Hi Confusion. Thank you so much for your very sweet words. I would love to be in touch. If you send me a message at [email protected], I can share my mobile number with you. I look forward to a chat. :)
Hi Confusion,
Most of my friends between ages 40-43 are all having babies now. I think it is quite common these days and that you shouldn't worry about what other people think. Most progressive people these days do not find it odd that women our age are having children. Having said that though, I am trying to have my first at 40 now, and I have to confess that I am embarrassed to tell people how old I am when they ask whether or not I have children. My rational side knows this is ridiculous, but I understand what you mean about people being judgmental.
I realize this is a change of topic, but I was going through the forum posts yesterday and realized that you and I are going through some similar issues with trying to conceive our first. I have just undergone a minimal stimulation cycle at Fakih, and although the beta results were positive, it doesn't look as though this pregnancy is going to be viable. I had a really tough time when I got the news yesterday and started going though the posts on this forum when I saw that you have been through similar cycles at both Conceive and Fakih. I am just so upset now and feel as though this will never happen for us. I feel trapped living in the UAE and wonder whether I should take time off work and my life here to go to the US for better treatment. You hear about clinics in the US being experts for older women, but I wonder whether at this point, it really is just about luck and finding one good egg. Anyway, sorry to have changed the topic, but I am just so supremely sad today. I've started avoiding friends with kids, parks, malls and pretty much any place where there might be children . I know that this is not healthy behavior, and that at some point, I have to deal with it. But right now, I'm just trying to protect myself from any more pain. Are you planning to try any more IVF cycles? It would be really nice to be in touch with someone who is going through the same issues.
Moth
Hi everyone,
I have never posted before but have been lurking and reading your IVF stories for a while. The over 40 thread compelled me to reply because I'm in the same situation as many of you. I am TTC #1 and just turned 40. I have been pregnant twice in the last year and a half, but I had to terminate the pregnancies because of a genetic disorder my husband and I carry (recessive disorder so 25% chance each time). After the second termination, my cycles started to change, and we've had issues conceiving for the last eight months. I thought I would find success with IVF, but unfortunately, my numbers are dismal (AMH 0.4 ng/ml and highest FSH 12). I started off at DGFC, but they sent me away. I started a cycle at Fakih a week or so ago, and not surprisingly, did not respond well to stimulation. They told me to stop the meds and I am now doing a natural IVF cycle. I know that the odds of conceiving are slim, but I feel I have to do everything I can before giving up and moving on to donor eggs. I don't want to look back and have regrets. Has anyone else done a natural IVF cycle? And had success? I would love to hear any experiences you have had. I have read that the success rates are low compared to traditional IVF, but I figure that the chances of conceiving with some help are better than trying on my own. Traditional IVF just doesn't seem to be an option for me.
How are you all coping emotionally with this process? I find I am often paralyzed with indecision: should I try naturally? minimal stimulation IVF? IUIs? Go to the States to a clinic that specializes in over 40s? Move on to donor eggs now?
I also find the cycle of hope and despair debilitating. Every month, there's a glimmer of hope that maybe I'll beat the odds, and then it's dashed with the arrival of my period. I somehow manage to do my job and keep keep up with life, but I feel I'm at the verge of falling apart. This is hard.
Moth
