Referral for IVF but....

Alidoll · Jul 14th, 2008, 07:19 AM

DH and myself have been TTC for a couple of years now (had 6 months of clomid without success). We were referred for IVF treatment and the letter came through last week with a date for our first appointment. I'm near the end of a cycle (day 26) and for the last week or so I've had pain in my right breast when I'm lying on my side in bed. Today both breasts are sore (though right more than left). The pain is sharp and near the nipple. I know sore and tender breasts are an early sign of pregnancy but I've tested negative a couple of times in the past so am scared if I do a pregnancy test in the next few days I might hex things and it'll be negative. I have a GP appointment tomorrow night (I've also had pain in my left elbow for a couple of weeks consistent with cubital tunnel syndrome) so...

Do I do a pregnancy test today so I know for sure

Or wait and mention it to the GP tomorrow (it's a male GP so don't really want to get my breast out if I don't have to!!)

Or just wait and see if my AF starts by the end of the week [I'm normally between 28-31 days so not long to wait].

I'd love to be pregnant (naturally) as the thought of IVF scares me witless - I hate needles but don't want to be totally depressed if it's negative again...

emmalawyer · Jul 14th, 2008, 08:05 AM

I think that if I were in your situation I would *try* not to do an urine pregnancy test until my period was actually late. On the other hand, if the GP can send you in for a blood test tomorrow then you might as well have that done now since its results are a lot more reliable this early in pregnancy than those of an urine test...

The annoying thing about most early pregnancy symptoms is that they are so similar to end of cycle & onset of period symptoms... I suppose breast discomfort is one of these ambiguities. I would mention it to my GP but I tend to make my docs work hard for their $$$ and --as a matter of principle if nothing else-- I like to take FULL advantage of m.d. visits and make it a point not to end the appointment until ALL my concerns have been thoroughly addressed

. But, I've also never been squeamish about physical examinations since I figure docs are pretty desensitized to the sight of human anatomy so I don't problematize the inherent awkwardness of those few minutes for very long --if at all.

One last thing: if you do end up following through with IVF I promise you that it's actually not that scary. At least in my experience, IVF was more of a hassle than anything else but I actually liked the feeling that I could proactively DO something to increase my chances of having babies. It's true I only did it once for the equivalent of one cycle and I figured I could do just about anything (shots included) for a month. I'm looking at my twins now (literally because they are sleeping in their co-sleepers next to me) and they were so ridiculously worth every shot. Without IVF I wouldn't have them and would still be trying to get pregnant and THAT's way more terrifying to me than anything the IVF entailed!

But good luck tomorrow and if need be at your appointment with the RE. I know it's nerve-wracking...

Alidoll · Jul 14th, 2008, 08:21 AM

Thank you so much. I guess I just needed a voice of reason and your response was lovely (and your twins are gorgeous!!). I'll hold off doing a home test but mention it to the GP tomorrow and see what he says. It's the first time I've had sore breasts before AF so will keep my fingers crossed...I've confirmed the appt for IVF (for August 5th) but hopefully I won't need it...

sarahsar · Jul 14th, 2008, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emmalawyer

One last thing: if you do end up following through with IVF I promise you that it's actually not that scary. At least in my experience, IVF was more of a hassle than anything else but I actually liked the feeling that I could proactively DO something to increase my chances of having babies. It's true I only did it once for the equivalent of one cycle and I figured I could do just about anything (shots included) for a month. I'm looking at my twins now (literally because they are sleeping in their co-sleepers next to me) and they were so ridiculously worth every shot. Without IVF I wouldn't have them and would still be trying to get pregnant and THAT's way more terrifying to me than anything the IVF entailed!

I just want to second what emmalawyer said here. Alidoll, I sincerely hope you don't end up needing IVF, and I am keeping my fingers crossed for you that this cycle is the one! But if it comes to it, IVF is really not that bad. I have done it three times, twice successfully, and it has absolutely been worth every last shot, the cost, the hassle, everything. All of that lasts only for a cycle. It's amazing how quickly I put all that stuff out of my mind (and my last cycle was just in January). Really I think the emotional stress of it all is the hardest part, and you can have that just trying to conceive in general. It is a great thing to be able to do something proactive where you know you have a pretty good chance of having a good result in the end after so months of just waiting and hoping and not really being able to do anything to change the outcome. I am so thankful that the technology exists. I would have been totally out of luck not that long ago.

Best of luck to you, and sending lots of baby dust your way!

beejerry · Jul 14th, 2008, 02:43 PM

I agree w/ Emmalawyer and Sarahsar on the IVF procedure. We had our first appointment a few weeks back, the procedure is not a lot more complicated than fertility treatment. I started injections this cycle, was a bit scary at first, then it just went on smoothly and I've now all forgotten about it! IVF involves one more procedure that might be painful, the egg retrieving. But the insertion is as simply as an IUI.

Keeping my fingers crossed for you that this cycle works and you don't need IVF. A blood test should confirm if you're preggo or not. I think you should ask your Dr for it. Good luck!

sarahsar · Jul 14th, 2008, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beejerry

IVF involves one more procedure that might be painful, the egg retrieving.

And that may depend on how your clinic does it. At my clinic, they do the egg retrievals under general anesthesia, so it was not at all painful, but I know that differs from clinic to clinic.

(And good luck to you too, beejerry!)

Alidoll · Jul 17th, 2008, 03:23 PM

Update: thought I'd do one of those early pregnancy tests before I saw my GP sorry - just couldn't wait any longer!) and it was negative

so mentioned it to my GP and he said "wait a few days" as he thought perhaps I could be pregnant but just not showing. He couldn't do a blood test as it was an evening clinic and they can only send off samples first thing in the morning.

Well, today I've had the usual cramping and started spotting this afternoon. I'm trying to convince myself it's an implantation bleed (but deep down I know it's that dreaded AF again). Really wish the crap body of mine would stop playing mind games with me...

DH said "oh well, we've still got the appt on the 5th August" but it's still depressing.
Back to the counting the days....

wasabipea · Jul 17th, 2008, 04:25 PM

I'm so sorry Alidoll. Hang in there. As your MD said, a few more days could be implantation bleeding.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alidoll

Update: thought I'd do one of those early pregnancy tests before I saw my GP sorry - just couldn't wait any longer!) and it was negative

so mentioned it to my GP and he said "wait a few days" as he thought perhaps I could be pregnant but just not showing. He couldn't do a blood test as it was an evening clinic and they can only send off samples first thing in the morning.

Well, today I've had the usual cramping and started spotting this afternoon. I'm trying to convince myself it's an implantation bleed (but deep down I know it's that dreaded AF again). Really wish the crap body of mine would stop playing mind games with me...

DH said "oh well, we've still got the appt on the 5th August" but it's still depressing.
Back to the counting the days....

emmalawyer · Jul 17th, 2008, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alidoll

Update: thought I'd do one of those early pregnancy tests before I saw my GP sorry - just couldn't wait any longer!) and it was negative

so mentioned it to my GP and he said "wait a few days" as he thought perhaps I could be pregnant but just not showing. He couldn't do a blood test as it was an evening clinic and they can only send off samples first thing in the morning.

Well, today I've had the usual cramping and started spotting this afternoon. I'm trying to convince myself it's an implantation bleed (but deep down I know it's that dreaded AF again). Really wish the crap body of mine would stop playing mind games with me...

DH said "oh well, we've still got the appt on the 5th August" but it's still depressing.
Back to the counting the days....

Girl, you are less than a month away from tackling this full blast... I'll help you with a little perspective here: this is your summer to enjoy whatever cold alcoholic drinks you like, eat all the sushi you want, hang out with friends until late if you feel like it... seriously, enjoy it. If all goes well (and it will!) starting sometime in September you won't be able to have anymore sushi or drinks for about 40 weeks and next summer you'll be spending most of your time indoors with a little baby/babies wondering about diaper changes, breast feeding, vaccines... I really would take full advantage of this summer month because it's likely to be the last summer you have with just your husband for a while!

I'm only saying this because even if your spotting now is NOT implantation bleeding I really hope you don't get too bummed out because you have SO MUCH to be looking forward to starting on August 5th... you really really really do... I've said this before on this board but how cares how you go about getting pregnant & having that baby? Yeah --like everything in life-- it's going to be easier for some than others but even that's relative and subjective... your "crap body" as you put it may need a little help to get going and start making that baby, but once it gets going it'll surprise you every single day with how wonderful, amazing and capable it really is. So you have a month (maybe) when your body is still entirely your own; try to enjoy it and support it because with just a little medical encouragement your body is getting ready to do some pretty amazing stuff that'll blow your mind!

ive_flipped · Jul 17th, 2008, 09:18 PM

Hang in there. Aug 5th is coming really quickly HUGZ

sarahsar · Jul 17th, 2008, 10:49 PM

emmalawyer said it way better than I ever could. Alidoll, I'm sorry that it's not looking like this is the month, but Emma is right - enjoy the next month, and tackle the IVF with full strength. We are all pulling for you!

Alidoll · Jul 18th, 2008, 12:30 PM

Thanks Ladies - yes, it was the dreaded AF (cheered myself up by buying a really lovely Coach bag on eBay

). I'm usually a glass half full sort of person but the last few months have been pretty tough..guess I just thought the Clomid would work wonders and that would be me. Another month, another chance it could happen naturally.

Baby dust to everyone

Jul 14th, 2008, 07:19 AM	#1
Alidoll Member Joined: Apr 2007 Location: Bonnie Scotland Posts: 484	Referral for IVF but.... DH and myself have been TTC for a couple of years now (had 6 months of clomid without success). We were referred for IVF treatment and the letter came through last week with a date for our first appointment. I'm near the end of a cycle (day 26) and for the last week or so I've had pain in my right breast when I'm lying on my side in bed. Today both breasts are sore (though right more than left). The pain is sharp and near the nipple. I know sore and tender breasts are an early sign of pregnancy but I've tested negative a couple of times in the past so am scared if I do a pregnancy test in the next few days I might hex things and it'll be negative. I have a GP appointment tomorrow night (I've also had pain in my left elbow for a couple of weeks consistent with cubital tunnel syndrome) so... Do I do a pregnancy test today so I know for sure Or wait and mention it to the GP tomorrow (it's a male GP so don't really want to get my breast out if I don't have to!!) Or just wait and see if my AF starts by the end of the week [I'm normally between 28-31 days so not long to wait]. I'd love to be pregnant (naturally) as the thought of IVF scares me witless - I hate needles but don't want to be totally depressed if it's negative again...

Jul 14th, 2008, 08:05 AM	#2
emmalawyer BLITHERING FOOL Joined: Oct 2006 Location: with the teething twins! Posts: 788	I think that if I were in your situation I would try not to do an urine pregnancy test until my period was actually late. On the other hand, if the GP can send you in for a blood test tomorrow then you might as well have that done now since its results are a lot more reliable this early in pregnancy than those of an urine test... The annoying thing about most early pregnancy symptoms is that they are so similar to end of cycle & onset of period symptoms... I suppose breast discomfort is one of these ambiguities. I would mention it to my GP but I tend to make my docs work hard for their $$$ and --as a matter of principle if nothing else-- I like to take FULL advantage of m.d. visits and make it a point not to end the appointment until ALL my concerns have been thoroughly addressed . But, I've also never been squeamish about physical examinations since I figure docs are pretty desensitized to the sight of human anatomy so I don't problematize the inherent awkwardness of those few minutes for very long --if at all. One last thing: if you do end up following through with IVF I promise you that it's actually not that scary. At least in my experience, IVF was more of a hassle than anything else but I actually liked the feeling that I could proactively DO something to increase my chances of having babies. It's true I only did it once for the equivalent of one cycle and I figured I could do just about anything (shots included) for a month. I'm looking at my twins now (literally because they are sleeping in their co-sleepers next to me) and they were so ridiculously worth every shot. Without IVF I wouldn't have them and would still be trying to get pregnant and THAT's way more terrifying to me than anything the IVF entailed! But good luck tomorrow and if need be at your appointment with the RE. I know it's nerve-wracking... __________________ signature too large “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” --Dr. Seuss ( lil Bitsy's favorite bedtime reading)

Jul 14th, 2008, 02:43 PM	#5
beejerry A Blondie Gal! Joined: Jan 2007 Location: Silicon Valley Posts: 7,099	I agree w/ Emmalawyer and Sarahsar on the IVF procedure. We had our first appointment a few weeks back, the procedure is not a lot more complicated than fertility treatment. I started injections this cycle, was a bit scary at first, then it just went on smoothly and I've now all forgotten about it! IVF involves one more procedure that might be painful, the egg retrieving. But the insertion is as simply as an IUI. Keeping my fingers crossed for you that this cycle works and you don't need IVF. A blood test should confirm if you're preggo or not. I think you should ask your Dr for it. Good luck! __________________ no expert, just personal opinion. ~ Always have room for a Blondie ~

Jul 17th, 2008, 09:18 PM	#10
ive_flipped In LVoe Joined: Jun 2007 Location: eh!! lol Posts: 1,155	Hang in there. Aug 5th is coming really quickly HUGZ __________________

Jul 17th, 2008, 10:49 PM	#11
sarahsar In LVoe Joined: Sep 2007 Location: USA Posts: 1,199	emmalawyer said it way better than I ever could. Alidoll, I'm sorry that it's not looking like this is the month, but Emma is right - enjoy the next month, and tackle the IVF with full strength. We are all pulling for you! __________________

Jul 14th, 2008, 08:21 AM	#3
Alidoll Member Joined: Apr 2007 Location: Bonnie Scotland Posts: 484	Thank you so much. I guess I just needed a voice of reason and your response was lovely (and your twins are gorgeous!!). I'll hold off doing a home test but mention it to the GP tomorrow and see what he says. It's the first time I've had sore breasts before AF so will keep my fingers crossed...I've confirmed the appt for IVF (for August 5th) but hopefully I won't need it...

Jul 17th, 2008, 03:23 PM	#7
Alidoll Member Joined: Apr 2007 Location: Bonnie Scotland Posts: 484	Update: thought I'd do one of those early pregnancy tests before I saw my GP sorry - just couldn't wait any longer!) and it was negative so mentioned it to my GP and he said "wait a few days" as he thought perhaps I could be pregnant but just not showing. He couldn't do a blood test as it was an evening clinic and they can only send off samples first thing in the morning. Well, today I've had the usual cramping and started spotting this afternoon. I'm trying to convince myself it's an implantation bleed (but deep down I know it's that dreaded AF again). Really wish the crap body of mine would stop playing mind games with me... DH said "oh well, we've still got the appt on the 5th August" but it's still depressing. Back to the counting the days....

Jul 18th, 2008, 12:30 PM	#12
Alidoll Member Joined: Apr 2007 Location: Bonnie Scotland Posts: 484	Thanks Ladies - yes, it was the dreaded AF (cheered myself up by buying a really lovely Coach bag on eBay ). I'm usually a glass half full sort of person but the last few months have been pretty tough..guess I just thought the Clomid would work wonders and that would be me. Another month, another chance it could happen naturally. Baby dust to everyone