A friendly and informative place where people from the New England area can meet, describe protocols, offer support and swap information about local service providers. Post to SueC if you have problems with the board.
Link to Other Network54 fertilty boards
www.network54.com/Browse/Society/Health/Fertility
We welcome IVF, FET, IUI, DE, and ALL other ART's!
Jen-how are the boys? How are you doing in Florida? Anything new?
Cheryl-thanks for your updates. The boys look so cute! How are you feeling these days?
Sue-How are your two cherubs? How is Jeffrey as a big brother? Any jealousy issues? I think I read you were doing a DE cycle with frozen soon? Are you a SAHM still?
Amy-How is Bianca doing? She must be so big by now!
I really should be off to bed right now but popped on here wondering how everyone was doing. Life with 3 under 4 is rather insane I will admit. I took 4 mos off of work and return on Tuesday. Should be interesting to say the least. I still look in the back of my car every day and wonder in amazement how in the world I have 3 children after all the struggles, doctors and procedures. I think it will amaze me forever.
Anyway, I was thinking of you all and wondering how everyone was doing.
You are sooo right this board is very quiet these days. I cannot believe that 4 months have gone by. It is amazing that we have past through this IF process and made it with children. I like you feel eternally grateful, blessed in so many ways. Thankful for everyday... I am glad to hear all is well with you and your family...
It is hard to believe I have been in Florida for five months now... After getting through Wilma, I feel like I can be called a Floridan... I miss Boston. I think I will always miss it. I also miss not being able to get together with all my special friends.
That being said, I am adjusting well down here. I have begun to make friends. Understanding how to get around, where to find Costco Walmart, Target and Old Navy etc..Most of the boxes are unpacked so that is also a good thing. Life is pretty normal now... I am thinking that I will be a stay at home mom for at least the next two years, then after that I will try to find something part time...
I am traveling up to Philadelphia this week for Thanksgiving... So I will have to prepare myself for the cold weather again(so wierd that it is still in the 80's.)
I want to wish eveyone, a very happy and healthy holiday...
We are doing well. Very scary huricane. It was a category 3 but I cannot imagine a worse one. Thank G-d we had huricane shutters. There was a lot of damage in my area. Trees down everywhere. Roofs were damaged. Trees fell on houses and cars. Gates down, fences down... Power out, Water off, cable down... Fortunately, my house suffered no damage just landscaping issues, pool fence damage. I am part of 2% of southern Florida who has POWER, over 2 million without. So we are soooo lucky. School is out all week. Very scared to drive because without power no gas can be pumped from the gas stations. Lines of the gas stations that have power are miles long. 4 hours at least to wait in line to get fuel from those gas stations.... It is a real mess down here. It will take months for things to get back to normal.
It has been quite awhile, 2 years, maybe, since I last posted, we have moved on from DE cycles at FCNE to our 1st surro cycle which will be done there. i see some familiar names of folks who are now posting baby pictures! It is great news to see this and my hearty congratulations to all!
Just wondered if you all were still meeting in Burlington & if anyone trying it with a GC?
Hi all, I found this link on the High FSH support board. Hope to meet some of you @ the Resolve Conference on 11/5. I am from MA and am so happy to have found these message boards for support, its made all of the difference. I am a patient at BIVF and am happy there so far..Would love to hear from some of you...All my best to you and lots of baby dust to all, Layne GO RED SOX!!
Just wanted to let you know that this board had slowed down quite a bit in the past year so you may not see alot of posts real frequently. I was a patient at BIVF too. I am done with my journey now and have 3 beautiful children much to my amazement but I still can't stay off these boards for some reason..they just helped me so much. I hope you find the same experience. I do volunteer work for Resolve and will probably be working the conference in Nov. I have gone as an attendee in the past but have just worked it the past 2 years. It is a wonderful resource full of lots of great info.
Hi, Thanks for the response. I appreciate it. I noticed this board is not too busy. Glad to hear you had success @ BIVF. The odds are against me, but I hope to be successful someday too and would be happy to have even one child at this point. I do plan on attending the conference and look forward to it. Thanks again for your response! Have a great week. All my best to you and your family! Take Care, Layne
My wife and I tried donor eggs three times with no success (one donor). The insurance company has cut us off due to her age, 45. We'd still like to try again and were wondering what the costs were, assuming we "share" a donor. We don't really know what the previous costs were due to the insurance company covering most everything, but I recall the medications being very expensive. I'd like to get an idea of the "total" cost.
Thanks!
Donor 5k
Agency 5k
IVF 8k (all the nuts & bolts for Donor & Receipent)
I would say with out insurance your looking at about $20K+!!
* These costs vary depending on Agency & IVF center you use. The "cheapest" way to go is through your IVF centers Donor list & do a shared cycle. At that point it should more than cut the cost in half!!!!
Hi, I had always heard that the insurance company can't cut you off due to age. I am 46 and am trying to get approval for a new DE cycle. I had to take a clomid challenge, they are trying to prove that I am menopausal.
You may want to try the shared risk program at RSC. Here are some costs from the top of my head
Donor Fees (plus agency fees) $6000
Screening fees $3000
Actual IVF process approx $7000
Meds used to be $50 per ampule not sure abut other costs.
Hi -- I just did a failed DE cycle out of state. I'm considering staying in MA for the next cycle, but am having trouble getting current stats from the clinics. The out of state clinics seem happy to discuss their programs over the phone, but not MA ones. Does anyone have stats for any of the MA clinics (BIVF, FCNE, RSC, B&W, etc.) that are more current than the 2002 ones from the CDC? Thanks for any help!
and I believe they have the highes rates for successful IVFs overall. I can't remember the exact numbers though. I of course just decided ont that clinic for convenience.
Best of luck on your next try...I hope it works for you!
OMG what gorgeous pictures of your precious family. Lauren is so beautiful and sweet. Jeffrey is sooo handsome and got so big. I am sooo happy for you.
go to www.newborn.com
name: johnson
password: charm
to see our little girl She has been very sick and had to stay 6 days in the hospital due to blood group incompatibilites and severe jaundice. I have been out of my mind with worry and staying at the hospital. She came home last night but has to have the bili blanket and daily visiting nurse visits with blood draws for the rest of the week. Hopefully this will pass and she will be just fine.
Wow, THREE new girls....I guess the boy run ran out! I can't wait to see a pic & hope that she is doing better. Ava was one of my names...it's so pretty.
I thought of all of you this morning when I read the Boston Globe magazine. There was a one page piece about a group of women who met at a Mind Body class for infertility and stayed close even after they were done with treatment.
The title was something like 10 women 15 miscarriages and 20 children.
and the Baby is doing wonderfully! I can't believe how much she's changed already...it's amazing. Suzanne I hope that all is well with you & the pregnancy. There will have to be a get together soon.
If someone tells me how to post pics, I certainly will.
Amy, I am glad you are doing well with your sweetie... Suzanne, how are you doing? I hope your doing well at the tail end of pregnancy or have had a smooth delivery... Post when you can...
Thinking about you and hoping all is well with your new baby.
Today is my due date and no baby here yet!!! I am always late which is tough for someone who likes to be punctual in life, LOL!
I have been thinking about you especially with all of this heat !!.
We have been home for 2 weeks and are settling in. Jeffrey is having a tough time and always asks if the baby is coming when we go any where. When I say yes, her responds No Baby ! No Baby !
But.... He loves to hold her ( with my help) and He makes her bottles ( I have hime shake them a few times)
He asks to "tickle baby" alot.
I am sure that you knpow 2 is MUCH tougher than one.
Keep me posted. We can gettogheter with Amy for our little girl group
I am glad things are going well with your baby girl. And YES!! Two is more than twice the work of one for sure! I was surprised how challenging it is but in time, it does get easier. I am sure Jeffrey will be a great big brother and will protect his sister. At 4, Noah has really changed so much with regard to being a big brother just in the past year. He is a big help other than the occasional jealousy issues. I think it is good that our third is a girl. Somehow he seems to see this as less threatening than another boy...otherwise he is just getting used to having other kids around.
I would love a get together once Ava is well. She is still getting daily blood draws at home and is tethered to a home phototherapy unit. She has been stumping Dr Ansel who calls me daily to discuss the plan. She is one of their most "stubborn" bilirubin babies to date I am told!
When I cycled (cannot believe almost 2 years back now) it was BIVF(Waltham, I also used Brookline). Some of the ladies on the bb used RSC(reproductive Science Center in Lexington.) I do not know what the costs are now... Back then it was covered by my insurance.
Maybe some of the others will reply back with their experiences.
Our baby girl was born on Monday 7/4. She was 7 lbs 1 oz 20 inches long.
I was planning to fly to Oklahoma on Tuesday but got the call on Monday morning that the birth mom was in labor. I hopped on a plane and was in the hospital by 10:00. I had my own room in the hospital and the baby spent the entire time with me.
we are still in Olahoma but hope to come home at the end of this week.
I am pretty sure that her name will be Lauren Amanda Conners
What a pretty name too... The pictures you emailed were so adorable. I know this is a wonderful time for you and your family... You deserve all the best.
and now I guess I can be considered a true Floridian It was not really that bad in terms of damage in my area... Some trees and leaves down... We got brushed by a tropical storm with winds of 40mphr. It sounded horrible in the middle of the night. My cats were very scared.... However, we are fine and doing well.
Thank you for thinking of me. How are you doing? Are the boys doing well? I bet they are a lot of fun walking and getting into stuff. My email has not changed yet... It is still Jrtfinn@aol.com. However in Sept. I will change it to Jrtfinn@myacc.net.
The boys are doing great. They have been sick a few times , sean with ear infections and Shane with a cough but other than that they are doing great.I will email you the most recent pix!
Sorry it took a while, I've been so busy with th new baby and my stomach sin't doing that great fromt eh c-section, but I'm getting there & able to do more now.
We had our beautiful Baby Girl...Bianca....on Wednesday, June 22nd @ 11:27 am. And she weighed 9lbs 9 oz. Yup, she was a big one! She so adorable and I dont know how to post pics...so sorry!
I am hoping that all you Ladies are doing well!
Jen, I hope that your move went smoothyl and I thank you soo much for everything, we've arleady used some of your items.
Sue, I can't wait to meet your new baby Girl, I believe that should be soon!
And everyone else is enjoying their summer.
I was waiting for your post... So thrilled about Bianca. Wow, 9 pounds that is a nice and healthy baby...I was laughing out loud to think of all the boy clothing you got... That is what happens, you end up getting the opposite of what everybody gives you(I like that stategy)... But I am glad there are things that I gave you that you could use... I want to see pictures when you have time... Maybe someone can tell you how to do it via email...
Is she a good eater? I she a good sleeper? I can't wait to hear about your adventures being a wonderful mommy?
As for me, I am in Weston, Fl(25 minutes from Fortlauderdale). It is hot but beautiful. I am getting settled but miss all my New England Girlfriends...
Best advice on babies that I can give Is:
1) Sleep when the baby sleeps
2) Don't panic so much about the poopies(ie what they look like, and how often)
3) Do what feels right with regards to breastfeeding or not to breastfeed
4) Try not to worry how much the baby eats(cause there will be another feeding in 2 hours) he he
5) it is ok to tell people that you do not know who the baby looks like(if that is an issue)
6) It Goes Really Fast So Enjoy it...And you Really Deserve it
ps... Email me your address so I can send you a cute girl outfit
So happy to hear about your new baby girl! Was starting to get worried so I am glad you are just busy with her...amazing how much time can fly by taking care of a little creature isn't it?
Would love to see pics. Maybe Sue can help you post one.
Amy-Hoping your little baby is safely in your arms right now. Can't wait to hear the birth story and all about your little one.
Sue-How are you doing? Since we did not hear anything from you I am guessing your donor cycle did not go as planned. If that's the case, I am very sorry. How are you doing in general? How is Jeffrey doing?
Cheryl-The boys are getting so big! They look great! How are you feeling and doing?
Jen-Have you moved yet? Are you settled into your new place? Happy Belated Bday to Jason! How are your boys doing?
Just a quick update here...34 and 1/2 weeks now. Honestly have been feeling awful. Had bronchitis for 3 solid weeks then finally got on antibiotics which I just about never take and can't tell if this thing had just run its course or if the meds helped but finally getting better. Lots of trouble with fluid and swelling this time much worse than last time. Cohen thinks it just wear and tear on this body over the past 2 yrs with very little reproductive downtime. Bad news is the baby was breech at 31 weeks, turned vertex for 2 weeks then turned right back to breech again this past Monday. I am very discouraged by this. Cohen says if we can get her to turn around by 38 weeks he will induce right then which is a far cry from his take on induction last year!!! Recall I had to show up at the hospital unannounced 5 days past due and lie about fetal movement in order to be seen and induced because he would have wait another 5 days even though we agreed to induce within a week of my due date. Anyway, I am horrified at the thought of a c/s after 2 vag deliveries of 9 and 1/2 and 10 and 1/2 lb kids...plus the recovery from the c/s and having to go home and care for 3 without much help will be next to impossible at least for me.
Anyway, enough of my griping. Baby is doing well overall and getting large, per my norm!! I grow 'em big I guess!
So nice to hear from you... I am glad that the baby is doing well. I know that having a breech baby is a disappointment, but like you said there is something to be said for having a scheduled induction and in your case not allowing for another 10 pounder could be a blessing Sorry about the broncitis(sp) This year has been horrible for colds and other illnesses... How are the boys doing? A happy belated for on your end as well. I can't believe how this year flew by... Are the boys excited about the baby? I am sure they will be so happy...
Yes, I am finally settled here in Florida... Florida is very hot but it is very beautiful... It feels at times like I am living in paradise... I am starting to meet some people but it is a little hard. I am sure when Alex starts kindercarten in August I will meet more people. The house is great but I do miss Boston and all my friends...
Speaking of which, a few weeks ago Kathy was in town and she stopped by, it was so nice to see her... I love visitors, believe me I know your hands our full and especially in a few weeks but in the future if you need a place to stay or are in the area it would be great to get together...
Anyway, it was nice catching up... I cannot wait to hear all about your delivery...
what part of FL do you live in now? My sister lives in Florida, Port Orange I think. Sad but we were never very close and I have not ever visited her there. Just curious. I am sure once Alex starts school you will meet tons of people. Its always hard starting out but I am sure you will settle in very nicely shortly. My boys are doing fine other than mucho behavior issues with my older one. He is one tough little guy with alot of attitude! And not very nice to his little brother. Between working fulltime and caring for them, I am just plum worn out most days. (Sometimes I think I should have done this in my 20s, maybe I would have more energy!)
Please keep in touch. I will post new stuff and of course will let you guys know once I deliver. Jeez I am thinking we should have heard from Amy by now? I hope all is well.
It so nice to hear from you. Sorry things are so tough for you right now.
You were right abut my cycle a BFN !
But.... One hour after got the dreaded call, I got a call from our adoption agency. (This was on June 2) We have been chosen by a birthmother. The baby is a girl and the due date is July 7.
I have been rushing around getting ourt homestudy updated, getting a rooms togheter and doing some shopping for little pink clothes.
I was planning to fly out to Oklahoma tommorrow. The agency said that the Dr was going to decide today when the were planning to induce her. This afternoon we found out that there was no plan to nduce right now. The birthmom is 2 cm dilated but does not seem ready to go into labor. Now the plan is for me to fly out on Tuesday 7/5. Ed and Jeffrey will join me a few days later.
Funny thing... I gave my phone # to someone I met,whose sister was trying to adopt. This was in February. She called that day and I was speaking to her when the adoption agency called on our cell phone.
I had just said that this adoption was taking longer and that I did not knopw when we would get matched.
Timing is everything.
I will keep you posted. Please do the same. Maybe I will see you at Childrens Medical.
I am so very glad to hear you have a little girl coming!!!! Yay! I am thinking you are working with Damastus again? I did poke around on their site after you and I spoke a couple of years ago. Seems like they have done a really good job for you. So excited for you!!! Can't wait to hear about her. Any names picked out? I am still struggling with girl names myself right now! The pink thing is sooo fun!
I am surprised we have not run into each other at the pedi since we have lived there all Winter!! Probably because I tend to go before or after work which is either really early or really late.
Can't wait to hear about your new arrival!!! You'll have a new baby before me!!
