Well..umm.. txtd Brendan yesterday letting him of hook..tonight I get a reply!! Seems hes had flu and only just gone back to work today. Also might be off to Scotland for work. He says he 'll ring me next week..lets see...
Right...well did my 400iu injection early today. Just after 6pm - I decided it might give my follicles a higher chance of growing ready for tomorrow morning.
So early train tomorrow, appointment at 8.30am. Fingers crossed.
Thursday, 29 November 2007
What is AMH?
Not trying to pre-empt tomorrows scan but I believe that my FSH can come out good when really its not - Maybe I should have had this test? Will have to see what happens tomorrow.
Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is a new blood test developed following clinical research which measures ovarian function – how your ovaries are working. It is more accurate than a simple oestrogen test. Currently it is not available on the NHS.It can help reassure women about their current and medium term fertility – important when deciding when to try for children ,especially for women who work. It can also help to predict a likely menopause, and is starting to be used by some clinics to help judge possible IVF success and also as a marker of polycystic ovarian syndrome – a common hormonal condition.
More information:
http://www.tdlpathology.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=201&Itemid=73
Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is a new blood test developed following clinical research which measures ovarian function – how your ovaries are working. It is more accurate than a simple oestrogen test. Currently it is not available on the NHS.It can help reassure women about their current and medium term fertility – important when deciding when to try for children ,especially for women who work. It can also help to predict a likely menopause, and is starting to be used by some clinics to help judge possible IVF success and also as a marker of polycystic ovarian syndrome – a common hormonal condition.
More information:
http://www.tdlpathology.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=201&Itemid=73
Wednesday, 28 November 2007
Second scan on puregon
Managed to get to the appointmnet for 8.15am even though it wasn't until 8.45...
Not good news.
Different scanning lady again. Hate the way they pull faces about my fibroid. Any way..lining good..however..left ovary..1 follicle...right ovary..none... how can that be? there were 3 on Monday! So not good news... went in to see the nurse and she said that there were still 3 follicles on right HOWEVER they haven't grown.
Dosage upped to 400iu for next 2 nights. She really didn't look positive. Has told me to talk to my follicles..humm.at present I'm cursing them!
She has said that my body hasn't reacted how they'd expect with drugs so may need to change protocol for next cycle... not that I know whether I'll do another cycle. I feel totally let down that it looks like I couldn't even get to Egg Collection - I hadn't even considered failing this early.
I suppose there is still a small chance, so Friday 8.30am.
Not good news.
Different scanning lady again. Hate the way they pull faces about my fibroid. Any way..lining good..however..left ovary..1 follicle...right ovary..none... how can that be? there were 3 on Monday! So not good news... went in to see the nurse and she said that there were still 3 follicles on right HOWEVER they haven't grown.
Dosage upped to 400iu for next 2 nights. She really didn't look positive. Has told me to talk to my follicles..humm.at present I'm cursing them!
She has said that my body hasn't reacted how they'd expect with drugs so may need to change protocol for next cycle... not that I know whether I'll do another cycle. I feel totally let down that it looks like I couldn't even get to Egg Collection - I hadn't even considered failing this early.
I suppose there is still a small chance, so Friday 8.30am.
Tuesday, 27 November 2007
Wednesday - Things to Ask List
- When will I get a call about the sperm?
- Can I have a photo of my follies?
- Can I have some needles for the morning injection?
- Check Drug supplies before appointment
- OMG how expensive is that extra drug I've got to buy
- Do I have to bring food with me on egg collection day?
Water
Water - Well I keep thinking about drinking it but actually drinking it is another thing!! Really am struggling to drink the 3 litres the nurse suggested...but making an effort honest...don't want them not to grow cos I'm not feeding them water!!
Just a brief post - Not much to say -Scan tomorrow morning at 8.45am. Lets hope that I get there on time and no emergencies on train! :)
Quiet in the office with most of my team in Glasgow! Probably a good thing but then I've not been THAT touchy in the office.
Nothing from Brendan, which in reality is probably a good thing - In fact I know its definitely a good thing.
I wish that the next week would go really quick.
Just a brief post - Not much to say -Scan tomorrow morning at 8.45am. Lets hope that I get there on time and no emergencies on train! :)
Quiet in the office with most of my team in Glasgow! Probably a good thing but then I've not been THAT touchy in the office.
Nothing from Brendan, which in reality is probably a good thing - In fact I know its definitely a good thing.
I wish that the next week would go really quick.
Monday, 26 November 2007
Date
Amongst all this madness I go asked out on a date!! Aussie called Brendan. Spent Saturday with him (8.5 hours so I assume we got on pretty well!) - Great day but I'm not going to hear from him again - Usual stuff maybe I'd be better off looking my age. He never realised quite how old I was...and had to admit it after he asked what Year I left High School! So its now Monday evening and I've heard nothing from him. His loss...hell how would I explain this??? Life is crazy sometimes...I'm cool about it..just a shame...
First Scan after starting Puregon, 26th November
Interesting morning or a day off!!
Got up at 6am so that I could catch the 7.01am train. All going to plan until someone pulled the cord on the train!
http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/News/Article.aspx?articleID=5711
So rather than getting in at 7.45am I got in a 8.45am!!! 1/2 an hour after my appointment.
So...circle line to Portland Street and into the waiting room.
http://www.londonwomensclinic.com/
The Scan (Janet Brown) - 26th Nov
Humm...not keen on this woman..oh well..just not very friendly...never mind...
So right ovary 3 follies around 11-12mm. None on left at present. Think this is what you'd expect however I'm a little disappointed. This means they are developing...slooowwwww...
So..booked in for next scan on Wednesday - Dosage of Puregon increased to 300iu for next 2 nights- I might try and take it a bit earlier than I have, obviously still in the evening.
Action Plan After Today
28th - Scan (remember to ask about donor sperm!)
30th - Scan
3rd or 5th Dec - Egg collection
5th or 7th Dec - Assume embryos put back
18th or 20th Dec - Approx test date??? Not certain whether meant to do 14 days after embryos back or egg collection!!
Got up at 6am so that I could catch the 7.01am train. All going to plan until someone pulled the cord on the train!
http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/News/Article.aspx?articleID=5711
So rather than getting in at 7.45am I got in a 8.45am!!! 1/2 an hour after my appointment.
So...circle line to Portland Street and into the waiting room.
http://www.londonwomensclinic.com/
The Scan (Janet Brown) - 26th Nov
Humm...not keen on this woman..oh well..just not very friendly...never mind...
So right ovary 3 follies around 11-12mm. None on left at present. Think this is what you'd expect however I'm a little disappointed. This means they are developing...slooowwwww...
So..booked in for next scan on Wednesday - Dosage of Puregon increased to 300iu for next 2 nights- I might try and take it a bit earlier than I have, obviously still in the evening.
Action Plan After Today
28th - Scan (remember to ask about donor sperm!)
30th - Scan
3rd or 5th Dec - Egg collection
5th or 7th Dec - Assume embryos put back
18th or 20th Dec - Approx test date??? Not certain whether meant to do 14 days after embryos back or egg collection!!
First 7 Days of Puregon
Tuesday - 20th November - First Puregon injection - 250iu per day for next 7 days. use the pen - Not so keen as the morning injection!!
Puregon is a hormone called Follice Stimulating Hormone (FSH) which is reponsible for the growth of follicles in the ovary.
From Wednesday morning, 21st reduced the amount of Buserelin to 0.2.
Ended up having a few bruises on my tummy...
Puregon is a hormone called Follice Stimulating Hormone (FSH) which is reponsible for the growth of follicles in the ovary.
From Wednesday morning, 21st reduced the amount of Buserelin to 0.2.
Ended up having a few bruises on my tummy...
Friday, 16 November 2007
AF Arrived!
Well AF arrived yesterday, earlier than I expected. Thought it would be Saturday.
So still doing injections, scan booked for Tuesday morning, 8.45am. Presume that will be the day I start next lot of injections....
Now to bed x
So still doing injections, scan booked for Tuesday morning, 8.45am. Presume that will be the day I start next lot of injections....
Now to bed x
Saturday, 10 November 2007
Acupuncture may reduce the success of IVF
Acupuncture may reduce the success of IVF
MacKenna RobertsProgress Educational Trust - 27 October 2007
[BioNews, London]
Contrary to the widely held belief that acupuncture enhances a woman's chances of successfully becoming pregnant whilst undergoing IVF treatment, a study at the University of Oklahoma found that women who combine acupuncture and IVF were 37 per cent less likely to conceive than those who underwent IVF treatment alone. The new findings caused head researcher Dr LaTasha Craig, to warn that acupuncture should not be recommended until further research has been conducted to resolve the discrepancy between this study and earlier research.
Previous studies had appeared to indicate a marginal increase in IVF efficacy or showed no obvious benefit, allowing some to scientifically postulate that the ancient far eastern medical practice of acupuncture might somehow affect certain muscles and glands of the nervous system to help the lining of the uterus become more receptive to embryo implantation.
The latest study evaluated the results of 97 patients with an average age of 35 who were randomly divided into two groups. One group received acupuncture for 25 minutes before and after embryo implantation. The pregnancy rate for the IVF group without acupuncture was 69.9 per cent compared to the 43.8 per cent less successful pregnancy rate for those who received the two-pronged acupuncture 'therapy' approach. Dr Craig suggested that other factors may have counteracted any therapeutic effect of acupuncture such as the stress from undergoing acupuncture just before IVF or from travel in traffic to external acupuncture clinics and onto IVF appointments.
Some clinics regularly offer acupuncture with its IVF services, according to Mark Bovey from the British Acupuncture Council, who was alarmed by the results. Although the number of women who undergo IVF alongside acupuncture procedures has skyrocketed, many doctors believe that the placebo effect is a likely explanation for any perceived benefit.
MacKenna RobertsProgress Educational Trust - 27 October 2007
[BioNews, London]
Contrary to the widely held belief that acupuncture enhances a woman's chances of successfully becoming pregnant whilst undergoing IVF treatment, a study at the University of Oklahoma found that women who combine acupuncture and IVF were 37 per cent less likely to conceive than those who underwent IVF treatment alone. The new findings caused head researcher Dr LaTasha Craig, to warn that acupuncture should not be recommended until further research has been conducted to resolve the discrepancy between this study and earlier research.
Previous studies had appeared to indicate a marginal increase in IVF efficacy or showed no obvious benefit, allowing some to scientifically postulate that the ancient far eastern medical practice of acupuncture might somehow affect certain muscles and glands of the nervous system to help the lining of the uterus become more receptive to embryo implantation.
The latest study evaluated the results of 97 patients with an average age of 35 who were randomly divided into two groups. One group received acupuncture for 25 minutes before and after embryo implantation. The pregnancy rate for the IVF group without acupuncture was 69.9 per cent compared to the 43.8 per cent less successful pregnancy rate for those who received the two-pronged acupuncture 'therapy' approach. Dr Craig suggested that other factors may have counteracted any therapeutic effect of acupuncture such as the stress from undergoing acupuncture just before IVF or from travel in traffic to external acupuncture clinics and onto IVF appointments.
Some clinics regularly offer acupuncture with its IVF services, according to Mark Bovey from the British Acupuncture Council, who was alarmed by the results. Although the number of women who undergo IVF alongside acupuncture procedures has skyrocketed, many doctors believe that the placebo effect is a likely explanation for any perceived benefit.
Injections
Well....
Went to clinic on Tuesday, 6th. saw counsellor, discussed donor issues and what I would tell my child. Spoke about guardians and male figures. Then saw nurse about blood results and to collect needles etc for my injections.
On pill, only a couple more days to go then wait a week for my period.
This was the third day of my injection, 0.5 Buserelin, injecting first thing in the morning.
Being trying to drink lots of water but not easy, had a bit of a headache yesterday.
Feel pretty laidback about it all. Well...I think so!
Went to clinic on Tuesday, 6th. saw counsellor, discussed donor issues and what I would tell my child. Spoke about guardians and male figures. Then saw nurse about blood results and to collect needles etc for my injections.
On pill, only a couple more days to go then wait a week for my period.
This was the third day of my injection, 0.5 Buserelin, injecting first thing in the morning.
Being trying to drink lots of water but not easy, had a bit of a headache yesterday.
Feel pretty laidback about it all. Well...I think so!
Blood Results
Printed off 1st November (figures) other data from websites
As of early 2006, at most laboratories in the U.S., the official "normal" Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) blood test range runs from approximately .5 to 5.0.
Late in 2002, this group reported that: "In the future, it is likely that the upper limit of the serum TSH euthyroid reference range will be reduced to 2.5 mIU/L because >95% of rigorously screened normal euthyroid volunteers have serum TSH values between 0.4 and 2.5 mIU/L."
Serum TSH level = 1.3mu/L
Serum prolactin level = 353 mu/L
Oestradiol (E2) this hormone level is determined at the start of the treatment cycle, and 2 or 3 times during the monitoring phase of the treatment cycle during ovarian stimulation. The levels of E2 are very helpful in determining whether the growing follicles are likely to be developing eggs, and can help predict the possibility of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). In this regard it is possible to tailor the drug dosage and plan how to minimize the risk of developing OHSS.
Serum oestradiol level = 155 pmo/L
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is the last hormone to peak before ovulation and is the hormone responsible for triggering the rupture of the ovarian sac that releases the egg for ovulation.
Serum LH level = 4.4 u/L
The FSH level is also performed as an indicator of ovarian reserve prior to commencing ovulation induction or stimulation. It is important to note that these hormone levels fluctuate in the circulation and hence levels can appear to vary from cycle to cycle. Consistently high levels can indicate the menopause or premature menopause. Consistently very low levels can indicate an endocrine disorder arising from the pituitary or higher centers in the brain.
Serum FSH level = 5.4 u/L (I believe very good for an old bird!)
As of early 2006, at most laboratories in the U.S., the official "normal" Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) blood test range runs from approximately .5 to 5.0.
Late in 2002, this group reported that: "In the future, it is likely that the upper limit of the serum TSH euthyroid reference range will be reduced to 2.5 mIU/L because >95% of rigorously screened normal euthyroid volunteers have serum TSH values between 0.4 and 2.5 mIU/L."
Serum TSH level = 1.3mu/L
Serum prolactin level = 353 mu/L
Oestradiol (E2) this hormone level is determined at the start of the treatment cycle, and 2 or 3 times during the monitoring phase of the treatment cycle during ovarian stimulation. The levels of E2 are very helpful in determining whether the growing follicles are likely to be developing eggs, and can help predict the possibility of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). In this regard it is possible to tailor the drug dosage and plan how to minimize the risk of developing OHSS.
Serum oestradiol level = 155 pmo/L
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is the last hormone to peak before ovulation and is the hormone responsible for triggering the rupture of the ovarian sac that releases the egg for ovulation.
Serum LH level = 4.4 u/L
The FSH level is also performed as an indicator of ovarian reserve prior to commencing ovulation induction or stimulation. It is important to note that these hormone levels fluctuate in the circulation and hence levels can appear to vary from cycle to cycle. Consistently high levels can indicate the menopause or premature menopause. Consistently very low levels can indicate an endocrine disorder arising from the pituitary or higher centers in the brain.
Serum FSH level = 5.4 u/L (I believe very good for an old bird!)
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