Today was our (phone) consult w/ Dr. Surrey about what to do about #2. He was super congratulatory on the pregnancy, asking how I was doing, how the pregnancy was going, etc. The big hang-up with #2 is what to do about breast feeding. It's apparently a big deal. Everyone (and their cousin) says to breastfeed, and then has a caveat (which I"m not going to get into here...). Dr. Surrey said that he didn't want cycling to get in the way of breast feeding, BUT that I would fall into the should cycle ASAP category. W/O BF'ing, he'd like to see 1-2 'normal' cycles before doing testing again. (wants to repeat FSH, Clomid challenge test and do a hysteroscopy to see how the uterus has fared). After the testing, he said I could cycle as soon as the cycle after that. (can you imagine??)
WITH breast feeding, he said a period should generally come back in 6 months, and then do the testing 1-2 cycles after the period has returned. But some women don't see a return of their regular cycle (I was always a regular cycler, thankfully!) until completely weaning altogether. So really, who knows. *shrug*
We said we'd like to do the same thing again, and just not transfer the embies until a later date... he said that was a perfectly fine idea, and there was no ill effects seen by them of leaving the embies vitrified for a longer period of time. Since we did CGH, he said he'd probably recommend that again, but now micro-array was another option. He said that the technology isn't ready yet, but there's more potential for micro-array to test for more things than just chromosomes (CGH only does chromosomes).
So, in summary, the SOONEST I could cycle for #2 would be w/o breast feeding, and could be as early as October. (2 months for cycle to appear, one cycle to do the testing, then do stims the next cycle-- so that'd be 4 cycles from delivery). The LATEST would be well, um... never- already missed the boat. Regardless of *when*, I'm worried that the testing results alone will put me out of the running to cycle again.
One of his final comments was "Enjoy your pregnancy, I'm not going anywhere." Kind, but not exactly comforting to a paranoid semi-infertile.
ETA: D and I do not agree on what to do next, or when... he also heard a completely different conversation than I did w/ Dr. Surrey. Breast feeding is still an issue we have to work out.
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15 comments:
I guess part of me wants to say just to take things one day a time, enjoy this pregnancy, this baby, and see how breastfeeding goes. But it sounds like you kind of have a need to have it all laid out month by month? I hope the plan looks clear to you soon.
Annie - I am considering CCRM for 2nd IVF Cycle in May/June. I am from the Columbus area. Did you use a local doctor for your monitoring that you would recommend?
You've got some tough decisions to make. Best of luck with whatever you decide.
I just found your blog from a breastfeeding and IVF search and wanted to share that none of my sisters and I were breastfed (nor our cousins or friends because it did not seem to be in fashion at that time) and we have all been extremely healthy which is more than I can say for children today who are breastfed and suffer constant ear infections, among other ills.
The profound and positive effects of having a sibling to share life with far outweighs any benefits of breastfeeding.
To the 1st anon commenter-- I did my cycle monitoring at ORM... which was where I had done 2 (failed and very crappy) IVF cycles. They were ok during my actual stim cycle w/ CCRM, but I got serious attitude when monitoring for my FET. SO unnecessary. Some friends are going to a new RE in town, I'll have one of them post that info- maybe they'd do it?
The biggest issue is that ORM would only do the monitoring during 'regular business hours'. So you'd be screwed if CD3 fell on a Saturday. Maybe you could fenagle that, but that's what they told me. *rolling eyes* Good luck. CCRM is 100% worth it.
Hey Kathryn,
Good luck on trying to coordinate when to cycle. Very excited for you that you have come so far.
Also, I'm getting ready to embark on this IVF thing at Reproductive Gynecology in Westerville. Their lab is in Akron, but they do everything else here in Westerville. Their number is 895-3333 and it's Dr. Priya Maseellal.
Shannon
I think it is great to have a plan and be prepared for it all. Then you know what is available to you when you feel the need to go for it. Everyone seems to have their own rapport with breastfeeding and it is a personal journey for you. Maybe a therapist can help you and your honey parse through this faster. Kinda like a mediator to speed the process. I am glad the doc was cool with you. I love that you are planning for #2. Siblings rock! Just do the best you can. Nothing more can be expected of you!
btw, you are my inspiration. when i think about you, I am filled with hope.
Hey Annie, fellow Surrey patient, I'm reaching out individually to my blog buddies to let them know I'm going undercover :) (just making the blog private)
Please send me an email to skygarrett@yahoo.com so I can add you to the list. You'll only have to sign in once then and check off "remember me" and I think that's it, it'll be open to you always in future.
Hugs!
Sky
Don't feel bad if you didn't breastfeed--I only breastfed exclusively until about 6 weeks and then went to part formula and mostly formula during the 3rd month because of all the meds I've been on for my back. If I were in your position, and you are really dedicated to needing a second, then don't feel obligated to breastfeed because modern formulas are really advanced with all the ARA and DHA. Do whatever your heart tells you. Maybe just breastfeed for a couple weeks and then get ready to cycle--whatever you feel like doing. But, not breastfeeding is your choice. Honestly, if I were in your situation, I probably wouldn't and would try the cycle ASAP. Good luck! Wish you the best.
I have 2 children and with the first got my period at about 9 weeks postpartum, the second about 6 weeks. I was breastfeeding both but also giving them formula so I could have a life. Perhaps wait and see? But be prepared regardless b/c feeling like you have some control over when to cycle will help.
Seriously, I've been thinking about checking your blog since I remembered that you were going to talk to Dr. Surrey while you were still pregnant (lol- so like me!). So, I'm glad he talked with you about it. I'm not even pregnant yet but am doing an FET in a little over 2 weeks with CGH normal blasts and am being very very hopeful...so already plotting what to do for a sibling. We liked the idea of banking normal embryos but can't afford it now...this gives us hopefully (praying) a year or so to save up and do a few ER's before we try again. (yes, totally jumping the gun, but I'm a planner). So, do what you think you should... my neighbor just had a child and did not breastfeed at all..and some women just can't. So we invented formula. Good luck. You are an inspiration:-)
I just found your blog when I was looking for information on fertility treatments in the central Ohio area. I did several injectible/IUI rounds at ORM and I'm not entirely sure it's the right practice for me. When I saw information on the clinic in Westerville I thought I'd check out your story. Any others of you that have anything to say about central Ohio fertility clinics I'd love to hear about it. :)
I had all intentions of BFing until things went horribly wrong. the baby was tongue-tied and my milk never fully came in. ginny was eventually hospitalized with severe jaundice because of her/my inability to BF. my point is, simply wait and see what happens. play it by ear. when the time comes you will know what to do. (and FF is not the devil!) some BF crazies will try to make you feel bad about FF.
CCRM is now using microarray for about 50% of their PGS biopsies but I think currently they are mostly still looking at just numbers of chromosomes.
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