Ultrasound report:
Lining: 4.5mm
Right ovary: 3 or 4 follicles, largest ~7mm
Left ovary: 4 follicles, largest ~9mm
So it appears here in my European clinic they like to stim us long and slow (150u Menopur / day), rather than the quick and fast stim protocols in the US. The midwife told me that she expects me to stim for another 7 days.
Once again, I guess I just have to trust that they know what they're doing. Their live birth/cycle rate (25% for < 36) is lower than the US average (41% for < 35), but that could be for many factors, I guess (like compulsory SET). On the up side these cycles are funded by our universal healthcare.
It is hard to give up control - to let someone else make all the decisions. Part of me wishes that we were at the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine with their crazy 66.5% live birth/cycle rate, but then again I am glad that our clinic has an 11% rate of twins rather than their 39%.
How am I feeling? I am disappointed with my thin lining and my low number of follicles. I wanted to get 11 eggs at retrieval, so hoped to see around 14 follicles this morning. Instead I only have 7 or 8. I am constantly terrified that I'm going to forget an injection - or I'll forget my Suprefact and the suppression will wear off and I'll lose all my eggs. I am exhausted from constantly worrying about everything that could go wrong with this cycle.
Edit: My clinic called, and my estradiol is only at 139. They said not to worry that things were really quiet on the scan, this is my first IVF so they are taking things slow. They want to see me again in two days (Friday), and they'll increase my dose then if my follicles still aren't growing.
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There is a lot to remember. Check lists are always good. You'll do great.
ReplyDeleteYou're on a great track! I know what you mean about the worrying - it is completely exhausting. Between the worrying and the meds, ost nights during my cycle I was in bed, asleep, before 9pm. Good thoughts for you for Friday's appointment!
ReplyDeleteStopping by from ICLW. Best wishes on your cycle! I'd do a SET no problem if it was covered by my insurance. I suspect that is why the multiple rates are high at many US clinics--especially "last chance" clinics like CCRM. When you are paying out of pocket it's tough to just transfer one when you know you might not be able to afford to do it again.
ReplyDeleteAnd what an odd waiting room chair! I've never seen anything like that.
Good luck!
Hi there! Visiting from ICLW. I stimmed (I'm in the US) for 19 days. It seemed like forever, and all my cycle buddies seemed to trigger way before me. But we had success, so hopefully your docs know what they're doing. :)
ReplyDeletePraying for a BFM!
tina
iclw #172
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ReplyDeleteNo worries - I was a slow responder myself & my Estradiol was 59 on day 5 of stims. Last night was day 11 of stims & I had a good report today in that I am triggering tonight with 6 good-sized follies & a few smaller ones. My RE said it is better to start slow & increase the meds & get good quality eggs than to over-stim too soon & end up with a ton of follicles!
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you & try not to worry about the slow response. You will get there :)
Hi love
ReplyDeleteI only got 7 eggs at my EPU and of those 2 were immature. So we only had five to play with but from that I got one great 8 cell that unfortunately didn't make it and two blasties. Remember it is quality over quantity. Like Heather above my FS says it is better to start slow because if you race ahead you can't pull it back but you can always gradually increase the medication.
chin up love. it is all those hormones playing with your head.
Wishing you the very best of luck with this cycle. I never dealt with IVF so I can't give you any good advice.
ReplyDelete#28 ICLW
Thank you for coming to my blog and reminding me that endo is not my fault!
ReplyDeleteDon't worry. You are putting these decisions in the hands of strangers but these strangers have done this lots of times and they want you to have a baby! Better not to overstim! Hang in there!
You've got plenty of time for more follicles to pop up - mine always took a while to show themselves.
ReplyDeleteYou are doing great! I can't wait to see how you are doing in your next scan.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you're doing really great! Slow, yes, but "slow and steady wins the race"! I can understand how CCRM's 66% seems preferable to 25%, but you're right about their twin rate: that's one reason why they are able to get their percentage that high, they transfer more embryos. I almost wish we could tranfer just one, since I'm nervous about the twin thing, but financially we just can't willingly lower our odds like that. So, I think you're in a good place!! Hang in there and good luck!
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