Anyone have a successful 1st IVF at the age of 40?

[Anonymous]

OP again....You made the right choice not to cancel I go to the Shady Grove clinic too, Dr. Browne is my RE. I really like her. I ha a phone consult with her today. It looks like my IF will be in January, because the holidays are not jiving with my cycle. This kind of upsets me because I wanted to get started ASAP. Did you have assisted hatching one on your embryos?

[Anonymous]

Hi- I had a January cycle too- same thing- but it turned out to be lucky so hopefully it is for you too! yes- I did get assisted hatching.. it was minimal in cost and there were more +s.. it was recommended by my RE.. talk to Dr Browne about this- everyone's different but I fit the profile..

[Anonymous]

OP again...thanks. I think Dr. Bowne plans on using AH if the lab feels I need it. I think the fee is something like $500 extra but probaby so worth it in the long run. I'm so glad it worke for you, gives me some hope!

[Anonymous]

There is hope! my odds were pathetic.. and my history no better (4 m/c's before DC1)..zero pregnancies trying the second time, 4 iuis- poor responder- you read what happened.. it CAN and WILL happen! I do remember just being so wound up for my IUIs and crying constantly- but when we did the IVF and decided it was our last attempt- I felt calmer.. like it's out of my hands and this is as much as I can do..but the part my dr (Dr greenhouse) kept telling me is he wanted a plan- including all contingencies- we talked about every possible scenario before we did anything since he said he felt it would ease my anxiety or put me on the spot to make a fast decision (3 of the IUIS were are GIVF which I do not recommend- none of those were timed- they missed my ovulation each time- very stressful- i went to shady grove feeling very scared/insecure).

Please do update!!! I did view it as though I could have a few drinks during the holidays (same thing about scheduling) and then start "clean".. wishing you the best best best!

[Anonymous]

PP here- I do remember I gave permission for AH (assisted hatching) if the lab felt it was better- but I declined ICSI etc. it was one of those sign the forms before you start IVF since we're not going to go to Rockville within minutes to sign a form for a lab to do something extremely timely..

[Anonymous]

OP here...

Dr. Green house is good. I really like him, he monitored me with my 3 failed IUI's. I couldn't handle anymore than 3 rounds of clomid IUI's. It was just too depressing and I was impatient, plus time was running out for me.

Can I ask you what odds Dr. G gave you based on your day 3 blood work (FSH and antral follicle count) I'm going to have my Day 3 blood work after AF arrives and my Dr. will than give me my success rate.

I do know that I'm a good responder because I developed 9 follies on 100 Clomid. I hope that's the case with my upcoming IVF.

I really wanted a Nov. cycle but it's out of my control and I will just have to be patient and wait till January. Thanks so much for yuor words of encouragement. It really helps!

[Anonymous]

I was given a 20-30% chance- I actually don't remember if it was 20-25 or 25-30 but he adjusted it downward 5% so either 20 or 25.. this was based on my history right before doing ivf.. please let me know what dr b (or dr g) says..

[Anonymous]

OP again...

My Dr. is giving me a 40% chance. I go in for my day 3 blood work after AF shows up and will seel what my FSH looks like. It was 6.5 two years ago. Hopefully, it hasn't risen too much!

[Anonymous]

Those are good odds.. My FSH was borderline- not high.. it creeped up a bit since trying with DC1.. when you find out- please post! I am pretty sure i was 20%...

[Anonymous]

I'll definitely keep you posted. I'm pretty nervous as to what the results will be. I hope my odds don't change after the Dr. looks at my blood work!

[Anonymous]

I'm going to ask DH about what rate Dr G said.. it hasn't been that long but details do get fuzzy- Have you checked out cdc Ar rates? it made me feel better about going to SG.. aside from just feeling comfortable w/ the Dr interviews I had..

http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/ART2005/clinics05.asp

there is always a lag in data which is why 2005 is the latest data.. I'm in the 2007 one helping that 40+ stats.. (I had turned 40 2 months before getting pregnant with IVF)..

Wishing great FSH numbers- though I will look it up depending on what you are told to give you hope- I was borderline.. my file is way thick but I kept copies of all tests!

[Anonymous]

I know the national rate from 38-40 yr olds is only 23.6% Not too good eh? My Dr. is giving me 40% but we'll see after my blood work. SG has a 31% for my age group.

I bet getting pregnant right before your 40th birthday was a wonderful gift!

Is your child turning one soon? My DD will be 17 months on the 14th of Oct.

[Anonymous]

Ah- think positively- the national rate includes lousy clinics with low success rates.. that brings it down.. Unfortunately, Dh doesn't remember (he was involved- duh huh- I mean he heard stats but I don't think it sunk in as much as me since I did all the research etc.) the stats- I am pretty sure 20%.. and Dr Greenhouse looked a little uncomfortable saying that.. ha- probably re-reading my history..

Actually- my first IVF was cancelled- not due to low response but for some odd freak of nature- no kidding, i was regular low responder- blah everything no matter what- I spent most of my IUIs attempts at *(*)() GIVF.. so SG inherited a paranoid upset person. DH and I decided $, emotional, etc. we had tried that we couldn't function and we had to draw a line. For some odd reason- same old person (me) - did something- I didn't ovulate or the follicles just went away- believe me- I KNEW when I had ovulated and when GIVF had messed up and was a pro at this (LH, size etc.- I had extensive notes).. it was bizzare.. that was my 40th birthday.. No one knew what happened- not even me (and at GIVF I knew they were messing up and argued and "won" once I proved the next day that I had ovulated- and they acknowledged it- not a big win in my opinion). The medical (retrieval etc.) we had enough left with our insurance for one attempt so that was still ok since we didn't go ahead. So- we waited til January- and- well- you know the rest. So- I was over 40 when I got pregnant- I had a HORRIBLE 40th with a canceled IVF. my mom was here watching DC1 since I stayed in bed crying..

So- DC2 is a week away from being a year old. We have two October babies- you do realize that a January IVF is an October baby again That makes them a 2 year difference just like my kids.

You're in great hands.. I hope this adds to your feeling positive- it's not scientific- but it can't hurt for sure! I hope my stories help to get you positive and relaxed for your IVF..

[Anonymous]

PP here- I had already also done 2 IUIs at SG so the pattern continued (meaning- we all saw the same thing).. this is before we decided to do IVF..

[Anonymous]

OP again...WOW...you truely have a miracle Oct. baby! Dr. Greenhouse is awesome! That was great they donated meds to you! Unfortunately, I'm paying for EVERYTHING OUT OF POCKET, WHICH REALLY SUCKS FOR A SINGLE WORKING MOTHER! I'm really taking a huge financial risk here. I'm spending money that could be going to my little girl, but than again it's going to her in terms of having a sib ya know? If it fails that's OK, because it will help me close the book as far as TTC is concerned and will be at peace with myself. I was a little upset because my IVF got pushed back to Jan., because if it does work than my child will miss the Sept. 30th KinderGarten deadline, meaning I'll have to fork out another year of daycare! But than again they will have an advantage in school! How wonderful to have 2 October babes! Hannah was born May 14th, 3 weeks early so if it works than my kids will be 2 years 5 months age difference.