I had my 2nd blood test this morning, and just got the results. My hCG level has gone back to zero (as expected). But we now have a new action plan for our next transfer attempt! I actually didn't even know this was possible, but my Doctor has decided that my next attempt in September will be a natural frozen cycle. What does this mean? NO DRUGS AT ALL!!! It's kind of scary in that it feels like I'll be floating out in the middle of the ocean without a life raft, but then it also means that the doctor is happy enough with how my body can achieve implantation and produce enough progesterone on it's own. So, I'm meeting my nurse at the end of August (when I expect my next period), and we'll discuss the plan of attack for FET. She said that they'll organise a transfer 5 days after I ovulate. Sounds simple, but it also made me ask a lot of questions.
Because I have trouble reading my cycles, and the cycles are normally between 35-38 days long there's a few ways we can monitor my ovulation. She said I can use an Ovulation Predictor Kit at home, or perhaps come in for an internal ultrasound on CD15 to check for the follicle growth, or monitor with blood tests to make sure they know when I ovulate. Or they can do all of the above to be really sure. I believe I normally ovulate between CD21 and CD24 - just to drag out the waiting process even more of course!
I asked if there are any tests that I need to take to try to figure out why I achieve implantation, but have had 2 early losses. She said that I could make an appointment with the Doctor to arrange that before my next transfer, but ordinarily they wouldn't look at that until I've experienced 3 failed attempts. I decided that I will not do any additional testing yet, and just see how we go with the next transfer attempt.
It's so bizarre to me that I have only seen my Fertility Specialist a few times. Twice last year, and once in March for him to sign off for our treatment to begin. He wasn't there for our retrieval, or our transfer. I just met the 'doctor of the day' (who were both very nice). I'm not complaining, as we both think my FS is a bit strange. It just makes me laugh that he's the one collecting the big bucks for our treatment, and yet he's like a phantom.
I'm in a much happier head space today. I woke up with a new enthusiasm for life. Tonight I'm off to a VIP night with my fashionista friend at Peeptoe Shoes new store in Melbourne. I can't wait, as they'll be serving canapés and cocktails! My friend has been asked to cover the launch party on her fashion blog (check out how awesome she is at Michelle's Style File), and I'm her "Plus 1". Woohoo.
I've also downloaded a training program for me to focus on for the next 5 weeks. I want to go from couch to 10km in 5 weeks. I've decided to challenge myself to run 10km (6.2 miles), just on my own, not in an event. It'll give me something to focus on while I wait for my next chance to make a baby, and has the added benefit of re-toning my body again after all that IVF medication and sedative lifestyle. Yep, I'm proving it again >>> Having a plan and some goals to work towards makes me a much happier person!
Because I have trouble reading my cycles, and the cycles are normally between 35-38 days long there's a few ways we can monitor my ovulation. She said I can use an Ovulation Predictor Kit at home, or perhaps come in for an internal ultrasound on CD15 to check for the follicle growth, or monitor with blood tests to make sure they know when I ovulate. Or they can do all of the above to be really sure. I believe I normally ovulate between CD21 and CD24 - just to drag out the waiting process even more of course!
I asked if there are any tests that I need to take to try to figure out why I achieve implantation, but have had 2 early losses. She said that I could make an appointment with the Doctor to arrange that before my next transfer, but ordinarily they wouldn't look at that until I've experienced 3 failed attempts. I decided that I will not do any additional testing yet, and just see how we go with the next transfer attempt.
25th July 2012 I found my smile again! |
I'm in a much happier head space today. I woke up with a new enthusiasm for life. Tonight I'm off to a VIP night with my fashionista friend at Peeptoe Shoes new store in Melbourne. I can't wait, as they'll be serving canapés and cocktails! My friend has been asked to cover the launch party on her fashion blog (check out how awesome she is at Michelle's Style File), and I'm her "Plus 1". Woohoo.
I've also downloaded a training program for me to focus on for the next 5 weeks. I want to go from couch to 10km in 5 weeks. I've decided to challenge myself to run 10km (6.2 miles), just on my own, not in an event. It'll give me something to focus on while I wait for my next chance to make a baby, and has the added benefit of re-toning my body again after all that IVF medication and sedative lifestyle. Yep, I'm proving it again >>> Having a plan and some goals to work towards makes me a much happier person!
Hi there, I'm a new follower/here from ICLW. I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your recent loss/cycle disappointment. I'm just about a week behind you in my first IVF cycle and so I can really relate! We also had a chemical after our first IUI in February, so I know the torture of that. It is kind of like a silent tragedy, suffering repeat early losses (I've had two as well). I've never seen a heartbeat on an u/s either... it almost feels like my losses aren't as "real" or sad as others who have lost later in their pg. It's kind of a weird place because I do feel worse for them than I feel for myself.
ReplyDeleteThat all said, I'm glad you have a plan for your FET and how exciting that it will be natural! I feel like that's a great sign for success, putting the embryos back into their normal environment without all the drugs in your system. I'll be following along from now on and keeping my FC for you! So glad you found your smile!! :)
Now this has definitely peaked my interest. I think a natural FET sounds great for your body with no drugs etc. messing things up. I cant wait to follow you through this!
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you have a plan! I know after my chemical last month, I didn't feel better till I saw the RE and he came striding in the room with a plan, not pity. It's so important for faith and hope to have a plan! Natural FET sounds like a great thing. I would do anything not to have to take the PIO shots again! Its the only thing I am dreading next time!
ReplyDeleteI am very hopeful for your next cycle! How nice it will be to not have to take any medications. YAY! It's strange to me that you haven't seen your doctor very much. I saw mine all the time and I really felt like he was very involved with our situation. Hmmm...
ReplyDeleteI love that they're encouraging a natural FET. I wondered during our IUIs and IVFs if *all* the drugs were really necessary. I hope these next 5 weeks fly by and you're on your way to a successful cycle soon!
ReplyDeletePS I am amazed at your strength this past week. A failed cycle is really hard, and you have shown incredible resilience.
running has helped keep me sane through all of this craziness - I hope it helps you too!
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome news on the natural FET cycle. I will cross my fingers that this works out for you.
ReplyDeleteYey for a plan! I am so happy to hear you sounding so positive. You are an inspiration to me. Good luck with the running!
ReplyDeleteGreat news on having a new plan, a frozen natural cycle and no drugs! That sounds nice!! :)
ReplyDeleteHi, and thank you for stopping by my blog. I would definitely recommend that they monitor you even if it's a natural FET cycle to make sure they catch your ovulation. Also, I'm not sure what kind of coverage you have in Australia but you may want them to do a recurring loss blood panel. My thinking is, why waist your good embryos if there is an underlying issue that you could treat before your next cycle. Obviously the decision is yours, but thought I'd put in my 2 cents. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteMe again. After looking back at your history, it does seem premature to do the recurring pregnancy loss test. But something worth keeping in mind.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry that your dealing with this, but glad that there's a good plan in place. I would do the monitoring, but thats because i would be afraid to mess it all up using OPKs. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteCouch to 10k is a great program. I wish you tons of luck with it. I did it last summer and it was wonderful.
ReplyDeleteAn ICLW Visit from #63
liddy @ the unfair struggle (mfi, speedskating, 1st 2ww)