Gaia Community: Redzer's Blog

Madagascar Diary - First Entry

http://redzer.gaia.com — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:15:04 GMT

Hi

I'm off shortly to do one of the most scary things that I've ever done but am hoping it will also be the most rewarding and stimulating experience in my life.

Following two years of IVF treatment, I'm off to Madagascar to do some voluntary wildlife conservation for a month. To me, this is like venturing to the moon because I'm not a traveller and have never gone anywhere on my own before.

I can't believe how many things there are to think about - medical kits, clothing, jabs, visas (Kenyan transit and Madagascar), flights, currency, local customs etc.

In terms of jabs, I'm undergoing inoculations against Rabies, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever (because I'm travelling via Nairobi), Diphteria, Polio and Tetanus! The timings of all of these are quite critical too and just another thing to think about.

The scariest aspect for me is making sure I make it to the ultimate destination in Madagascar which entails a 7 hour bus journey.

I'll keep you posted.

Redzer x

Tags: Madagascar, Lemur, Conservation, Voluntary Work, Nairobi, VISA, Transit VISA, Inoculations, Vaccinations

Pregnancy - Week 6 - Miscarriage

http://redzer.gaia.com — Mon, 19 May 2008 12:27:49 GMT

My husband and I excitedly attended IVF Hammersmith this morning for our six week scan. Everything appeared to be going well (apart from the incident last Thursday) and my pregnancy symptoms have continued to develop. I have been having sleepless nights, interrupted by need to visit the loo, extreme tiredness in the afternoons and my breasts are so painful.

Anyhow, we had a bit of a nightmare getting to the clinic today - traffic on the A1M was horrendous, making us 20 minutes late for our appointment.

The sonographer was very patient and welcomed us. Unfortunately, she could not find a viable pregnancy during the scan and informed us that potentially there may be an ectopic pregnancy which she could not detect. We were devastated as we'd come to terms with the fact that we might be parents at long last.

I had to go for a blood test to see how the HCG levels are doing and may have to go back for further treatment. In any case, the miscarriage is going to be managed by the staff at IVF Hammersmith.

We won't be doing IVF any more as there are no more embryos left and the stress and disruption to our lives over the past 18 months has been significant. However, there are no regrets - we have achieved what we set out to. We have peace of mind that we've done everything possible to try and now we can get on with our lives.

Redzer

Tags: IVF Hammersmith, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Six Weeks

Pregnancy - 5 Weeks

http://redzer.gaia.com — Thu, 15 May 2008 09:23:54 GMT

We're both cautiously excited right now about me being pregnant. Thankfully I've not been suffering from any nausea so far, just mild headaches, sore and ever-expanding breasts and a little sleeplessness. My sense of smell has definitely become more acute which can be awful when travelling on public transport in particular.

I've also experienced mild cramping, particularly in the morning from time to time.

Unfortunately, this morning would have to be the worst pregnancy-related problem I've experienced so far. I woke from a deep sleep with extreme pain in my lower abdomen and sever cramping. I became clammy and cold and could not walk and struggled to reach the bathroom. My poor husband called for help and the nurse on the end of the phone talked him through how to look after me. The episode lasted about thirty minutes before the pain went. There has been no bleeding thankfully but I have had to take the day off work and was instructed to visit the doctor asap. What a nightmare!

We have our six week scan on Monday so hopefully we will be able to see a heartbeat for the first time.

Tags: Pregnancy, miscarriage, scare, pregnancy symptoms, 5 weeks

The Godparent Dilemma

http://redzer.gaia.com — Tue, 13 May 2008 13:21:57 GMT

Well, it did happen as predicted; my sister asked my husband and me to be godparents to her daughter.

Knowing that this might be on the cards, we had discussed this possibility and knew that we had to decline, although recognised that this might lead to potential negative repercussions. We're atheist in every sense of the word and being asked to be a godparent at a catholic baptism, where the parents are not church-goers (or even possibly believers) just seemed unreasonable. Furthermore, my brother-in-law admitted it was to ensure her daughter gets into a good school.

We strongly feel that declining the invitation was the right thing to have done, even though it is likely the rest of my family will now have an opportunity to sit in judgement about our beliefs. A friend of mine said that it's very easy for atheists to look rationally at an issue such as this because we do not see any serious repercussions to not believing. However, believers take responsibility for preventing the likes of us from going to hell. A lot of my family are extremely religious and I think this will potentially may lead to a deterioration in my relationship with them as they may see my husband and me as a potentially negative or borderline evil presence in our niece's life. To me, there is something unethical about commiting a child, who is not able to make a choice, to a religion they do not understand.

Anyhow, we are not prepared to commit to something we are unable to fulfil and therefore and know that the decision was made in good conscience. My sister and her husband sat in silence for ages despite my husband saying it was very nice to be asked but that it was something we could not do. We did however, say we would attend the christening, from an observer's perspective and would look after the child if ever this became necessary.

The christening is in July. I'll let you know how it goes.

Redzer

Tags: Godparent, declining, declining the role of godparent

The Frozen Embryo Transfer - The Final Go - Pregnancy Blood Test

http://redzer.gaia.com — Mon, 05 May 2008 11:16:58 GMT

Off we set at 07:17 this morning to IVF Hammersmith for our pregnancy blood test. Obviously, I already knew there was a strong likelihood that I might be pregnant, having had a positive urine test earlier this week but with our experience in January in mind, I was not going to prejudge the outcome of this test.

In the last couple of days, I've had very light spotting which is apparently a sign of the embryo burrowing into the womb wall. I have also been feeling very tired, uncharacteristically and extremely irritable (as my husband will testify) and a little bit queasy in the morning.

Anyhow, one of the nurses rang me at about 12:00 with the great news that I am pregnant and that the hormone levels are normal. I have to return in a couple of weeks for a pregnancy scan.

It's still very early days so although very pleased that the last year has not been wasted, I am aware that it's very early days.

Redzer x

Tags: IVF Hammersmith, ICSI, IVF, Frozen Embryo Transfer, FETC, Pregnancy, Progesterone, Evorel

The Frozen Embryo Transfer Diary - The Final Go - Update

http://redzer.gaia.com — Fri, 02 May 2008 03:54:22 GMT

I thought it might be good to give an update prior to my visit to IVF Hammersmith on Monday for a pregnancy test. In the last few days, I've been experiencing interrupted sleep (due to many visits to the loo) and have been extremely tired in the afternoons. I haven't had any significant breast pain. These experiences are completely different to the way I felt in January when I had a chemical pregnancy. Further, some of these symptoms may well be due to the progesterone and oestrogen supplements I am continuing to take.

Anyhow, I did a test a couple of days ago (at night which was pointless in any case) and it was negative. However, at 03:00 today, I again had to get up and thought I would try again; the result was entirely different - positive. My husband got up at the same time so I could show him the test.

Obviously, our experience last time was not great and it is still very early days. I need to find out from IVF Hammersmith on Monday about the HCG hormone levels to ensure they are within the bands of having the potential to sustain a pregnancy to full term. However, this does feel like good news and that the last three months' preparation has not gone to waste.

If it is truely positive and I am pregnant, then a lot will have to change career-wise perhaps and there will be tonnes to think about. For the moment, I'm not going to allow myself to get too upbeat until I have all the facts. The embryologist did suggest that because one of the embryos had cells dividing prior to transfer, that this was a very good sign.

Tags: Pregnancy, IVF Hammersmith, Hammersmith, IVF, ICSI, FETC, Frozen Embryo Transfer

The Frozen Embryo Transfer Diary - The Final Go

http://redzer.gaia.com — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:58:46 GMT

I thought I would write this blog further down the line than my previous entries. Primarily I guess, this might be because I'm so used to the process now that I don't feel it's worth going over my reactions to blood tests etc. Incidentally, I have been pleased to note that IVF Hammersmith appear to have completely streamlined the process, presumably to save the clients having to undergo pointless tests and numerous journeys in. This time round it has seemed relatively easy and straightforward.

My husband and I had only three embryos left before today, which will be our final ever implant and IVF/ICSI process. Two embryos survived the defrosting and it was very encouraging that one of these, had started to divide after thawing. The one that had started to divide was three cells and four cells at the point of transfer. The other embryo was only two cells.

There were approximately ten couples at the clinic today for either fresh or frozen cycle transfers so unfortunately we did have a long wait. However, Carl was exceptional as ever in terms of his sensitivity and attentiveness. The sister too, was very good and in all the transfer itself only took a matter of seconds. We thanked Mr Barsoum and the others for all their help and support over the last year. We have a lot of time for Mr Barsoum - he's always so professional and encouraging.

Anyhow, I need to return on 5 May for that all important blood test so fingers crossed for us. A summary of the drug regime etc is provided below for reference. I shall write to let you know the outcome on 5 May.

Redzer

	14/02/2008	Provera (2 tablets)
	15/02/2008	Provera (2 tablets)
	16/02/2008	Provera (2 tablets)
	17/02/2008	Provera (2 tablets)
	18/02/2008	Provera (2 tablets)
	19/02/2008
	20/02/2008
	21/02/2008
	22/02/2008
	23/02/2008
1	24/02/2008	Period started
2	25/02/2008
3	26/02/2008
4	27/02/2008
5	28/02/2008
6	29/02/2008
7	01/03/2008
8	02/03/2008
9	03/03/2008
10	04/03/2008
11	05/03/2008
12	06/03/2008
13	07/03/2008
14	08/03/2008
15	09/03/2008
16	10/03/2008
17	11/03/2008
18	12/03/2008
19	13/03/2008
20	14/03/2008
21	15/03/2008	Buserelin (50ml)	1
22	16/03/2008	Buserelin (50ml)	2
23	17/03/2008	Buserelin (50ml)	3
24	18/03/2008	Buserelin (50ml)	4
25	19/03/2008	Buserelin (50ml)	5
26	20/03/2008	Buserelin (50ml)	6
27	21/03/2008	Buserelin (50ml)	7
28	22/03/2008	Buserelin (50ml)	8
29	23/03/2008	Buserelin (50ml)	9
30	24/03/2008	Buserelin (50ml)	10
31	25/03/2008	Buserelin (50ml)	11
32	26/03/2008	Buserelin (50ml)	12
33	27/03/2008	Buserelin (50ml)	13
34	28/03/2008	Buserelin (50ml)	14
35	29/03/2008	Buserelin (50ml)	15
36	30/03/2008	Buserelin (50ml)	16
37	31/03/2008	Buserelin (50ml)	17
38	01/04/2008	Buserelin (50ml) x 2	18	Query suppressed scan 8:00 (cysts)
39	02/04/2008	Buserelin (50ml) x 2	19
40	03/04/2008	Buserelin (50ml) x 2	20
41	04/04/2008	Buserelin (50ml) x 2	21
42	05/04/2008	Buserelin (50ml) x 2	22
43	06/04/2008	Buserelin (50ml) x 2	23	Slight bleeding
44	07/04/2008	Buserelin (50ml) x 2	24
45	08/04/2008	Buserelin (50ml) x 1 Evorel 100 x 1	25	QSS and blood test 7:50 (one cyst). Slight bleeding
46	09/04/2008	Buserelin (50ml)	26
47	10/04/2008	Buserelin (50ml) x 1 Evorel 100 x 1	27
48	11/04/2008	Buserelin (50ml)	28
49	12/04/2008	Buserelin (50ml) x 1 Evorel 100 x 1	29
50	13/04/2008	Buserelin (50ml)	30
51	14/04/2008	Buserelin (50ml) x 1, Evorel 100 x 2	31
52	15/04/2008	Buserelin (50ml)	32
53	16/04/2008	Buserelin (50ml) x 1, Evorel 100 x 2	33
54	17/04/2008	Buserelin (50ml)	34
55	18/04/2008	Buserelin (50ml) x 1, Evorel 100 x 2	35	Scan 7:50
56	19/04/2008	Buserelin (50ml)	36
57	20/04/2008	Buserelin (50ml) x 1, Evorel 100 x 2	37
58	21/04/2008	Progesterone x 2	38
59	22/04/2008	Progesterone x 2, Evorel 100 x 2	39
60	23/04/2008	Progesterone x 2	40	Embryo implantation 10:00 (3 defrosted, 2 transferred)

Tags: IVF Hammersmith, ICSI, IVF, FETC, Frozen Embryo, Buserelin, Evorel, Hammersmith

The Frozen Embryo Transfer Diary - The Postscript

http://redzer.gaia.com — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 21:00:55 GMT

Maybe today was just destined to be frustrating. I had the usual problem with trying to buy a ticket extra to my season ticket that would take me to Hammersmith.

The consultant kept my husband and me waiting for nearly half an hour with no apology and we felt he was rushing us. I thought this was a real cheek considering the one occasion I was nearly 15 minutes late and was told I was lucky to be seen!

We were given no invitation to ask questions about the outcome of our first Frozen Embryo Cycle. I did however ask what the chances are of our last attempt might be, considering there are only three embryos and the last try resulted in a chemical pregnancy. We were told that the success of embryo transfer is entirely random and that there is as much chance of the next one working as the last. He also confirmed that there is an expectation that 2 out of the three embryos should survive defrosting. I was concerned that if the embryos are all genetically deficient then there would be little point in continuing.

£155 later for the consultation, we went through to book our next cycle to find that the cost has increased of a Frozen Embryo Cycle by £150! (£800 to £950). Somewhat above inflation you would think! Not impressed.

At some point I think I will summarise the total cost of our treatment for your benefit as it certainly has stacked up when you consider the extra travel, drugs, consultancy fees etc.

Tags: FETC, IVF Hammersmith, Consultant, Embryo Defrosting

The Frozen Embryo Transfer Diary - The Outcome

http://redzer.gaia.com — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 21:51:37 GMT

Last week, when on holiday, I did a pregnancy test which was positive and I definitely felt pregnant. However, I visited IVF Hammersmith today for another blood test which revealed that unfortunately I have miscarried. The HCG levels had been very low (6) and obviously not increased significantly over the last couple of weeks.

We're philosophical I guess about the outcome, as it was predicted two weeks ago by a doctor at the unit. I've booked an appointment with the consultant for a follow-up at the beginning of February.

There are three embryos left now so one more chance available. I very much want to get through this and get on with my life now. There's a strong chance of none surviving the defrosting and we're not prepared to undergo any more egg collections.

Tags: ICSI, IVF, IVF Hammersmith, Pregnancy, Miscarriage, HCG

The Frozen Embryo Transfer Diary - Third Entry

http://redzer.gaia.com — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 12:44:13 GMT

We went for the blood test very early this morning at IVF Hammersmith and spent several hours anxiously anticipating the result.

At 12:20, whilst doing some gardening, I received the call and the result was unexpected to say the least. At this point, much like last time, I would have expected to receive a definitive answer - either a positive or negative. However, the doctor informed me that the result showed a positive for HCG, but this was at such low levels (6 as opposed to at least 50) that it is unlikely to result in a viable pregnancy. I have to return in a week's time for another blood test.

I have been experiencing a number of symptoms recently such as very sore breasts, tiredness and some minor nausea so this must reflect the fact that something has happened.

Tags: IVF Hammersmith, HCG, Blood Test, Pregnancy, ICSI, Frozen Embryo Transfer, Result

The Frozen Embryo Transfer Diary - Second Entry

http://redzer.gaia.com — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 16:47:27 GMT

We were very lucky to have a transfer conducted before Christmas. On the way to the hospital, we received a call from the embryologist who said that unfortunately two embryos had perished in the defrosting process. This was of course disappointing, however, we did get two embryos for transfer that day.
One embryo had remained intact with four cells, the other had three. Apparently, the embryos have to be at least fifty percent intact for transfer. We now have three left should this transfer fail.

Anyhow, my husband and I went through the quick process of having the embryos implanted and will not find out until 31 December if it has been successful. I will have to go in for a blood test on that morning and will receive a call later that day.

Since the transfer took place (Wednesday 19 December 2007), I have experienced extremely sore breasts, some insomnia and occasional cramping. I certainly am unable to tell at this point in time if it has worked. This may all of course be down to the progesterone supplements (Cyclogest) and the Evoril oestrogen patches which I have to continue until at least the blood test. Will let you know.

Redzer

	16/10/2007	Provera (2 tablets)
	17/10/2007	Provera (2 tablets)
	18/10/2007	Provera (2 tablets)
	19/10/2007	Provera (2 tablets)
	20/10/2007	Provera (2 tablets)
	21/10/2007
	22/10/2007
	23/10/2007
1	24/10/2007	Period started
2	25/10/2007
3	26/10/2007
4	27/10/2007
5	28/10/2007
6	29/10/2007
7	30/10/2007
8	31/10/2007
9	01/11/2007
10	02/11/2007
11	03/11/2007
12	04/11/2007
13	05/11/2007
14	06/11/2007
15	07/11/2007
16	08/11/2007
17	09/11/2007
18	10/11/2007
19	11/11/2007
20	12/11/2007
21	13/11/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	1
22	14/11/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	2
23	15/11/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	3
24	16/11/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	4
25	17/11/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	5
26	18/11/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	6
27	19/11/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	7
28	20/11/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	8
29	21/11/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	9
30	22/11/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	10
31	23/11/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	11
32	24/11/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	12
33	25/11/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	13
34	26/11/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	14
35	27/11/2007	Buserelin (50ml) x 2	15	Query suppressed scan 8:30 and Blood Test
36	28/11/2007	Buserelin (50ml) x 2	16
37	29/11/2007	Buserelin (50ml) x 2	17
38	30/11/2007	Buserelin (50ml) x 2	18
39	01/12/2007	Buserelin (50ml) x 2	19
40	02/12/2007	Buserelin (50ml) x 2	20
41	03/12/2007	Buserelin (50ml) x 1 Evorel 100 x 1	21	Query suppressed scan 8:00 and Blood Test
42	04/12/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	22	Slight bleeding
43	05/12/2007	Buserelin (50ml) x 1 Evorel 100 x 1	23	Slight bleeding
44	06/12/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	24
45	07/12/2007	Buserelin (50ml) x 1 Evorel 100 x 1	25
46	08/12/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	26
47	09/12/2007	Buserelin (50ml) x 1 Evorel 100 x 1	27
48	10/12/2007	Buserelin (50ml) x 2, Evorel 100 x 2	28
49	11/12/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	29
50	12/12/2007	Buserelin (50ml) x 2, Evorel 100 x 2	30
51	13/12/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	31	Scan 08:00
52	14/12/2007	Buserelin (50ml) x 2, Evorel 100 x 2	32
53	15/12/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	33
54	16/12/2007	Buserelin (50ml) x 2, Evorel 100 x 2	34
55	17/12/2007	Progesterone x 1	35	Scan 08:00
56	18/12/2007	Progesterone x 2, Evorel 100 x 2	36
57	19/12/2007	Progesterone x 2	37	Frozen Embryo Transfer (2)
58	20/12/2007	Progesterone x 2, Evorel 100 x 2
59	21/12/2007	Progesterone x 2
60	22/12/2007	Progesterone x 2, Evorel 100 x 2
61	23/12/2007	Progesterone x 2
62	24/12/2007	Progesterone x 2, Evorel 100 x 2
63	25/12/2007	Progesterone x 2
64	26/12/2007	Progesterone x 2, Evorel 100 x 2
65	27/12/2007	Progesterone x 2
66	28/12/2007	Progesterone x 2, Evorel 100 x 2
67	29/12/2007	Progesterone x 2
68	30/12/2007	Progesterone x 2, Evorel 100 x 2
69	31/12/2007	Progesterone x 2		Blood test

Tags: IVF Hammersmith, FETC, Frozen Embryo Transfer, Evorel, Progesterone, IVF, ICSI, Embryo, Cyclogest

The Frozen Embryo Transfer Diary - First Entry

http://redzer.gaia.com — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 21:25:25 GMT

We decided the time was right to try again using Frozen Embryos. I'm in a new job and am a lot more relaxed which should help and not having to go through the trauma of egg collection will hopefully leave me a bit stronger physically.

In October, I started taking Provera to induce the start of a menstrual cycle which is detailed below for reference. It is all a bit different in terms of drug regime, at least there are less injections and the Evorel patches are easy to apply. I was at risk of having the treatment stopped due to Hammersmith IVF closing over Christmas. However, thankfully my hormones were just about ready to continue onto the Evorel patches.

Hopefully a transfer will take place next week. Fingers crossed for us!

Redzer

FETC

16/10/2007 Provera (2 tablets)
17/10/2007 Provera (2 tablets)
18/10/2007 Provera (2 tablets)
19/10/2007 Provera (2 tablets)
20/10/2007 Provera (2 tablets)
21/10/2007
22/10/2007
23/10/2007
1 24/10/2007 Period started
2 25/10/2007
3 26/10/2007
4 27/10/2007
5 28/10/2007
6 29/10/2007
7 30/10/2007
8 31/10/2007
9 01/11/2007
10 02/11/2007
11 03/11/2007
12 04/11/2007
13 05/11/2007
14 06/11/2007
15 07/11/2007
16 08/11/2007
17 09/11/2007
18 10/11/2007
19 11/11/2007
20 12/11/2007
21 13/11/2007 Buserelin (50ml) 1
22 14/11/2007 Buserelin (50ml) 2
23 15/11/2007 Buserelin (50ml) 3
24 16/11/2007 Buserelin (50ml) 4
25 17/11/2007 Buserelin (50ml) 5
26 18/11/2007 Buserelin (50ml) 6
27 19/11/2007 Buserelin (50ml) 7
28 20/11/2007 Buserelin (50ml) 8
29 21/11/2007 Buserelin (50ml) 9
30 22/11/2007 Buserelin (50ml) 10
31 23/11/2007 Buserelin (50ml) 11
32 24/11/2007 Buserelin (50ml) 12
33 25/11/2007 Buserelin (50ml) 13
34 26/11/2007 Buserelin (50ml) 14
35 27/11/2007 Buserelin (50ml) x 2 15 Query suppressed scan 8:30 and Blood Test
36 28/11/2007 Buserelin (50ml) x 2 16
37 29/11/2007 Buserelin (50ml) x 2 17
38 30/11/2007 Buserelin (50ml) x 2 18
39 01/12/2007 Buserelin (50ml) x 2 19
40 02/12/2007 Buserelin (50ml) x 2 20
41 03/12/2007 Buserelin (50ml) x 1 Evorel 100 x 1 21 Query suppressed scan 8:00 and Blood Test
42 04/12/2007 Buserelin (50ml) 22 Slight bleeding
43 05/12/2007 Buserelin (50ml) x 1 Evorel 100 x 1 23 Slight bleeding
44 06/12/2007 Buserelin (50ml) 24
45 07/12/2007 Buserelin (50ml) x 1 Evorel 100 x 1 25
46 08/12/2007 Buserelin (50ml) 26
47 09/12/2007 Buserelin (50ml) x 1 Evorel 100 x 1 27
48 10/12/2007 Buserelin (50ml) x 2 Evorel 100 28
49 11/12/2007 Buserelin (50ml) 29
50 12/12/2007 Buserelin (50ml) x 2 Evorel 100 30
51 13/12/2007 Buserelin (50ml) 31 Scan 08:00

Tags: IVF Hammersmith, IVF, FETC, Frozen Embryo Transfer, Evorel, Suprecur, Buserelin

The ICSI Diary - The Outcome

http://redzer.gaia.com — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:35:53 GMT

I visited Hammersmith IVF at 07:00 this morning for a pregnancy blood test and had to wait until 15:00 for the results. Unfortunately, it was not to be this time around and I was remarkably okay on hearing confirmation that the embryos had not implanted. I had done an early home pregnancy test yesterday which had come up negative so was not too surprised.

I guess there are more chances in store and I won't have to go through such a high level drug regime and invasive surgery in future. I do wonder if being so close to having Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome may have affected the outcome this time round. Anyhow, we'll see the consultant soon for his opinion. A summary of the drug and testing regime for this cycle is given below for reference.

Wendy

1	25/06/2007	Period Started (Induced with Provera)
2	26/06/2007
3	27/06/2007
4	28/06/2007
5	29/06/2007
6	30/06/2007
7	01/07/2007
8	02/07/2007
9	03/07/2007
10	04/07/2007
11	05/07/2007
12	06/07/2007
13	07/07/2007
14	08/07/2007
15	09/07/2007
16	10/07/2007
17	11/07/2007
18	12/07/2007
19	13/07/2007
20	14/07/2007
21	15/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	1
22	16/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	2
23	17/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	3
24	18/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	4
25	19/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	5
26	20/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	6
27	21/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	7
28	22/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	8
29	23/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	9
30	24/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	10
31	25/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	11
32	26/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	12
33	27/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	13
34	28/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	14
35	29/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	15
36	30/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	16
37	31/07/2007	Buserelin (2 x 50ml)	17		Query Supressed Scan (07:30)
38	01/08/2007	Buserelin x 2	18
39	02/08/2007	Buserelin x 2	19
40	03/08/2007	Buserelin x 2	20
41	04/08/2007	Buserelin x 2	21		Period started
42	05/08/2007	Buserelin x 2	22
43	06/08/2007	Buserelin x 2	23
44	07/08/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	24		Scan and Blood Test (07:40)
45	08/08/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	25
46	09/08/2007	Puregon (125ml) & Buserelin (50ml)	26	1
47	10/08/2007	Puregon (125ml) & Buserelin (50ml)	27	2
48	11/08/2007	Puregon (125ml) & Buserelin (50ml)	28	3
49	12/08/2007	Puregon (125ml) & Buserelin (50ml)	29	4
50	13/08/2007	Puregon (125ml) & Buserelin (50ml)	30	5	Blood Test
51	14/08/2007	Puregon (125ml) & Buserelin (50ml)	31	6
52	15/08/2007	Puregon (125ml) & Buserelin (50ml)	32	7
53	16/08/2007	Puregon (125ml) & Buserelin (50ml)	33	8
54	17/08/2007	Puregon (125ml) & Buserelin (50ml)	34	9	Blood Test and Scan 07:10 - No Injections until after scan
55	18/08/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Ovitrelle (22:00)	35
56	19/08/2007	No Injections
57	20/08/2007	Antibiotics			Egg collection 07:00 - 17 eggs (11 mature for ICSI)
58	21/08/2007	Antibiotics and progesterone
59	22/08/2007	Antibiotics and progesterone			Embryo Transfer - 9 embryos, 7 frozen, 2 implanted
60	23/08/2007	Antibiotics and progesterone
61	24/08/2007	Antibiotics and progesterone
62	25/08/2007	Antibiotics and progesterone
63	26/08/2007	Antibiotics and progesterone
64	27/08/2007	Progesterone
65	28/08/2007	Progesterone
66	29/08/2007	Progesterone
67	30/08/2007	Progesterone
68	31/08/2007	Progesterone
69	01/09/2007	Progesterone
70	02/09/2007	Progesterone
71	03/09/2007	Progesterone			Negative Pregnancy Blood Test

Tags: IVF Hammersmith, Hammersmith IVF, ICSI, Pregnancy Test, Outcome, Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

The ICSI Diary - Fourth Entry

http://redzer.gaia.com — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 14:43:24 GMT

Wow - what a morning. Thankfully, I did not receive a phone call yesterday, as per our IVF cycle, to say that no embryos had formed so we went off to IVF Hammersmith expectantly.

It was a bit of an uncomfortable experience because my bladder needed to be full and we had to wait quite a while. However, it was worth it when we were told that out of the 17 eggs collected, 11 were mature and had sperm injected and nine embryos had formed! This was such a relief and personally I felt so happy. I saw the world from a very different perspective.

Fairly soon after the news, I underwent embryo transfer and two were inserted into the womb. My husband came in with me and it all felt fairly strange but we were very happy.

It's difficult now not to get too excited because of course, there is a lot that can go wrong from this point but we will remain optimistic. A blood test on 3 September 2007 will confirm one way or the other if the embryos have implanted.

Redzer

Tags: ICSI, IVF, IVF Hammersmith, Hammersmith IVF, Embryo Transfer, Implantation, Infertility

The ICSI Diary - Third Entry

http://redzer.gaia.com — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 10:47:35 GMT

My husband and I got up at 05:00 this morning and set off for Hammersmith IVF. We were careful to avoid using any particularly aromatic cleaning products as this can be damaging to the embryos or ova.

I was first in surgery today and it veritably whizzed by. Amazingly, they managed to collect 17 eggs which is fantastic. Last time, we only got 6. However, the doctor told me that I am on the brink of having ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome and that luckily the blood results show that implantation on Wednesday should be ok. I hope so because the chances of frozen embryo implantation resulting in a successful pregnancy are much lower.

I need to drink lots of water now to minimise the potential of suffering from over stimulation.

All set for Wednesday hopefully. I dread receiving a phone call tomorrow informing me that no embryos have formed. I'll just have to wait and see.

Redzer

Tags: ICSI, IVF, Hammersmith IVF, Egg Collection, Implantation, Fertility

The ICSI Diary - Second Entry

http://redzer.gaia.com — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 08:00:39 GMT

Well, so far, this cycle seems to be going a bit better than the last time. I went for my Day 9 of FSH (Puregon or Gonal-F) on Friday and it seems I am ready for egg collection on Monday.

This is quite a scary prospect for me considering what happened last time. The possibility of no embryos forming again is going to be somewhat more final this time round as there is no other way forward and I am serious about not going through another cycle of drugs etc.

Next week is my last week at work before I start something new in a fortnight's time so if all does go well, I will have a couple of weeks to recover and relax.

I thought it might be useful for you to see exactly how the process has worked so far and what it involved so I've attached an extract from my ICSI spreadsheet below. You can compare this with the IVF cycle I did earlier in the year for reference:

ICSI CYCLE

1	25/06/2007	Period Started (Induced with Provera)
2	26/06/2007
3	27/06/2007
4	28/06/2007
5	29/06/2007
6	30/06/2007
7	01/07/2007
8	02/07/2007
9	03/07/2007
10	04/07/2007
11	05/07/2007
12	06/07/2007
13	07/07/2007
14	08/07/2007
15	09/07/2007
16	10/07/2007
17	11/07/2007
18	12/07/2007
19	13/07/2007
20	14/07/2007
21	15/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	1
22	16/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	2
23	17/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	3
24	18/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	4
25	19/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	5
26	20/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	6
27	21/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	7
28	22/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	8
29	23/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	9
30	24/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	10
31	25/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	11
32	26/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	12
33	27/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	13
34	28/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	14
35	29/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	15
36	30/07/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	16
37	31/07/2007	Buserelin (2 x 50ml)	17		Query Supressed Scan (07:30)
38	01/08/2007	Buserelin x 2	18
39	02/08/2007	Buserelin x 2	19
40	03/08/2007	Buserelin x 2	20
41	04/08/2007	Buserelin x 2	21		Period started
42	05/08/2007	Buserelin x 2	22
43	06/08/2007	Buserelin x 2	23
44	07/08/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	24		Scan and Blood Test (07:40)
45	08/08/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	25
46	09/08/2007	Puregon (125ml) & Buserelin (50ml)	26	1
47	10/08/2007	Puregon (125ml) & Buserelin (50ml)	27	2
48	11/08/2007	Puregon (125ml) & Buserelin (50ml)	28	3
49	12/08/2007	Puregon (125ml) & Buserelin (50ml)	29	4
50	13/08/2007	Puregon (125ml) & Buserelin (50ml)	30	5	Blood Test
51	14/08/2007	Puregon (125ml) & Buserelin (50ml)	31	6
52	15/08/2007	Puregon (125ml) & Buserelin (50ml)	32	7
53	16/08/2007	Puregon (125ml) & Buserelin (50ml)	33	8
54	17/08/2007	Puregon (125ml) & Buserelin (50ml)	34	9	Blood Test and Scan 07:10 - No Injections until after scan
55	18/08/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Ovitrelle (22:00)	35
56	19/08/2007	No Injections	36
57	20/08/2007	Egg collection (07:00)	37

EARLIER IVF CYCLE

1	16/02/2007	Period Started (Induced with Provera)
2	17/02/2007
3	18/02/2007
4	19/02/2007
5	20/02/2007
6	21/02/2007
7	22/02/2007
8	23/02/2007
9	24/02/2007
10	25/02/2007
11	26/02/2007
12	27/02/2007
13	28/02/2007
14	01/03/2007
15	02/03/2007
16	03/03/2007
17	04/03/2007
18	05/03/2007
19	06/03/2007
20	07/03/2007
21	08/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	1
22	09/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	2
23	10/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	3
24	11/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	4
25	12/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	5
26	13/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	6
27	14/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	7
28	15/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	8
29	16/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	9
30	17/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	10
31	18/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	11
32	19/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	12
33	20/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	13
34	21/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	14
35	22/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	15		Suppressed Scan & Blood Test
36	23/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)x 2	16
37	24/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)x 2	17
38	25/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)x 2	18
39	26/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)x 2	19
40	27/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)x 2	20
41	28/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)x 2	21		Period
42	29/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)x 2	22		Scan & Blood Test
43	30/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)x 2	23
44	31/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)x 2	24
45	01/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml)x 2	25
46	02/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml)x 2 Gonal-F (112.5ml)	26	1	Cysts removed
47	03/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Gonal-F (112.5ml)	27	2
48	04/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Gonal-F (112.5ml)	28	3
49	05/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Gonal-F (112.5ml)	29	4
50	06/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Gonal-F (112.5ml)	30	5	Scan & Blood Test
51	07/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Gonal-F (112.5ml)	31	6
52	08/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Gonal-F (112.5ml)	32	7
53	09/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Gonal-F (112.5ml)	33	8	Scan & Blood Test
54	10/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Gonal-F (112.5ml)	34	9
55	11/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Gonal-F (112.5ml)	35	10	Scan & Blood Test
56	12/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Gonal-F (112.5ml)	36	11
57	13/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Gonal-F (112.5ml)	37	12	Scan & Blood Test
58	14/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Gonal-F (112.5ml)	38	13
59	15/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Ovitrelle (23:00)	39	14
60	16/04/2007	No Injections
61	17/04/2007	Egg Collection (6 mature eggs)			Antibiotics
62	18/04/2007	Progesterone & Antibiotics
63	19/04/2007	No Implantation due to no embryos forming

Wish us both luck for Monday!!!!!!!

Redzer

Tags: ICSI, IVF, Intracyctoplasmic Sperm Injection, Hammersmith IVF, Egg Collection, Work

Hagal Healing Farm - An Enlightening and Relaxing Experience

http://redzer.gaia.com — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 10:33:53 GMT

During a recent stay with my mother-in-law in Cork, my husband very kindly arranged for me to spend the day at Hagal Healing Farm in Croomleigh, Cork.

I must confess, I was a little worried about spending time alone in the middle of nowhere with new age types but would not change anything for the world. It was one of the best experiences of my life so far and so relaxing.

The farm itself is hidden away in the remote hills of Croomleigh, just outside Bantry. There is a serene calm about the place and its surroundings. The farmhouse is decorated in an ethnic style and I instantly relaxed upon entering it. I also loved the "sun room"; this was a huge room at the top of the farmhouse, the ceiling of which was mainly glass. I spent time relaxing in between treatments there. The scenery was amazing.

Janny and Fred run the farm and came originally from Holland, setlling in Ireland in the 1970s. Both are so friendly and welcoming. Janny takes care of the therapies and healing. Fred has been trained in cookery at Ballymaloe and looks after the gardens. The vegetarian lunch provided was superb!

During one of the massages, I became aware of an intense blue light above my closed eyes and sensed that Janny had her hands crossed above my eyes. It was the strangest and most enlightening feeling I've every had and certainly felt like it was doing some good. On mentioning this to Janny, she said that blue is a very healing colour and I was amazed to have thought that I had experienced spiritual healing.

I recommend a visit to the Hagal Healing Farm if you just want to get away from it all and spend some time in a relaxing and welcoming environment. The treatments were fantastic and I hope will help with the ICSI!

Tags: Hagal Healing Farm, Bantry, Croomleigh, Healing, Aromatherapy, Massage, Indian Head Massage, Exfoliation, Janny, Fred, Vegetarian Cuisine

The ICSI Diary - First Entry

http://redzer.gaia.com — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 08:26:08 GMT

Well, after a lot of consideration and various other things going on in our lives, we decided that as ICSI (Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is the only remaining viable option for us to have a family, we would go for it.

I had decided some time ago that it was the right time for me to change job, having been at my present employer for 4.5 years and we've recently moved home so it's all change! Naturally, this has presented some issues re continuing with this process and where I move job-wise. Thankfully however, I've managed to reach a compromise with which I'm very pleased.

During my three months' notice period, I started on the same protocol as before with the Buserelin (Suprecur) injections, latterly proceeding to Puregon this time (FSH). By the time I start my new job, I will have completed the ICSI cycle and will know whether or not embryos have formed. I have been offered excellent opportunities on a permanent basis, however, feel it would be inappropriate at this time to accept until I'm completely over (emotionally and physically) the ICSI process and therefore have decided to accept a brilliant contract in the City for nine months. I will tell the companies offering permanent opportunities why I am declining - it's always best to be open and you neverf know, when this is all over and done with, they might well still have a place for me. I have been honest with my potential new employer about the ICSI and it will allow me easy access to Hammersmith IVF when needed.

In a recent scan, an enormous cyst was found on my left ovary and I was terrified that I might have to go in for surgery like the last time, to have it removed. Thankfully, my blood results confirmed that it was not producing hormones nor interfering with the protocol and I have been able to start the Puregon (FSH) earlier this time round.

Interestingly, I have had some quite severe side-effects over the last six to eight weeks, some occurring in parallel with the last protocol. These include extreme fatigue in the afternoons, hip pain and less resistance to infection generally.

Only another ten days to go - I will keep you informed as to our progress! Keep your fingers crossed for us both.

Tags: ICSI, IVF, Work, Suprecur, Buserelin, FSH, Puregon, Hammersmith IVF

The IVF Diary - Postscript

http://redzer.gaia.com — Tue, 08 May 2007 17:42:12 GMT

We've now had our post-cycle review with a Fertility Specialist at Hammersmith IVF and it has been quite reassuring.

Apparently, it has not been who's had a fertility problem for all these years, nor my husband. We're incompatible in terms of the gametes bonding and therefore have finally got to the root of our inexplained infertility.

All the guilt I've carried around for years has now gone and left me feeling much better about myself and life in general.

There is an option open to us now if we would like to take it - ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) which basically means forcing an embryo to form by injecting a sperm into one of my ova.

This does open up both ethical and moral debate about bypassing Natural Selection. We did enquire as to the likelihood of having an abnormal baby through this process and apparently, there have not been any such problems associated with this treatment.

Jury's still out as far as we're concerned about taking this option. However, at least we are now wiser about our years of fruitless endeavours.

Please see a review of the drug regime and tests below for reference:

1	16/02/2007	Period Started (Induced with Provera)
2	17/02/2007
3	18/02/2007
4	19/02/2007
5	20/02/2007
6	21/02/2007
7	22/02/2007
8	23/02/2007
9	24/02/2007
10	25/02/2007
11	26/02/2007
12	27/02/2007
13	28/02/2007
14	01/03/2007
15	02/03/2007
16	03/03/2007
17	04/03/2007
18	05/03/2007
19	06/03/2007
20	07/03/2007
21	08/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	1
22	09/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	2
23	10/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	3
24	11/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	4
25	12/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	5
26	13/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	6
27	14/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	7
28	15/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	8
29	16/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	9
30	17/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	10
31	18/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	11
32	19/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	12
33	20/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	13
34	21/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	14
35	22/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)	15		Suppressed Scan & Blood Test
36	23/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)x 2	16
37	24/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)x 2	17
38	25/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)x 2	18
39	26/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)x 2	19
40	27/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)x 2	20
41	28/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)x 2	21		Period
42	29/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)x 2	22		Scan & Blood Test
43	30/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)x 2	23
44	31/03/2007	Buserelin (50ml)x 2	24
45	01/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml)x 2	25
46	02/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml)x 2 Gonal-F (112.5ml)	26	1	Cysts removed
47	03/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Gonal-F (112.5ml)	27	2
48	04/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Gonal-F (112.5ml)	28	3
49	05/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Gonal-F (112.5ml)	29	4
50	06/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Gonal-F (112.5ml)	30	5	Scan & Blood Test
51	07/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Gonal-F (112.5ml)	31	6
52	08/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Gonal-F (112.5ml)	32	7
53	09/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Gonal-F (112.5ml)	33	8	Scan & Blood Test
54	10/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Gonal-F (112.5ml)	34	9
55	11/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Gonal-F (112.5ml)	35	10	Scan & Blood Test
56	12/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Gonal-F (112.5ml)	36	11
57	13/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Gonal-F (112.5ml)	37	12	Scan & Blood Test
58	14/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Gonal-F (112.5ml)	38	13
59	15/04/2007	Buserelin (50ml) Ovitrelle (23:00)	39	14
60	16/04/2007	No Injections
61	17/04/2007	Egg Collection (6 mature eggs)			Antibiotics
62	18/04/2007	Progesterone & Antibiotics
63	19/04/2007	No Implantation due to no embryos forming

Tags: Hammersmith IVF, ICSI, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, IVF, Unexplained Infertility, Fertility

The IVF Diary - Final Entry

http://redzer.gaia.com — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 14:10:25 GMT

Well yesterday, we were bright eyed and bushy tailed with excitement. However, today we are despondent and devastated.

We were told yesterday that "no news is good news" so imagine how sick I felt when my mobile went this morning at work. I knew what was coming and the doctor from Hammersmith IVF handled the situation brilliantly.

Unfortunately my our gametes did not bond and therefore we have no embryos and therefore nowhere to go from here. To fall just before the final hurdle is crushing - I think I would have felt better had the implantation failed but the process didn't get that far.

I had to come home this afternoon as I hadn't come fully to terms with the news. It's weird how easily I could switch back into work mode when someone came in to see me though. At least I'm a professional I suppose.

The one consolation I have taken from the months of injections, disruption and stress is that we tried it. I think in twenty years' time we would have regretted it and always thought "what if?".

We're now left with decisions to make about the our future's direction - thankfully our relationship is solid as is our love and we're strong enough to get through this. Perhap other opportunities will arise or a change in lifestyle altogether.

I wish those of you going through this better luck than we had.

Tags: IVF, Bonding failed, Hammersmith IVF, Gametes, Implantation