Length of IVF cycle

[suebrx]

I was ready to start my first cycle but realized that a business trip might be getting in the way. They told me I'd most likely start Lupron around Nov 4, expect AF Nov 18 then stims for 8-12 days which would make harvest on Nov 26-30. Doing a 3 day transfer would put transfer at Nov 29-Dec 3. Assuming I stay on schedule.

Problem is I have a trip scheduled Dec 3-8. If needed I can get my flight changed to Dec 5 am but that's it and not prefered.

So my question is, how likely is it that I'll end up pushing into the following week? My clinic doesn't do transfers in Dec and I'll have similar problems in Jan so my next chance will be in Feb. DH really wants to go on the trip (business trip for me, he's tagging along) in Dec. I don't know if I want to risk a wasted cycle but I'd like to try in Nov.

Any advise?

[momofoneson]

Sue,

My experience has been that you really can't plan too much around the time of your IVF cycle. A few place where this could go off would be if: 1) AF didn't arrive on the right day; 2) if you e2 level wasn't below 50 at your baseline (some clinics like to see it lower); 3) you may stim for more than 12 days; 4) your clinic may require, or strongly suggest, 48 - 72 hours bedrest after your transfer. Honestly, I think that you are going to be investing a ton of emotional, physical and monetary resources to your IVF cycle, and if you want to give it your best chance, you should think about eliminating un-due stresses, like timing issues. I'm sure that once you get into the whole process, this will become much clearer - it really needs to take priority. Just my $.02.

Jan

[jvc1976]

Sue,
Something similar happened to me earlier this year. DH & I were going on a family trip to Florida for a week. AF showed about week & 1/2 before we were scheduled to leave. I had the option of starting BCP & Lupron while on vacation, & coming back to immediately start Follistem, or stretching the cycle a day or 2 with BCP to work around my vacation. But DH & I decided that if we were going to do IVF, we were going to do IVF 100%. So I waited until the cycle after Florida. I'm glad we did because we got to relax knowing that we had a plan, but that my body wasn't under pressure right then. It's totally up to you & DH, but your body's going to be put through the wringer enough without having to worry about timing issues as well. If you've never been through it before, check out some of the other lady's side effects. Headaches, weight gain, soreness, bloating, etc... And after the transfer (while you'll be trying to work) you're going to have daily PIO either shots, cream or suppositories that cause their own side effects. Just my opinion & not the rule.

Good luck with whatever you decide,
Jolene

[SomedayMommy]

I REALLY have to agree with Jan and Jolene. Besides, my RE didn't even want me to travel so soon after IVF - something about high E2 levels and rish of clots when flying. The IVF has to be the priority, and wacko things happen. You really can't plan things around it. I would suggest either cancelling the trip, telling your bosses you can't go (that will be tough, I know), or waiting for IVF in February where you can concentrate on the IVF cycle ONLY. I know both options suck...