Hello and welcome to the Fairfax Cryobank Family Forum!
The forum has a new look and the Fairfax Team is so excited to create the best experience for our users.
To Note:
Private Donor Groups and Private Sibling Connection Groups are now located under the category "Groups". Search the donor number in the search box and you should find exactly what you're looking for!
Questions about your forum access? Email forum@fairfaxcryobank.com
Follow these steps to join a private donor group:
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*If you are looking to start a private group for a PRS donor please email forum@fairfaxcryobank.com with the above information and that you are looking for a PRS group*
If you have any questions about the verification process please email forum@fairfaxcryobank.com
The forum has a new look and the Fairfax Team is so excited to create the best experience for our users.
To Note:
Private Donor Groups and Private Sibling Connection Groups are now located under the category "Groups". Search the donor number in the search box and you should find exactly what you're looking for!
Questions about your forum access? Email forum@fairfaxcryobank.com
Follow these steps to join a private donor group:
1) Press "Join" at the right of the group
2) Once prompted to confirm your request please list this information so we can verify your information:
Name (under which the vial was purchased)
Clinic Name
Donor number
Child Date of Birth
*If you are looking to start a private group for a PRS donor please email forum@fairfaxcryobank.com with the above information and that you are looking for a PRS group*
If you have any questions about the verification process please email forum@fairfaxcryobank.com
Comments
I had my retrieval yesterday, got 6 eggs, and 5 were injected (I guess that means one was under/over mature). I don't know what happened to one, but 2 fertilized, and 2 didn't. I didn't really get a good answer this morning (I was asleep when the call came) but I think there's still time for the two unfertilized to do their magic?!? But I'm going in on Monday for transfer, for at least the two that are fertilized, and I think if the other two do the miraculous thing, they will all go in. Not really sure.
Vacation is over tonight, back to work! Now I get to decide if I do bed rest after transfer, or go in to work Monday night. Decisions, decisions...
Sending baby dust to everyone!
~Regan
My vote is for bedrest! I know the kids you work with, as I work with them too! I would say rest up give the embryos a nice restful night to get cozy in there! How great that you got 6 and that at least 2 have fertilized!
I LOVE the fall!! I am feeling good, I go in tomorrow to see if they are ready! I am eating lots of veggies! No caffeine and some fruikts and some meat. I have not had much sugar in like 10 days. I had a bday party today and had some cake, it tasted good in the moment but I am not feeling so good now
Sending lots of baby dust your way!
Robin
Just settling in for a long shower and some rest, I want to get as much rest in today in preparation for tomorrow's transfer! I really wish I had done massage or acupuncture now, but oh well! And I wish I lost 30 or 40 pounds, but it is what it is! I'm having such a hard time with the 5 or so pounds I gained last month on the hormones. And I took my first progesterone shot last night, can you say ouch? It actually wasn't so bad, but it did make me feel regret for all the shots I give to the kids at work in the same place.
I do have to wait the two weeks, although I think I'll cheat this time a little earlier than the 14 days post trigger. So many people here said they tested a little early, although we know at home testing isn't as reliable, hmph. I don't know, I'm just going to try my best to stay positive. I already have a wedding to go to in November that would make having another back to back cycle difficult, so I think I'll be taking a reprieve, IF this doesn't work out. And I contemplated even posting that to avoid putting those thoughts "in the universe", but I have to be realistic!
Other than feeling heavier than I want to be (ok, it IS apple crisp season with cider and cheese and good stuff up here), I'm feeling good. I'm sorry the birthday cake didn't sit well with you, I love fruit so much I'm trying to substitute that for my sugar cravings (since it has natural sugar in it). But it's not working so well since I want warm things, usually full of before mentioned cheese! But I had the most awful constipation and cramping after retrieval this time, I don't dare eat anything with low fiber content. I just made a samich for work on a fiber wrap with half the cheese I normally eat and extra sweet peppers! Not to mention the crock pot with swiss steak. Am I talking about food again? Why do I keep doing that! :oops:
Sorry, sorry! It's about babies! And pumpkin seeds! Good luck,
~Regan
Its great to hear that at least two of them fertilized! That's 1 more than last time right? So I will be going in tomorrow for the first iui! Looks like we will be in this tww together although I guess its a little more for me I can test 16 days from today. I have to be 16 days post trigger so there is no hcg left in my system. My doc has me do a home test if that is positive I call and come in for a blood test. I'm always afraid to test early. I don't want to get a false negative and then have that positive go away. I spend the two weeks thinking I am pregnant! Last time I imagined a pregnant belly every time I looked at mine! Wonder what I will think of this time?
I love fall and it sounds like you do too. I need to get some cider, that soundsgreat! I just have to drink it hot! Not supposed to drink things cold......as recommended by the acupuncture book due to the systems out of whack! But hot cider is just as good if not better anyway! I definately did NOT eat any cake today! I feel better but this morning my stomach was a little off. No one else seemed to have issues with the cake, so I guess it was just me. Oh well, its better for my waist line anyway right!?
We all have those would of could of should of moments, we just need to say what can I do right now and be satisfied. Keep your head up, relax and think baby thoughts tomorrow!
Sending lots of baby dust your way!
Moe, will you be joining us soon?
Latebloomer, how are you?
Amirasmommy, still hanging in there?
Robin
I took a little time off..got a breather and started wondering how everybody was doing.
Robin ...good luck today. Let us know how everything
Regan. Wishing you too lots of luck with your 2 perfect chances!!
How is everybody else doing..I am hoping to hear lots of good news this month. I am enjoying my time off..getting back to eating right, the gym, accupuncture and all kind of other good stuff. I'll betraying again in mid November. Wishing you all lots of luck..baby dust to all
Charlotte
It's hard to stay away isn't it! I'm glad that you are back! I had the first iui today and the second tomorrow. I got to have my doc do the iui today! That was soooo nice. Usually I have one of his associates. The numbers were ok but not as great as last time 70 count with 39% mobility. Last time the mobility was 50 or 60 %. I am having more signs that I have ovulated so I am feeling really hopeful this time. I don't want to jinx myself though lol. My doc will get to do the procedure tomorrow too! Don't aske me why but I have been hoping my timing would change just a little so he would be at the main office when I was ready, I got my wish this time!
I go in for acupuncture tomorrow and am taking the day off. I am going to get a fresh pineapple sometime this week because that is supposed to help with implantation! Every little bit helps! Glad I like pineapple.....I may just eat some evry day for the next two weeks!
Sending lots of restful rejuvenating thoughts your way!
Robin
Robin
Charlotte- Thanks for the inside tip on the pineapple core! I've never heard that before but every "tip" that I come across gets saved to memory!
Thanks for the kind words! I too Love this forum and all the amazing women on it. They are a great source of support! They share in your triumphs and help get you back up when you have had some setbacks. It is so nice to hear from women who are experiencing some of the same things you are, so that you know that you are not alone in this journey. We all have different stories but in one way or another we are all very similar. It is also amazing to hear the success stories that help to give you the strength and hope that this dream will one day be a reality! It will be a reality for you too! hopefully it happens on your first try (it does for some, maybe you will be one of the lucky ones!).
So I ate the first part of the pineapple core yesterday. I read online that you shouldn't eat too much pineapple becuase it can have the opposite affect! So the rest of the pineapple is cut up and in the fridge and the core is in a seperate container with my name on it! The numbers on my sample yesterdat were great! 63 million volume and 61% mobility. I had acupuncture yesterday afternoon and the acupuncturist said that everything that I am doing with my diet changes has already had a huge impact on my pulses and my tongue..... I also lost 6 pounds in a week! For the first time, she put the needles in my ears....can I say ouch! The other needles were not noticable but those ears definately were! I now take a 10 day break from acupuncture to let nature take its course all on its own! I think I will miss not going to the appointment next week! My energy level and sleep is so much better since starting. I will continue to eat the foods suggested in my book and think happy positive, hopeful thoughts. I will imagine that my belly is pregnant every time I look at it!
I definately ovulated because my male dog is back to going crazy! My poor female dog! Hopefully he calms down soon.
Latebloomer and Moe how are you guys doing?
Sending lots of prayers and baby dust to all of you!
Robin
I'm so glad to see some more action on here! Robin, I'm definitely excited about both of your transfers, that is so awesome amazing wonderful good news! I take my blood test on 10/21 (next Friday) and I just can't wait. Well, I'll try to wait, but probably cave. I'm feeling wonderful, just got home from walking 2 miles with the furbaby, had a good night at work, ate healthy and am about to shower and read (code word for sleep when I'm this tired). I REALLY enjoyed the walk with all the foliage and pretty colors, and yes, I had some cider when I got home! I'm turning into a "cider snob" because I really like the stuff that isn't pasteurized from the cider mill! This time I got the stuff from the grocery store, and it's not the same. But I'm not complaining!
I took a moment while walking and was looking at the overcast sky, smelling the air, and a leaf fell right on my face. A real pretty red one. I just spend most of the walk thinking about how fortunate I am, to have this opportunity, to have this insurance coverage, to be at a part in my life, and my relationship that I want to start our family. It really *IS* a miraculous journey. I'm going to write some of this positive stuff down for when the moments I feel less hopeful or want to give up, and read it! And you ladies know I'm on hormones, right?! I could hate the world in ten minutes and have a legitimate reason!
Speaking of hormones, oh my goodness! Anyone hear of progesterone in oil shots causing leg cramps? I've spent 4 days trying to stuff myself with bananas and anything with potassium as I've been awakened with the worst leg cramps and pain ever. I think I have a pretty high pain tolerance (ok, sometimes I whine, a little) but this is truly uncomfortable. And after only 4 shots, I don't know where else to do, they are all bruised and sore! Anyone know about leg cramps?
Ok, to the shower and bed with me, I need embryo names again, I'd like to go Halloween theme, or at least "autumny"? We came up with "Frank and Stein" but that's too close to frank n beans, and I'm gassy enough. I was thinking "Pumpkin and Spice", it's really hard when there are two! Robin, have you thought of naming your little pumpkin seeds?
Good thoughts to everyone, sorry so wordy,
~Regan
I like pumpkin and spice! They are cute and catchy! I have not named mine, cuz when refering to the baby I use the names I have already picked out! Is that crazy? I ended uponly having one mature follie on Sunday but I am not complaining! Happy there was one the other was smaller. I have never had to take anything other than the gonal-fn so I can't help with the leg cramps, sorry!
The pineapple core is tough and can be hard to chew but isn't that bad and tastes like pineapple. From what I gather you are supposed to cut the core in fifths and eat a little piece each day. I guess the core has more of a concentration of the enzyme that is supposed to help. The pineapple itself wll also have the enzyme just not as much. Just don't eat the whole pineapple by yourself.... I read that can have the opposit effect. When I spoke with my acupuncturist, she said she was not able to find any dinfinative studies to prove that it works but like she said, it can't hurt! Just eat it in moderation!
The only side effect I have is from the triggger shot. It makes me nauseous and I don't really have anappetite. I can live with that though, it doesn't wake me up at night. I feel good and am enjoying the changing leaves myself. Today is a rainy day though, so will be staying inside!
Keep enjoying this miraculous journey!
Robin
I've been so consumed with life happening and getting wrapped up in my hectic schedule. Kind of a needed distraction since AF is getting ready to show up in about a week. Then I will be starting Menopur injections and hopefully my 5th and successful IUI.
I went to acupuncture yesterday and it was my 4th session. She said my tongue looks better and doesn't have that thick yellowish coat on it anymore. My pulses are still about the same..somewhat sluggish in the digestive area. The crazy thing is that she used electrical stimulation on the 4 pins that were placed on my lower abdomen plus an infared heat lamp. The thought behind that is to increase bloodflow to the area. It felt like 4 tiny aliens were trying to poke out of me :roll: Not uncomfortable just weird sensation and I wasn't able to sleep. Here's to hoping that it works. Before I started with my current acupuncturist, I had pins placed in my ears and those are really STRONG points...I felt so uncomfortable the whole time. So glad that those ear points aren't currently used. But the pin between my eyebrows can be sensitive initially but nothing like the EARS!! I hope that we all have positive experiences with acupuncture!
Last night I was consumed by thoughts of my donors sperm count. It dawned on me that the ICI vials pre thaw only have 12 and 13 million count. That means that after it's thawed and washed it will be way LOW. I called my docs office to see if they could thaw the two vials and combine them. But the numbers probably won't be great. So I've got it in my head to perhaps place another order in advance just in case. Any thoughts?
Robin and Regan you ladies are awesome! Thanks for holding down this thread. It's wonderful that we have this forum as a source of support. I'm glad your cycles are progressing!! Here's to June/July babies!!
Where's Latebloomer?? We need to hear from you. Give us an update :geek:
Hope everyone is keeping their heads on straight and not letting the crazy hormones take over :oops:
All the best and lots of sticky baby dust ladies!
Moe
So glad to have you joining us! Here's too October.
Regan,
I have stolen your nickname pumpkin and have decided that when this little one is born in July that he/she will have the nickname pumpkin after the month he/she was conceived!
Robin
I went in today and my cyst is gone!!!! Thank goodness. I stop my birth control pills now and hopefully start my AF very soon! Then I can start the injectables!!! I'm really excited...keep you all posted!
Moe, I'd love to make some intelligent comment/advice on the numbers, but to be honest, I don't understand! I used IUI vials when I did my IUI's, and I'm actually still using them for IVF, they actually just scrape off a little since they only need one sperm per egg. I hope your numbers are high enough! I know it only takes one sperm, and a billion friends, so here's hoping for a billion and one to grow on!
Robin, you didn't steal my nickname silly! You were the first one to refer to them as pumpkin seeds, we were just both lucky enough to have more than one growing. I'd say sorry that you *only* had one mature follicle, but I'm NOT! It only takes one, and I'm so happy for you to have that one. Thanks for the tips on the pineapple core, and for reminding me not to eat too much. I was just munching on some (coreless) while I was getting my daily forum fix in. I actually did eat an entire pineapple (again, no core) last month, and spent quite a long time paying for it in the bathroom. I'm trying to limit myself to about 3/4 - 1 cup of the chunks a day. I'm also eating bananas and apples, and cider, and trying to eat tomatoes (for the potassium), spinach (love that with some cheese) and whatever other healthy vegetable I can get my hands on! Last night for dinner I splurged and had a pork chop (2 serving sizes of meat) and mac n cheese, and convinced myself it was good for me! So, today it's a samich wrap and for lunch and salad for dinner. Don't feel bad for me eating salad though, I dress it up like no one's business! Eggs, cheese, chunks of cooked chicken or ham, ok, stop me, I'm talking about food again. You'd think I never do anything else!
Speaking of "else", I'm still in the puzzle craze. I've put together 4 1,000 piece puzzles and 1 750 piece puzzle with my other half. Man are we obsessed. But it's so much fun! Better than watching TV or playing computer games or spending money. We've been doing a lot of things that require low music or no sound at all (reading, puzzles, etc) and just trying to be relaxed. I might not be able to do acupuncture, but we can meditate and try to be better to ourselves!
I'm so sore from the walk yesterday, that it's only going to be low impact yoga type exercise this morning. I'm pretty sure the Wii fit has something on there that won't cripple me. I guess 2 miles was a bit much for my first walk in a while. Lesson learned, forgiveness please! Going to go for the yoga now, and hope that pineapple doesn't work it's way through me too fast, stay in there and help with implantation!
Enjoy your day, Ladies! I always have to say ladies, I guess I use the term "guys" too loosely when I talk to people, and it's mostly women here. So, a respectful ladies to you all, it is! As a friend at work tells me every morning when I leave, I hope you do something nice for yourself today!
~Regan
Moe- I really hope that your 5th IUI is also your last IUI!
Regan- I've gotta say... Everytime you talk about food, I can't help but get cravings! haha
Robin- I like that you decided to use the names you've chosen for the baby! I have names picked out, too (2 of each, boy and girl), and like saying them outloud to see which sounds better- haha!
I remember in August I went through the same process. The birth control pills "reset" my cycle just as the doc had anticipated. So once the pills were stopped a few days later the spotting started. And essentially that was AF showing again just 6 days after she initially started. My hormones were ALL over the place. But it's a great feeling to feel like you have a second chance within a short timeframe. Hope that you have success and please keep us updated!
Regan, I keep having to remind myself of what you said...it only takes one target and one swimmer to get to it. I get obsessive about the numbers :ugeek:
I'm anxious to start AF on Tuesday because I really don't know what to expect. New regimen, new donor, and I'm back with my original doc.
Wishing you all lots of sticky pumpkin seeds. I also like that nickname
All the best!
Moe
Robin. This is your month. One follie , one bfp and one pumpkin seed. Have fun the next couple of week picturing your baby bump.
Regan. It's been a while since we chatted...how have you been. I know your going to have exciting news too..when do you find out?
As for the pineapple ladies remember to eat the core not the actual pineapple. There is something in the core that makes your lining sticky!?
Well time for a little laundry....ugh
All my best
Char
Char- I love Skinnytaste! I just received found her Turkey and White Bean Pumpkin Chili and I'm so excited to try it out next week
Best wishes to you for a wonderful weekend-
Jaime
I have been loosing weight so easily this week with the help of that website and my new found commitment to the gym. I also find im a lot less hungry now that im off meds I am hoping to loose 20 more lbs by my next cycle in mid November. It's funny how easy it is to let go of things that were so important before my baby journey. My weight and gym is definitely one of them.
Ok. Load number 3 needs put in the washer. Ugh!
Sweet dreams ladies.
I will have to try the website you all suggested. It might be nice to have something else to eat besides lots of steamed vegetables. I like the vegetables just hoping to mix things up a little.
I know it only takes one and am looking forward to the next two weeks......Is it over yet, can I test? I am usually not even thinking about testing early I enjoy the 2 weeks but this month I just can't wait! I will wait, it just seems to be going slower this month. I have lots to keep me busy with school work and I want to clean my carpets this weekend.
Moe, Can't wait for you to be joining us soon.
Jamie, glad you have joined the forum! I enjoy your words of encouragement and remember what it was like when I started this whole process, how exciting and nervewracking at the same time.
Maria, yeah no cyst! Soon you will join us too!
lots of sticky baby dust to all those pumpkin seeds. I will be anxiously awaiting the arrival of the great pumpkin this month!
Robin
I'm finally back!! I had my last IUI on 10/5 and literally hours later hopped a plane to Denver for work, came home 3 days later for a couple of days and then hopped another plane to Phoenix for work and finally made it home last night. So this time the 2WW has been filled with lots of travel. I go for my beta on Monday but honestly I'm so tired I wish Quest would just send a phlebotomist to my house to draw my blood:)
I'm glad I finally had time to read up and see how everyone is doing. Here's to the pumpkin seeds this month!
Maria & Charlotte, glad you are back with us! Good luck to both of you!
I just wanted to pop in, say thanks for the link to skinnytaste, I'm checking that out, although I have to admit, I've NEVER actually eaten pumpkin! I only recently started eating summer and winter squash, but have had a pretty inexperienced palate. The first time I tried mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes, I think I talked about it for weeks! I'm sitting down to a bowl of veggies right now, totally by choice and craving them, these little expensive steamfresh "healthy color" things. But they are yummy. Then, a banana for my potassium, then shower and bed! Unless I'm still hungry, which is completely possible, and then it might be the cheese. I love the cheese...
I'm having some cramps, have been for a few days. Not tremendous, but enough for me to go, hmm, did I just start my cycle WAY early? Not to mention being on progesterone, and usually I have to stop taking that for a little while to start. I'm technically on day 26, but it's so hard to figure out WHEN I'm *supposed* to be having implantation bleeding, or cramps, or what not. So, I'm going to take my own advice (especially to Robin who is obsessing over numbers as we speak) and stop thinking about what it may or may not mean! I keep refocusing all that worry energy, what am I going to do if it doesn't work (I don't even like to type that) and put it back into the universe. It's really not up to me anymore, I've done what I can, and continue to do the best I can, with what I have, and hope for what I want. And I'm not really this relaxed of a person!
Ok, veggies done, something is wrong with following those with a banana, so off to figure out how to do yoga on the Wii fit. It's almost a sin not to enjoy the nice weather this morning and walk the furbaby, but we did 20 minutes at work with the kids this morning, and my feet are getting blisters from these shoes!
I forget who mentioned it, but "The Great Pumpkin" with Charlie brown was one of my favorite most cherished childhood stories, my mom and I always watched it together (she still calls every year to remind me to watch it) so it was a nice reminder! Wishing the Great Pumpkin visits everyone this month... and lots of baby dust in the form of pumpkin seeds! Kudos to all the weight loss and more importantly, healthy eating habits being practiced, let's go! :geek:
~Regan
So how did your banana go with your vegetables? I too like the steam express vegetables. Last night I had spagetti squash, it was great. The squash was from my local co-op.
The great pumpkin is a great movie! I am awaiting his arrival this month! Why are we always talking about food? The weekends, I seem to be more hungry than during the week. I guess its because I have so much more time to think about nothing. I spent this weekend steam cleaning my living room. I must say, it looks great.
latebloomer, great to have you back. sounds like a busy tww! here's to hearing great news on monday!
To every one lots of baby dust! keep those pumpkins growing!
Robin
So I got my AF yesterday!!! I went to see my RE today (day 2) and started injectables...it was a bit hairy with the nurse (she was not very helpful--a new nurse to me). But ordered meds and on my way now. See RE again on Thursday to monitor...so we'll see.
Its weird, it's my first day of meds and already feel a bit crampy on my right ovary....is that normal? My RE started me on 225IU of Gonal-F....do you think it's too high of dose if I'm already feeling it...
Thanks ladies. Everyone who is already in their TWW, lots of baby dust!!!! I can't wait to join you!
About the cramping, I had similar feelings, and think it was more bowel related (can you say constipation!). But mine were more on my left. There are so many different feelings "down there" that it's hard for me to differentiate! But I really didn't feel any cramping from the follicles growing, I think that's only if you have ovarian hyperstimulation, which I also think it would be too early. But I'm no expert! Let's hear what others have to say. I also wasn't on the same medication, I took follistim, not gonal.
Robin, I am NOT talking about food at this time! I just ate another banana, and am NOT hungry, but am getting sick of the "naners" every day. but more sick of leg cramps, so no more complaining! Does that count as talking about food the very word after I said I wasn't going to? I WILL say I spent about an hour on that skinnytaste.com website and love, love, loved it, thank you!
Good luck on your monitoring, Maria, I'm taking an hpt on Wednesday and will let you guys (ladies) know! Robin, I'm counting on some happily toasting pumpkin seed stories!
~Regan
I too should be going through round 4 of IUI in the next 3 weeks or so. I took some time off because I had a laparoscopy to check for endometriosis and they did another HSG (I had one about 4 years ago but wasn't ttc at that time). It has been great getting back to the gym and having a break from all the meds! I have lost 20 lbs in the last month and a half and feel great so here we go again!
Maria, it looks like we may be 2ww buddies again!
And by the way ladies...I loved the website! I got hungry just looking at it and I literally stayed on the site for about 45 minutes!
Good luck to everyone!
I know, sometimes the shots feel like they are going straight to your ovary! I feel when a follicle is growing, so I get some twinges and I guess what you could call cramping. I feel that way even when I am just producing one follie, what am I saying I only ever produce one! But I feel each time the shots are working and on the flip side that means I "feel" when they aren't working. The twinges are not all day all the time, I am just reminded that it is at work. I wouldn't be too worried about the twinges. I think each person is different regarding the amount that they take. I use the gonal-f as well. I started at 150, quickly jumped to 300 and now just start at 450. I am having problems ovulating though, so don't go by my numbers!
Ladies one week down and one week to go.....Will I test early this time? haven't decided. Today my thoughts were all positive and I saw that belly growing!
Regan,
I'll talk about food today! I went on skinny taste yesterday and saw a crock pot recipe for a chicken fiesta meal. I had to go get the ingredients today and as I speak it is all together sitting in my fridge, ready to be plugged in tomorrow! I can't wait to try it. I will let you guys know how it tastes tomorrow night. It will be nice to come home from class tomorrow with dinner all set and done! Here's hoping I get out of class early tomorrow!
Sending LOTS of baby dust and prayers out to all of you!
Where oh where is that Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, hope I don't miss him!
Robin