New To Site - Happy To Chat!

[BROWNY]

Hi,

l live in Melbourne and am currently going through IVF. l have been married for 4 years - although my husband and l have been together for 14!

Being told that we had to go through the whole IVF process just blew us away! This was NOT how we had planned it. We now feel like we have lost control of our lives! All our friends/brothers & sisters have children so at times it becomes unbearable. We have slowly told everyone and l must say now that they know what we are going through - the support is fantastic and the questions have stopped ie. so when are you two having a baby?

We try and plan holidays and weekend getaways to take our minds off things - although your mind never stops thinking about it. My councellor has suggested joining a support group - but l am scared of everyone around me becomming pregnant. Although l would be happy for them, l just don't think l would be able to cope emotionally! So l thought l would try a chat site! As anyone going through IVF would know - some days are better than others!

We are just about to go through our 7th Embryo Transfer. Unfortunately all other attempts have been unsuccessful.

l would like to recommend a book to anyone who is going through IVF or for your friends and relatives to read - it helps them understand what you and your partner are experiencing.

The book is called 'The Baby Trail' by Sinead Moriarty

l think it's very hard for anyone to understand IVF unless they are experiencing it themselves. At least it will give them some idea.

Good-luck to everyone out there that is on this journey - it's not easy!

My doctor recently said to me 'the worst thing you can do is give up hope'. l have that in the back of my mind always!

l'm happy to talk to anyone who wants to share their experience or wants support.

BROWNY

[CeeBee]

Hi Browny - how are you? I am in Melb also - and currently in AI programme - but about to launch into IVF. Am trying to decide which programme to go through - ie Melbourne IVF or Monash.

Where do you go - and did you do any research into which may be better - or best for you??

CeeBee

[BROWNY]

Dear CeeBee,

l'm feeling really good today - my husband and l had a really relaxing weekend, we booked in for a vichy shower/massage and pedicure.

l'm going through Melbourne IVF, we are using ICSI. l actually didn't do any research - my gyno recommended one of the doctors. He has been great - l can just about call him any time of the day. l work in the city so it's easier for me to see the Melbourne clinic. Fortunately l can book scans etc.. for 7:30am and don't need as much time off work. So far l've found Melbourne IVF to be fantastic - no complaints - except l still don't have my baby!

Melbourne IVF have recently produced a DVD which takes you through the steps of IVF - l have showed it to my family and my closest friends to give them more of an idea. They also have information evenings - their last one was 'Managing the Stress of IVF' and they got a really good turn out. Some of the people on the committee are also going through IVF and they get up and talk about their experiences. Their next one will be 'When to stop and life after IVF' - this is something l don't want to have to deal with, l have to stay positive.

l'm actually going for a scan tomorrow!

BROWNY

[pippa]

Hi Browny,

welcome to bubhub, I wish you goodluck for your scan tomorrow, I will send lots of good thoughts your way. I don't have any children yet i miscarried my first just over 4 weeks ago an no I havn't done IVF but I do know what it feels like to want to be pregnant just like everyone else.

So hopefuly soon we will both have some good news to share with everyone

Cheers Pippa

[BROWNY]

Dear Pippa,

Thanks for your reply! l only joined this website last week and l am already finding it very helpful.

l'm sorry to hear about your miscarriage - l hope you are finding some comfort in this website too.

Nowadays (l'm starting to sound old - l'm only 31) it doesn't seem that easy to have a baby - or is it just that people are more open about what they are going through?

You need to treat yourself with some pampering!

l hope you're OK?

BROWNY

[pippa]

Hi BROWNY,

I'm not too bad. I went to a Rememberance Ritual today with two of my girlfriends. This is held at the hospital that I had my D & C at for all mum's who lost a baby before 14 weeks.

It was really nice, it is done by the pastoral care people and they say prayers and light candles etc. I also got to light a candle in rememberance and bought it home to light maybe on my due date (which was christmas day) or whenever I feel like it.

I am feeling ok at the moment, just a bit annoyed, I thought my period was coming but it hasn't as yet (I had all the tell tail signs this weekend)

oh well hope you are well, talk to you soon

Cheers Pippa

[Happy]

Hi All,

I am currently doing AID and last month decided to go IVF but chickened out at the last minute and will now continue AID. I don't know if I made the right decision but I was so emotional after taking synarel and didn't feel right that I felt it was the only decision at the time for me to make. I am in QLD. Wishing everyone good luck.

http://www.babycrazy.com.au/images/bars/nextcycle.gif (http://www.babycrazy.com.au/enouncebars.asp)

[BROWNY]

Dear Pippa,

That's great that the hospital have a rememberance ritual to acknowledge your baby. l hope this has helped you?

The human body can have a mind of it's own sometimes! l often feel l know my body so well and other times it just surprises me.

l had my scan today - l'm doing what 's called a 'thaw' cycle - that's when you have frozen embryos (ones that have been left over after egg collection), all is going well. This time my doctor has suggested l try Heparin injections, has anyone used them before? Has it made a difference*?

*l know everyone reacts differently to the medications they have been prescribed.

l'm willing to try anything !

BROWNY

BROWNY

[e's mumma]

hi everyone,
i'm feeling a little isolated right now as my husband is away for a few weeks, so thought i'd take this chance to reach out and say hi to you all for some support. i posted the other day on what i now see is an old thread, so thought i'd try again on this one :)
i've done 5 IUI's this year and we are about to begin our first ivf cycle. i begin synarel on sat with the EPU in july. my friends try to be supportive but i don't think they really understand what this whole journey is like. my biggest suprise has been their reaction to us beginning ivf - many have described it as exciting. has anyone else had this reaction? i can't help but feel incredibly anxious and scared about the whole thing. maybe i should be excited but i'm holding back for obvious reasons.
thanks for the opportunity to chat.
cheers, kcheno.

[BROWNY]

Welcome Kcheno,

l guess it's exciting for friends and family - they aren't the ones going through it! It's what they call the rollcoaster ride (ain't that the truth) and when you want nothing more than your own child it can become such a drawn out process and very emotional. From when you actually see your doctor until your first egg collection can be a few weeks! That seemed to take forever!

l was a mess when l first started (which was Feb 2004), now after 3 egg collections and am about to have my 7th ET, l'm getting use to the whole routine. l'm not saying that it doesn't affect me - some days are better than others. l find l get really anxious leading up to an ET or OPU.

Everyone around me is so positive (which is great) - they have all heard of someone or a friend of a friend who has had success with IVF. l used to find comfort from this - but now l want my own success story!

You should try and read a copy of the book l suggested 'The Baby Trail'.

Goodluck with your first OPU!

l will be here if you want to chat.

BROWNY

[cazzoom]

Hi there.
I also live in Melbourne. Am just waiting for AF to start my first down regulation cycle. I have been TTC for 8 years 7 months now and have done 8 rounds of injectables, 3 with IUI, have gotten pregnant 5 times which have all ended in M/C's. Was told IVF was my only chance at staying pregnant.
I know how frustrating the whole TTC process can be. I never ever thought I would have problems conceiving. then when I got my first BFP never thought it would end in miscarriage.
In fact I think I am still in shock that I have to go for the IVF!!! I understand about the support group thing too. they all seem to focus on the good things without understanding that sometimes you dont want to hear about the success' and other times you are quite happy too.
If you are interested in talking via email. feel free to send me an email at cnkaeser@hotmail.com

Cazz

[BROWNY]

Dear Cazz,

WOW you have been through a lot. lt's good that your still hanging in there! Which IVF clinic in Melbourne are you going to? l was in shock too when l first found out we had to start IVF - l burst into tears & my doctor ended up leaving the room to give us a few moments to come to terms with it. We had been so careful not to fall pregant, the year's prior to us 'trying' to have a baby because we wanted to wait a few years (after we were married) - we were waiting until the 'right' time! Gee if only l knew then what l know now!!

Life's just not fair - you spend your time trying to save money to have a family and support them and here we are spending money trying to have children. l just hope it's worth it in the end.

l have kept a diary of all my emotions or anything l have had to experience whilst being on IVF. A councellor once suggested it to me and l 've found it has helped me get through at times. It's also good to look back on. l'm one of those 'organised freaks' who has also set up an excel spreadsheet with all my dates on it - ie. when l get my period, days l have scans, blood tests, OPU's, ET etc.... It helps keep track of everything - and it's good to compare your cycles.

Cazz, l wish you all the best with your first IVF cycle.

BROWNY

[cazzoom]

I did all my injectable rounds with Monash but I found my doctor to be less that proactive so I went for a second opinion and now am with Melbourne IVF. I have also found them so much cheaper than Monash.

I have been charting for years now so I do know a lot about my cycles. I intend to chart throughout IVF as well. It helps to keep my records on each cycle as well.
I do have a TTC journal but I dont write in it as often as I should although perhaps the IVF might solve that.

Thanks for the luck. I wish you much luck as well.

keep in touch
Cazz

[LizS]

Hi everyone
Ive just been browsing and found this website. I think I need to get some perspective and hope from other people going through IVF. Im doing IVF in Sydney. Ive just gone through my 2nd ICSI cycle which failed. I got preganant on the first cycle but miscarried 2 days after the result, we waited a few months as we didnt have any embroyos frozen and started again. This time I felt hopeful, healthy and positive but didnt even make it to the pregnancy test which is tomorrow. We'd decided to give it three attempts but Im feeling pretty despondent right now and dont know if I can face a third attempt. Im 40 in 4 months so feel time is against us. From reading other comments, it seems most women didnt think it would be a problem getting pregnant, I too spent years trying to make sure it didnt happen until i was....... ready! Ive always been someone whos gone with the flow of life and seen where it would take me by what I put in. This IVF journey has been such a lesson in humility for me , that its one thing in life I have no control over and I supposed its helped me realise we dont have control over much, I never thought it would happen to me! sorry for the rant , it would be good to hear from other people going through this. Thanks!
Liz :(

[DueOctober]

Hi Liz,

For what its worth, here's my advice and experience (a bit long winded - sorry)
I am 39 (40 in Dec)

Before you started treatment you and your partner decided on three cycles of treatment. You no doubt put a lot of thought into that decision and were both probably more objective at the time than you are now. If nothing regarding the information you based that decision upon has changed, then neither should the decision. Have the third treatment. If you've been through two already, you are a tough cookie and you can handle it and you will never be younger than you are today. If it doesn't work, it doesn't work, but you know you did what you set out to do.

Here's what happened for us. My husband and I decided that because the success rate for my age group was about 10 - 20% for a live birth, that we would go through 10 cycles before giving up. I got pregnant on the sixth, after poor egg retrievals (average 3 per cycle), a couple of cycles with nothing to transfer, and no blastocysts until cycles 5 and 6 (when suddenly I got majority blastocysts). My first blastocyst transfer resulted in my pregnancy.

Ask lots of questions, talk to the head of embryology, make sure you fully understand the science so you can try to develop a realistic expectation of outcomes - having low expectations of success helped me - but that depends on the individual.

My diagnosis was unexplained infertility - ie everything is functioning fully, just nothing happening. I took this to mean too old and I really didn't think I had much of a shot. I was truly suprised when IVF worked.

I do recommend a diet (goal) of unprocessed food ie. nothing white. That means fresh meats, vegetables, fruit, whole grains - Its what you are supposed to eat when you are pregnant anyway and it may help. Don't be hard on yourself - a bit of chocolate won't hurt (always makes me feel better).

[LizS]

Thanks for your reply - its good to know that other people are going through the same thing - we're thinking of blastocyst so it was heartening to hear that worked for you. Thanks for the advice - Ive been doing everything - healthy diet, excercise, chinese herbs and acupuncture for the past year and I feel a lot better for it anyway regardless of whether its assisting the fertility stakes, so will keep on with that. Any more info anyone has on blastocyst would be helpful.
Good luck in October
Liz

[reflect169]

hey everyone, i hope im not stepping over any boundaries here, but i wondered if anyone could inform me on what actuly happens with ivf. i am not going into it myself, im just very curious about the whole thing, i think anything that can help a couple to conieve is an amazing thing, and would like to know what goes on.
thank you,

ami xxx :p

[BROWNY]

Dear Ami,

l don't wish IVF on anyone!

It one big roll coaster ride, to say the least.

l've just had my 7th ET and am waiting for my pregagncy test on Thursday. These last couple of days are starting to drag!

To find out more info on IVF - check out the following:

http://www.mivf.com.au/treatment/step.asp

l hope this answers your question!

BROWNY

[reflect169]

thankyou xxx

[BROWNY]

Looks like our 7th ET has been unsuccessful :-(

l really thought this one was going work - l kept hoping we would have our miracle baby. l have been feeling really good. l was on Heparin injections (twice a day) although it doesn't seem to have had any effect.

l'm having my scheduled pregnancy test on Thursday - l'm sure it's negative - l've had signs.

l don't know how much longer l can keep going.........

BROWNY

[reflect169]

browny,
keep your head up sweetheart.
im sure you will concieve, i send you my best wishes, and love.

ami xxx :p

[pippa]

Hi Browny,

I'm sorry if you have a negative result, I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed that your test is positive. I know it must be hard but keep your chin up, there is a litlle angel out there that wants you for it's mummy. keep us posted.

Pippa xoxox

[LizS]

Hi Browny
I hope that the test worked out positive for you. I know how hard it is to stay positive and Ive only gone through two ICSI attempts. I miscarried last week and am just starting to be able to face things again, even though everyone throws all the stats at you and tells you its a long journey etc etc, you still have to go through what feels like a very lonely journey and deal with the pain - the stats dont change that. Im trying to focus on the bigger picture and my life as a whole - which is good, fortunately and to see this as one part, I know this is easier said than done, but im trying to accept that everything in life is uncertain and be ok with that. My partner and I are not ready to accept that we may never have a child and while theres still hope, and there is - then we're going to give it all we've got, but try and get on with our lives.
The sense of anger, failure and unfairness is pretty overwhelming at times particularly at a time when women who have "waited" until their late 30s to start conceiving are getting a bit of a battering in the media. I struggle with all of that and dont buy into the stereotype at all but am aware people have those perceptions. I find myself kicking myself for not knowing it would be this hard, I always felt that it would happen , when I was ready! Doh! So its been a big lesson in humility and the lack of control over anything we actually have. Sorry for the rant, ive never gone on to any kind of chatroom before but with noone around who has been through IVF I find this helps to know that what Im going through is 'normal'. Thanks and be gentle with yourself.

[BROWNY]

Thanks for all your support - you guys have been great!

l've found this site to be very helpful/encouraging/supportive and it has helped me get through the last two weeks of waiting...

My husband wants us to discuss the end of our journey with IVF ie. when to stop. l guess we have to discuss it soon, however l'm not ready to accept that l won't be able to have children. l want nothing more than to:
- Announce to the world l'm pregnant
- Walk around pregnant - with that glow, most women have!
- Look in my revision mirror and see a car seat (for my child)
- Buy furniture for the nursery
- Walk around a shopping centre with a pram
- To hear a voice call you mummy

l guess l could go on and on....

Sorry l'm just really emotional - l feel like my attempts with IVF are running out. We have now decided to have a couple of months break (trying to not think about it - hmm like that's going to happen).

Still waiting for confirmation on Thursday, l guess there could still be a very slim chance?

[BROWNY]

Just what we thought - my pregnancy test today was NEGATIVE! :-(

Looks like we might have a couple of months break before we try again!

BROWNY

[bb]

Browny

Please do not think I am one of those horrible IVF success story people who pushes their good fortune in other peoples' faces, but I just thought I should say something ...

One thing you wrote, I really liked; you thought you would give it a rest fo a little while. Sometimes we IVFians get so wrapped up in the stresses and pressures of the system, it makes the road ahead seem very rocky and overwhelming ! My husband and I decided to give it a rest, and after a lovely break from work, and a little trip away, whammo ... success ! I am not saying that it is the miracle difference that we all search for, but it certainly made me feel better about going on ! Potentially, as a result, it helped me relax too (which I desperately needed to do).

Hope this helps (even just a bit) and that you are getting all of the support and lovin' you need !

B

[Jessicasmum]

Hello Browny

I just read a few of your recent posts and my heart goes out to you, I was in your position, for 6 years. We tried EVERYTHING I must have gone to every witch doctor/chinese herbalist, naturopath, IVF specialist on a constant merry go round for all those years. The other day I found two years worth of temperature charts!!! How depressing, well, 4 failed IVF cycles, 2 frozen later, 3 laparoscopies, we have our little girl, we had decided once again to get off the merry go round after one last laparoscopy and visit to final naturopath. I don't know what it was and I don't care, she is perfect, healthy and was a natural conception - took me to be 20 days over when my period was due to do a pregnancy test as I had never got one positive in all that time.

I am sorry for my ramblings, but I just want you to know, never give up hope, but what you said about having a rest can be a good thing.

Feel free to PM me if you would like to talk further

Mel

[BROWNY]

Thanks Mel and Belinda,

You both finally have the result you've been wishing/hoping/dreaming of and l still like to hear those stories. It's good to hear of other women who have travelled down the same road. It helps me to keep travelling. Belinda your photo is just gorgeous.

l'm feeling much better now, on Saturday l went to see Dr Alice Gao (Chinese herbalist & acupuncture). She was very thorough and for once it was great to see someone else (apart from IVF staff) who understands how IVF works. One thing l found interesting is that she said MIVF do an ET 2 days after egg collection whereas Monash do it 3 days after. l wonder what the difference is? Does anyone know? For the moment we have decided to take a break from IVF for a couple of months - so it was perfect timing to see Alice. She's given me tablets - 16 tablets a day (8 in the morning and 8 at night) plus some powder to be drank with warm water each night. She said that whilst women are on IVF their hormones are up and down. With Alice's treatment she's trying to find a balance and bring everything in line. l'm on the tablets and powder for two weeks and then l'll go back and see her - she specialises in IVF and everything l've read about her is very positive. She has told me l will be on the tablets etc. for a couple of months and then she'll try acupuncture. l'm willing to give anything a go.

Don't worry l'm not ready to give up yet!

BROWNY

[Lynda]

Hi Bronwyn,

I had to get help to have a baby through IVF and for us it worked in the first stage where I had to be inseminated and was lucky as it worked the first try, but I found it very hard to believe that I was pregnant, we are lucky to have our little Kate who is now 6 moths old. I sometimes just sit and look at her and wonder if she really is mine, as it is sometimes hard to beleive that it has finally happened.

Please hang in there.

Lynda

[BROWNY]

On the weekend l'm heading back to see my chinese herbalist - who knows what's next?

On Monday l'm having another laparoscopy, in a way l hope they find something to explain why l'm not getting pregnant.

BROWNY

[Lynda]

Hi Bronwyn.

I wish you luck and will be thinking of you and hope you can get some answers.

[kaydensmum]

Hi. Ime also new to the site. I was really surprised when we didn't fall pregnant straight away & not to excited about going down the ivf path, something my husband and i had agreed we wouldn't do. However, we decided to go and at least listen to what the dr had to say & decided it didn't sound that bad!! Boy was i wrong. Unfortunately, we didn't get past the trying to make lots of eggs part. The second go - i only produced one extra egg, the dr rang me personally & said u better come and chat so i new what was coming. I guess we were lucky he was so honest - he said if we wanted 2 try again he'd support us but he didn't think it would work, we agreed with him. Six months later we went to our first adoption meeting, we were both working 14 hour a day shifts, and would u believe 4 days later i found out i was pregnant. Kayden is now 9months old, ime 43 and have been advised by doctors due to other health reasons that we shouldn't try for anymore which is another story. I guess ime trying 2 say don't give up - and good luck with everything.

[BROWNY]

Dear Kaydensmum,

Congratulations on the birth of your son! l'm sorry to hear that your doctor has suggested not to try for anymore children. l don't want to sound harsh or hope you get the wrong idea but l guess you need to be grateful for having Kayden. Cherish every moment with him!

l'm really trying to stay postive. You hear so many positive stories, l only hope that one day it will be me telling mine!

l had my lap yesterday - they found a little scaring on one of my ovaries and some mild endometriosis otherwise all was good. Tomorrow l'm trying acupuncture it apparently helps with the healing. My doctor has suggested l go in and see him for a chat - l guess it's to discuss where we go from here?

BROWNY

[kaydensmum]

Dear Browny.
We do consider ourselves extremely lucky 2 have Kayden in our lives but it is so amazing how everyone starts asking when are we going 2 have another one!!! I don't think people realise just how much pressure they place on us - that's why we only told our parents and my sister that we were going 2 undergo ivf treatment.
I to had a lap done and all that was found was a very slight blockage and slight endo, not enough to apparently stop us from getting pregnant. Our doctors all said the same thing - sometimes the egg doesn't like the sperm :mad: .
When i was in hospital i met a lady who spent $40,000 on ivf. After deciding enough was enough she went to see someone involved in natural/herbal medicined & stuff, (unfortunately i can't remeber all the details) & within 6 months she was pregnant - it had to of been local because we were at Waverely Private. I've also heard great feedback re acupunture!!
I hope all goes well today and good luck - i don't like needles but after the ivf ones i don't think the acupunture ones will b all that bad.
Kaydensmum.

[antonio123]

hello,

we are considering AI (and then if unsuccessfull IVF).
We have our fisrt appointment for Tuesday.

My question is , if we tell the doc that we have been trying for 1.5yrs (one misccarriage), and now we would like to try AI as its getting all a bit stressful and taking hold of our lives, health etc and quite frankly the whole timing of trying around ovulation has now become a stressful event sometimes it just doesnt happen....will the doctor say thats fine , if thats our decision she can help and try AI? or do they look for more serious issues etc.

thanks in advance

[BROWNY]

l had acupuncture last week - it was a weird experience, it doesn't hurt at all. l guess l'm use to needles now!

l went back to my doctor on Friday and he has told me there is no real reason why it shouldn't happen for us - we just have to stay positive and keep trying. He said next time we have an ET he will put me on antibiotics, heparin and hormone replacements. l guess l was hoping for some miracle cure for me :-(

There was an interesting article in the Herald Sun on Friday 5th August (page 7) of a couple who tried for 9 years - 6 years with IVF. And now they have their miracle baby. One of the quotes from Prof Kovacs was "If at first you don't succeed, try and try again" another comment "if you can hang in there long enough physically, emotionally and financially, you will most likely eventually have a baby." Hang in there everyone!

Antonio, l guess with your situation, your doctor will most probably do some investigations before they start any other form of treatment. They will look for the reasons why ...... Good luck with your appointment on Tuesday.

BROWNY

[Lucky]

:) Hi BROWNY
You are so right no one knows what IVF is about unless you have to go through it.
But I just want to say to you please DON'T give up. It took us a long time but i was not going to let anything or anyone put me off it really helps if you have a great hubby that sticks with you and can put up with all the **** that you dish out before during and after and understanding that it means so much to you.
They say that it won't take over your life but it will you just need to focus on what you want and go fot it.
After so long I really thought that it would never happen but it did and it will for you too.
Good Luck and hang in there.

[mauve]

Hi
This is my first visit to this site.
I'm 42 (43 next month aaggghhhhh).
I am currently on an ICSI cycle. My ET was 13/8, my B/T will be 29/8 if my period doesn't arrive first.....
My first ART experience was GIFT in 1995, followed by FET in 1996. I had another GIFT in 1998 then another FET in 1999. All resulted in 2 embryos each transfer, and none resulted in pregnancy.
After 6 years, I am embarking on my final (?!?!) attempt. I have been on the baby chase for 15 years. At 42, my chances are very slim. This cycle, I only ended up with one healthy egg, when I was younger I always had around 10. That was a big upset for me. Luckily, I ended up with a healthy embryo which was transferred 6 days ago. I have to wait another 10 days before my clinic will do a pregnancy B/T. That's provided all is going well!!!! I have everything crossed. Have gone mad planting seeds/seedlings every day since my egg pickup. If nothing else, I'll have a beautiful garden come Spring.
I'd love to chat to anyone out there who may be going through the dreaded 2 week wait or may be as OLD as I am or maybe just wants to chat!! :)
Sue

[BROWNY]

Dear Sue,

Welcome to this site!

How are you going.... hopefully feeling positive? The dreaded two week wait is terrible - it seems so long! You deserve a healthy baby especially after 15 years - good on you for hanging in there!

l'm currently on a break - although l have been preparing my body with Chinese medicines and acupuncture before l have my next transfer. When l do, it will be the first time l have combined both IVF and chinese medicines/acupuncture. You don't realise how much all the hormone medication plays with your emotions. At the moment l'm feeling great - although going back a couple of weeks ago l felt like the world was falling in on me :-(


Just remember you only need one healthy egg - hopefully this one is yours!

Goodluck with your results - l have my fingers are toes crossed for you.

Take care,

BROWNY

[kaydensmum]

Hi Sue, ime actually older than you - i turned 43 in June & it wasn't as bad as i thought it would be. After trying and failing with ivf, i fell pregnant about 6 months later, just b4 my cut off age of 42!!!! we were extremely lucky & to this day we don't know how it happened cos we were told it never would. To make it even harder to believe, we were both getting up at 3.45am & working up to 14 hours 5 or 6 days a week for 6 weeks - go figure. :confused:
I just wanted to say good luck - after all you have been through you deserve success and age is only a number!!!
The only difficult thing i find about being a mum at this age is tiredness but ime pretty sure once i stop breastfeeding my energy levels will boost beyond recognition (here's hoping)!!

Carole.

[mauve]

Thanks to both of you Browny and Carole
Carole, that makes me feel so much better. The last couple of days have been crampy with 2 instances of spotting in the last 48 hours. agghhhhh. :confused:
I hate the not knowing!
I am 12 DPO, my Beta is 29/8 if :eek: doesn't happen first.
Thanks to both of you for your warm welcome
Sue

[mauve]

Hi everyone
Thanks for the kind words and positive thoughts.
However, this is not my cycle if you know what I mean. My body let me know in the rudest way on Thursday at 3.30am!!! :mad:
Oh, well. Have not yet decided whether to hang up my boots or have 'one last try'. Famous last words. :rolleyes:
Sue

[kaydensmum]

Hi Sue, ime not really sure what to say, ime sorry doesn't seem to cut it. i can only imagine what you and your partner are going through :confused: i only went through 2 cycles & didn't get beyond the making extra egg stage & that was emotional enough!! don't rush into any decisions - easy to say i know.

Carole.

[k'smum]

Hi ladies,

i have been reading all your stories on ivf and really feel for you all, as i too did the ivf cycle 4 times.... we were unsuccessful 3....

i was one of the lucky ones that had 30 eggs retrieved and then 11 fertilised so we had them frozen..... due to my health i had to wait 6 months before the implantation process..
i feel pregnant three times, the first time i miscarried at 12 weeks... then again at four and three weeks....

now my reason for telling you all this is. was about to give up as i am 38 and time was ticking and i couldn't hande the excitement turning to disappointment all the time!!
But after a very good friends advice (from her experience) i decided to see a natropath, and explained my situtation about ivf... she looked at my diet, gave me some tips for healthy eating whilst trying to fall pregnant and tehn carrying the baby in the early stages...
she discussed that my problem could be a week lining of the uterus and gave me vitamins, a special diet, a tonic, and exercises...

i made the choice of not telling anyone about this as i know some people do not believe ( esp. the ivf clinic)so i decided i would try this and hoped for the best...
well after two months on my special fertility treatment we tried the ivf for the fourth time.... and fell pregnant!! i felt different this time and was very positive!!! i actually had morning sickness the day after the implantation process!! but i thought that it was nerves once again!!!

well, we now have our beautiful baby boy!!! born in May... and we cherish everyday with him, our little miracle !!

i don't know whether it was because i had something else to focus on that i had such a successful pregnancy, but i also believe that the natropath helped!!! they also helped with my morning sickness!!
so you can say that i'm a true believer!!

i have a few close friends that have just taken a page out of my book and have begun the process too!! i wish them luck!!

so ladies don't give up hope!!!
:)

[BROWNY]

First of all, l want to say to Sue how sorry l am to hear that your recent cycle was unsuccessful. l don't think anyone really understands your pain unless they have been in this situation themselves. Taking a break from it all is easier said than done, when it's something you want so desperately you feel like you have to keep working at it. Although l find that when l'm not on all the medication l think more rationally. Hope your getting lots of love and kisses from your partner!

Thanks for your story k'smum - l'm hoping that with my next cycle the combination of both IVF and Chinese medicine is my answer. Hubby and l are heading over to NZ for a week on Saturday - hopefully the rest and relaxation will do us both a world of good. Looking forward to my next cycle - feeling very positive!

[petster]

Hi guys

I'm not sure if I'm being rude barging in on you all like this... Just felt the need to share that we're going for a FET ASAP! We're incredibly luck to have a DD already (conceived through IVF ICSI). I'm waiting for my period (mid-cycle now) and have to go see the Dr on Day 10... We have only just decided to try again - I'm still b/f and we thought we wouldn't be able to do an FET until DD was weaned. My Dr is willing to give it a go - Yay!! I'm so excited!

Good luck to all of you who are on the rollercoaster at the moment...

Cheers!

[petster]

If my previous post has caused this thread to "freeze" - then please ignore it. I didn't mean to offend or upset anyone...

Good luck to all...

Cheers!

[BROWNY]

l'm now back from New Zealand and ready to start another cycle!

l'm doing a thaw cycle and will be having my first scan next Tue - l'm feeling very excited and positive about this try. Is there anyone else out there that will be going through this with me?

[petster]

Err... I'm obviously invisible in this thread... (See previous 2 threads!!) Yes Browny - we are about to have our first FET, which I gather is the same as a thaw cycle. Good luck to you - hope all goes well...

Cheers!

[BROWNY]

:confused:

Dear Petster,

Sorry if l ignored your last two messages, to be honest l didn't know what you meant by one of your messages:

If my previous post has caused this thread to "freeze" - then please ignore it. I didn't mean to offend or upset anyone...

l have been on holidays for the last couple of weeks - that's why l haven't posted on here for awhile.

At what stage are you now - we could be going through our next cycle together?

Good-luck,

BROWNY

[petster]

Sorry Browny - just a case of paranoia I think... No-one replied to my post about having our first FET, and because we already have a DD, I thought people might be ignoring me and my post!

I'm day 2 at the moment, and have an appt on Day 10... Not sure what happens with a FET, as this is our first. I'm still b/f, so we're doing it with no drugs...

Cheers!

[BROWNY]

l'm sure people aren't ignoring you because you already have a DD - your living proof that IVF actually works - we need people like you. It makes it all worth while if we know it actually does work! Although l'm sure for some people it's harder to accept the positives when your going through an emotional time.

Looks like we'll be going through this almost together! l'm at Day 3 - although l'm having a scan on Day 8 - next Tues, as my cycles can be anything from 24 -28 days. This will be my 8th attempt and l'm feeling very positive - l think this website and stories like yours help!

We will have to keep in touch.

BROWNY

[mauve]

Hi Petster
I wasn't ignoring you either. I know what that paranoia is like though. Sometimes you feel you may have said the wrong thing when nobody responds and that your post is just floating around by itself in cyberspace.
Browny is spot on - we need IVF success stories to keep us going.
I'm just a bit of a growly-face :mad: atm. My work sux (too much p*nis measuring going on IYKWIM) and tomorrow I turn 43. If I had kids, that number wouldn't bother me but I've gone beyond panic.
Sorry that's a bit of a downer of a post. :(
Will stay away until I'm in a better frame of mind.
Cheers
Sue

[BROWNY]

Dear Sue,

Just wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you!

l hope you have a fantastic day, try not to let 'another year older' bother you, easier said than done - hey!

Have a good one.

BROWNY :)

[petster]

Hi guys

Firstly - belated Happy Birthday Sue! Hope you had a great day, and weren't too blah about being another year older...

Secondly - my apologies to all for my attack of paranoia... What a goose I am!! Things just got on top of me - lots happening at the moment... Thanks for your words of support...

It's Day 4 for me today, have a Dr appt next Monday, Day 11 - have no idea what happens - haven't done a FET before. Our first IVF cycle only gave us 2 viable embryos, which were both implanted - no luck. Our second cycle was a winner, and we have 5 embryos in storage... A very lucky story indeed... Our DD is 6 months old now, and we thought we'd best start trying for #2 in case it takes us a while...

Good luck to you all... Will talk soon!

Cheers!

[BROWNY]

Dear Petster,

Just wanted to wish you goodluck for your scan tomorrow!

l'm now at Day 13, l've had my scan and Dr saw 2 follies size 14, now using seratec and waiting for a surge/positive result. l had a blood test yesterday but still nothing!

My transfer like yours will be this week - we can be pregnant together! :cool:

Goodluck!

BROWNY

[petster]

Thanks Browny! I'll update you tomorrow after my scan... I'm trying not to get excited...

Cheers!

[petster]

Hi guys

Went to see my Dr this morning. Obviously some wires got seriously crossed somewhere, because he asked me if I'd stopped breastfeeding. I told him that I'd rung and enquired about it, and the midwife/receptionist had told me she had talked to him about it, and he said it would be OK not to wean... Make sense?? Bottom line is, he thinks that by still b/f we are decreasing our chances from 1 in 5 to a 1 in 10... He's still willing to give it a go... I go back for another scan on Thursday - follicle was only 10.3 today... We're keen to try without weaning - we have 5 embryos stored, and only want to implant 1 at a time. If things don't happen for us with these frozen embryos then I guess we'll have to look at another full IVF cycle which means we most definitely will have to wean DD... Cross that bridge if/when we get to it...

How goes things with you Browny? Sue?

Cheers!

[BROWNY]

Dear Petster,

Gee that's annoying when you have specifically rang and asked them whether or not you can proceed with a thaw cycle. At least they have let you proceed. l hope all goes well.

l still haven't had a positive result/surged with seratec. l had to have another blood test this morning and am now waiting for the nurse to call.

l hate this waiting game!

BROWNY

[ellen]

I am interested in speaking to women who have had successful IVF and those who are going through the process. This is part of research I am doing for an article I am writing. The story will highlight the success of IVF as well as the high costs and the frustrations for many families. If anyone can help, my email is elconnolly@yahoo.com.au

[BROWNY]

First of all Ellen, l would love to help you - l hope to be one of those success stories real soon!

It's been a couple of days since l've posted. Obviously l had a surge/positive result with Seractec, today l had my 8th ET (but hey who's counting!). All went well and now we begin the dreaded TWW. If there is anyone out there that is going through the TWW maybe we can travel this journey together?

Petster you must be having your ET pretty soon?

Sue how are you going?

Hope everyone is well and we get some BFP's very soon! :)

BROWNY

[petster]

Hi Browny

I'll be thinking of you!! I hate the TWW - it's torture isn't it?

I have my first blood test today (Day 16), and once I get a positive surge, the FET will be 5 days later... A bit longer than I thought - but he's the professional so I guess he does know what he's doing! I'll keep you posted...

Cheers!

P.S. Ellen I'm happy to help...

[BROWNY]

The TWW is torture! l always find the first week goes quite quick but that second week - the one that lets you know whether or not your pregnant seems to take forever!

How did you go with your blood test yesterday?

l've never heard of a transfer 5 days later? l know Melbourne IVF do it two days later and Monash IVF do it 3 days later - but l haven't heard of 5 days? As you said he is the professional. Maybe your circumstances are a little different seeing that you are BF? It doesn't matter as long as it works!

Good-luck!

BROWNY:-)

[petster]

Hi Browny

Had another blood test today - just got the phone call 5 mins ago that I've had the LH surge, so the FET will be on Friday. I have to start the progesterone pessaries on Wed, twice a day... Feels very surreal at the moment...

How are you feeling? Keeping busy is the trick isn't it - but it's never out of your mind...

Take care - talk soon!

Cheers!

[BROWNY]

That's great you've had a surge. That means we will be a week apart! Your first week will be my second - l find out my result on 14th October!

l'm doing OK - l had acupuncture yesterday. l was so relaxed l could even hear myself starting to snore! My Chinese herbalist has also put these sticker type things in my ears - 3 in each ear. l have to press each one 80 times a day (4 x 20 times, breakfast, lunch, dinner and bed time) apparently they are on pressure points. l'm really hoping this works!

l guess between jabbing myself with heparin, pressing my ears and taking all my chinese herbs that will keep me quite busy of the next couple of weeks!

Fingers crossed for us both. ;)

BROWNY

[BecH]

Hi everyone,

Firstly I just want to wish you all my prayers and luck for this cycle. I'm not sure if you will be interested but I would hope my story gives you some hope.
3 weeks after my husband and I were married he was diagnosed with a very rare Leukaemia, we spent the first day in shock freezing his sperm before chemo started. At 22 I had my bestfriend and the man I adored gravely ill with a 25% chance of recovery. He had 4 cycles of chemo and radiation and we nearly lost him a couple of times. Now he has had a bone marrow transplant and is 9 months in remission. Just before he had his transplant we had some time away (6 weeks) from hospital. We had less than 0.3 chance of being able to conceive, but I carried and delivered a healthy baby girl against all odds, and better than that my husband is around to be with her. I just want him to stay healthy now.

I just thought that hopefully another success story won't go astray.

Bec
Ruby Grace (precious blessing) 27-8-05

[petster]

Hi guys

I have the FET at 1pm today... Very ironically we had an absolutely horrid night with DD last night - possibly the worst night we've ever had with her!! I think it was a test!! "Are you really ready for another baby???" We're certainly open to the challenge... It's all good... Will keep you posted...

How goes it Browny? Sue?

Cheers!

[petster]

Hey Browny

How are you travelling? I'm thinking of you...

Cheers!

[BROWNY]

First of all - Bec your story is amazing, thanks for sharing it with us. l hope your husband is doing well? Enjoy every moment together with your little girl!

Petster - l hope your transfer went well and that your DD is sleeping well and your getting some rest?

l feel a bit silly now :o .... Here l was on top of the world - thinking that l had finally been able to keep a pregnancy. l had sore boobs, l thought l could feel implantation cramps and l even thought l was going to the loo more frequently! Then on Saturday morning l woke up with cramps and l discovered l had my period - l think l cried all day Saturday! Saturday was and still is a blur to me. l really thought with the acupuncture and everything l was going to finally beat this! My dreams have come crashing down around me. Silly me even thought of how to announce my pregnancy at Christmas time - boy do l feel stupid now!

l went last night and continued with my acupuncture - she was very encouraging and said she we would try more next time - after all this was the first time we had combined the two.

This was the shortest time ever - 8 days after transfer! l will officially find out on Friday, although l'm sure it will be a BFN. :(

l'm dreading Friday - even though l already know the result - l always get so upset. l just have to think positive as we still have one more frozen embie!

l hope everyone else is doing well.

l will keep you posted.

BROWNY...

P.S. l have a tip for anyone going through the TWW - you could sit and write your Christmas cards now! ;)

[BROWNY]

Bec - your story is amazing, thanks for sharing it with us. l hope your husband is doing well? Enjoy every moment together with your little girl!

Petster - l hope your transfer went well and that your DD is sleeping well and your getting some rest?

l feel a bit silly now :o .... Here l was on top of the world - thinking that l had finally been able to keep a pregnancy. l had sore boobs, l thought l could feel implantation cramps and l even thought l was going to the loo more frequently! Then on Saturday morning l woke up with cramps and l discovered l had my period - l think l cried all day Saturday! Saturday was and still is a blur to me. l really thought with the acupuncture and everything l was going to finally beat this! My dreams have come crashing down around me - again! Silly me even thought of how to announce my pregnancy at Christmas time - boy do l feel stupid now!

l went last night and continued with my acupuncture - she was very encouraging and said she we would try more next time - after all this was the first time we had combined the two.

This was the shortest time ever - 8 days after transfer! l will officially find out on Friday, although l'm sure it will be a BFN. :(

l'm dreading Friday - even though l already know the result - l always get so upset. l just have to think positive as we still have one more frozen embie!

l hope everyone else is doing well.

l will keep you posted.

BROWNY...

P.S. l have a tip for anyone going through the TWW - you could sit and write your Christmas cards now! ;)

[petster]

Hi guys

Firstly - sorry BecH - I was so rude not acknowledging your post... Hope things are well with your family now - what an inspiring story... And by the way - I absolutely love your DD's name - Ruby Grace is gorgeous!

Browny - I am so sorry!! I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes... Big hugs to you and DH!! I don't think you're silly for hoping and dreaming - I think it's what keeps us picking ourselves up, dusting ourselves down and getting back on that horse! Without those hopes and dreams and positive attitude, there'd be no point!!

Look after yourself!

Sending you lots of love and light...

Cheers!

[petster]

Hey Browny

Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you today... **Hugs**

Cheers!

[BROWNY]

Just as l thought - a BFN! :mad:

l feel kind of weird - yes of course l'm upset - although l'm not crying, sobbing or anything. l guess we really knew last Saturday when AF arrived. Friday was just the confirmation. l guess knowing there is still one more frozen embie - it gives us something to strive towards! And as soon as AF arrives again we will be back at the clinic!

Petster - how are you going?

BROWNY

[petster]

Hey guys

Sorry to hear your test was a BFN Browny... Fingers crossed for the lucky last embryo!

My transfer went OK - although they did put 2 embryos back, when we originally only wanted 1... They were frozen in lots of 2, so they thawed 2... We didn't want to waste an embryo, so we thought bugger it - lets just go with it... They said they may have been able to re-freeze it, but we didn't think it was worse the risk...

I'm waiting for the migraine to start! 10 days after the transfer that resulted in DD, I ended up in hospital with a severe migraine due to the rising HCG levels... I didn't know I was pregnant, and was told in hospital while I was feeling like I was going to die!! Pretty funny story really... (It's day 9 today, and I do have a headache :p ... )

So far no sign of AF - we have the test on Friday... Will keep you all posted...

Cheers!

[e's mumma]

Hi guys,
first of all, sorry to Browny for BFN. The sadness i feel with each disappointment still shocks me.. Best of luck for you for the next cycle.
Petster, just a Q re FET. I recently had my first FET (10/10) and they transferred 2 embryo's, so I'm also going through the dreaded wait. I'm not overly hopeful for this cylce however as the scientist said the embryo's weren't dividing so well, even though they had survived the thaw, and they still said to go ahead with transfer. I'm wondering if you received feedback on the quality of the embryos at the time of the transfer? today i began to feel like i'm getting period, though it's hard to tell the diff between those symptoms and pain from pessaries... Test date isn't until next wed... ah the wait.
This was my first FET after standard IVF cycle (1 embryo transferred), and prior to that 5xIUI. no pregnancy as yet... but i feel like this is just the beginning of this phase in my life, and i'm trying to stay positive!
thanks for the opportunity to chat.
kcheno.

[petster]

Hi Kcheno

Welcome! Good luck to you for this cycle... The waiting game really sucks doesn't it?

I'm wondering if you received feedback on the quality of the embryos at the time of the transfer?

Yes we did - and we actually got to look down the microscope and see them!! We were told 1 was pretty good, but the other, which actually looked like it had divided more, was full of fragmented cells - obviously not so good...

4 more sleeps for me until the test - still no sign of AF...

Sending positive thoughts to you all!

Cheers!

[petster]

Just filling in some time... Find out the results in 1 hr and 10 mins... Man it SO messes with your head!!!

Will let you all know shortly...

Cheers!

[petster]

Bugger!!! Nope! A BFN!!! I had myself convinced too.... Oh well... 3 more embryos left... I'm surprised how upset I actually am... I think I'd lulled myself into a false sense of security because we were so lucky with DD... The pain and frustration have just all come rushing back - I think I'd pushed all those feelings to the back of my mind...

Anyway - take care everyone... Onward and upward!

Cheers!

[BROWNY]

Petster - l'm truly sorry to hear your result - sending you lots of hugs! You've now brought tears to my eyes! l just wish l could say or do more.....

Can l ask a question? Please don't feel that you have to answer this. Did AF arrive prior to your test today?

I used to get told the quality of the googies...though I've also heard about women with dodgy looking embyo's taking..and really smart looking ones..not. Its hard to guage.

That's interesting about the quality of the embryo's, l wish from when they were transferred they knew exactly whether or not it was going to work. Then we wouldn't have to go through the dreaded TWW.

BROWNY

[petster]

Can l ask a question? Please don't feel that you have to answer this. Did AF arrive prior to your test today?

Nope! Still no sign of it.... Very strange - it's Day 37 today!

I rang a friend yesterday after the BFN... She has had 2 failed IUI and has just started her 1st cycle of IVF... They have been TTC for 3 years... I rang her in tears and said "OMG! I've forgotten how hard it is to get the BFN! If I feel this bad, how bad must you be feeling each time - I'm lucky - I have Eleni to cuddle afterwards!""

Same goes with you guys... I'd forgotten how truly hideous the IVF rollercoaster is - my heart goes out to all of you - and I do realize how incredibly incredibly blessed my DH and I are... If #2 doesn't happen for us, at least we've been lucky enough to be blessed once...

I'm sorry if I've made things harder for you all... I just had to get that out...

Love and hugs to you all....

Cheers!

[melbee70]

miranda maybe something is in the air cause im day 35 & no AF but tested the other day & it was a BFN - so who knows what is happening in there!

sending hugs from me & eliana :)

[BROWNY]

Petster - Just wondering how your going? l have been thinking of you and l'm hoping you are getting the support you need - lots of hugs!

l'm waiting for my next AF to arrive and then l'm having another ET - last one this year! Although hopefully it doesn't arrive and things work naturally.... a long shot l know - but stranger things have happened!!!

Are you having another try this year?

Kcheno - how did you go?

BROWNY

[petster]

Hi All

Thanks Browny - I'm doing OK. The BFN just hit me hard on Friday! My Dr failed to tell me that the progesterone pessaries will delay AF - so I was a bit excited unneccessarily!!

My Dr has told us he'd prefer it if we weren't breastfeeding while attempting a FET, so after much soul-searching, we've decided to wait until DD is weaned before trying a FET again. As someone aptly put it, #2 may not even happen, so I may only get the chance to breastfeed once, so I may as well make the most of it! Like you, we're just going to try naturally for a while and hope a miracle happens - after all, it only takes 1 sperm!!

I hope you're doing OK Browny - good luck for the lucky last cycle of the year!!

How goes it Kcheno? Sue?

Take care you guys! Hugs to all!

Cheers!

[e's mumma]

Hi All,
i was away last week so haven't been logging on. i tested while on holiday and got a neg and period on the same day (my dr also failed to tell me about pessaries delaying period! they really don't understand how much all this screws with our heads do they!). this week though i've been getting sore/tingling breasts so will try again tomorrow. i keep telling myself i'm imagining things and i'm sure i am, but will test just so i can get it all out of my head! i'm seeing my dr next week to try and organise another stimulated cycle, we are all out of frozen embryo's now.
hope everyone is going ok, looks like we've all had some disappointments lately...
best wishes and don't forget to be good to yourselves, kcheno.

[BROWNY]

Yep AF arrived this morning :mad: l have already called the nurses to say that we would like to have our last thaw cycle - attempt number 9! This time once again l will continue with acupuncture and heparin injections. In today's Herald Sun (in the section where they have the baby photo's) there was a story of a couple who on their 8th last frozen embryo transfer they had success! It has given me a little hope!

Petster - l hope you're doing OK? l guess you have to go with what your doctor says - just make the most of every minute with your DD. Try and focus (easier said than done) on your family that you have now and hopefully you can add to that in the future.

Kcheno - sorry to hear your news too, l hope you're OK? l hope you are able to organise another stim cycle soon.

BROWNY
xx

[BecH]

Hi guys,

I just wanted to wish the best with your next cycles. You will be in my prayers. I have heard wonderful things about acupuncture combined with IVF Browny so good luck. Another friend of ours tried a lot of visualisation and she did fall pregnant on IVF on her 3rd I'm not sure whether it had anything to do with it. She just used positive images of the egg and implanting and the growth and holding her bub.

Anyway love and hope to you all,

Bec

[axeliz]

...I do recommend a diet (goal) of unprocessed food ie. nothing white. That means fresh meats, vegetables, fruit, whole grains - Its what you are supposed to eat when you are pregnant anyway and it may help. Don't be hard on yourself - a bit of chocolate won't hurt (always makes me feel better).

I agree with Liz. We are 41 and 40 and trying for number two. A friend told us about the Fransesca Naish book, "The Natural Way to Better Babies" and we are now seeing a naturopath (as well as GP) and trying to get really healthy for we even try again. IVF worked the first time, but this time we hope to try IUI first, and then have an even healthier pregnancy, and healthier baby.

Check out http://www.foresight-preconception.org.uk/home-page.html and www.fertilitymatters.com.au for further info as apparently "Preconception Health" makes a big difference - organic food, no dairy, no processed foods, no anti-biotics in meet, no/less radiation, more exercise, less stress. etc. as we live in a very toxic environment. Naish claims that this is why the rates of infertility are on the increase, along with other factors.

(I just typed out a very long message and lost it, so this one is short and to the point!)

All the best,
Anne

[axeliz]

There's also this site http://www.fertility.com.au/ which I didn't add to my last post...

[JnA]

Best of luck to everyone who is going through ART of some kind.


I hope this your time.

[BROWNY]

Thanks everyone for your advice and thoughts. :)

Anne - l will check out those websites - thanks! l'm sure diet and your state of mind have lots to do with falling pregnant.

Bec - thanks for your wishes too! As far as visualisation goes - l'm often visualising life with a bub.
l want nothing more than to:
- Announce to the world l'm pregnant
- Walk around pregnant - with that glow, most women have!
- Look in my revision mirror and see a car seat (for my child)
- Buy furniture for the nursery
- Walk around a shopping centre with a pram
- To hear a voice call you mummy

l guess l could go on and on....

l'm having a scan on Wed (16/11/05) my transfer will hopefully be the following week.

How is everyone else going? Is there anyone having an ET in the next couple of weeks?

BROWNY
XX

[naomi1972]

;) A big hello and thumbs up to all the dedicated women in this forum. You are all strong, pro-active ladies working towards what you want and with hope, support and persistence you will (I pray) get what you seek (a child of your own).
My partner and I have been together for 16 years (childhood sweethearts) and trying to have a baby for.....well forever. We lost two babies due to ectopics and I have had a tube removed. It seems like it will never happen and it is a long and very hard road, trying to have a baby. I felt like an outsider around Mums and deep down I felt I was a failure and wondered what I had ever done to deserve year after year of emptyness and yearning. My partner and I went through a lot of downs... blaming each other, both wondering if we'd ever be a family. Family pressure was constant and everywhere I went there were prams, kids or pregnant ladies. I went on an IVF program and recieved varying levels of support from family and work. No-one really understood how much it all meant to me, how long I had been waiting or how much of my soul I had invested in it. NEVER GIVE UP. I am now 5 months and 2 weeks pregnant (the IVF finally worked!!). If you keep trying you have a chance. Miracles do happen but they take focus, dedication, strength and persistence. YOU CAN DO IT!

[e's mumma]

Hi everyone,
Browny it's great you are having an ET soon. i wish you all the best for this cylce.
I went to my dr a few weeks ago after our last failed FET, and he's got me doing a standard IUI this month, we'll just see how this one goes! i'm due to test next tues, though AF may come earlier to spoil the show. If AF does come along, I'm hoping to do a boost IVF cycle straight away, to get another ET in before xmas. DH has lots of stress coming up though, so we are still waiting to see what the dates for EPU and transfer will be before confirming the cycle. i'm desperate to go ahead with it though and will take a lot of convincing to do otherwise!
Thanks to Naomi for sharing such a great success story, all the best for the rest of your pregnancy. i had a smile after reading your message.
Let us know how you get on Browny.
Cheers, kcheno.

[BROWNY]

Naomi - congratulations on your pregnancy. Your persistance has paid off. l wish you all the very best in the coming months.

Kcheno - l hope you get to have another try before Christmas!

l'm having my transfer tomorrow @ 9:00am! My doctor has also prescribed progesterone pessaries - looking forward to that (NOT!) but hey if it works l don't care.

Hope everyone else is doing OK.

BROWNY
xx

[JnA]

"l'm having my transfer tomorrow @ 9:00am!"


The very best of luck... I hope it goes well.

[BROWNY]

All went well today - l have a good feeling about this one too!

My beautiful embie was 5 cells and then divided to 8 - hopefully that's a good sign! :)

Now l begin the dreaded two week wait!

BROWNY
XX

[JnA]

Now l begin the dreaded two week wait!
XX

The tough part. Look after you, rest up and if time starts to drag (as it will) come to bubhub and post like crazy :)


I'll be thinking about you and sending you positive thoughts.

I loved the implatation and the way it all starts with a flash... so very cool.

[e's mumma]

Hi girls,
Browny, i really wish you all the best, i agree it sounds very promising re the quality of you embie - 8 cells is great. (i wish mine thawed that well!) i hope the 2 week wait goes super fast for you. i know what you mean about the pessaries though, they are soo foul. i've had crinone before and found that somewhat better.
DH and I decided to give the boost cycle a miss this month, it coincided with a terrible week for him at work and we felt it just wasn't worth the stress. i was very disappointed to say the least, however my dr was able to flip the cycle over into a down reg. and i've started this already with EPU on 16 Jan. i'm sure december will fly by and i'll be having scans etc in no time. can't wait! gotta keep positive! where's everyone else up to?
keep in touch Browny, cheers, kcheno.

[BROWNY]

Well l'm half way there - feeling really good! l'm trying to stay postive and keep busy but not too busy. l have made a decision that l'm not vacuuming for the two weeks - l'm giving this embie every chance! (l read somewhere it can effect implatation?)

l've been having acupuncture, chinese hebs, heparin injections and those lovely progesterone pessaries - boy they are a delight! l'm sure it will be all worth it in the end - l keep praying!

l just want to be able to shut my eyes and wake up and it's Wed 7th December - D-Day.

Kcheno - l can understand your disappointment of having to put off a cycle although as you said you don't want to be going through other stresses as well as IVF - it's enough just with IVF alone. It's great that you can go straight into a down reg cycle - wishing you all the best. Keep me updated on your progress.

Hopefully this time next week - l should almost know either way!

BROWNY
XX

[BROWNY]

Sorry, l just thought of something.....

Not sure if anyone else saw Ray Martin's 'A Current Affair' tonight - he had a lady on there the 'Baby Maker' she's in QLD and is making up herbs for couples trying to conceive.

The 'Baby Maker'
Australia’s baby maker Ruth Sharkey helped over 3000 couples create the life they have longed for in Australia and around the world get pregnant naturally or in conjunction with assisted procedures. 3457 babies (that we know of) have been created with the help of Ruth Sharkey’s natural herbal preparations. And now this formula can help you too!

You can even buy online, her website is:

http://www.sharkeyshealingcentre.com.au

Just in case your interested! :)

BROWNY
xx

[BROWNY]

l'm sure you have all guessed - l got a BFN on Wenesday! :mad:

l really thought it was going to work ....... actually l have taken it better than what l thought l would have. This was our last embryo (#9) - we now have to start again in the New Year, probably not until March? We are trying to tell our bodies we have stopped IVF - hoping to trick them as you hear of so many stories of when couples stop IVF they fall pregnant naturally! (That would be nice! :D )

l now feel stronger than ever - l plan to try and get fitter and lose some weight. l think all the medication hasn't helped. l just feel that over the last couple of months my body has just blown up. Time to deflate! he he he

Not looking forward to Christmas, not even putting up a Christmas tree this year!

Hope everyone else is OK?

BROWNY
xx

[petster]

Hi Browny

So sorry to hear you got a BFN... Hugs to you... Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you... Look after yourself...

Hugs to all you girls out there on the IVF/ART rollercoaster...

Cheers!

[JnA]

Sorry to hear that Browny.. *hugs* to you.

[e's mumma]

Hi everyone, really sorry to hear about the BFN Browny. The quality of the embie sounded promising too, but i guess there are so many unknown factors affecting each cycle. Time to regroup for the new year. how's everyone else going? anyone got a cycle coming up?
I'll be starting synarel on friday (yuck) with OPU on 16/1. at least with xmas etc time might go fast for me.
my dr had talked of doing assisted hatching too. has anyone else had this?
keep in touch everyone, and all the best over xmas. i'm dreading being around family with babies, knowing that's exactly what i want, and also seeing the joy the children bring to the whole family... take care. k.

[BROWNY]

Thanks again everyone for your ongoing support. You have been amazing and sometimes just to read what others are up to and what they are going through is enough to know your not alone. l'm so glad l have found this site - although l wish l could post a bit more than what l do.

Thanks also for the advice on the 'baby maker' in QLD. l have decided l can't keep jumping from one thing to another l have to be patient and give things time to work! (patience... hmmm)

l know exactly how your feeling Kcheno - being around others with children at Christmas time as there is so much focus on kids at Christmas time. In a way it's what Christmas is all about to see their eyes light up with excitement. Just think one day we will be watching our children on Christmas morning! Positive thoughts now! Assisted hatching? l have heard of it - although l don't know enough about it? How do you know so far in advance that your OPU will be 16/1/06? :confused: Are you in Melbourne? Sorry about all the questions, it's just that with all my cycles l haven't been able to plan for it - l roughly know when but never the exact date. Good-luck anyway - l hope this is it for you. Please keep in touch with your progress.

Goodluck to everyone else let's hope 2006 is our year! Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and let's hope all our dreams come true.......:)

Love Browny
xx

[e's mumma]

Hi Browny,
I'm in brisbane. I'm doing a down regulation cycle, so the clinic nurse is able to work out the OPU dates as I start this cycle with the pill for a few weeks. My last OPU happened on the precise date too and I'd had quite a few scans prior to check that I was on schedule for the booked date, with timed hcg injection prior to OPU. It is good to know when things are going to happen, though it's quite a long cycle. Last time we transferred one fresh embie, then 2 in the FET, then none left!! This time, we're hoping to get a few more, and transfer 2 in fresh cycle, with hopefully enough frozen for 2 more FET's.
How many embyro's do other's transfer?
take care, k. :)

[kassa]

Hi Ladies,

I had assisted hatching, it is something they did in the lab with the embie and appartently it helps the embie stick.

Kcheno, which clinic are you going to in Brisbane, I am also in Brisbane and I am going to City Fertility Centre with Dr Glenn Sterling. I am so comfortable with Glenn and I think he is a great doctor. Also good luck with this cycle.

Kerri

[e's mumma]

Hi Kerri, I'm also with CFC! Graham Tronc is my dr, i've been going to him for many years for endo/laparoscopies. Glen is doing my next OPU though, as Graham is on holidays. hope it works this time! where are you up to? cheers, k.

[kassa]

kcheno,

Best of luck for your OPU in Jan.

I have a soft spot for Glen, as we where told that we couldn't have any children from previous doctors (due to male factor). We went to see Glen in August and he said that we have a good chance of achieving our dream. He did a biopsy(tesa) on DH to find out if we can get sperm direct from testies. He found some sperm and then I started IVF. He also wants to give everyone the best possible chance, he did ICSI, hatching and embryo glue. Anyway long story short, I am now 15 w preg. Glen is now our OB.

I wish I would of found this web site when I was going through IVF, it would of been a great support through the whole ordeal.

I wish you all the best with this cycle and keep us update on the progress.

[LouBoo]

Hi there,

I read some of the stories of how long it has taken and I really feel for those on the merry go round.

We have been trying for 2 and a half years now. We were lucky with our first child conceiving naturally in 2 months, so we were taken aback trying for our second, now on IVF.

With our first egg collection we had 2 successful blastocysts. One transfer - failed, 2nd transfer failed. On our next egg collection, we started off with 5 eggs down to Zero to transfer.

It is so upsetting to go through an operation, get all groggy and then not ge anything out of it. We have to travel 6 hours to the nearest IVF clinic, so the travel and time off for my husband's work take it's toll. (My husband doesn't get paid for time off).

Next time I will have to have a general anaesthetic for the egg collection as I have coughing fits during egg retrieval.

I feel so angry all the time, I am off sex, does anyone else feel the same way?. And I have only done 3 cycles, credit to all of you and what you are all going through.

I admire those who can continue to go on - but I know the feeling - how can you possibly stop, next month might be the one.

P.S. Does anyone here go through Hollywood Fertility Clinc in Perth?
;)

[JnA]

Hi LouBoo

We went through Pivet in Leederville and found them excellent.
I don't know Hollywood as a clinic at all, but I'd be interested in their procedure, just to see if it's any different to Pivet. We were successful on our second transfer, not that I'm saying this will happen for you, just wanted to give you a success story.

Good Luck for the new year and hope you keep trying.

[gracec]

Hi ladies

This bubhub is a great :) fourm however, this forum for IVF etc is a godsend and helped me though the whole process of IVF. From the begining... taking all the sprays, drugs, blood tests though to the transfer and finally through the 2 week wait after the tranfers was completed. Talking to other ladies going through the same process is really comforting, and reassuring and helpful to keep each other spirts high.

forum.ivf.org.au --I highly recommend you all check it out.

My partner and I were successsful after our 1st IVF attempt after 3years TTC. My due date 18th March 2006

I produced 29 egg, 12 which were of good sizing ( or something like that), then 8 which they were able to combine with the partners sperm, 2 they put back inside me and we have 6 frozen ones left. My gyno said that I had produced too many of a smaller size, it's better to produce a smaller amount at a bigger size.Due to me making lots of eggs I got Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, which I thought was putting me on death's door. But I was all worth it, and my heart goes out to all those women who do this process time, and time and time again


My partner was my saviour he ended up giving me my needles (though the puregon pen) as I just couldn't give them to myself, they were painless but the mental factor just set in, and I was a wreck.

After all the testing , there was no known reason for our infertility this was really depressing. It made me sooooo angry as we couldn't fix the problem. What a failure as a women, there are 16yo girls who are falling pregnant and I couldn't, how p*?S*!D off was I
Hopefully we have broken the drought and my body will now know how to fertilize sperm on it's own. However frozen embroye tranfer is a lot simpler and cheaper than the whole IVF process. So good luck to us.

So best of fertile luck to you all and sending you many fertile thoughts.
There are many insperational women out there with stories that will make you laugh and cry.

Sorry if I have draged this on, but it just brings up so much emotion, and is very much an emotional roller coaster ride

grace

[LouBoo]

The Hollywood Clinic were efficient enough, but at least half of the nurses and some of the staff were very abrupt and would make you feel stupid.

I went down for an egg transfer in August 05 on my own. I had a six and a half hour train trip and was feeling a little emotional. The accounts lady was terribly rude. You feel like you are being blackmailed as they say, we cannot do the egg transfer until you have paid. Of course I was going to pay - but they could of asked me nicely. She the proceeded to reprimand me because my referral was out of date. She said, "Can't you read the signs at the desk about updating your referral!".
I can't see how I am expected to read every sign on the clinic walls. I didn't even know that the referral only lasts for 3 months. Shouldn't that be part of their job to advise that your referral is running out.
Needless to say, I felt very upset, I was trying not to cry as it was.

Why do they put people in these positions, if they are not able to feel any empathy, specially when you first go in they send you off to counselling and talk about how much stress is involved. The staff stress me out the most.

I think the regime is pretty much the same as most, Synarel, then Pregnyl or Gonadren. They charge about $2700 + Anaethetic fee for egg collection cycle and transfer.

Can you tell me about Pivet, what the staff are like, regime and approximate cost. I might changeover just because I can't handle the staff attitudes.

Lou.

[BROWNY]

Hi All,

Yes it's certainly been awhile since l posted. The IVF threads have gone crazy! l think l will have to pop my head in a few other threads as well. We have been having a bit of a break and have just returned from a very relaxing holiday on the Sunshine Coast in Alexandra Headland.

l'm now in the middle of a down regulation cycle, l have been using the spray (Syranel) and have just stopped the pill (last week) - still waiting for AF any day now! l'm hoping my OPU will be just before Easter!

Kcheno - how did your OPU go in January?

l'm sure there have been a few BFP in the last couple of months - this year is our year!:)

BROWNY
XX

[Sharyn J]

Hello All,

What a relief to find this chatroom!! Background - 38 yo, married 10 years. Have had one stillbirth at 40 weeks( due to undiagnosed gestational diabetes), one ectopic and have now had both tubes removed.

I am in the midst of my 3rd IVF cycle with Dr Graham Tronc and CFC, Brisbane.

Graham has us on puregon 600 daily, I am on my fifth day. AT this stage, EPU is set for the 28th.

1st cycle = poor quality eggs?

2nd cycle = Although 5 follicles at final u/s, when EPU was done, Graham said that there was only one follicle remaining and he thinks I may have inadvertently ovulated? Has anyone else ever had this - he says it is unusual. The one egg was successfully fertilised but failed to 'grow' properly ( multinucleated?) and therefore we did not get to the transfer stage.

3rd = This time, I am praying it is more successful. I had my first U/S today and Graham has sent me to another specialist for a second opinion ( going this afternoon) as there is something there THAT MAY BE the stump of one of my ( removed) tubes? I am worried...Any hints here?? No signs of any follicles at this sage - but this has been the same at tis stage in the past so this has not overly concerned me.

Meanwhile, I am on double the synarel and double the puregon that I was on for the last attempts. I don't want to ovulate my follicles away before EPU this time...how can I ensure this does not happen??

IS THIS MAKING SENSE TO ANYONE? I literally have no one to talk to about this( i.e. someone who has been through it themselves) and am desperate to chat about it.

Graham says it is best to 'hit me hard' with the hormones this time. It sure is hitting me hard - I cannot remember when I didn't have a headache and the tears are flowing constantly.

I have taken the next couple of weeks off work as I am not coping as well this time.

Would love to chat and hear about the experiences of others.


I think Graham and the CFC are brilliant and am puting all of my faith ( and money!!!) into them!
Love to hear from someone - any advice would be gratefully received ( EXCEPT the old 'relax and it will happen ' - have heard that TOO many times from people WITH kids !)

Regards

Sharyn

[antoniasmum]

Hi Sharyn,
Welcome! Come join the group in the thread - First IVF Cycle in a few... You will find everyone there and they are a lovely bunch of ladies... all going through different stages of IVF...
Good luck with your 3rd Cycle..... :fingerscrossed:

[Sharyn J]

Thanks IVFMummy !

( I hope to have your name one day!). I will head off and try and find the thread now - not too savvy at these things I'm afraid!

Good luck to you too - I sure hope it works for you.

Sincerely

Sharyn

[Meljem]

Hi, can anyone tell me when you are on down regulation, when does your period come? I finished the pill on Friday night, and its Sunday now, and im on Synarel too, so when would i expect my period to arrive?


Mel

melanie-j@bigpond.com

[harmony]

hi girls my partner and I have one ten year old and being unsuccessful for 10years to have anymore, I've had 9 m/c's due to sleep apnea.

We went through the last m/c last Nov, and didn't have a AF for 3 months. This last cycle has being all over the place, with spotting, cramping and very heavy with clots.

My OB/GYN says everything is fine medically - all the test came back great

Should I go back to him ? would something like clomid help? or is our best chance opting for IVF?

[Shajbm]

Hi Harmony...Welcome. I'm sorry for your loss in November...IF you're unsure about anything I would making an appointment to see your ob/gyn as soon as you can or simply get a second opinion. Where are you based?

[harmony]

Hi Harmony...Welcome. I'm sorry for your loss in November...IF you're unsure about anything I would making an appointment to see your ob/gyn as soon as you can or simply get a second opinion. Where are you based?

Hi Shajake and thankyou. We are based in Tassie.

Having read other women's experiance on this thread, I found it common to be told that medically there isn't anything wrong. Is it a case of giving "false hope"? I never have thought I would be in this position...unable to conceive, contemplating IVF

Is it a natural progression; BBT'ing, charting and then things like Vitex-chasteberry and then IVF?

I am turning 35 in July and my partner is 31 .... do you give it 6mths of unsuccessful trying?

[Gravel]

Hi Harmony

Sorry to butt in but if you do want to take the next step, I am also in Tassie and I see the most wonderful FS in Hobart, he runs the Tas IVF Clinic at St Helens, your GP would know who he was and could refer.

We were eventually referred to him in March this year and I don't know if he will be able to help us - we are currently in 2ww - but I feel that someone is finally batting on our team - he started us on IVF immediately - but we are all different.

All the very best of luck for the future!

[mauve]

Hi
Are Browny and Petster still hanging around??
I've been MIA since my birthday last year and thought I'd drop in. I saw Browny visited a few weeks ago.
Well, I had another ICSI attempt in October - BFN.
Have planned a big trip OS for 6 weeks in August this year. Will figure out what I'll do in the TTC department when I get back.
Although, I'm pretty sure I've left my run too late now. I'll be 44 then. More chance of me being in the donor threads then.
Anyway, I hope you two are doing OK, would love to know where you're both at.
Cheers
Sue
16 years on this merry go round :banghead:

[BROWNY]

Hi everyone!

Sue a trip overseas sounds good - maybe focus on something else for awhile. It's so hard to give up!

Just an update on me - l had my 4th OPU on Good Friday and had embies 11 & 12 transferred on Easter Sunday. l still managed to get AF although after my TWW l came out with a BFP. :smiliedance: My emotions were all over the place - l was so excited, as this was the first time l had got a BFP result! Unfortunately a week later AF arrived again - yes all my hopes and dreams came crashing down. :mad: Surprisingly l was OK - maybe cause l had done my back at the same time and the pain of my back was taking over my pain of losing my embies. l guess l have proved one thing - l can get pregnant! l now just have to work on making them stick. Was it from all the acupuncture/chinese herbs? Or was it just 'my' time? One will never know? l have since stopped my Chinese Herbalist as it was getting rather expensive and it was a 45 minute drive from home - l was starting to feel rather run down. l'm now thinking of going to a Naturopath, does anyone know if a good one in the Western Suburbs?

l have also had an ET about 3 weeks ago, it was unfortunately a BFN. l am now back to square one........ no embies left.:(

l hope everyone else is going well.;)

BROWNY
xx

[Leannej]

hello to everyone on this thread.
if you would like to know more about ivf there is a whole bunch of women on the first ivf cycle in a few days part 2. everyone is more then welcome to come and have a chat.

[jacquit]

Hi there,

It looks like your message was posted a few months back. I started my first IVF cycle today and feel so overwhelmed with all the drugs plus i need to take clexane too!!! Not only is this stressful but my husband and I are moving house next sat. too. Any tips on coping with the cycle. Like everyone I really want this too be successful - we get two publicly funded cycles. I'm so worried neither will work. Then we really are in a pickle. It costs soooooooo much!!! And it really is hard when all your friends (or so it seems) are having their babies.

[sksty]

just found out about this website. i wish i knew about you when i first started IVF. I had my first cycle of IVF 2 years ago and had one pregnancy that didn't get past 6wks. We started our next cycle last year and luckly fell off the first go with injections of fragmin and aspirin everyday till i gave birth. So be positive it will happen but you don't believe it when each time you ring for your results they are negative or you get your period.
We are just about to start all over again and the whole waiting thing i had forgotten about till now its terrible.
hope all is well and i'm happy to chat with anyone

[thirdtry]

Hi all,

I'm new to this so please forgive me if I get it wrong!

I noticed your note Sharyn J, albet it back in April this year, about ovulating during your cycle. I had the same experience just a couple of weeks ago and would definitely love to chat about this. I was on 800iu Synarel, followed by 400iu and 400iu Puregon. My injections were delayed at least 3 days, hence my EPU was day 18 of my cycle! Meanwhile I had all the classic signs (as I do very month) of ovulation on day 14, 2 days before they gave me the trigger (and I wondered why I needed it!). Then at EPU - guess what? 2 follicles, but no eggs or cumulus cells! My doctor didn't believe that I ovulated but hasn't been able to come up with any other ideas either. I'm 40. The last time we did a cycle was just under 3 years ago (long story) and that time I was on Gonal F and Lucrin, got 6 eggs graded 1 and 2 and two were immature at EPU so fertilised the remaining 4 successfully. 1 fresh transfer, 3 FET's, but no pregnancy. Has anyone else had this ovulation situation going on mid cycle? It was also suggested to by another source that putting a 40 year old woman on Synarel was crazy because it 'turns off your ovaries'. Looking forward to hearing from you. Cheers.

Hello All,

What a relief to find this chatroom!! Background - 38 yo, married 10 years. Have had one stillbirth at 40 weeks( due to undiagnosed gestational diabetes), one ectopic and have now had both tubes removed.

I am in the midst of my 3rd IVF cycle with Dr Graham Tronc and CFC, Brisbane.

Graham has us on puregon 600 daily, I am on my fifth day. AT this stage, EPU is set for the 28th.

1st cycle = poor quality eggs?

2nd cycle = Although 5 follicles at final u/s, when EPU was done, Graham said that there was only one follicle remaining and he thinks I may have inadvertently ovulated? Has anyone else ever had this - he says it is unusual. The one egg was successfully fertilised but failed to 'grow' properly ( multinucleated?) and therefore we did not get to the transfer stage.

3rd = This time, I am praying it is more successful. I had my first U/S today and Graham has sent me to another specialist for a second opinion ( going this afternoon) as there is something there THAT MAY BE the stump of one of my ( removed) tubes? I am worried...Any hints here?? No signs of any follicles at this sage - but this has been the same at tis stage in the past so this has not overly concerned me.

Meanwhile, I am on double the synarel and double the puregon that I was on for the last attempts. I don't want to ovulate my follicles away before EPU this time...how can I ensure this does not happen??

IS THIS MAKING SENSE TO ANYONE? I literally have no one to talk to about this( i.e. someone who has been through it themselves) and am desperate to chat about it.

Graham says it is best to 'hit me hard' with the hormones this time. It sure is hitting me hard - I cannot remember when I didn't have a headache and the tears are flowing constantly.

I have taken the next couple of weeks off work as I am not coping as well this time.

Would love to chat and hear about the experiences of others.


I think Graham and the CFC are brilliant and am puting all of my faith ( and money!!!) into them!
Love to hear from someone - any advice would be gratefully received ( EXCEPT the old 'relax and it will happen ' - have heard that TOO many times from people WITH kids !)

Regards

Sharyn

[BROWNY]

Hello All,

l know it's been quite some time since l last posted. This thread has now closed, but l thought l would keep you all informed of where l am today.

l am happy to say that after 14 ET's - l am now having a baby - due 30th November 2007! :smiliedance:

The last 4 years have been hell but l just wanted to say to all you couples who are TTC you should never give up hope! Believe me there were times when l thought l would never be writing this.

l now feel like a HUGE weight has been lifted from my shoulders.... and l'm now counting down the days (89) until my Lil Boo arrives.

l truly hope that many of your have found success too!

BROWNY
xx