This used to be an infertility blog, right? Anyone ready for a return to the regularly scheduled freak-outs that that topic encourages? Yes? No? Well, it's coming anyway.
I seem to have neglected to blog about our visit to Dr Candour when Pob was about five and a half months old. He told us not to stop breastfeeding in order to get pregnant - that a few months would not make a big difference, and no one ever wished they'd breastfed for less time. He considered that we had a good chance at number two, given that I've responded fine on three IVF cycles, we have a few embryos frozen (I think about 6 although some are crappy looking), and Pob is the evidence that there are good eggs in there somewhere. He ordered an hsg and a scan for when my periods had returned, and we went away happy.
I've now had three periods since I stopped breastfeeding. Each time I've had clear signs of ovulation, we've made the most of that opportunity, and my period has sadly showed up 12-13 days later. I'm back on my usual schedule. I had the hsg and the scan during my last cycle, and both were fine. The scan even showed a very healthy set of antral follicles - at least 5 on each ovary - which delighted me.
We reviewed those results with Dr Candour yesterday, and agreed that the next step was a fresh IVF cycle, starting with my next period. It all seems a bit sudden to me. And oddly enough, while I have hope each month we try that I'll get pregnant again spontaneously, I'm not that hopeful about an IVF cycle. Dr Candour says their stats for women my age are 22% for an IVF cycle, whereas the chance for trying naturally is certainly no higher than 10%, if that, so, in his words, "IVF is a lot more efficient in a specific month than trying on your own." He recommends trying a fresh cycle, partly to see what my ovaries are capable of, and partly to keep those frozen embryos in reserve, given that they aren't getting any older, while my ovaries clearly are. He also recommends trying as soon as possible, because at this point, months probably do count.
This was the same conclusion H and I had come to before we showed up in his office, but I left the meeting yesterday feeling just matter-of-fact - this is something we have to try, not something that I put a lot of hope in. Which is correct, because 22% isn't that good a statistic, no? And let's face it, IVF hasn't exactly been the golden ticket for us previously.
So I've got the prescription, and we've got the consent forms, and H is off to do a sperm test early next week. I really really want another baby. I have hope that there is a possibility we might have one, not a lot of hope, but some. I'm just not sure that IVF will get us there. But it's worth a try.
It's all very exciting! Sounds like you and Dr. Candour have a good plan going.
Posted by: Bittermama | Wednesday, 25 June 2008 at 13:01
Congrats on arriving at this place! You sound wonderful.
Posted by: Cricket | Wednesday, 25 June 2008 at 13:59
Back on the rollercoaster - I can't tell you how much I hope that you don't get derailed, and end up with the prize you want!!!
Posted by: Nico | Wednesday, 25 June 2008 at 14:04
Hope is good and 22% at our age is pretty good too. I am excited for you.
Posted by: Betty M | Wednesday, 25 June 2008 at 14:12
My fingers are going to be tightly crossed for you! And I do hope that this journey is less fraught for you than previously.
We are a little way behind you here, but heading in the same direction. Hoping that we can do this next one spontaneously, or via IUI at a push. Really need to lose the baby weight from the last one first though!
Posted by: Hairy Farmer Family | Wednesday, 25 June 2008 at 14:29
22% isn't bad at all, and remember, if IVF doesn't work you can still use my method, DHEA + wine + a few mojitos + baby aspirin....unconventional but fun, haha
I have proof in my arms that it works on aged non-functioning ovaries like mine, so on yours with all those lovely antral follicles, you could have roaring success.
Posted by: Aurelia | Wednesday, 25 June 2008 at 15:02
I'm really hopeful for you!
Posted by: Kay/H | Wednesday, 25 June 2008 at 15:02
I don't know....if something was 20% OFF, wouldn't you snap it up and call it a good deal??
Hoping for the best (and QUICK!) news for you...
Posted by: daysgoby | Wednesday, 25 June 2008 at 15:37
Welcome back to the roller coaster. I hope it's a short ride for you this time around!
Posted by: elizabeth | Wednesday, 25 June 2008 at 16:04
Yes, it's certainly worth a try - especially if you have the means. And while you may not feel elated (understandably, of course), your matter of fact approach should (hopefully) keep your stress levels to a minimum. In the end, that too, may be a blessing.
Here's hoping you win a golden ticket.
All my best,
waitingline
Posted by: waiting line | Wednesday, 25 June 2008 at 16:43
Good luck with the rollercoaster. I hope this time the ride is a roaring success for you!
Posted by: silene | Wednesday, 25 June 2008 at 17:04
It is definitely a big deal to step back on the IF rollercoaster, but I think 22% sounds pretty good. I will be enthusiastically rooting you on!
Posted by: motel manager | Wednesday, 25 June 2008 at 17:30
I'm wishing you all the best, Thalia. I'll keep everything crossed for you. Here's to a sibling for Pob!
Posted by: Anna | Wednesday, 25 June 2008 at 18:19
Ugh- back on the rollercoaster. Of course you aren't so thrilled. I wish it would just happen for you also, because sometimes it seems like so much to go through for potentially nothing. But I've got hope, that somehow, some combination of those 3 things (fresh IVF, frozens, and trying the old fashioned way) will give you the ultimate pay-off. I look forward to following along on your (hopefully quick) ride.
Posted by: Clover | Wednesday, 25 June 2008 at 19:59
Good luck!
Posted by: heleen | Wednesday, 25 June 2008 at 21:48
The logic all makes sense, but I can see how it would feel so sudden.
Good luck
J
Posted by: Geohde | Thursday, 26 June 2008 at 03:48
Well, you've very brave! We just had the transfer of our #2 Ivf cycle, and I can't imagine going through it again. All the appoinments, meds, blood tests, plus the stress levels. Phyically and mentally, I don't think I could do it again.
Posted by: NAJM | Thursday, 26 June 2008 at 08:40
Ah, Thalia, good luck to you! I am excited, nervous and overwhelmed for you. And you know? It just may work.
Posted by: annmarie | Thursday, 26 June 2008 at 14:06
Best of luck, T. Hopefully Pob will keep your mind from getting sucked into the black hole of TTC!
Posted by: lucky2 | Thursday, 26 June 2008 at 16:37
LOL, I saw 22% and thought, "Wow, that's GREAT!" Seriously, I'd french-kiss any RE who told me my prospects were that promising (I can say this safely; it will never happen). All of which is not a way of poking fun at your angst or telling you you have it good, quite the contrary, it's a way of commenting on just how messed up IVF, or even the prospect of IVF, makes us.
Um, best wishes to you for quick success achieved with as little stress as possible.
Posted by: Alex | Thursday, 26 June 2008 at 18:41
Yes. Welcome back to the roller coaster. We're going to be starting IVF in about two weeks.
Posted by: Heather | Thursday, 26 June 2008 at 21:17
Came to find an update (haven't been in a while) Wow - Congratulations on getting back on the proverbial horse. All the best to you... I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Posted by: Kate (formerly infertile not inferior) | Friday, 27 June 2008 at 08:04
Here's hoping this next journey is a short, rewarding and positive (in many senses) one.
Posted by: Claudia | Friday, 27 June 2008 at 18:55
Welcome back on the bandwagon? Not that I'm back on it myself... glad you're feeling matter-of-fact. Probably a good approach.
Bea
Posted by: Bea | Saturday, 28 June 2008 at 02:22
I vascillate but continue with the meds because there's just that slight bit more probability with the RE's way. The one we did manage on our own (6 years ago) didn't stick around anyhow.
Posted by: Tinker | Saturday, 28 June 2008 at 06:19
I can imagine how weird it must be to be back at this stuff.
Hope it all works out well.
Posted by: carrie | Saturday, 28 June 2008 at 16:55
Gosh, it IS all rather sudden, isn't it? Damn infertility and all its time-and-planning screwing ways. Fingers massively crossed (can one massively cross a finger?) that it all goes well and smoothly.
Posted by: May | Sunday, 29 June 2008 at 12:47
I definitely understand your lack of optimism, but I think you're making the right choice. Good luck, Thalia! I'll be thinking about you.
Posted by: Kristi | Monday, 30 June 2008 at 19:46
I admit, there's a piece of me that's glad to have my old friend back. A piece of me that's sorry to have to watch you going through this again. And a piece of me that's excited for what the future holds for you.
And really? 22%? I think that sounds pretty good, all things considered.
Oh, Thalia, my friend, I'm so happy for you. I have so much hope for you and I wish nothing but good things for you. I know how much you want this, and I want it for you.
Posted by: Karen | Monday, 30 June 2008 at 20:44
Hope this rollercoaster ride is less tumultuous and over (in a good way) faster than the last ride!
Posted by: Summer | Monday, 30 June 2008 at 22:24
I hope you get a good go on the rollercoaster.
I *did* eat sushi, and felt terrible anxiety over it for two weeks. Not recommended!
Posted by: isabel | Tuesday, 01 July 2008 at 10:01
Good luck to you!
Posted by: Ellen K. | Tuesday, 01 July 2008 at 17:01
Wishing you all the best...Keeping everything crossed for you!
Posted by: nikole | Tuesday, 01 July 2008 at 18:45
Thalia--good luck. I agree with you that it is worht a try--I think if you don't try you will always wonder down the line. The second time around was a very different experience for me...I think b/c I had B and I wanted another baby, but if it wasn't going to happen, I knew I was going to be okay.
Posted by: MoMo | Thursday, 03 July 2008 at 03:24
Wow, the roller-coaster again. I think it takes more courage to go back a second time, knowing what's in store. I'm hoping for the best possible outcome on the first try, no nonsense or heartbreak involved. Good luck, sweetie.
xo
Posted by: Flicka | Tuesday, 08 July 2008 at 04:00