I'm going to have to make a decision...would like opinions

I'm almost out of frosties and am debating whether to stim again or not.
Dr. K isn't wild about the idea, nor is my DH. I know the reality is that I probably will have to do another stim cycle.
Background: I've done two stim cycles.
First one I ended up with 40 eggs and did eight transfers - no pregnancy. Ended up in the hospital for three days with OHSS and had to be drained right after cycle.
Had a D&C before second stim cycle due to cervical issues.
Second cycle 55 eggs, maybe mild OHSS and got pregnant on the first FET. Lost the baby due to Cervical Imcompetence at five months. Have done two FET's since and no PG.
I'll be 43 in October, which is around when I'd most likely be cycling.

Should I do another stim cycle or should I just say enough. I think I am prepared for the outcome of no children at this point, but almost feel I shouldn't give up before doing one more stim cycle.
Also, I know someone will suggest PGD, but we totally cannot afford it (especially with the amount of embies we get).

WWYD?

Re: I'm going to have to make a decision...would like opinions

Gerty...

I think this is a very personal and difficult decision.

I think if you will regret it in any way.... do another stim. If you can REALLY make peace with things the way they are, then stop.

Is there any way they can lower your doses?

I hope that whatever decision you make brings you comfort and happiness in some way.

Good luck.

Re: I'm going to have to make a decision...would like opinions

Re: I'm going to have to make a decision...would like opinions

I agree with Don. If your gut tells you one more stim cycle, I would give it a shot. I tend to go with my gut on things. Only you can decide what you think you can handle.

Re: I'm going to have to make a decision...would like opinions

I would go with the FET's..but thats personal opinion, and the reason is pure convience alone and then try for the Stim afterwards. BUT that said, I have no walked in your shoes and am not sure I could physically do it.

Re: I'm going to have to make a decision...would like opinions

Gerty, I agree that this is such a personal decision, however that being said, the fact that you wrote that you almost feel that you should do one more stim cycle leads me to think that if I were in your shoes, I would want to follow my heart before ending this journey.
When I was truly done, I'd want to look back and have no regrets- one way or the other. Did Dr. K say why he's leaning towards not wanting you to stim again? Whatever you choose, I wish you lots of luck and will be sending you tons of

ETA: What changed about your protocol from the first stim cycle to the 2nd? One you had severe OHSS and the 2nd you didn't- so does Dr. K. have a plan as far as another stim cycle where there would be a fair chance that you wouldn't hyperstim agan, or not severely at least?
I'm sure my #'s got screwey in the end, which is why they triggered me when they did, after the nurse told me there was 'NO shot' of my triggering that night...
I know whatever decision you make we'll all be behind you 100%. I am very much one for following your heart- especially when you still have your FETs - it's like you have nothing to lose, but the risk of hyperstimming (which don't get me wrong, I am not trying to minimize at all!) ... but which one is more severe- the risk of hyperstimming or the risk of not following your heart?
You have always been so helpful to everyone on this board, and I personally can say that without you I know I wouldn't be where I'm at in my journey. Good luck Gerty!!

Message edited 8/8/2008 12:24:06 AM.

Re: I'm going to have to make a decision...would like opinions

Posted by dm24angel

I would go with the FET's..but thats personal opinion, and the reason is pure convience alone and then try for the Stim afterwards. BUT that said, I have no walked in your shoes and am not sure I could physically do it.

Re: I'm going to have to make a decision...would like opinions

Posted by Gertyrae

Posted by dm24angel

I would go with the FET's..but thats personal opinion, and the reason is pure convience alone and then try for the Stim afterwards. BUT that said, I have no walked in your shoes and am not sure I could physically do it.

I'm definitely doing the FET's...they are easy.
It's the stim cycle that worries me.

Dr. K would prefer not to do another stim cycle because I hyperstim so easily...and it kind of comes out of nowhere. I will have 6-10 follies at 8 or 10 and then two days later have an uncountable amount over 12. The cycle I hyperstimmed on, my estrogen was over 5500.

Re: I'm going to have to make a decision...would like opinions

Gerty.....You are such a strong woman. I admire you so very much.

What about minimal stims? Since you hyper-stim so easily, I think the dr. should focus on quality rather then quantity.....

Deep down, I think you know the answer...I pray for your guidance.......

Re: I'm going to have to make a decision...would like opinions

Re: I'm going to have to make a decision...would like opinions

As soon as I read your post, my first thought is to do another cycle. I see a lot of people feel the same way. If this was me, I would go through with it.

As far as the PGD, I am on a rollercoaster of emotions about PGD. I have someone scheduled to do PGD, but due to the amount I have, I was debating to cancel with the money I spent. It has added stress for me since my first retrieval this week. Don't know if I would recommend it or not, but I wanted to let you know that whether you have 50 embryos or one, the price is the same. That is the fact I am toying with, of whether to move forward with it, as I only have seven. I think the only way I would use it again is if I had a big amount.

As far as turning 43, my friend did her first IVF three months shy of her 45th birthday. She didn't respond to meds, they got two eggs, one transfered and she had her healthy son at 45. This was with her own eggs.

I will keep you in my thoughts. This is my first cycle and I had no idea the depth of emotion that goes into it.

Message edited 8/8/2008 8:49:20 AM.

Re: I'm going to have to make a decision...would like opinions

Follow your heart. You'll never be sorry that way. I think you should do another cycle if your heart tells you to.

Good luck!

Re: I'm going to have to make a decision...would like opinions

Re: I'm going to have to make a decision...would like opinions

I think that you definately need to follow your gut so you don't have any regrets....It is a personal & difficult situation...I hope DH & you can come to a common ground & pick what suits you as a family

Re: I'm going to have to make a decision...would like opinions

I agree with the going with your gut idea. Dr. K knows your history and will monitor you very closely. I'm very sorry that you are even in this position. I wish you the best.

Re: I'm going to have to make a decision...would like opinions

Gerty,

When in doubt, go with your gut.

I'm giving the iui's another try for that reason alone.

Re: I'm going to have to make a decision...would like opinions

Gerty, while the idea of ending up in the hospital again is unthinkable, you know Dr. K will be on you like white on rice with this stimming, should you decide to go that route. You are 42, yes...but look at it this way, YOU STILL HAVE EGGS. USE THEM. If they can do some sort of minimal stimming, all the better.

Did you already do your last FET with the frostie? Or do you have one more left. I remember you saying something recently about 6 left? You didn't transfer those yet, right?

Re: I'm going to have to make a decision...would like opinions

Posted by LIBOUND

Gerty,

When in doubt, go with your gut.

Re: I'm going to have to make a decision...would like opinions

If there is still any hesitation in your mind, I would make this last effort. I would hate to live the rest of my life with regret, thinking everyday about the what if's

Re: I'm going to have to make a decision...would like opinions

It is a very personal decision but I would go with my gut and feelings.....no one else can tell you what to do....you know what is right for you!

If doing a fresh cycle, I would also speak to your doctor about changing your protocol and use minimal stimms to get the best quality over quantity.....

I will keep you in my thoughts whatever you decide!

GL to you!!

Message edited 8/8/2008 8:56:40 AM.

Re: I'm going to have to make a decision...would like opinions

Gerty - I agree with everyone else. I definately sounds like you want to give it one more shot with the stims. You know only you can make that decision, but go with your gut and your heart!

Re: I'm going to have to make a decision...would like opinions

Gerty, this is such a difficult and personal decision... I would have to say that you should go with your gut...it's what will give you peace when you look back. I'm sure Dr. K will be all over the stim cycle. I think you should follow your heart...

Re: I'm going to have to make a decision...would like opinions

I'm reading all these posts and I'm thinking in the back of my mind of that new egg maturation process that is just starting to be used. My friend in Cananda told me about it (plus its a lot cheaper up there to do a fresh IVF). I don't think they are getting better results than IVF, but for people who get OHSS its a lot safer. I know at this point you don't really want to start somewhere new etc... I just wish more clinics were using this at this point for you.

I am 40, so I understand the age thing.

This is such a hard decision.

Lately, I have been thinking about DE and whether or not I could do this (and accept this). RE suggested we only do one more IVF cycle (and I don't get enough to freeze so they are all fresh and expensive).

You have one more FET to go or two?

I say don't make yourself crazy until you have gone through that. You never know, you may not have to worry about another cycle. We are all going to pray really hard for your FET

Re: I'm going to have to make a decision...would like opinions

I really am so sorry that you are faced with such a difficult decision. I am not educated enough to offer any real advice.

I would like to say that I admire your strength. Follow your heart and have no regrets...

Best of luck to you...

Re: I'm going to have to make a decision...would like opinions

Gerty I agree with everyone, this is a very difficult and personal decision but I think in your heart you will know what you want to do. I am so hard for you that you won't need another stim cycle! Good luck whatever you decide.