IVF/ICSI Support Group

Hello ladies,

Wah, I've been busy quite recently so haven't been catching up here. Our thread is moving 10x faster than Japan's Bullet train!
I think I merely missed it for a few days and the thread is so long, I forgotten where I stopped :S

Going for my appt with Dr Loh tomorrow.
Wish me best of luck okay! Hopefully Dr Loh let me start my IVF journey earlier than predicted
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Develyn,

Our gathering on 5th April confirm?
Let me know the details okay? Hehe :D
 


hi yong wei, develyn and boon boon,

really big thanks for the list of IVF specialists. I have given a call to SGH and was told I could start IVF process anytime as soon all relevant tests have been done for me and my hubby.

My hubby's sperm count is good but the motility is not so good hence previously my gynae at TMC has recommended that we should go with ICSI rather than IVF. As for me, since a missed pregnancy (blighted ovum) last September and 2 failed IUIs, I believe I should not procrastinate further but to start my journey of ICSI soon

My appointment at SGH will be on 20 Apr, to see Dr. Yu Su Ling. With so many positive news I read in the forum from you gals, I really feel more confident and excited now. Thanks and wish me well.
 
Hi Orangey ,

Yes , gathering on 05th at Safra Tampines.. the mind cafe @ 1pm...
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Hi Tany ,

Wow.. quickie leh u... okok.. i see u tonight.. now si bei buzy man .. sianz
 
libby, no worries. Actually now worry also no use liao, so hope everything will be fine
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Boon Boon, thanks. 2 more days to go.
Hope for good news but at the same time prepared for bad news.

Chris, I have been drinking Milo O since few years back when my gastric get serious. Doc told me no milk for my drink, esp condense milk. Now I no more gastric problem. But initially stage of ivf, gastric came back as I eat too much! Now ok again..
I like your symptoms, all are positive signs of pregnancy leh. Sure strike this time
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Humbug, oops, I blur lah.. heehee..

Sierra79, so both of us have regular mense, so don't need to take medication before we start lucrin.

develyn, jia you!
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Sunflower, I always go for scan in the morning.
I think for kkh, all scanning are done in the morning. Normally by afternnon, the lady who do the scan will be gone.
 
Baby, libby, Boon Boon, Develyn,
Ladies thanks for your kind reply. Yeps.. I hv regular menses (i.e. every mth will come around almost same date lah), so i think safe to say no need the Microgynon ya. So .. err ... during Lucrin .. can still ML? As long as safe sex ah? Hehehe....

Humbug,
Very nice of your hubby. Well rounded support. Good that he's also active in here .. can share his thoughts too. Male perspective
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Sierra79, as long as safe sex is ok to have intercourse. The flowchart given by KKH stated must have safe sex.

I read from one of the threads, a lady did not perform safe sex and in the end she got pregnant naturally without knowing. The lucrin injection actually terminated her pregnancy and she was very very sad and angry with the hospital. Very sad case for her. So MUST HAVE safe sex once started lucrin injection.
 
littlemilk -u ar in gd hands as Doc Yu heads the IVF team in SGH
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Ladies - my verdict has been decided this morning. The team had decided to put me on antagonist cycle which is 2 weeks of injections then ER then ET so my cycle starts from either day 2 or 3 of AF .. and also ICSI as hubby sperm motility not so gd even though sperm count is good so the team is not taking any chances ....so my IVF cycle will only take 4 weeks .... still getting over the shock ...

The reason being I'm still young and I had lots of follicles on my own and also afraid of OHSS so dun want to waste time on injections for stimulation of follicles .... I'm ready for IVF but the news came so sudden to me till I dun know how to react to it
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My doctor has also said NO for TCM so will only be carrying on with accupunture with essence of chicken
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hi littlemilk,
all the best for your ivf.

hi zaza,
a shorter and faster process, that is better.
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You can get more chicken essence from Dr Zou, she's selling at $16.80. I will ask her if can give us bulk discount.
 
Lina - thanks and will get more essence of chicken
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Ladies - anyone had more infor on antagonist cycle?

Jas - not too sure if you are reading this forum, if u are than can provide me some links??
 
zaza, have confident in your doctor and nurses. Since you can have a lot of follicles on your own, then doing away with the injection isn't a bad news. I believe the doc and team are very confidence that you can have a lot of eggs even without the help of the injections. They know that it was a tough journey for IVF and so they won't treat your case lightly. Cheer up. By the way, can I know how old are you?
 
Ladies, there are some chinese physician shops selling brands chicken essence at $16. I just bought a box at $16, expired in 2011.
Do check out the chinese physician shops near your home.
 
Hi Ladies ...

Glad to know all of you starting your ivf soon.
I miscarriage last year. A little worried I'll miscarriage again.
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I'm quite old ..
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Reaching 30 soon! Should I try normal or IVF?

Appreciate your advise.
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Antagonist Treatment Cycle

Step 1:
Day 1 of your cycle Make an appointment:
Call the clinic on the first day of your cycle to organise a blood test for day 2.

Step 2:
Day 2 of your cycle Blood test:
On day 2 of your cycle, you will attend the clinic for a blood test. The nurses will explain the treatment cycle to you, the medications you need to take and the times when you will be required to visit the clinic for blood and ultrasound tests. Provided all your natural hormone levels are low (which they normally are at this stage of your cycle) you will start the FSH (Gonal-F or Puregon) injections that day.

How FSH injections work:
The Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) injections work by stimulating the ovaries to produce more than one follicle (egg). Naturally there will be a number of follicles that a receptive to grow every month but only one reaches maturity. By giving a higher dose of FSH than is naturally produced each month, we are able to recruit some of those follicles that wouldn't normally grow to maturity. IVF treatment does not use up your supply of eggs and you will not reach menopause any earlier than normal.

When to give injections:
We recommend you give injections at the same time each day. We normally suggest the evening is a better time to do this, so that when we do blood test and ultrasounds in the morning, if we need to change the dose then this can be done so that same day.

Step 3:
Day 6 Blood test:
Normally on day 6 of your cycle you will have another blood test to check your hormone levels. If your oestrogen levels are starting to rise, this is an indication that follicles are starting to grow.

The nurses will phone you the afternoon following your blood test with the results to let you know that it is time to start the antagonist injection (Cetrotide or Orgalutran) as well as the FSH (Gonal-F or Puregon) injections. The antagonist injection will stop the eggs from being released naturally so that they can be collected later.

If you have your FSH injections at home please do not have one on the morning of these blood test and/or ultrasound.

Step 4:
Day 8 of your cycle Treatment monitoring:
On day 8 you will have an ultrasound and blood test. You will continue with the FSH and antagonist injections until the trigger injection.

Regular blood and ultrasound monitoring:
We will continue to closely monitor you will blood tests and ultrasounds until you have an optimum number and size of developed follicles. To do this you will be required to come to the clinic every couple of days.

Ultrasound scans:
Ultrasounds show us how many follicles are growing in the ovaries. We can't see the eggs on the ultrasound however we know that when a follicle reaches approximately 18mm it will contain a mature egg. There is not a set time in which the follicles will reach this size. There is a 3-4 day window when your eggs reach maturity allowing us adequate time to collect them.


Step 5:
Approx day 12 of your cycle Trigger injection:
Once we know you are ready, we will advise you when to have your hCG trigger injection and we will schedule the egg collection for usually 36 hours later.

The exact time for the trigger injection:
The trigger injection is the only injection we specify the time that it is given. The timing is very important as it relates to when we actually collect the eggs. It is normally given in the evening and the egg collection will occur approximately 36 hours later. Once you have the trigger injection you stop the FSH injections and the antagonist injection.

How the trigger injection works:
The hCG trigger injection is the same hormone that is produced in pregnancy, but it has the effect of maturing the egg so that it is ready to be collected. For example, if you had a trigger and waited 48 hours your body would naturally release the egg on its own ready for fertilisation.

Step 6:
Approx day 12 of your cycle Egg and sperm collection:
Egg collection is undertaken in a day surgery/hospital under a light general anaesthetic and takes around 30 minutes. You will be at the hospital for about 4 hours and need someone to drive you home afterwards (don't plan to work that day). The procedure is performed using ultrasound guided probe (similar to the scans conducted in the clinic). Attached to the ultrasound probe is a needle, which pierces the folllicle and draws the fluid (and egg) out.

On the morning of your egg collection your partner will need to provide a fresh semen (sperm) sample so we can immediately fertilise your eggs after collection.

After egg collection your progesterone level will be supplemented by inserting one application of Crinone vaginal gel every night until your pregnancy test 2 weeks later - this is to prepare your uterus for embryo transfer by supporting the lining of the womb ready for a preganncy.

Before going home we will give you an instruction leaflet. We can provide medical certificates.

You may feel a bit sore after your egg collection - abdominal cramping is normal - you may take Panadol or Panadeine and use a hot pack to ease the discomfort. If you find this is not sufficient then please contact the clinic for advice. It is not recommended to take Aspirin, Nurofen or Naprogesic unless specified by your doctor as these may interfere with implantation. You can expect some light red or dark brown bleeding for a few days, which come from the puncture sites in the vaginal wall. if you experience heavy bleeding contact the clinic.

Step 7:
Egg Fertilisation:
Your egg and sperm will be taken directly to the laboratory where they will be prepared for fertilisation.

If you are having IVF, the egg and sperm will be placed in a dish allowing fertilisation to occur naturally.

If you are having ICSI, an embryologist will insert one single sperm directly into the egg, allowing fertilisation to occur.

Step 8:
Embryo Development:
The day after egg collection the scientists will call (usually between 10am and 2pm) to let you know how many eggs have actually fertilised. The scientists will keep you informed on how the embryos are growing and will let you know the date and time of your embryo transfer. Your embryos will develop for 2-5 days in the laboratory.

Step 9: Embryo transfer / freeze:
We transfer the embryos back into the uterus in a simple procedure, similar to a pap smear. You can go about your daily activities after this procedure and the embryo will not fall out. Any extra suitable, healthy looking embryos are usually frozen at this time if that is your wish.

Step 10: Pregancy test:
Continue with the progesterone medication until your pregnancy test, two weeks after egg collection. You can expect to hear from the nurses throughout this period, however if you have any worries or concern pelase is contact the nurses.

You will need to visit the clinic for a pregnancy blood test whether or not you have a period. The nurses will call you the same day following treatment with the results of your pregnancy test.

Following a positive pregnancy test, we will organise for you to attend the clinic for an ultrasound normally at around 7 weeks - this will confirm the number of sacs (that is number of babies) and heartbeat. Your GP or fertility specialist can refer you to a local obstetrician, if you do not already have one.

Should you not be pregnant, we recommend you attend a follow up appointment with a fertility specialist for a review of your cycle.
 
Hi Zaza ,

I am trying to find more information from u since u sms me just now but still cannot find any good link..
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Will try again after lunch.
 
Hi baby,
thanks for your info, will check out the other chinese physician shops.

hi lynnette,
welcome. Think you need to consult a gynae first and see what they advise. Previous miscarriage does not mean will need to go ivf.

hi zaza,
Thanks for the detail info, seems like antagonist don't need a month, only takes 12 days for the whole cycle?
 
baby - I'm turning 30 this Sept

Ladies - had a discussion with DH and my boss and they supported the shorter cycle so I'm feeling better ... my boss even volunteer to lighted my workload to intune with my injections
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Lynette - I'm at the same age as you and I'm doing my IVF ... if you are wory then mayb u cld consider TCM to tio your body and decide whether to conceive naturally or IVF ....
 
develyn - thanks for the great help and hugz for you ....

lina - day 12 is meant for ER then followed by ET then only 2WW so still a month .... for mine will be something like this
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hi libby
i understand u r in great dilemma now..but is reali depends on ur comfortability.. like me, cos i nvr on any tcm before ivf, so after listen wat my mum said, i do feel discomfort wat if my body reali crash.. tats y i decided meanwhile just hold off tcm treatment lor..
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hi lina
yes agreed with u...my next scan is on nest tuesday ..;)
 
hi littlemik
wish u success with SGH...baby dust spreading

hi zaza
the shorter the period, the best ma..meaning u dun need to use too much of hormone jab, which is good..
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wish success and smile+relax..
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Hi Ladies,

I'll embark on the IVF journey this month. Very excited yet worried at the same time. Starting Lucrin jab on 21 or 22Apr. ER/ET should be in late may.
Actually just saw Dr Loh last tue and he told me that the waiting list for IVF is till Jul. But he is kind enough to let me start ASAP as long as I'm ready... Actually I dun mind the injections but I dunno how will I take it if my IVF is unsucessful. I tried to be positive but dunno why keep having this -ve thoughts... sigh... very stress

Also I'm staying with my in-laws and I dun intend to tell them about my IVF. But how not to tell them since i'll be given 2 weeks MC to rest at home?? Any advice?

Thanks.
 
hi zaza,
that's really super fast, no wonder you are unprepared. Should exclude the 2WW as everyone goes through that period so not consider part of the process. And seems like you only need a few days of injection. How much is the amount of Gonal or puregon that you need to jab?
 
hi zaza
think u r the only one under Antagonist Treatment Cycle, which u straight away will be injecting FSH hormone, then follow by the antagonist hormone in later days.
do u know u be using puregon or gonal f? and will u be on Cetrotide or Orgalutran?

and for other ladies, we are all on Agonist Treatment Cycle, which involves start of lucrin jab in day 21, then puregon later part..
cheers...
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Zaza,
Congrats leh... shorter cycle good mah... think I will be the usual one coz me not young liao...

Lynette,
welcome. 30yo still young la. me older

Serene,
hmmmmmmmmmmm... company 'shut-down' for 2 weeks? or company wants u to clear leave for 2 weeks?
 
Hi Serene,

I understand how you feel cos all of us are going thro the 2ww wait to know our exam results. Dun worry you'll have alot of support from us here. As for you in-laws maybe you can bluff them that your company has advised you to clear 2wks of annual leave otherwise they will be forfeited lor. Me more difficult now, cos i'm not working tats why my mum-in-law keep asking why am i MIA and keep stay at home.... so everytime i got to find a excuse to bluff her lor..
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Noi
Will you be trying natural or IVF?

Chris
Hope you won't kena the malay nurse :p
If your gastric is really bad, can try lacteol fort, it is safe for pregnant woman.

Orangey
Wish you luck that you able to start IVF soon!

Tany
You feeling better today? I can't watch channel 70, I didn't subscribe to that channel lor.

LittleMik
All the best to starting your IVF too!

TNT
Agree.. I also did not TCM previously.. Discussed with hb last night, he also think better listen to Dr Loh's advise.

Zaza
So your cycle is much controlled and shorter? Isn't that better? How come shock ah? Thanks for the info on Antagonist. In what ways, will Doc recommend Antagonist?

Gals
For Puregon start date, is it either Day 14 of lucrin jab, if not Day 21? My menses is delayed.. nurse ask me go for scan and BT on Day 21. Wonder if Day 21, still not here yet, how?
 
Tany

Don't mind me asking. How old are you?
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My friends advise me to give birth before I reach 35. After 35 there'll be complications. But but but ... If I'm not wrong, Zoe Tay gave birth at quite a later age hor ...
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hi libby
when i was on suprefact (same as lucrin jab), my menses only report on day 16 of my suprefact..
and oso partly my E2 result tat time not great oso, tats y my gonal f (same as puregon) only started at day 21 together with suprefact.
 
hi serene,
while at home, suggest that you hide inside the bedroom as you will need plenty of rest during 2WW.

hi libby,
think your menses should come by then, cannot be delay so late.
 
hi lynnette
welcome to the thread..
have u found out from dr wat is the cause of ur m/c? and i believe dr will advise u eventually..

hi serene
welcomt to the thread
dun be too stress up over ur ivf process...cos it will affect ur body to adapt those hormones de..relax and be natural , smile more ..
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ZaZa-less hormone injection is definitely better. When initially you mentioned your FSH is 5.1 and E2 is more than 100, it is a good sign. Compared to KK, I think SGH does a good job. At least they have a team to review your status and decide which treatment cycle to put you. Wish to receive your good new and all the best for your journey.
 
Chris
Ok, good luck to you.. phew, after next week, no need to give excuse liao.

Lynnette
Think most of us here is older than 30 yrs.. Heard Zoe Tay pregnant with no.3, think she's already 42yrs old or older.. not sure if it's true. A lot of other US celebrities also not very young, but got pregnant too.

TNT/Lina
Thanks, hope my Lucrin still enough for me to jab, no need to waste another $100.
 
Lynnette - welcome! 30 definitely is young. So don't worry, as long as you are in good health, you have less worry. Meantime, I think you can see TCM and ask the Chinese Sinseh about your body condition.

Serene - Oh, is there any special reason Dr Loh allowed you to start earlier?
 
Libby,
thanks for your concern... I am feeling much better today... sorry abt yesterday's breakdown... so paiseh leh... #shy#shy#

u dont hv channel 70 ah? hmmmm... let me think....

Lynette,
me 35 liao...

Boonboon,
hows ur op? speedy recovery okie. {{{hugz}}}
 
tnt - thanks
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Jas is also gg thru it but I think her's is different from mine
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serene - gd luck n mayb you can just say you want to rest n relax @ home
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lina - Gonal F is the lowest amt ....had forgotten to ask her after she told me about the antagonist cycle

tany - thanks
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lynnette - accu is not painful and hubby can accompany u
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libby - thanks and yes my cycle is shorter and much controlled ...mayb I don't expect it tts y I'm shock ... I'm not too sure how the team decide on who will go with what type of cycle
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Hi Tany and Chris,

Thanks for the idea but then again she'll find it very weird if I clear leave and stay at home, do nothing and not go out at all leh... Also I've a son 18mths old he'll defintely want me to carry when I;m at home...

Have been thinking about this problem ever since I decided to go on the IVF journey... hai... so headache... how how?? I really want to have a good rest and not move around too much during my 2ww.

I've done 2 rounds of SO-IUI but unsucessful partly i think because I carried my son too much..
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so for IVF I'll try not to carry him but difficult so must really find a good excuse to lock myself in the room for 2 weeks!
 
hi libby,
i have a totally new bottle of lucrin and about half of another bottle of lucrin. If you need it, let me know, no charge for that. Reason for having another new bottle is my hubby normally collects the medication for me and during halfway of the cycle, the nurse asked him if i need lucrin so he said not sure, then the nurse ask him to buy.

Also i have lots of alchol swaps, lucrin injection needles and puregon pen injection needles to give away. Anyone else who needs it, do let me know. Thanks
 


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