CARE Fertility Bulletin Board

vip · 16 May 2007

Footsteps, I am so sorry to read your news.

Hope you manage to get a cancellation soon so that you can get some answers and plan your next attempt.

Big hugs to you and d/h x

Footsteps2 · 22 Sep 2011

Thank you Ladies for your kind words and hugs Smile

Care have called us this morning and we have a review appointment with Mr Atkinson today at 5pm... which was a shock to get one so soon! So hopefully we will have some answers to our questions and we can plan to move forward to the next cycle Smile

I am not a woman that likes to be beaten! so need to get my self sorted and back on the road again with PMA x

Will keep you informed with the outcome x

Denny · 25 Dec 2010

Hi Footsteps

Excellent that was quick for your appointment, good that you will get some answers and figure out the next move for you both.

Look forward to hearing from you later.

x

Footsteps2 · 22 Sep 2011

Evening Ladies,

Denny - I was quite surprised this morning... when Mr Atkinsons secretary called to arrange our appointment and the look on my face when she said tonight 5 or 5.30pm I was expecting something in December or January.. but due to a bad year for reviews, Mr Atkinson and Mr Lowe have decided to do extra appointments Smile

so I feel that we have been lucky to be seen so soon! Mr A was quite surprised that he was seeing us so soon.. twice in the same week and sadly for the wrong reasons Sad

He could not give us a reason as to why this cycle failed so early for us... as due to my age & DH sperm issues it could have been either or combination of both. He said that if we did another cycle with our OE/sperm.. it is more than likely going to end with the same result, and that the only thing he can do is remove either my eggs from the equation or DH sperm, but would go for ruling out my eggs as DH sperm even with issues the eggs should have fertilized. So he has gone through the DE procedure with us and given us the donor co-ordinators contact details for if we wish to proceed. The waiting list is now at 8mths:( so will be 44 by the time we get to the top if we decide to go ahead with DE. We have always said we would use DE if mine failed... but I am thinking am I giving up on my eggs too soon??? and on the other hand do I take the chance of using my eggs for the same thing to happen again??? So we have a lot to think about, but not too long so we can get on the list.

Kitkat1 · 13 Jul 2011

Footsteps, I am so so sorry to be reading all this tonight...... my heart goes out to you xx

From the research we have done, since last years miscarriage, and the discussions with the DE co-ordinator in Northampton, as well as my consultant and fertililty nurse in MK, the odds are always on the eggs being old that causes this. Which is why we had made the decision to only try once with IVF and OE, and if that didn't work go straight to DE. And even with me falling naturally if I miscarry again, then we'll probably go straight to DE. However, hopefully we won't have to make that decision.

You sound like a positive and realistic person, like me, and I know you'll get through this. Just give your body, and heart, a little time to come to terms with everything before starting another cycle (whether that be OE or DE).

And if you go for DE, don't rule out going abroad. I've done some research on Alicante, and a clinic in the Czech Republic, both of which have 57% to 60% success rates, meet all the UK regulations, and have some really really good reviews. When you're ready, if you want names etc, just let me know.

Take care of yourself, and DH, it will have been a blow to him too

Hugs to you both
xx

Footsteps2 · 22 Sep 2011

Thanks Kitkat for your kind words Smile

We knew it was going to be tough, but didn't think it was gonna hit us this hard Sad

Was trying my best not to blubber throughout the consultation... and I think I did pretty well considering. For the people that know me... they say I am a tough cookie because I do not cry ... but I think I am making up for all that now Sad

a big softee at heart really Smile

I know deep down, we will go for DE... and when we do, I would rather it be in Jan/Feb time not June/July as it seems such a long time away, and being the impatient person I am once I get my teeth into something (other than then, I am as laid back as sunlounger on a sunny day Smile

) Going abroad does sound a good option, higher success rates and shorter waiting lists too, any details would be very much appreciated Smile

as it is not something that we have looked into as yet.

How are you Kitkat anyway? I bet you and DH are still grinning like cheshire cats Laughing

has it become any more surreal for you? and I am sure that all will be fine and you will continue to have a full healthy pregnancy Smile

vip · 16 May 2007

Footsteps, stay strong in this dark period of your life xx

Good luck with your decision and whichever path you take to get your beautiful baby/ies

We have opted for DE on our final attempt following 5 failed attempts following having Oliver. last 2 cycles resulted in 1 fert embie and our consultant said he'd thrown everything he could into our basket and in his opinion the negative results now were down to my age as my egg quality had deteriorated (39 - 40 at the time.)

There are many ladies on here that have used the Czech Republic clinic and have had success. I know some are cycling now so you can always get lots of advise Very Happy

Good luck x Very Happy

Maple · 15 Nov 2008

Footsteps,

It is extremely tough as you must feel that you weren't even given a chance using your own eggs. Most of us (over 40's) do limp and stagger but still managed to get to ET with one or two embryos from OE's ... it gave as a feeling that our eggs/embryos had been given a chance however minute, and it helped us to close-out on using our OE's.

Please be kind/gentle on yourself. Good luck with your decision on DE.

Love,
Maple
xxx

Jacquie6 · 03 Mar 2010

Footsteps,
So sorry you didnt get better news at your review. I was in a similar position to you a few years ago and didnt get to ET. It is just like having the rug pulled out from under you. We took some time out afterwards. To be honest I needed to get my head around DE though I didnt realise it at the time.
Be kind to yourselves over the coming months. Take heart from the many success stories on here. Good luck with your decision. We are all here to help if you need us.
Jacquie xx

Denny · 25 Dec 2010

Hi Footsteps

Hope you managed to get some rest last night and maybe some time to think today and not too many tears.

Tough call as you say not having any definitive reason and having to make the choice as to whether to try again with OE or go for DE.

Obviously as DE was something you had mentioned the possibility of considering before then you had already opened your mind to this, so just take some time to consider your options and then you can both plan your next move.

I hope whatever you choose the next time is your time.

xx

Denny · 25 Dec 2010

Morning All

Off for blood test today, to have my AMH levels checked - let's hope it's easier to give blood than last time - two attemps and out of the hand last time - my Nanna always said you needed all the blood you had Very Happy

Should get new protocol next week after this and off we go!

Hi Footsteps, hope today brings you a step closer to your decision as where to go next.

Kitkat, how's the smiling going?

Catch up later

x

Kitkat1 · 13 Jul 2011

Hi Footsteps

I tried to post from my iPhone yesterday as we were travelling down to Falmouth for a weekend of house hunting, but it doesn't look like it made it onto here....

The clinic in the Czech Republic is called Reprofit.
http://www.reprofit.cz/page.php?id=79&rodic=68&lang=en

The one we looked at in Alicante is http://www.institutobernabeu.com/en/
This is linked with the Wessex Fertility Centre in Southampton that I spoke to when we knew we'd be moving to Cornwall, but you can make contact with them direct and do everything through them, you don't have to go via Wessex Fertility.

Reprofit looks to be cheaper, but it doesn't say how many visits you need to make (we haven't got as far as asking). For Alicante you can use any test results you've had here (ie blood tests and semen analysis by CARE will be accepted), and then up to 6 days out there. You book flights and accommodation, but they meet you at the aiport etc.

If you go to www.fertilityfriends.co.uk there is a whole forum on there about treatment abroad.

Hi Denny, still smiling, but starting to feel a bit rough at times. Think I need to pay more attention to eating and drinking enough during the day. Felt very light headed and nauseous when we got here last night, but once I had some water and fish and chips felt much better
Smile

Good luck with the blood tests !

xx

edenrose · 15 Jun 2010

Hi Footsteps,

I just wanted to say how sorry I am to hear about the results of your cycle. I also wanted to suggest that you take a look at the Array CGH, Brno, Bumps & Beyond thread... Brno is the town where Reprofit is located. Several of the ladies on the thread currently are undergoing treatment there, and will be able to tell you all about it! We've had lots of success stories on the thread from DE; Nicola is about to welcome home her baby from DE at Reprofit and Nicole is pregnant with twins having had successful treatment with DE at the clinic. Come have a read!

Big hugs,

Edenrose xxx

Footsteps2 · 22 Sep 2011

Afternoon Ladies Smile

Thankyou all for your kind words of support and sharing your own personal experiences/success stories with me. I am feeling a lot more optimistic and trying not being too hard on myself about things not going our way this time. Got a little emotional earlier as we recieved some flowers from my mum & dad who are away in Australia/New Zealand at the mo Smile

We have contacted Care about going on the DE waiting list, which will also give ourselves some time to look at other options such as going abroad etc (and told DH we need to get a bit fitter too and no fish & chips! Laughing

) I look forward to chatting to all on the other threads too and not just lurking Smile

Kitkat - thanks for the links, we will certainly be looking into them Smile

mmm fish and chips! you have got to look after yourself and remember to eat & drink!

Denny - I hope your blood tests were not too painful Sad

I am so lucky when it comes to things like that, the nurses love me when I donate blood! you can see the joy in their eyes when they see my veins Laughing

How exciting you get your new protocol soon and start your cycle Smile

Well, off for a few well deserved drinks tonight with some friends Smile

Denny · 25 Dec 2010

Evening All

Mmmm fish and chips - love em..........don't forget the mushy peas though!

Blood test fine, still took two attempts though, first nurse had one go then called in for re-enforcements, got there in the end.

Results Monday then hopefully new protocol too.

Footsteps, hope you had a nice evening with friends and chilled a while. As you say take your time to explore all the options.

Kitkat, hope not too much nausea today, but all good if you are Smile

Lovely day today, first Saturday off in over six months, wonderful, been for a nice walk with our doggie and some online retail therapy for a forthcoming weekend away.......................

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

x

Kitkat1 · 13 Jul 2011

Oh yes, had mushy peas too !

Not too much nausea since, but drinking and nibbling all day. Mini gingerbread men always on hand, as ginger is great for nausea.

Busy day househunting, and strange asking where the nearest schools are Wink

Have a good rest of the weekend ladies
xx

Footsteps2 · 22 Sep 2011

Afternoon Ladies

Kitkat - Yummy mini gingerbread men Smile

handbag size too ! I hope the househunting went well... and you find something soon Smile

and near the local school too!

Denny - How are you? How precious to have a Saturday off and to spend with DH & doggie Smile

I have twin boy cats Sooty and Sweep lol Smile

somehow a walk along the beach is not for them Laughing

I would love a little doggie but house too small and I dont think the boys would be too happy, but it would keep me fit! Which I need to work on lol! I work in retail and Saturdays off are a big no no unless you are on hols lol! so I dont get them off too often either! you must be close to starting your cycle soon Smile

Well me & DH have been doing a lot of talking about our next steps... and decided DE is our only way forward. We have done a lot of research into going abroad (thanks for the links Kitkat Smile

) and we have decided to go ahead with treatment in Barcelona. No waiting lists, online quote - bit cheaper & 61% success rate too, just waiting on confirmation of our 1st consultation in January Smile

should recieve this by tomorrow. I have spoken to Care and they are willing to do any bloodtests and monitoring that I will need and we can have a full copy of our notes too! So all in all things are looking positive again and moving swiftly on for us again Smile

Kitkat1 · 13 Jul 2011

Hi Footsteps

So glad to hear you've come to a decision, and hopefully a decision that will end in success Smile

61% success rate is pretty impressive Very Happy

Please keep us posted on progress, been thinking about you a lot !

My hcg levels have gone from 2800 on 28/10 to 76000 on 08/11. More tests next week, so hopefully will still be going up. Morning sickness, well all day sickness, is kicking in big time in big waves of nausea, but not complaining. In fact tend to panic if I haven't felt sick for a few hours. Just willing that 12 week scan to come round and show all is OK.

I wish you all the luck in the world Footsteps, and will be thinking of you.

xxx

Denny · 25 Dec 2010

Hi Both

Footsteps - good that you have chosen the way forward for you both, did you get an appointment date yet?

Kitkat - how's the sickness doing now, hope all the tests are going well.

AFM the AMH levels from the last blood test were 13.1 which is apparently pretty good for my age, so this and combined with the Array will tell us whether my eggs which seem ok quantity are ok quality too Very Happy

We have decided to start the cycle next month, as we would have been so close to falling outside of the closure dates for Christmas, it would have meant that everything needed to fall perfectly into place to make sure we got in.

As we have waited this long and don't want to risk anything being rushed decided to start in December so looking at starting the injections on or around the 16th depending on AF, so that time will fly by anyway me thinks.

Take care both, catch up soon.

xx

vip · 16 May 2007

Hi ladies,

Footsteps, glad you have been able to choose, hope you feel better now x Your clinic sounds amazing with their results and you have an excellent chance of success. Not long to wait either, excellent news. Shall look out for your news and good luck to you in achieving your dream next year xx

Kitkat, sounds like your pg is progressing well, I am so happy for you. Good luck house hunting x

Denny, good luck to you in a few weeks when starting your protocol, hopefully followed by a bfp very soon x

Footsteps2 · 22 Sep 2011

Morning Ladies

Kitkat ... wow those HCG levels are certainly rising! Not so good about the all day sickness.... but it in a way its a good sign all is well, your scan date will be round very soon and hopefully you can relax a bit more Smile

Denny ... Glad to hear you will be starting your cycle in Dec... and not so long to wait either and no worrying about things falling into place when you need them too, because we all know that just doesn't happen! Smile

VIP ... Feeling much better now thanks Smile

We have pretty much got the wheels in motion again, we have our first appointment booked in Barcelona on 7th Jan, flights and hotel booked so a nice little weekend away too Smile

All being well, we should be starting our next cycle early 2012!

Denny · 25 Dec 2010

Hello Ladies

Footsteps - glad you have a date for your first appointment, not long to go now and Barcelona is a fab place to spend a weekend too, so double reason to look forward to your trip!

Kitkat - how are you feeling ok, what is the date of your 12 week scan?

VIP - thank you for your good wishes, I hope things are progressing in the right direction for you and your friend.

AFM - AF arrived on Friday, and with surprisingly few period pains too, so a nice easy one for me this month, taking that as a good sign, so should start DR on the 15th December, just waiting on protocol to come through.

Had a wobble the other afternoon, was sitting in the hairdressers enjoying a bit of me time away from the madness of work and starting to think how much our lives will change when we get our BFP (PMA at all times) would I be able to cope, how would it affect me and DH and we have been on our own for such a long time and lead a very nice life doing as we want we when we want................anyway came home had a long chat, good nights sleep and dreamt about yellow nurseries - so decided that was a sign!

So here we go....................

Nice lazy weekend, were supposed to be away but our doggie is poorly (she has lymphoma), though she is a bit better today and did not want to put her in kennels..............wind is blowing well here in sunny (not) North Wales so think might be in for a good blow away of the cobwebs when we go for a walk later, unless it chucks it down of course!!

Have a good weekend all Very Happy

x

Footsteps2 · 22 Sep 2011

Evening Ladies,

Denny - do you start DR tomorrow? that has come round really quickly! Fingers crossed for a BFP Very Happy

We all have wobbles... not had one at the hairdressers yet, and the yellow nurseries sounds promising Very Happy

I hope your doggie is feeling better now too x

Kitkat - I hope all is going well for you and those mini gingerbread men are keeping the morning sickness at bay. Its not long till your 1st scan is it? x

AFM - Barcelona 3 wks on Saturday Smile

We have never been to Barcelona before, so yes we are going to make it into a relaxing little mini weekend break as much as we can.. We will have to sit and fill in all the forms over the next week or so and there are plenty of them! should be used to that by now Very Happy

Speak soon Very Happy

Denny · 25 Dec 2010

Evening Ladies

Footsteps, yes you were correct, I started today, first injection tonight - was taking deep breaths for five minutes before injecting and it did not hurt at all!!

Ohhh three weeks on Saturday, not long to go for you - good luck filling in all those forms.

Kitkat - how are you?

Bye for now x

Footsteps2 · 22 Sep 2011

Well done Denny! The first one is always a bit daunting... but am sure you will be a pro at it very soon Smile

So glad printed the forms off the other week ... as printer not working now Sad

only bought new inks for it the other week and cost a small fortune and now its saying there is naff all in them and we rarely use it? so DH & I have spent most of the evening trying to sort it out but failed miserably lol! technology has beaten us for tonight anyway lol!

Take Care x