10.11.2011

What now?

First, let me say that I am unbelievably touched by the outpouring or love and support you all are sending my way. I have heard from so many of you who rarely comment, and some who have never commented, in the last few days. And of course, those of you who are here all the time. it was just what I needed to make it through the day. Every time my eyes teared up, I would see another message or two in my inbox. Invaluable.

So, I know this is not over til the fat lady sings hcg drops. But, I am preparing for a failure. If I get a happy surprise tomorrow, then isn't that nice.

I have decided I need to take some steps to improve our embryo quality naturally. When I've asked my doctor about supplements, or anything else I can do to improve my eggs, she has said that the only thing I can do is lower my BMI. Well, we all know how hard that is. And the fact that I'm holding steady, maybe up 2-3 pounds after two IVFs is something I'm proud of. But, I guess, I need to find a way to step it up. Hubby has been wanting to loose weight and get healthier too, so hopefully we can help each other with that one.

But, I don't believe her that it's the only thing I can do. I need your help ladies. I need some books. I already have Making Babies. What other books out there have you found helpful when trying to take on lifestyle changes to beat IF? And in addition to books, what things have you done, supplements have you tried, etc, that you feel have/will make a difference?


It's likely that we'll have some time off before our next cycle. We're pretty set on getting a second opinion before moving forward. And it will take time to schedule appointments, etc. So, it seems like a great time to start getting that genetic material into shape for the next go round, don't you think?

(By the way, this is me being brave, and strong because I have to make it through the work week, which also happens to be fashion show week. If this plays out the way I expect it too, you can fully expect a meltdown from me in the next few days.)
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16 comments:

  1. SJOctober 11, 2011 at 10:44 AM

    Thinking of you -- I'm also looking for ways to improve egg quality before I start my next cycle....I wish I had some wisdom to share. I'll be sure to let you know if I get any tips from my doctor tomorrow. I've been wavering about a second opinion...

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  2. AnonymousOctober 11, 2011 at 11:00 AM

    First of all, way to stay strong! It's great that you're staying positive and looking forward. You may have already read this one, but if not: Inconceivable by Julia Indichova. It's not really a how-to book, mostly a memoir, but I found it extremely inspiring. As a matter of fact, it was the book that lead me to start down my own path to get healthy to try and conceive. Her main advice is to not follow any specific program, but to listen to your body and figure out a regimen that works for you.

    Other than that, my fingers are crossed for a happy surprise tomorrow!

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  3. waiting and wishingOctober 11, 2011 at 11:20 AM

    My doctor suggested lowering BMI and also prescribed a prenatal that is both a vitamin tablet and a 300mg DHEA capsule (Citranatal Assure) which is thought to help with egg quality. Its a little expensive, but whatever it takes, right?
    Crossing my fingers for a happy surprise tomorrow!

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  4. ADSchillOctober 11, 2011 at 12:13 PM

    I would talk to a chinese medicine doctor and/ or acupuncturist. And I will keep my ears open for a book.

    I still think there is a chance and am praying for it. I want this for you so much and I know you deserve it. Whatever happens, we're here for you. Vent away.

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  5. Baby HopesOctober 11, 2011 at 12:39 PM

    I wish I had better suggestions, but I'm very much in the same boat. Our RE wants to go with an estrace prime protocol for our next round of IVF in the hopes that it will improve our quality somehow. We went the route of supplements and acupuncture for a while, but it didn't seem to make that much of a difference. In the end, I have a feeling it was my Hashimoto's that was causing such poor quality, so I'm probably not a good case for the benefits of other things. I know a lot of others have had great results.

    I'm still holding out hope for you, but I understand very much how difficult of a place that you're in. You're a rock star for hanging in there. We're all hear to listen any time you want or need to vent and/or have a meltdown. Thinking of you -

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  6. ChickenpigOctober 11, 2011 at 2:38 PM

    I know how hard it is to have hope in this situation, so if you need to, let us hope for you.

    I wish I knew about something that could help with egg quality, but so far there isn't anything that helps with quality other than what you're already doing. Even acupuncture has been proven to increase blood flow to the uterus, and that's it. I totally get the desire to DO something, anything that will help at all. The best thing you can do is go back to your RE with your husband and do a new total work up, including checking your husband's sperm quality. Maybe you have killer cells? Maybe you or your husband have genetic issues? Sometimes you need to start all over, sometimes even with a new RE, to get a new take on things. I hope SO much that it turns out not to be necessary for you to move forward. Everything crossed!!! Thinking of you.

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  7. Do I Have to Be a D.I.N.K.?October 11, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    Have you ever tried acupuncture? It promotes blood flow which is good for your eggs. Just a thought...

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  8. RebeccaOctober 11, 2011 at 4:05 PM

    I'd second the "Inconceivable" recommendation. She did all sorts of things to improve her egg quality/quantity. Who knows what worked and what didn't, but I was inspired by it.

    Still wishing you all the luck possible.

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  9. KWOctober 11, 2011 at 4:08 PM

    I know it's hard but stay positive! I am a big believer in combining Eastern/Western medicine--especially acupuncture. Make sure you find an acupuncturist who specializes in fertility. Your RE may have a suggestion. The other modalities to try are Fertility Yoga (Brenda Strong has a great DVD for at home), Mayan Abdominal Massage (you can also do this at home once you know how) and the use of herbs (again, a fertility specialist is key--many acupuncturists can help you here).

    One things to remember is what we do to our body today impacts the egg quality in 3 months. Same goes for sperm quality issues.

    Good luck!

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  10. infertile-thoughtsOctober 11, 2011 at 4:16 PM

    Thinking of you during this crappy wait. Chemical's suck. There's no other way to put it. :(

    My RE recommend I take Total Fertility by Coast Science. I am taking that one and their PCOS formula as well. They are basically a super vitamin. He said that they are not "scientifically proven" to help improve egg quality, but he thinks it does and it certainly can't hurt. He also recommended that I lower my BMI too.

    Hang in there.
    Mags

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  11. CarliaOctober 11, 2011 at 4:26 PM

    oh, jen, i'm so sorry that i didn't comment sooner! i haven't read the blogs in about a week.

    you are definitely in my thoughts and prayers!

    i haven't done a ton of IF reading, other than dr. google and TCOYF. sorry i don't have much to contribute.

    big hugs!!!

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  12. AnonymousOctober 11, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    I have read a ton and really got a lot out of "Making Babies". "The Infertility Cure" was also helpful along with "Fit for Fertility" by Michael Dooley and
    "Fertility Cycles and Nutrition"- sorry I don't have the authors all handy.

    I swear by acupuncture, yoga and I also took Fertility Blend which is available at GNC- not sure if it helped or not. Lastly, I did no caffeine, no alcohol. Sounds cheesy, but a friend of mine who struggled for 5 years and several failed IVF's followed "The infertility cure" to the letter (which is very hard to do, I tried) but has had 2 kids naturally because of it.

    You will find what works for you, but I think you are doing a great thing by continuing to educate yourself and by taking control of your path towards a family.
    I am still holding out hope for you tomorrow :)

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  13. AnonymousOctober 11, 2011 at 8:57 PM

    http://www.ivfauthority.com/search/label/egg%20quality
    http://www.ivfauthority.com/2011/09/does-use-of-nutritional-supplements.html
    check out these sites/articles. I am thinking about you!!!

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  14. A m a n d aOctober 12, 2011 at 8:03 AM

    Hi Jen...sorry I haven't commented until now. I had to take a step back from the computer this weekend. I hope you understand! With that said, I thought of you a lot and was SO EXCITED to read your previous post. For what it's worth, I have a good feeling about this for you. 11 is better than zero..there's still hope. I know you're being protective of yourself, so I'll be hoping and praying like crazy for you xo

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  15. ChristinaOctober 12, 2011 at 8:13 AM

    I didn't see your post until now. Hang in there and continue being strong Jen. I'm thinking and praying for you!

    As for egg quality, etc - I've also heard that DHEA helps (recommended by my RE) as well as baby aspirin daily. I did both as they can't hurt, so any help would be great.

    I truly hope this pregnancy takes and that 11 goes way up! "Chemicals" absolutely suck, to put it mildly. Thinking of you, husband and baby!

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  16. ChickenpigOctober 12, 2011 at 8:28 AM

    Check this site out:

    http://www.ivfauthority.com/

    You can get an online consult there and information on specific fertility questions. Best of luck today for a rising beta!!!

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Please leave a comment. I'm looking forward to hearing what you all have to say.

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