WELCOME To January 2012 BAMC IVF Cycle

[JPP_Mom2be]

Melanie -- Thanks for stopping by and offering us your words of encouragements. I followed your journey and wish you the best. Since you mentioned going through two cycles at Wilford hall, did you use the same protocol each time? It appears that the antagonist protocol is the preferred protocol, is that the rule of thumb? kmblake was wondering if the medication class is one on one or the whole group, could you enlighten us on the process. Again thanks for stopping by.

JPP

[melbswan]

JPP - Thank you.

Yes, I did follow the same protocol and even med dosages for both of my cycles. I know they will change protocols and/or dosages from one cycle to the next if they are not happy with your response. However, there was no reason to change mine.

You are correct that they start MOST people on the antagonist protocol. However, they look at EVERYTHING in determining what will be best for you. So some ladies start out on different meds and even start meds several weeks before baseline. I certainly don't want to scare anyone or make you nervous, but essentially, if this is your first cycle, they are having to do a bit of guesswork. They will tailor your meds and doses specifically for you as much as they can during the short time you are on stims, but should you require a second cycle, that is when they are better able to make specific changes to your protocol, based on how your last cycle went. Make sense?

There are plenty of women who get positive results on their first cycle. It DOES happen. And it most certainly can happen for you. But realize that there are just as many women who don't get those positive results until a 2nd or even 3rd try. I know that is very hard to swallow considering the time, money, energy, and emotion you invest in a cycle.

The medication class is a group class. Both of my classes probably had about 6-8 couples in them. But there is plenty of opportunity to ask questions, practice, and ask more questions. It may seem a little overwhelming at first, but honestly, it is so easy.

[Patient-One]

melbswan,

Thanks for your posts, it's nice to hear from someone who went through the process with the doctors there at BAMC.

[Patient-One]

LittleOleMe30 - I agree that is might be a sign for you to move on from that job if it is that stressful. I am currently in a position that has the potential of being stressful as time goes by and I have already made the decision that if it comes down to it, the job will go because I want this more than I want any promotion etc. I would love to do both but I've already chosen family if it gets to that. Telling your boss too might take a little stress away because you don't have to worry about getting the time off if they are okay with it. If that doesn't make a difference, just go with your heart.

[JPP_Mom2be]

LittleOleMe30 - I will have to agree with Patient-One. Stress is definitely one of the major causes of infertility. So if you are stressed, your chance of a successful pregnancy are minimized. You still have some time to think about it until the April cycle. But remember you must do your best to relax, let your boss know, take some time off... or move on from that job.

Melanie - Thanks again.

[JPP_Mom2be]

TD - I hope everything went well and I wish you a quick and expedient recovery. Please take time to relax and take care of yourself.

hpy17yrwtivfx - I hope you made it to San Antonio safely. Is this your first time here? Were you able to get accommodations at the Fisher House? I am so excited for you. Keep us posted on your baseline appointment tomorrow and let your journey begin. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. BABY DUST TO YOU!

JPP

[Patient-One]

All,

For all those who start their baseline this week, good luck and BABY DUST TO YOU!

[hpy17yrwtivfx]

Hey Ladies,

I'm so excited I tried to post from my phone yesterday I don't know what happened I can see what I wrote but it's not posted here anywho, I did make it to San Antonio yesterday after an 11 and a half hours drive, was so tired but everything went ok had a few direction issues the information people wanted to tell me the clinic was not in bamc yet and to go to whac i was like no I know its here so my DH and I walked around until we found the clinic was the first ones there too happy, then came the sad news about maybe counseling until April cycle because the dr. thought he saw something during the ultrasound we talked and agreed to do this other procedure after the class I wasn't worried even the dr. asked me did I have any doubts I was like no lets do this!

Any way did the other test and all is clear we are so ready will be taking first shot of lupron tomorrow night and I go back on the 17th for labs will call fisher house again for that time, don't know I will be able to stay Denise says its not set up like a hotel so I will try again need somewhere to stay for the early appts to far to travel back and forth from Fort Hood. The appt on the 17th is at 0630.

I am so happy too all the ladies that are with me this cycle baby dust to us all.

[JPP_Mom2be]

hpy17yrwtivfx - I am glad everything went ok at your appointment. I was starting to wonder if you were ok. Considering the Fisher House is always busy, you can also try the Guest House on Randolph 13 miles away at 210-652-1844 Ext 1 or the Fort Sam Houston Lodging at 210-357-2705 Ext 4. Both take reservations on a space available basis if you do not have orders. There's a cost per day but I am not sure what it is.

So you are starting your lupron shots tonight. When will you start with the stim meds? I will be at the hospital on the 17 for my baseline too, so I hope to see you there. Good Luck on your shots tonight.

JPP

[Patient-One]

hpy17yrwtivfx - I'm happy that everything is going good for you. I have Lackland Air Force Base as my alternate place to stay if I cannot stay at Fisher House. It will be a 27 minute drive, 2106713222 it's a 5 day stay at a time if you are not on orders and it's under $40 per night, it's just that at the end of the five days you will have to ceck to see if you can extend for a longer stay. I was stationed in Fort Hood until May 2011, I still have a house there that we are trying to sell, during one of my surgeries, I stayed in Lackland and it's nice. The one I was in had a kitchen which is great for long stays.

I hope there will be more people to join this thread, it would be nice to meet some people prior to getting there. Well baby dust to all and enjoy your weekend.