Thursday, August 30, 2007

The differences

I emailed Dr. S. to make sure I understood exactly what the plan was, and there ARE some differences to IVF#4, so I'm slowly coming around.

Here are the differences:

1. It's at a different clinic: Big Clinic as opposed to Old Clinic. The lab is supposed to be top-notch at Big Clinic, and Big Clinic triggers earlier with smaller follicle sizes so as supposedly not to overmature the eggs.
2. I would be doing a 4+2 protocol of 4 follistim + 2 menopur, instead of a 3+3 protocol of 3 follistim + 3 menopur (I'd forgotten that IVF#4 was 3+3).
3. I would not do BCPs the cycle before the IVF. I would just start lupron 7 days after the +OPK in a natural cycle, whereas at Old Clinic I did BCPs and then started the lupron after 2 weeks of pills (I think).
4. I would be doing coculture for embryo quality.
5. I'm a year older (this is not a good difference, obviously).
6. I am no longer sneakily taking DHEA, which I was during IVF#4 albeit at a very low dose. Not sure if this is a good difference or a bad difference, but I tend to think that DHEA was bad for my egg quality, not good as some of the studies suggest.
7. I may use estrogen during the luteal phase, after transfer.

Umm, that's it. I'm going to discuss it with the acu this evening, and mull it some more. I think I probably will go ahead and do it, but maybe have another month off. I still wish I was happier about this, but perhaps that will come once I've decided to go ahead.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

oh this cycle looks totally different.
I forgot about the DHEA....hmmmm.
coculture also sounds like a HUGE contributer to good things.

Oh Sarah- I am getting excited for you again!

xo

Lollipop Goldstein said...

I always equate new clinic with new doctors and new eyes. Sometimes the key is just finding a slightly different path.

Serenity said...

I'm all about the embryologists at Big Clinic- I am a strong believer in the power of the embryologist. I say go for it, and without reservations.

(Though I do know the pressure of the "Well, it's my last cycle...")

Deb said...

There is nothing wrong with taking a month off if you feel it will help you build up your emotional and physical strength. Do what you feel is best for you. I am sure that you will feel better about the cycle when you are working it.

beagle said...

Here via Mel to wish you luck!

Anonymous said...

I also found you via Mel...and I haven't read up on all of your past postings/history, but I think you and I have had very similar IVF experiences and you may even be seeing the same RE (name starts with Sp...) who ended up getting us PG after five failed rounds at a local clinic. I have some thoughts on your situation if you want to discuss at all. Feel free to email me at runrunlisa428 at yahoo dot com.

Bea said...

I came here from Lost and Found, but it looks like you're pretty on top of things already. Can't add anything to what you've already said and decided. Best of luck.

Bea

Aimee said...

Sounds good to me Sarah! I think the coculture is very promising and I really hope your next cycle is a success! I think taking a month off is wise, it does your bod good to recoop after the last cycle. Best Wishes to you!