Diary of an IVFer
- Thread starter Helen
- Start date
Monday
Booked appointment for mock embryo transfer. 12 noon on Thursday. Have learnt not to bother asking if they have a time at the start or end of the day to fit work.... they don't. More time off.
Haven't written funding letter yet. Don't know where to begin. Any ideas Rachel?
Not heard a thing from friend who emailed me to say she was PG last week after I replied and told her about IVF. That went well, I feel.
Had a great weekend. Really lazy, read a book. Ahhh... people keep telling me that I need to learn to switch off and relax, but I find it really hard not to be doing anything. I need to get used to it so that I am nice and relaxed during the whole process though. OH thinks I am a stress bunny at the best of times!
H
xx
Booked appointment for mock embryo transfer. 12 noon on Thursday. Have learnt not to bother asking if they have a time at the start or end of the day to fit work.... they don't. More time off.
Haven't written funding letter yet. Don't know where to begin. Any ideas Rachel?
Not heard a thing from friend who emailed me to say she was PG last week after I replied and told her about IVF. That went well, I feel.
Had a great weekend. Really lazy, read a book. Ahhh... people keep telling me that I need to learn to switch off and relax, but I find it really hard not to be doing anything. I need to get used to it so that I am nice and relaxed during the whole process though. OH thinks I am a stress bunny at the best of times!
H
xx
I'm a big stress head - and i luuuuuurve nothing more to help me relax than laying in a lavender bath with a book
Nice of your friend to email back! To be honest she's probably stuck for words, i know i would be - scared of saying the wrong thing or something!
Glad they've booked you for your mock transfer!!
Nice of your friend to email back! To be honest she's probably stuck for words, i know i would be - scared of saying the wrong thing or something!
Glad they've booked you for your mock transfer!!
HayleyB said:
I know I would be. You know how it is - we're all really sensitive to friends, family & celebrities falling PG. Maybe she realises that and is lost for words, or is trying to stay out of the way so she doesn't put her foot in it?
Well done for being lazy this weekend Helen. Is your stress bunny side displayed in your avatar?!
Tuesday
LOL! Aw, he's my little baby
Any ideas on how to handle this friend? We used to work together and became friends like that but she gave up work at Xmas after she had her first child and I haven't seen that much of since. It's mostly email, although I know I will be seeing her at a Do in October so we need to have sorted this by then!
Am staying pretty stress free although am working longer hours and OH is not too keen on that. He works some really long hours including weekends but obviously is keen on me taking more care of myself at the mo. TBH though I feel less stressed for keeping on top of things a bit more.
I always seem to get trapped by someone at 5.30 as I'm trying to get out of the door (like tonight) and end up not finishing till 7pm. Ugh! Which then makes it difficult to ring him to say that I'll be late finishing.
Went out for a nice long run with a friend tonight. We were probably out for around an hour and the weather was perfect. Ideal way to let off steam. Have also ordered a Tai Chi DVD so I can practice during the week. My co-ordination is so bad I can't remember from one week to the next what I'm supposed to do. At least this way I'll get some practice in!
H
xx
LOL!
Aw, he's my little baby Any ideas on how to handle this friend? We used to work together and became friends like that but she gave up work at Xmas after she had her first child and I haven't seen that much of since. It's mostly email, although I know I will be seeing her at a Do in October so we need to have sorted this by then!
Am staying pretty stress free although am working longer hours and OH is not too keen on that. He works some really long hours including weekends but obviously is keen on me taking more care of myself at the mo. TBH though I feel less stressed for keeping on top of things a bit more.
I always seem to get trapped by someone at 5.30 as I'm trying to get out of the door (like tonight) and end up not finishing till 7pm. Ugh! Which then makes it difficult to ring him to say that I'll be late finishing.
Went out for a nice long run with a friend tonight. We were probably out for around an hour and the weather was perfect. Ideal way to let off steam. Have also ordered a Tai Chi DVD so I can practice during the week. My co-ordination is so bad I can't remember from one week to the next what I'm supposed to do. At least this way I'll get some practice in!
H
xx
Wednesday
Got Tai Chi DVD today so off for some practice in a bit.
At hospital tomorrow for mock embryo transfer. Fingers crossed all goes well with the last thing they can check before we get started. All sorts of other hurdles to cross after that, but taking each one as it comes.
H
xx
Got Tai Chi DVD today so off for some practice in a bit.
At hospital tomorrow for mock embryo transfer. Fingers crossed all goes well with the last thing they can check before we get started. All sorts of other hurdles to cross after that, but taking each one as it comes.
H
xx
Oooo mock embryo transfer! 
Seems like you're really on a roll now!!
I don't know what to advise you about the email situation.
My friend found out that she was pregnant the day i miscarried.
She didn't tell me till she was 5 months gone, and she told me over the phone cos she felt bad.
We've not really spoken since then - although i did invite her for my girly night on my birthday - she didn't come
I'd say send her an upbeat mail tomorrow after the mock transfer if you can, "thought i'd let you know how it went" kind of thing??
So she knows you want her to know whats happening?
xox
Good luck tomorrow!!
Seems like you're really on a roll now!!
I don't know what to advise you about the email situation.
My friend found out that she was pregnant the day i miscarried.
She didn't tell me till she was 5 months gone, and she told me over the phone cos she felt bad.
We've not really spoken since then - although i did invite her for my girly night on my birthday - she didn't come
I'd say send her an upbeat mail tomorrow after the mock transfer if you can, "thought i'd let you know how it went" kind of thing??
So she knows you want her to know whats happening?
xox
Good luck tomorrow!!
Yeah, good idea Hayley....don't forget to ask how she's feeling - she's probably desparate to talk about it, but won't until she knows she can.
Also, why not arrange to meet for a coffee or something so you can SEE each other? I always stew over the hidden meaning and tone in emails....
Glad to see another runner on here
I really love running - crap at it since getting BFP in Feb then MC end April....getting back into it now though. It really helps me to get away from everything else. Are you running for a purpose?
Also, why not arrange to meet for a coffee or something so you can SEE each other? I always stew over the hidden meaning and tone in emails....
Glad to see another runner on here
I really love running - crap at it since getting BFP in Feb then MC end April....getting back into it now though. It really helps me to get away from everything else. Are you running for a purpose?Thursday
Went for the mock embryo transfer today.
Had to go with a full bladder and then they were 20 mins late calling us in.
It was lucky actually as OH got seriously stuck in traffic and only just made it.
More stirrups, that horrid metal gizmo they stick up you during a smear, only this time really deeply
Thankfully all went well and there were no problems although I have been a little uncomfortable the rest of the day sorta internally bruised like AF pain. Don't want to take any pain killers as my now. ....ummmmmm... my body is a temple......ummmmmm........ *whispering* may even try to completely give up wine until this is over.
(BTW I had my fingers crossed then which means I can have a glass if I want one now and again).
Now just waiting for AF to come so we can get cracking.....
Read the side-effects of the first drug tonight... dizziness, hot flushes, headaches, depression, weight gain, trouble sleeping, etc., etc. They even use the same thing to treat prostate cancer! I think OH is in for a bumpy ride. 
H
xx
P.S. Yet Peanut I'm running because I have a love/hate relationship with it! I hate it at the time, but love it when I'm done. Love the social bit, love the keeping fit and the way it keeps my weight down. Done a few 10k races this year. One of my running mates is insisting we do one in September before I stop running. I plan to stop from egg collection until I know result. If positive, cotton wool comes out big time and no more running till after. If negative, running like mad thing and may sign up for a half marathon next year. What about you?
Went for the mock embryo transfer today.
Had to go with a full bladder and then they were 20 mins late calling us in.
It was lucky actually as OH got seriously stuck in traffic and only just made it. More stirrups, that horrid metal gizmo they stick up you during a smear, only this time really deeply
Thankfully all went well and there were no problems although I have been a little uncomfortable the rest of the day sorta internally bruised like AF pain. Don't want to take any pain killers as my now. ....ummmmmm... my body is a temple......ummmmmm........ *whispering* may even try to completely give up wine until this is over.
(BTW I had my fingers crossed then which means I can have a glass if I want one now and again).Now just waiting for AF to come so we can get cracking.....
Read the side-effects of the first drug tonight... dizziness, hot flushes, headaches, depression, weight gain, trouble sleeping, etc., etc. They even use the same thing to treat prostate cancer!
I think OH is in for a bumpy ride. H
xx
P.S. Yet Peanut
I'm running because I have a love/hate relationship with it! I hate it at the time, but love it when I'm done. Love the social bit, love the keeping fit and the way it keeps my weight down. Done a few 10k races this year. One of my running mates is insisting we do one in September before I stop running. I plan to stop from egg collection until I know result. If positive, cotton wool comes out big time and no more running till after. If negative, running like mad thing and may sign up for a half marathon next year. What about you?Hiya Helen
Glad to read your mock ET went well, allbeit left you a little uncomfortable.
Hope your AF shows her ugly mug soon so you can continue with your treatment.
Lotsa
with the rest of your treatment - Really hope everything goes smoothly and you get your much deserved
Glad to read your mock ET went well, allbeit left you a little uncomfortable.
Hope your AF shows her ugly mug soon so you can continue with your treatment.
Is this Buserlin by any chance?
Lotsa
Friday
Hi Rachael
No, it's Prostap.
When you got funding for drugs did you write your own letter? Our GP is asking us to write too and we have no idea what to say. Any tips welcome!
Had a bit of a temp surge today http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/fec25 and I'm hoping that's the start of the 2 week wait, although my graph has been so freaky this month I wouldn't be surprised not to ovulate at all.
H
xx
Hi Rachael
No, it's Prostap.
When you got funding for drugs did you write your own letter? Our GP is asking us to write too and we have no idea what to say. Any tips welcome!
Had a bit of a temp surge today http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/fec25 and I'm hoping that's the start of the 2 week wait, although my graph has been so freaky this month I wouldn't be surprised not to ovulate at all.
H
xx
Hiya Helen
Is Prostap the one off injection for Down Regulation? -I had to inject Buserlin everyday for 3 weeks (It was the cheaper option! lol)
When we got funded we did have to write a letter detailing our circumstances - I will attach the bulk of it below for you, obviously you will have to detail your circumstances, but you can get the general idea of what we wrote - Hope it helps a little!
Ooh your temp surge does look promising - Hope you did ovulate so you can get crackin!
Dear Sir or Madam:
We are writing to you to request assistance with the funding of our first IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) Cycle scheduled for December 2004.
We have been trying to conceive for 5 years. In this 5 years we have had 3 natural pregnancies. Tragically each pregnancy resulted in a missed miscarriage, all detected by sonogram at 12-weeks. After our third miscarriage in March 2004 we were referred to a Recurrent Miscarriage Clinic for investigations.
These investigations revealed that Rachael had a FSH to LH ratio imbalance resulting in ovulatory failure. The implications of this meant that another natural pregnancy was unlikely to occur and if it did, miscarriage would almost certainly be inevitable. We were then referred to a Clinic specialising in Fertility problems in July 2004. Further investigations were carried out and IVF was recommended as result of those findings. IVF was deemed our best possible option, as it would counteract our problem, as all hormones would be manipulated by fertility medication.
Unfortunately for us, this is the only way we will be able to become parents. Although we feel lucky that technology is advanced enough for this option to be available to us, its an option that does not come without considerable cost.
The treatment cycle including HFEA levy is £1853 - this does not include the pre-treatment investigations or the drugs that will be required. Medications alone can cost anything up to £800 per cycle. We would be very grateful if you were able to offer us assistance in the funding of this in any way.
Being able to go ahead with IVF would mean so very much to us.
We have included a copy of the invoices we have had to date, if you require any further information or supporting documents, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you so much for taking the time to consider our request,
Kind Regards
Paul & Rachael Holden
Lots of
hon - Really hope you do get at least partial funding!
Is Prostap the one off injection for Down Regulation? -I had to inject Buserlin everyday for 3 weeks (It was the cheaper option! lol)
When we got funded we did have to write a letter detailing our circumstances - I will attach the bulk of it below for you, obviously you will have to detail your circumstances, but you can get the general idea of what we wrote - Hope it helps a little!
Ooh your temp surge does look promising - Hope you did ovulate so you can get crackin!
Dear Sir or Madam:
We are writing to you to request assistance with the funding of our first IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) Cycle scheduled for December 2004.
We have been trying to conceive for 5 years. In this 5 years we have had 3 natural pregnancies. Tragically each pregnancy resulted in a missed miscarriage, all detected by sonogram at 12-weeks. After our third miscarriage in March 2004 we were referred to a Recurrent Miscarriage Clinic for investigations.
These investigations revealed that Rachael had a FSH to LH ratio imbalance resulting in ovulatory failure. The implications of this meant that another natural pregnancy was unlikely to occur and if it did, miscarriage would almost certainly be inevitable. We were then referred to a Clinic specialising in Fertility problems in July 2004. Further investigations were carried out and IVF was recommended as result of those findings. IVF was deemed our best possible option, as it would counteract our problem, as all hormones would be manipulated by fertility medication.
Unfortunately for us, this is the only way we will be able to become parents. Although we feel lucky that technology is advanced enough for this option to be available to us, its an option that does not come without considerable cost.
The treatment cycle including HFEA levy is £1853 - this does not include the pre-treatment investigations or the drugs that will be required. Medications alone can cost anything up to £800 per cycle. We would be very grateful if you were able to offer us assistance in the funding of this in any way.
Being able to go ahead with IVF would mean so very much to us.
We have included a copy of the invoices we have had to date, if you require any further information or supporting documents, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you so much for taking the time to consider our request,
Kind Regards
Paul & Rachael Holden
Lots of
Monday
Firstly, thank you so much Rachael. That is really helpful.
We've been away for the weekend doing coupley type stuff and chilling out. Feel fantastic as getting away like that has given us time to chat about all sorts of things and just be a couple instead of a baby-machine.
Injection number one came along with us, just in case. Nothing has happened and looking at my temps AF is probably due on 8th Sept. Yes, Prostap is the one-off injection. Was more expensive than everyday stuff but I didn't want all that extra grief particularly with OH's needle phobia!
Raring to go now....
H
xx
Firstly, thank you so much Rachael. That is really helpful.
We've been away for the weekend doing coupley type stuff and chilling out. Feel fantastic as getting away like that has given us time to chat about all sorts of things and just be a couple instead of a baby-machine.
Injection number one came along with us, just in case. Nothing has happened and looking at my temps AF is probably due on 8th Sept. Yes, Prostap is the one-off injection. Was more expensive than everyday stuff but I didn't want all that extra grief particularly with OH's needle phobia!
Raring to go now....
H
xx
Tuesday
Been to running club tonight. They were all talking about doing a half marathon next year. Can't say I've been that keen, but I've agreed to do the Nottingham half marathon in September next year. If things don't work with the IVF at least I'll have something to aim towards.
I keep finding myself doing that, giving myself something else to think about if it doesn't work. I don't know why, but I just don't feel that hopeful about it. It could be because after so long I just can't believe that I could possibly get PG and that it only happens to other people. It feels completely unreal to think that I might be PG in a couple of months time. A bit like going on holiday doesn't feel real, if that makes sense...
OH is much more positive about the whole thing, I'm not sure if it is for my benefit to keep me going or whether he really does have a good feeling.
I can't tell you how much I hope he's right...
H
xx
Been to running club tonight. They were all talking about doing a half marathon next year. Can't say I've been that keen, but I've agreed to do the Nottingham half marathon in September next year. If things don't work with the IVF at least I'll have something to aim towards.
I keep finding myself doing that, giving myself something else to think about if it doesn't work. I don't know why, but I just don't feel that hopeful about it. It could be because after so long I just can't believe that I could possibly get PG and that it only happens to other people. It feels completely unreal to think that I might be PG in a couple of months time. A bit like going on holiday doesn't feel real, if that makes sense...
OH is much more positive about the whole thing, I'm not sure if it is for my benefit to keep me going or whether he really does have a good feeling.
I can't tell you how much I hope he's right...
H
xx
It has obviously been such a hard long slog for you babe, the fact it is happening now just doesn't seem real!! BUT...........
You WILL be PG very soon You hang on in there babe and don't dare let yourself get down about it all hun, it is really happening!!!!!!! Follow your OH path, he is right to be positive hun, don't worry until you have been told you have to - (That's my OH theory 
)Lots of
for you, and really wishing you all the best for the future babe!! And don't rely on that run to much hun, you could be a very busy walking Bump by then, if not pushing a pushchair
Glad you enjoyed your time away, and glad your mock ET went well
xxHi Helen
I'm s'posed to be working but am still in lazy holiday mode....so catching up on your news and hiding Internet Explorer every time someone comes into my office. Sounds like the MET went ok, I'm glad.
I haven't run in any races. I keep thinking about it, but haven't got up the nerve yet. DH has done 10ks and enters the London Marathon every year although has never got a place - this is his 3 consecutive year, so he should get a place this time. I know I'll be jealous when he does it, but I'm not ready to do it myself yet. I too have that love hate thing with running going on!
Don't know if I've said this before, but thanks for keeping this diary - it is fascinating reading and I'm sure you can tell, we're all rooting for you!
I'm s'posed to be working but am still in lazy holiday mode....so catching up on your news and hiding Internet Explorer every time someone comes into my office. Sounds like the MET went ok, I'm glad.
I haven't run in any races. I keep thinking about it, but haven't got up the nerve yet. DH has done 10ks and enters the London Marathon every year although has never got a place - this is his 3 consecutive year, so he should get a place this time. I know I'll be jealous when he does it, but I'm not ready to do it myself yet. I too have that love hate thing with running going on!
Don't know if I've said this before, but thanks for keeping this diary - it is fascinating reading and I'm sure you can tell, we're all rooting for you!
Thursday
Got a copy of the letter that the doctor has written requesting funding for us. Seems ok, a bit rambling. Let's hope it does the trick. We still have our letter to do, but Rachel's looked really good so going to crib most of that!
Also got an email back from that mate I was talking about and it was pretty sensitive all things considered. It was a relief really that I didn't have to try and smooth things over.
Someone at work did the "it'll be you next!" line to me today. Aaarrrgghh! God I hate that!
Peanut, you should definitely enter something, it gives you a real focus especially through winter! I started on the Race for Life 5ks which are such lovely days and then only moved up to 10ks last year (a bit more serious!). Still managed 2 Race for Lifes this year which I am really proud of.
H
xx
Got a copy of the letter that the doctor has written requesting funding for us. Seems ok, a bit rambling. Let's hope it does the trick. We still have our letter to do, but Rachel's looked really good so going to crib most of that!
Also got an email back from that mate I was talking about and it was pretty sensitive all things considered. It was a relief really that I didn't have to try and smooth things over.
Someone at work did the "it'll be you next!" line to me today. Aaarrrgghh! God I hate that!
Peanut, you should definitely enter something, it gives you a real focus especially through winter! I started on the Race for Life 5ks which are such lovely days and then only moved up to 10ks last year (a bit more serious!). Still managed 2 Race for Lifes this year which I am really proud of.
H
xx
