds so classy I am 5' 2", couldn't say tiny at all but I'm not chubby (I can here my nana saying there is no beauty in bones) and I have faded ginger hair (its supposed to be strawberry blonde but I'm a proud ginger) actually I suppose you could call me petite cause all my clothes are petite or as dh call is short arse clothes. Don't I go on you will be seeing me soon enough anyway. So your drugs arrive on Friday wow isn't it exciting I was a bit like this

. The next couple of weeks will fly by believe me.

Carol, How are the leaky (.)(.)'s going? Oh the joys of being pg so how are the ittle ones behaving my mum asked about you last weekend next time I speak to her I will let her know your latest she will no doubt then start telling me a tale or two about when she was carrying one of my sisters or bruv bless i do luv her to bits and just know one day I will be exactly the same.

Eve, I can't wait to see your tum hun how on earth could it upset us we have been with you all the way on this good old rollercoaster and are as excited as you. Don't forget to bring your scan pictures I saw Carol's when we met for lunch the other week it was so lovely. I find it helps as it makes you realise it is possible.

Marshmallow, How are you hun hey i found out yesterday that you take Clexane up until your twelve week scan was absolutely

(that supposed to be gobsmacked) at this dh said well it will be worth it. I know it will but it was a shock to be told that. Not long before you start DReggin either now in fact you will be pretty close to Vic won't you?

Well what is new with me went to Care yesterday and I have now started on stimms tonight yes the hot flushes will be going soon and my grumpiness will too thank goodness

.
This time round the suprafact is horrid the menopur is a doddle the complete opposite from last time and my legs looked quite battered and bruised too and that didn't happen last time either. Going in on Monday for blood test and they want me to have a scan too as last time I went from 3 powder down to 1 very quickly and Dr Shaker says they want to monitor me a bit more this time. This I am very happy with! Hey forgotten do they open the doors at 8 'o' clock or is it 8:30 can't remember.

Right well must pop in to see the (.)(.)'s.

Take care & loads of luv n luck as always***

Deano · 20 Nov 2005

Hi girls

Really sorry not been in touch for a while, we have had problems with our bl***y wireless connection and I have been busy with other things.

Vic – really glad to see you are almost cycling again, once those drugs arrive you will certainly feel like this is it! That BFP will be almost here. As for switching from SP to LP I can’t help I am afraid, but I know there is someone on the Immunology thread who switched but not sure who! You could have a search on there. I got your text hence me making sure I got on here tonight. How is the new job going?

Carol – great to hear the twins are ok and your leaky boobs made me laugh. 17 weeks, I can’t believe it, where does the time go!

Eve – Pleased to hear you are ok too, and I can’t wait to see that bump, no worries there, but unfortunately I can’t make it to the night out, quite disappointed about it as was looking forward to seeing everyone again, but we have already booked to go on a charity evening at the Cinnamon Lodge in Meltham – do you know it? I am still using that great route to Sheffield, so glad I don’t have to tackle the traffic anymore. Not long now for you, Dr Zhao always asks after you when I see her.

Carly – hope you are ok!

Littlun & Marshmallow – I have everything cross that this will be your cycle now they have found the reasons for your past problems.

Sara – things can only get better now and slowly but surely day by day you will find it easier. I think you have been incredibly strong and they will be able to tweak the tx next time so you can get a BFP!!! Will you be having tx back at Sheffield next time?

I really hope Chelle is having a wonderful holiday, she so deserves the break.

Well, as for me, nothing really changes. The bloods for the Chicago tests will be taken 2 weeks on Monday, and counting. Then we have a 3 week wait for the results on the 19th March, I am praying they find something. I have found that my anxiety levels have been slowly increasing and am now finding the thought of the next cycle quite daunting. Dr Zhao has been trying to help with my tension levels and I am going to see my friend who does aromatherapy for a massage every couple of weeks to try and chill out as much as possible. She will be very careful what oils to use. I gave up the drink and haven’t had anything for a week or so now, its my birthday next Tuesday so I will find it hard not having a drink then, plus we are off to the in-laws this weekend as there are other family birthdays too and they are big boozers, but I will behave, DH is being really supportive too and not drinking much. He has still given up smoking, he is on the nicotine tablets a couple of times a day but he is nearly off them, he has done so well. I have been quite down really, I am so sick of this taking over our lives so much, I just want to have our old life back when I didn’t have a care in the world, its 5 years of this now and I am so sick of it, need to get positive again but its so hard. Even if I do get a BFP I will be so scared of having another mc. I am doing my best to do lots with my horse so I can take my mind of it, I think I would go totally crazy if I didn’t have her. I did have some good news this week from a friend / colleague, she has just had a 2nd go at IVF and got her BFP, it really cheered me up as she has had such a rough ride having had an ectopic pregnancy plus her age being against her.

Anyway, I am waffling now – god I am watching Relocation Relocation and the lady who is looking for a house is pg – why can’t it be me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! F*£^$* W^**^^& P%^^&**** and the swearing goes on!!

Oh dear, I am not good at the mo, my throat & head hurts, part of me is hoping for lots of snow tomorrow so I don’t have to go to work, but looks like its going to miss us up in ‘appy ‘appy ‘uddersfield!

Love you all

Helen xx

Red Badger · 20 Sep 2006

Hi Helen,

Nice to hear from you - we have decided to have next tx at Notts again - it only takes 45 mins to get to on the good days from home about the same as Sheff, plus we like the set up there.

Get your PMA back in gear!

Sara x x x

Deano · 20 Nov 2005

Hi Sara

I know - PMA PMA!!!!! We were wondering about going to Notts for next tx as even tho its 50 miles to Notts and 30 miles to Sheffield from us, because of the traffic in Sheffield & Notts is straight off the M1 it means it takes about the same time. But we have got a good relationship with the nurses at Sheffield, BUT I hate EC there!!

H.x

Littlun · 13 May 2006

Helen,

I am know exactly what you mean about the nursing staff at Sheffield this time round with my tx I am at Sheffield for all monitoring, bloods, scan in fact the whole caboodle but my EC & ET will be done at N'ham as I hate the EC under local anesthetic (soz don't know how to spell it) Sheffield totally understands and are more than happy with me doing this (Paula did call me a whimp the other day my reply called her a c*w we giggled).

Anyway best get on not sure how things will go today here at work with the snow so best try and knuckle down just in case we leave early. Hope all you guys are all safe and sound if traveling in the snow take care.

Oodles of luv, **

Marshmallow · 05 Jun 2006

Hi there,

Hope you are all ok and not snowed in! Its coming pretty thick in Derbyshire but we always seem to get it bad here. My sister lives in Wakefield and her DD always complains that we get snow here and yet they don't! She's desperate to make a snowman, bless her!

I'm not even moving out of the house today, just standing watching rubbish on telly whilst tackling a mountain of ironing, and dreaming of becoming a human dartboard in a couple of weeks time. My DH says I'm not to drink too much water (even though I'm already downing glasses like its going out of fashion) as I'll be like a sieve and leak when I do! I'm really wanting to get started now, and now the drugs are paid for (ouch - the account is now £1k lighter) I can start to get my brain around the whole thing again.

Anyway, take care and be safe with all this snow around!!

Marshmallow xxx

Vick · 11 Aug 2006

Hi Girls

Nice to hear from you all - we must keep this thread going - it will get us through this trauma once again - I don't know what I would do without it.

Deano - So glad to hear from you, although not so pleased that you are feeling a bit down in the dumps. I know what you mean though - I just feel so upset and tearful all the time and I don't know why, well I do, probably the thought of going through all the iVF thing again. I know your tests seem some time away but the time is flying by already, and this way, especially if something is discovered, it will give you the best ever chance possible to get your little one(s) and then you can get back to normality a little bit (although I have forgotten what that feels like). SO sorry ypu cannot make the night out, it would have been lovely to catch up again. If ever you want to meet up for a decaf, we could always meet in Meadow Hall and have a catch up and a moan - let me know if you want to, but in the meantime, take care and keep your chin up.

Littlun - When is your EC. We are having ours at Nottingham too and we are hoping for a D3 transfer aswell instead of the normal 2 - dependant on how many embryo's etc. I must admit the thought of all the needles again is bad enough, but to have to go through all that pain again, and Paula can call be a whimp if she likes I don't care, it bloody killed!!!!!! When you watch all the IVF programmes on TV, have you noticed that for EC they are all heavily sedated or asleep - that just shows how painful it is!!!! Keep us updated on your progess and keep taliking to all those lovely growing follies!

Marshmallow - Exciting????!!!????? - I am quite nervous this time - I think it must be becuase we know what to expect now, although I do feel calmer. Are you having acu again this time - I am not going to bother - I just could not find the time at the moment to go and I know that just sounds really lame, but I also hate needles .......... ouch - have you seen the length of the Superfact needles - they are loads longer and thicker than they were last time I am sure. Got my drugs today and now it is all real again - have you got yours and how are you feeling. I am glad we are cycling together again - that must be a good sign. Hope you are OK?

To all you other wonderful ladies out there - hope you are all well and looking after yourselves - kep in touch and see you all soon.

Vic
xxx

Vick · 11 Aug 2006

Blimey - I have just noticed how long my last message was - don't I go on - I will forgive you all for falling asleep whilst reading it!

Love to you all

Vic
xx

Littlun · 13 May 2006

Vic,

tee hee didn't doze off whilst reading your post honest

Marshmallow · 05 Jun 2006

Hi there everyone

Littleun*, I just love your pics!! Especially Giggly!!

I'm on my own tonight as my DH has gone with the footie team down to London (they play Milwall tomorrow), so I'm stuck in with a bar of dairy milk........mmmmmmmm!

I'm not having accu this time Vic, it didn't work last time (despite Dr Zhao giving me optimistic vibes during the 2ww) so I'm going to save my cash. I think I'll have had enough of needles anyway, what with the extra jabs I'll be doing for the Clexane and my Gestone! I may consider it again if it doesn't work this time (but of course it is going to work!) By then I hope I'll be able to claim the full cost again from Westfield.

Anyway, my mobile has just gone - expect its a message from my DH who'll be enjoying himself....

Take care and keep yourselves warm!!

Marshmallow xxx

Chelle'n'Dave · 04 Jan 2006

Hi Girls

Well I'm home. Got back about 2hrs ago. NEED sleep so no catch ups yet. Just to let you know I had a fab time and even managed to go a whole 3 days without thinking about IVF !!!!

Sara so sorry to hear about your BFN. I was really hoping that it would be good news when I got back.

Well from what I have seen on here it looks like we are set for the 27th but I will check the poll later and get back to you. I will also suggest some venues.

Not impressed with all the snow, my tan has faded already.

Hope you are all doing well.

Speak later

Love Chelle
xxxx

Vick · 11 Aug 2006

Chelle

Welcome back - glad you had a fab time - bet it was great to get back to the great British weather wasn't it? Hopefully the break was just what you needed and now you are all refreshed and relaxed. Gosh 3 days without thinking of IVF - how brill - well done!!! Looking forward to the 27th, I am easy on location and will go wherever, I will be mid way through jabbering so will not be drinking unfortunately. Let us know when you have a venue sorted etc.

Littlun - your pics do make me laugh - my posts just seem to be so long and boring I am not surprised you fell to sleep - ha ha. I think Littlun kind of gave your size away, although I had you down for a brunette for some reason - looking forward to meeting you in the flesh. Good luck with the stims!!!!

Off now - Saturday is cleaning day - such joy, going to go and get my hands down th u-bend. Have a great weekend everyone.

Love
Vic
xxx

Marshmallow · 05 Jun 2006

Hi there!

Welcome back Chelle! I know what you mean about the snow! Still, its started to melt here so it may not stay around for too much longer. As for your fading tan, I can relate to that too! My skin has been really dry on my arms and legs since we came back, despite exfoliating and slapping on moisturiser. I hope Florida was wonderful. My boss went there yesterday for the week and I'm sooo jealous! I've already got loads of brochures to look through for the summer - I figure I'll be ok to fly after 12 weeks (fingers crossed) so we're looking for a weeks break in July. I just hope I'll have got a legitimate excuse not to be drinking alcohol or eating wonderful food this time, rather than just having a dodgy stomach!

Vic, don't go wearing yourself out with that housework - you need to be reserving energy ready for starting! I'm as bad though, spent most of today scrubbing down the bathroom and fettling the bedrooms! I've still got downstairs to do but got fed up of smelling like Cillit Bang!

Take care, and take time to relax and think positive!

Marshmallow xx

Littlun · 13 May 2006

Hi everyone,

Carol, Whats new hun? Hope your not working too hard or I will be cross has that guy started working at your place yet if not I reckon you prob are working too hard so stop it immediately do you hear (such a nag aren't I)

Vic, hope you enjoyed all your exciting

hey hope you don't look like this woman when doing the cleaning. Stimms are going ok got some horrid headaches this time round though and my parecetamols and forehead wand just aren't shifting it either dh told me I spend too much time on here and it can't be doing my headache any good he is a bigger nag than me (Carol I heard that I am not worse than him). 12 days to go soon it will be a week then

oh what fun bet you just can't wait can you!

Marshmallow, hey I heard a woman on the radio the other day saying you mustn't exfoliate too much and you should just make sure you moisturise every day. Dh and me were talking about a break this year I just want to go to a Greek island nice and cheap but plenty of sun he says he doesn't really mind just a cheap week away somewhere will be good but I mustn't go booking anything as I might be tempting fate he is def worse than me. Where are you thinking of going?

Chelle, I think the 27th won hands down don't really mind where we go just let me know where and when I'll be there.

I'm off to Sheffield tomorrow for first bloods and having a scan Paula & Dr Shaker say they think they need to monitor me a little closer this time will let you know how things go.

Right I have to go and do some ironing you guys so take care and remember

it made me giggle!

Chelle'n'Dave · 04 Jan 2006

Hi girls

Well I think it is oficial and the date is the 27th Feb. I was thinking that centretainment is probably the best place for people to get to from motorways etc. I have been trying to think of restaurants down there and there is Old Orleans, Frankie and Benny's, Arena Square and I'm sure there is one more but can't think of the name. What do you think of one of these. Please let me know your preference and who is definately coming so I can go ahead and make a reservation. If anybody else has a suggestion please let me know cos I am struggling think of where to go. I thought if we went to one of the above there are different things on the menu so a choice for everyone rather than going for a chinese or indian etc which some people may not like.

I was thinking if we meet at 7pm to eat for 7.30pm, is that ok or too late or too early?

Well let me know.
Sorry I have not been on sooner but the PC has been down due to me having a problem with the electrics.

Love Chelle
xxxx